Exploring Brunswick, Maine: A Guide To The Town's Treasures And Adventures

Brunswick, Maine, is a charming coastal town with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can stroll through the historic downtown, enjoying the unique blend of New England charm and intellectual curiosity emanating from Bowdoin College. The town offers ethnically diverse restaurants, distinctive shops, and cultural attractions, all within walking distance.

For history buffs, the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, Pejepscot History Center, and Skolfield-Whittier House provide a glimpse into the past. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Androscoggin River Bicycle Path, the Town Commons, and the Maine Island Trail. Foodies will delight in the diverse culinary landscape, from award-winning restaurants to food trucks and breweries.

With its blend of historical gravitas and academic vibrancy, Brunswick, Maine, offers something for everyone.

Visit the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, Civil War hero and former Maine governor's home for over 50 years

The Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum in Brunswick, Maine, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Civil War and the life of one of its heroes, Joshua L. Chamberlain. The museum, owned and operated by the Pejepscot Historical Society, was Chamberlain's home for over 50 years. Chamberlain was a Civil War general, a four-term Governor of Maine, and the president of Bowdoin College, located just across the street. The house is located at the corner of Maine and Potter Streets and is open seasonally to the public, with guided tours available.

The museum showcases Chamberlain's remarkable life and legacy, including his military service and later years. It displays various artefacts from his life, such as the boots he wore at the Battle of Gettysburg, his ceremonial governor's chair and desk, his saddle for his horse Charlemagne, and the minié ball that nearly took his life at the Second Battle of Petersburg. The house itself is also an architectural highlight, having been moved and expanded by Chamberlain over the years, with elements of Gothic, Italianate, and Greek Revival styles.

The Pejepscot Historical Society offers guided tours of the museum from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. The tours are available Tuesday through Saturday at 10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, and 2:30 pm, and private tours can also be arranged with advance notice. The knowledgeable docents bring Chamberlain's home, life, and legacy to life, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

A visit to the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum is an excellent way to delve into Brunswick's history and celebrate the life of one of Maine's most distinguished figures.

Explore the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, one of nine museums on the Maine Art Museum Trail

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is one of the oldest college art museums in the US, and one of nine museums on the Maine Art Museum Trail. It is located in Brunswick, Maine, on the campus of Bowdoin College, and is housed in the Walker Art Building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is free to enter and open to the public.

The museum's collection includes more than 15,000 objects from ancient times to the present, with artworks from civilisations around the world. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, works on paper, decorative arts, and artifacts. The museum's American collection includes important colonial and Federal portraits, including presidential portraits of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison by Gilbert Stuart. The antiquities collection contains over 1,800 Assyrian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine objects—one of the most comprehensive compilations of ancient art in any small college museum.

The Walker Art Building was commissioned in the mid-19th century by Harriet and Sophia Walker in honour of their uncle, a Boston businessman who supported the creation of the first small art gallery at Bowdoin. Designed by Charles Follen McKim of McKim, Mead, and White, the building was completed in 1894. The museum's collection originated from donations of art from James Bowdoin III in 1811 and 1826.

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is a great place to spend an afternoon in Brunswick, with a nice selection of pieces to enjoy, including some from Maine natives. The museum is also a teaching facility, with a core mission to keep its rich collections within reach of Bowdoin students, faculty, scholars, and art lovers.

Enjoy a performance at the Maine State Music Theatre

The Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is a professional performing arts organisation based in Brunswick, Maine. It presents a summer season of four fully staged musicals, a concert series, and a Theatre for Young Audiences series.

The MSMT was founded by Victoria (Vicki) Crandall in 1959 as the Brunswick Music Theatre (BMT) and opened with a summer production of Song of Norway. In the 1970s, it became a non-profit organisation to focus on establishing an intern programme for young and emerging theatre artists. In 1988, it changed its name to reflect its influence beyond the Midcoast region of the state.

The MSMT is committed to its Brunswick birthplace, choosing to remain there even when offered the chance to move to the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine. It purchased the Maine Line Bus Garage at 22 Elm Street, renovating it to include administrative offices, rehearsal spaces, and technical facilities. Performances are held in the Pickard Theatre on the campus of Bowdoin College.

The MSMT has a subscriber family that enjoys benefits such as savings of up to 50% on single ticket prices, free ticket exchanges, and invitations to exclusive events.

Reviews on Tripadvisor praise the MSMT for its high-quality performances, with some commenting that there are "no bad seats in the house". The venue is also air-conditioned.

Some of the musicals that have been performed at the MSMT include:

• Evita
• Saturday Night Fever
• South Pacific
• The Sound of Music
• The King and I
• Ragtime
• She Loves Me
• Cats
• Mame
• Miss Saigon
• West Side Story
• Thoroughly Modern Millie
• Les Misérables
• Dreamgirls
• Legally Blonde
• Sunset Boulevard
• Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story
• Chamberlain: A Civil War Romance
• The Full Monty
• Sister Act
• Ghost
• Evita
• Mamma Mia!
• Always, Patsy Cline
• Guys and Dolls
• Grease
• Newsies
• Million Dollar Quartet
• Beauty and the Beast
• Saturday Night Fever
• Singin' in the Rain
• The Wizard of Oz
• Funny Girl
• White Christmas
• Beautiful: The Carol King Musical

Take a stroll through the Brunswick Town Mall, a green space with a farmer's market and live music

The Brunswick Town Mall is a grassy park between Maine Street and Park Row, offering a vibrant community feel. It is a great place to take a stroll, with its green space, seasonal farmers' market, and live music.

The Town Mall is a unique community space, quite unlike a typical shopping mall. It is a beloved gathering spot for locals, hosting a variety of events, including festivals, concerts, and a twice-weekly farmers' market during the warmer months. The park has two sections: the Lower Mall, which features a pavilion and a seasonal ice rink, and the Upper Mall, adorned with gardens and a pathway perfect for a leisurely walk.

The Town Mall is also a great place to relax and enjoy the surrounding historic streetscape. Benches are scattered throughout, providing the ideal spot to soak in the atmosphere and admire the nearby architecture. It is a true community hub, with convenient parking facilities, making it easily accessible for all.

The Town Mall is not just a place for leisure; it also plays a functional role in the town. It is licensed for use by nonprofit organizations and a limited number of food vendors, adding to the vibrant energy of the space. The mall is typically open from Tuesday to Saturday, with varying hours on different days of the week.

So, if you're looking for a blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and cultural offerings, a stroll through Brunswick Town Mall is a perfect choice. It captures the essence of Brunswick, Maine, and is a delightful anchor of the community.

Wander through Maine Street, lined with shops, bakeries, boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants

Maine Street in Brunswick, Maine, is a bustling hub of activity, offering a diverse range of shops, bakeries, boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants. Here is a guide to help you wander through this vibrant street:

Bakeries and Cafes

Start your day by indulging in some delicious baked goods at Wild Oats Bakery & Cafe, a family-owned establishment that serves fresh and natural food, including homemade soups, sandwiches, pastries, and bread. For those with a sweet tooth, Frosty's Donut & Coffee Shop has been a staple in Brunswick since 1965, serving delicious donuts and coffee. If you're craving something more savoury, head to Morning Glory Natural Foods, a family-owned natural food store that offers a wide variety of specialty wines, cheeses, and fresh local produce.

Boutiques and Shops

Maine Street is known for its unique and eclectic mix of boutiques and shops. Hatch On Maine is a gift shop that offers a carefully curated selection of handmade and locally made treasures, perfect for finding a special gift. For book lovers, Twice-Told Tales Quality Used Books provides a wide range of pre-loved books, CDs, and DVDs. If you're looking for some new clothing, Cool As A Moose® offers a fun and unique selection of apparel, gifts, souvenirs, and even sunglasses.

Antique Stores

Cabot Mill Antiques is a must-visit destination for antique enthusiasts. Located in the historic Fort Andross Mill Complex, this multi-dealer antique emporium spans 16,000 square feet and features a vast array of period furnishings and vintage collectibles.

Restaurants

When it comes to dining, Maine Street has something for every taste. For a true taste of Maine, head to Cameron's Lobster House for some fresh seafood. If you're craving Italian, head to Enoteca Athena for freshly made pasta and classic dishes in a cosy setting. For a more eclectic dining experience, Bolos Kitchen Cantina and Candlepin offers a unique blend of gastronomic delights and entertainment, including cornhole and darts.

So, whether you're a foodie, a shopaholic, or simply looking to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, a wander down Maine Street in Brunswick, Maine, is sure to delight your senses and offer a memorable experience.

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