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Town in the United States
Photo: Paul VanDerWerf from Brunswick, Maine, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pay a visit to picturesque Brunswick, Maine, and you'll discover something special, something greater than the sum of its parts. It's a classic New England charmer to be sure. Surrounded by pine forests and nestled into a crook of the Androscoggin River, natural beauty is in no short supply. History buffs will appreciate Bowdoin College and her several museums of note; while literature mavens will recognize Brunswick as the setting where Harriet Beecher Stowe penned Uncle Tom's Cabin, a 19th century clarion call for America's abolitionist movement.
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This simple pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Androscoggin River was built in 1892 for workers crossing from Topsham into Brunswick for their factory jobs. Crossing affords beautiful views of the placid river. First constructed by the firm that built the Brooklyn Bridge, this incarnation has been rebuilt a few times; however, the cables you see today remain original. Parks have since been created on either end, and in 2004 the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The oldest institute of higher education in Maine, founded in 1794. Often referred to as a "hidden Ivy", in 2019, the college was ranked as the fifth-best liberal arts college in the country by U.S. News & World Report. There are dozens of interesting buildings and activities here supporting the 2,000 or so students and staff residing on campus.
This Gothic Revival church—dating from around 1845—bears a unique vertical board-and-batten panel exterior. Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose husband was a professor at Bowdoin College, was sitting here in pew 23 during a communion service when she had a vision of the death of a slave. This vision became the pivotal element in her book, Uncle Tom's Cabin. First Parish Church got an excellent and extensive restoration in 2004.
Upper Park Row, Walker Art Building, at Bowdoin College.
A National Historic Landmark, nearly 200 years old. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin here.
Hubbard Hall at Bowdoin College.
One of Maine's oldest historical organizations, maintaining three museums about the area and an extensive research collection..
Often referred to as a "time capsule" because it has been virtually untouched since the Victorian era, the Skolfield-Whittier House is a magnificent Italiante-style duplex.
Public course.
Top first-run independent cinema operating here since 1979. Only one screen but you can bet something interesting is playing on it!
Community theater, June through August.
A clean, sandy beach that offers picnicking, a snack bar, playgrounds for the kids, volleyball, and softball areas. See "Sleep" for campsite rentals.
Between Grover Lane and Water Street, along the Androscoggin River. A 2.5 mile-long paved path along the River with trees, granite benches, restroom facilities, and designated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. Great for walking, jogging, bicycling, roller-blading, or skateboarding. Managed by the Brunswick Parks and Recreation Department.
Adjacent to Bowdoin College Campus. One of Maine's few remaining old-growth forests, 33-acre 'The Bowdoin Pines,' has a trail open year round for walking, jogging, bird-watching, picnicking and cross-country skiing. Dogs on leashes. No fires or camping.
Starts at a parking lot in a pine grove about 2 miles south on Harpswell Road (Route 123) Comprises less than 100 acres of woodlands and bog with wide trails suitable for walking and cross-country skiing. Dogs are permitted on leash or under owners voice control. Comprises the far southwestern section of the original thousand acre "commonage" granted by the Pejepscot Proprietors in 1719.
103-acre parcel with trails for walking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and horseback riding through wooded hills, rocky ledges, and wetlands. Includes the highest point of land in Brunswick, at 350 feet, with views of the White Mountains. The trail begins with a boardwalk across the wetlands and is marked in blue.
Trails are located on 160-acre farm owned and maintained by the 'Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust.' Forests, fields and blueberry barrens. (Maps can be found in a mailbox at the trailhead.)
Look for the trail entrance at the far end of the parking lot. More than 3300 feet of prepared walking paths through the forested wetlands areas between the Hospital and the protected estuary and salt water marshes of Thompson's Brook. More information at Hospital Information Desk.
Of all the things you can eat in Brunswick, this is easily the most delicious. Artisan-style gelato made daily from traditional Italian recipes. All natural and made from scratch. Espresso and coffee also served.
The classic old drive-in lives here, and you can eat in your car. Lights on for service. Roll up your window a bit so the waitress can hang your tray on it. Good, inexpensive classic food like burgers and onion rings.
This classic New England diner has been cooking up all the standard fare for years now. With stools and a formica countertop along one wall and short booth tables along the other, the narrow path separating them provides that vintage dining-car ambiance that keeps customers coming back.
Fantastic baked goods, specialty sandwiches, freshly baked bread, healthy snacks, take home dinners, cookies & cakes & pies, coffee & espresso, homemade soups. The works, really. Delivers to Bowdoin College. Prices are pretty high but quality is high too, so expect some crowding around meal times.
Indian food.
Italian food. Lunch and dinner six days. Closed Sundays.
Family owned institution with old school feel, serving breakfast lunch and dinner for dine in or drive-thru. Quality lobster rolls at fair prices.
German and American cuisine. German dishes include wienerschnitzel and sauerbraten. German beer on tap. Children's menu. Live piano Saturday nights.
Nice selection of true Japanese staples alongside other dishes Americans are sure to recognize. Flavors are good and staff is friendly and accommodating. Decor is cheery and thoughtful, although starting to feel a bit dated.
Fantastic seafood is always on the menu in this rustic family restaurant. The folks behind the counter are friendly, and you might even save a buck compared to the offerings in town. Setting can't be beat.
The Mill Complex
Outstanding cuisine from around the globe, set in a refurbished old mill overlooking the river. Go during the day for the best views, or go during the night to check out the art gallery, filmhouse, and performance space. A Brunswick original.
Unexpectedly decadent Asian fusion restaurant. The creativity on display throughout the tasting menu will be remembered long after the plates are cleared away. The cocktails are also excellent, try the beet yuzu martini.
Authentic Greek fare featuring one of the largest all Greek wine lists in the United States. Casually elegant, they go above and beyond to try to replicate a traditional Grecian tavern. Opened for business in April 2015.
Quality rustic Italian and Italian-American cuisine from chef Tim O’Brien. Mainly locally sourced ingredients means a variety of menu changes throughout the seasons. Opened May 2013, this is a great spot to find anything from an aperitif to creative small plates to a filling dinner. Service is very friendly and flexible. You may want to make reservations during the warmer months.
Pub food and Maine microbrews.
Wine bar with a vintage aesthetic. Also serves beer and small plates.
Snack bar, gift shop, sportsground. Open May - Oct, 9AM - sunset.
At the Walmart near Cooks Corner Mall. All rooms with refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary Continental Breakfast. Car needed.
Free continental breakfast, free local calls. Wireless internet. Exercise room. Car needed.
Full-service tavern open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 52 spacious rooms offering complimentary wireless internet and in-room coffee. Function space for up to 120 people. Pet-friendly rooms available.
Bed and breakfast with 15 rooms, most in the charming 19th-century house. There is some additional space in cottages on the property. Tons of period detail, antique furniture, and working fireplaces. Staff is quite friendly and helpful, and the included breakfast is chef prepared. Close to Bowdoin College, train station, and the downtown area. Rebranded and updated in 2023.
Record store selling music in every format, films, comics, posters, video games, and other novelties. Pretty much the Newbury Comics of Maine.
A unique consignment boutique for women featuring fashions by JJill, Flax, Eileen Fisher, Habitat, and many others.
The Mill Complex
Stop in at this massive renovated old mill building. During the colder months there's an indoor farmer's market every Saturday. There's also an antique store, restaurant, coffee shop, and theater space. It's hard to come here and not find at least something you like.
This alternative bookstore often runs community nights, author readings, and other events. If they don't have it in stock they can order it for you. Independent since 1979.
One of the few remaining New England style superettes. This spot sells a little bit of everything, including pizza and wine! Sure you could buy most of this stuff someplace else, but why would you want to?
Well organized used bookstore, friendly staff and a wide selection of books to choose from.
Once in town, you'll find many of Brunswick's amenities concentrated along Maine Street, which basically runs you from the Androscoggin River in the north to Bowdoin College in the south.
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