Exploring Maine: Brunswick's Best Activities

Brunswick, Maine, is a charming coastal town with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to Bowdoin College, a prestigious liberal arts institution that has educated many notable figures, including writers Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The college's museums, art gallery, and beautiful campus are all worth exploring.

Brunswick offers a variety of attractions, including the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, which celebrates a Civil War hero and former governor of Maine, and the Skolfield-Whittier House, a glimpse into 19th-century life in the state. The town's vibrant downtown features ethnically diverse restaurants, unique retail shops, and a lively arts and entertainment scene, including the Maine State Music Theatre.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Androscoggin River Bicycle Path, the Town Commons, a 71-acre woodland park, and the nearby Casco Bay for boating and water activities. The town also boasts a thriving food scene, with options ranging from award-winning chefs to food trucks and breweries.

Visit museums, art galleries and historic homes

Brunswick, Maine is home to a variety of museums, art galleries and historic homes. Here is a list of places you can visit to explore and learn about the region's history, art and culture:

Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum

Learn about Maine's celebrated Civil War hero, Professor and former Governor, Joshua L. Chamberlain. The museum is located in his former home and guided tours are available.

Bowdoin College Museum of Art

This art museum, located on the Bowdoin College campus, houses some of the oldest works of art in America and features regularly changing exhibits alongside its permanent collection.

Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum

This museum is dedicated to two Bowdoin College alumni who explored the Arctic. It offers an enlightening glimpse into the history of Arctic exploration.

Pejepscot History Center

The Pejepscot History Center includes local history exhibitions, research services and year-round programming. One of its key attractions is the Skolfield-Whittier House, a beautifully preserved Victorian-era mansion. The house is a time capsule, showcasing furniture, decor and home goods from the Victorian age to the early 20th century.

The Barter Art House Gallery

A creative and eclectic space, The Barter Art House Gallery features carvings, paintings and ceramic work from local artists. The artist also hosts art events, bringing together locals and visitors alike.

Wilderwoman Country Gallery

Although details are sparse, this gallery is mentioned as one of the top attractions in Brunswick, Maine.

Fichera Fine Art

Another art gallery mentioned as a top attraction, Fichera Fine Art is likely to showcase fine art pieces, though no further details are provided.

Castle Tucker

Although located in nearby Wiscasset, Castle Tucker is a historic home worth visiting. It tells the story of the Tucker family, a prominent shipping family, over a period of 150 years. The house is a time capsule of Victorian taste, decorated and furnished in the Victorian style. A visit offers a glimpse into the everyday life of a remarkable Maine family.

With a variety of museums, art galleries and historic homes to explore, Brunswick, Maine provides a rich cultural experience for visitors interested in history and art.

Enjoy the outdoors at parks, beaches and trails

Brunswick, Maine, is a nature lover's paradise, with plenty of parks, beaches and trails to explore. Here are some places you can visit to enjoy the outdoors:

• Maquoit Bay Conservation Land Trail: This 124-acre park offers a 6/10-mile trail through forests that leads to a rocky outcrop overlooking Maquoit Bay. It's perfect for hiking, dog walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Androscoggin River Bike Path: A 2.6-mile scenic paved path along the Androscoggin River, connecting downtown Brunswick to Cook's Corner and Topsham. It's open to pedestrians and non-motorized bicycles.
• Crystal Spring Farm: A 160-acre preserve with trails winding through woods, farm fields and blueberry barrens. Dogs are allowed on some trails, but must be kept on a leash as it is an active working farm.
• Town Commons: A 71-acre woodland park with approximately 183 acres of woods, trails and a rare pitch pine barren. Most trails are wide, flat and easy, but there are also rougher sections to explore.
• Kate Furbish Preserve: Formerly Navy land, this preserve offers almost 12 miles of old tracks and new trails through woods and tidal coves. The trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter.
• Brunswick Town Mall: A green oasis in the centre of Brunswick, offering a mini Central Park experience. It's a great spot for community gatherings, with festivals, concerts and farmers' markets. The Lower Mall has a pavilion and seasonal ice rink, while the Upper Mall features gardens and a strolling pathway.
• Thomas Point Beach: A sandy beach with tidal waters and views of Thomas Bay. It offers amenities like a playground and picnic areas.
• Woodward Point Preserve: A former farm turned into a 87-acre preserve with two miles of waterfront and walking trails that lead through meadows down to the shore. It also has a freshwater pond.
• Cox Pinnacle: A 103-acre parcel with trails through forested hills and wetlands. The trails provide access to Brunswick's highest point, approximately 350 feet above sea level, and offer roughly 1¼ miles of hiking with some incline.
• Captain Alfred Skolfield Preserve: An easy 0.6-mile walk with two short loops, offering views of Middle Bay Cove and a salt marsh. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.
• Androscoggin Swinging Bridge: A pedestrian suspension bridge built in 1892, connecting Brunswick and Topsham. It offers beautiful views of the Androscoggin River and the Brunswick Dam.

Shop at Maine Street and Fort Andross Mill

Maine Street in Brunswick is a charming, busy street lined with shops of all sorts, including antique stores, boutiques, and bookshops. Here, you can find the perfect gift, chocolate treat, or piece of artwork. The street also offers convenient shopping, restaurants, and retail businesses. In the summer of 2022, the 'Have a Seat!' project added hand-painted Adirondack chairs to the sidewalks, creating a welcoming environment for tourists and residents.

The historic Fort Andross Mill Complex, on the other hand, is a 125,000-square-foot office complex featuring exposed brick, spectacular views, and modern amenities. The complex has been open for over 40 years, offering unique office spaces, retail, art studios, light manufacturing, and warehouse spaces. It is home to a variety of businesses, including non-profit organizations, architectural firms, restaurants, a theatre, and financial services companies. The Fort Andross Mill Complex is located at the end of Maine Street, just a few steps away from downtown Brunswick.

Shopping at Fort Andross Mill is a unique experience. The mill is filled with dozens of artist studios, an indoor flea market, and an antique mall. You can browse for hidden treasures among the many antique stalls or explore the diverse array of shops within the complex. Fort Andross Mill also offers a great opportunity for businesses, providing affordable and flexible spaces that encourage growth and innovation.

In addition to its shopping and business opportunities, Maine Street and the Fort Andross Mill Complex also offer a variety of dining options. From award-winning chefs to casual breweries, the area is a foodie's paradise. Enoteca Athena, Bolos, and Wildflours Bakery are just a few of the many dining establishments that call this area home. Whether you're looking for a cozy Italian dinner, tasty Mexican options, or gluten-free treats, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

Eat and drink at restaurants, breweries and bakeries

Brunswick, Maine, is a foodie's paradise, with a diverse culinary scene that includes award-winning breweries, gluten-free menus, authentic cultural cuisine, and fine-dining restaurants. Here is a list of some great places to eat and drink in Brunswick:

Restaurants

• Enoteca Athena: Serves freshly made pasta dishes and other delightful Italian classics in a warm and cozy dining room.
• Bolos: Offers tasty south-of-the-border options and games.
• Noble Kitchen + Bar: Located in the Brunswick Hotel, this popular fine-dining restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with dark ceiling beams and wood trim illuminated by cozy lighting. The menu includes dishes such as burrata with toasted sourdough, leek-wrapped cod loin, and duck confit.
• Joshua's Restaurant & Tavern: An "unapologetically quirky" restaurant serving everything from burgers to stone-baked pizza and big cuts of steak.
• 555 North: Located in The Federal, a luxury hotel, 555 North offers expertly crafted dishes showcasing local ingredients. The menu includes starters like Bangs Island mussels and burrata toast, as well as seasonal pasta entrées and classic filet, fish, and fowl-inspired fine-dining offerings.
• The Great Impasta: A whimsically named restaurant offering bountiful brunches and delightful dinners.
• The Brunswick Diner: A throwback diner that has been serving breakfast dishes for over 75 years.
• Cameron's Lobster House: A great choice for traditional family dining.
• ZaoZe Café and Market: Serves Asian delights such as togarashi edamame, lamb and celery pot stickers, and kung pao cauliflower.
• Taco the Town: A food truck offering authentic Mexican food and daily specials topped with magical salsa.

Breweries

• Flight Deck Brewing: A family-friendly, aviation-themed brewery located at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. It offers a constantly evolving tap list, wood-fired pizza, regular live music, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
• Moderation Brewing: A historic brewery with a convivial pub atmosphere, serving quality drinks and offering a rich narrative steeped in tradition.
• Black Pug Beer: A local brewery that captivates Brunswick with its small-batch brews, drawing large gatherings of beer enthusiasts.
• Seadog Brewing Co. : Enjoy river views and a wide range of craft beers at this Topsham location.
• Trinken Brewing Co. : Located in West Bath, this brewery adheres to time-honored German brewing traditions.

Bakeries

• Wildflours Bakery: A gluten-free bakery serving delectable baked goods, including muffins, cakes, and pies made with Maine's fresh seasonal produce.
• Wild Oats Bakery: Offers a wide variety of freshly baked goods, including muffins, scones, cookies, bread, pies, and cakes.
• Gelato Fiasco: Serves bold, handcrafted gelato flavors and is a local favourite.
• Ritual Bakehouse and Patisserie: A popular spot for coffee and pastries.
• Frosty's Donut & Coffee Shop: Freshly made donuts and coffee.

Take a tour of Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College is a private liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine, and is the town's cultural and intellectual epicentre. The college is named after the Bowdoin family, who were prominent figures in the region's early history.

The college is steeped in history, having educated some of America's most notable figures, including writers Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin', was also a resident of Brunswick while her husband was a faculty member at the college.

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is a must-see, housing some of the oldest works of art in America. The college's art museum has a permanent collection of over 20,000 objects and is free to the public.

For those interested in a more in-depth exploration of the college, there are student-led campus tours available that offer insight into academic and student life on campus. These tours last approximately 60 minutes and traverse the entire Bowdoin campus. Visitors can also opt for a self-guided tour with an audio guide, available 24/7.

The college's admissions office is located in the Burton-Little House, and advance registration is required for all admissions events and tours.

Bowdoin College is an integral part of Brunswick's cultural and historical landscape, and a tour of the campus is a great way to learn more about the town's rich intellectual history and its notable alumni.

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