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Brunswick

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.

See
9
Do
11
Eat
14
Drink
2
Buy
6

42 places

  1. Do

    Androscoggin River Bicycle Path

    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.

    24 hours daily. Parking area at Water St open 1/2 hr before sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunsetFree

  2. See

    Androscoggin Swinging Bridge

    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.

    24 hours dailyFree

  3. See

    Bowdoin College

    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.

  4. Do

    Bowdoin Pines Trail

    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.

    24 hours dailyFree

  5. Eat

    Brunswick Diner

    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.

    Wed-Sun 7AM-3PM

  6. Do

    Brunswick Town Commons

    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.

    24 hours dailyFree

  7. Buy

    Bull Moose

    Record store selling music in every format, films, comics, posters, video games, and other novelties. Pretty much the Newbury Comics of Maine.

    9AM-10PM daily

  8. Eat

    Cameron's Lobster House

    Family owned institution with old school feel, serving breakfast lunch and dinner for dine in or drive-thru. Quality lobster rolls at fair prices.

    8AM-7PM daily

  9. Do

    Cox Pinnacle

    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.

    24 hours dailyFree

  10. Do

    Crystal Spring Farm Reserve

    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.)

    24 hours dailyFree

  11. Eat

    Enoteca Athena

    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.

    Tue-Thu 3:30-9PM, Fri Sat 3:30-9:30PM

  12. Buy

    Estilo

    A unique consignment boutique for women featuring fashions by JJill, Flax, Eileen Fisher, Habitat, and many others.

    Thu-Sat 10:30AM-5:30PM, Sun noon-4PM

  13. Do

    Eveningstar Cinema

    Top first-run independent cinema operating here since 1979. Only one screen but you can bet something interesting is playing on it!

    $7-10

  14. Eat

    Fat Boy Drive-In

    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.

  15. See

    First Parish Church

    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.

  16. Buy

    Fort Andross

    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.

    Varies

  17. Eat

    Frontier

    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.

    Tue-Sun 9AM-9PM

  18. Buy

    Gulf of Maine Books

    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.

    Mon-Sat 9:30AM-5:30PM

  19. Eat

    Gurnet Trading Co.

    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.

    10AM-6PM daily

  20. See

    Harriet Beecher Stowe House

    A National Historic Landmark, nearly 200 years old. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin here.

  21. Eat

    Little Tokyo Restaurant

    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.

    Sun-Thu 11AM-9:30PM, Fri Sat 11AM-10:30PM

  22. Do

    Mid Coast Hospital Nature Trails

    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.

    24 hours dailyFree

  23. See

    Pejepscot Historical Society Museum

    One of Maine's oldest historical organizations, maintaining three museums about the area and an extensive research collection..

  24. Eat

    Richard's Restaurant

    German and American cuisine. German dishes include wienerschnitzel and sauerbraten. German beer on tap. Children's menu. Live piano Saturday nights.

  25. Eat

    Tao Yuan

    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.

    Tue-Thu 5-9PM, Fri Sat 5-10PM

  26. Eat

    Taverna Khione

    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.

    Wed-Sun 5-8PM

  27. Buy

    Tess' Market

    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?

    Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM, Sat 8AM-1PM

  28. Eat

    The Gelato Fiasco

    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.

    Open 11AM-11PM

  29. See

    The Skolfield-Whittier House

    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.

    Wed-Sat May 22 - Oct 10; tours at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM

  30. Do

    Thomas Point Beach

    A clean, sandy beach that offers picnicking, a snack bar, playgrounds for the kids, volleyball, and softball areas. See "Sleep" for campsite rentals.

    8AM-sunset daily$4