Brunswick may be home to about 20,000 residents, but it receives visitors in hundreds of thousands who come to admire the natural beauty and attractions that the picturesque villages are blessed with. At one time, it was a thriving seaport, and it will also be remembered in the annals of literature as the location where Harriet Beeches Stowe wrote his classic of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” in 1851. The town’s charms are wide and varied, and irrespective of the kind of traveler you think of yourself, you are bound to be wowed in more than one way – museums, beaches, hiking trails, and parks, markets, art centers and much more are waiting to educate and entertain you. If you are contemplating a visit to this magical village, then enjoy our list of some of the best things to do in Brunswick, Maine.
1. Delve into the history of Skolfield-Whittier House
The Skolfield-Whittier House was once the home to a sea captain, Alfred Skolfield and two medics – Frank Whittier and Alice Whittier. The house was built in the 1850s, and it has been slightly over one century since the place was occupied. Currently, it is a cradle of rich history, and a visit will bring you face to face with a glimpse of life back in the days, as shall be displayed by the kinds of paperwork on display, as well as the various blends of spices that have been kept in the pantry since the house closed. The house has a total of 17 rooms which will paint you a very clear picture of what life was for the upper-middle class at that time.
Skolfield-Whittier House
Address: 161 Park Row, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Skolfield-Whittier House
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun, Mon & Tue)
2. Channel your inner art connoisseur at Bowdoin College Art Museum
If you love art, then a visit to the Bowdoin College Art Museum will be a must. The museum houses great collection paintings and other works by Winslow Homer – one of the famous 19th-century American artists. Homer started as a commercial illustrator, but his love for the sea as a painting niche helped to establish him as one of the greatest artists America has ever had. You will also find a sizeable collection of his Civil War work, featuring impressive sketches in both oil and watercolor.
Bowdoin College Art Museum
Address: 245 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Bowdoin College Art Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
3. Tee off at Brunswick Golf Club
Posted by Brunswick Golf Club on Wednesday, 20 June 2018
Brunswick Golf club was founded in 1889, and its gates are open to both locals and visitors who would like to enjoy the green. The golf club is picturesque and also challenging at the same time. The slightly over 6,600-yards (6035 m) course has hosted various major competitions in the state, and it continues to attract both amateurs and pros in the game. Given that it is one of the easiest courses around if you truly love golf; it will be impossible to resist the temptation of trying out the 18 holes.
Brunswick Golf Club
Address: 165 River Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Brunswick Golf Club
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
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4. Get a glimpse of the past at Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Harriet Beecher Stowe was a fierce opponent of slavery, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Brunswick is one of the three houses that bears her name across the country. This particular one was built in the 1800s and it was used as an Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. It was in this place where she wrote her famous novel, and when you visit, you will try to reimagine life through her perspective, including visiting the very room where she did her writing.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Address: 2950 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206, USA
Website: Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 12pm - 3pm (closed from Sun - Wed)
Price: Free
Maine Tour Guide
Naim Benmayor
As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this unique perspective has taught me what appeals to people when visiting a new part of the country or a new part of the world. My fluency in English and Turkish, and my advanced skills in Spanish and intermediate skills in French, also help me to service a wider range of tourists and business people.I moved to Boston, Massachusetts several years ago, and I now reside in Brookline. I have three children, so I develop my tours to accommodate families with kids, couples, and individuals who want to visit and learn about the rich history and culture of Boston. As a parent, I know that Boston is a great place for higher education, and I have knowledge of the colleges and universities in the area.I customize tours to suit the needs and preferences of my customers. Whether you want a walking tour, a riding tour, or a little of both, I can create an itinerary that showcases the best of what Boston has to offer.My one day tours are educational and entertaining, and include the history, culture, personalities, architecture and, even the shopping areas of this renowned city. At the end of the tour you will be happy and satisfied when you realize you've seen so much in just a short time.I am here to share my knowledge of Boston, Cambridge and all of New England with you, and help you to enjoy your visit so you can explore the must-see parts of this great city. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you around the city, so please send me a message if you have any questions.Thank you for reading.
5. Soak in the views of the iconic Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
The years was in 1892 when a pedestrian bridge was built to connect Topsham and Brunswick across the Androscoggin River. Nearly after 13 decades, the bridge is still in good working condition. The most intriguing thing about it is the way it sways from left to right when in use, and to the faint-hearted, it can be a very scary experience. However, if you trust its structural integrity, you will not just enjoy the experience, but also the views down the valley and well as the soothing sounds of the gentle waters flowing below.
Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
Address: Swinging Bridge, Topsham, ME 04086, USA
Website: Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Check out the collection at Pejepscot Historical Society
Pejepscot Historical Society is dedicated to preserving Brunswick’s rich history and a visit to this center will expose you to a collection of exhibits, valuable writings, and artifacts that captures the culture and the traditions of the people of Brunswick from the yesteryears. The society was founded in 1888 and is currently headquartered at Pejepscot Museum and Research Center located next to Skolfield-Whittier House.
Pejepscot Historical Society
Address: 159 Park Row, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Pejepscot Historical Society
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
7. Enjoy camping at Thomas Point Beach
If you are visiting Brunswick with the entire family, and you are looking for a joint where you can have a lovely day out, then Thomas Point Beach will be a worthy consideration. The beach is full of fine sand, and it overlooks a nice bay with several spots ideal for pitching a tent or setting up a family picnic site. Additionally, the beach has several acres of pine groves, lawns, and nice spots where you can enjoy a variety of games. If you are visiting with your better half, then spending a few nights in this camp will be some of the most memorable moments you will ever have as a couple.
Thomas Point Beach
Address: 29 Meadow Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Thomas Point Beach
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
8. Offer a prayer at the First Parish Church
Our spring concert, "Spirituals: Songs of the Soul," under the direction of Dr. Jane Hagness, featuring the choirs of...
Posted by First Parish Church - Brunswick Maine on Monday, 1 April 2019
Just like with most historical places, churches are always at the heart of the early settlements, and Brunswick wasn’t left behind, either. The First Parish Church was built in 1717 and it is believed that the presence of the church in the village was instrumental to the thriving economy the region once had. It will be remembered as one of the very first places in the country where strong stance against slavery arose, and while still on slavery, it will be remembered as the worship place for Harriet Beecher Stowe. It was in this church, and while sitting on pew 23 that she got the inspiration to write Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Prominent persons such as Martin Luther King Jnr, Eleanor Roosevelt, and President Taft also had a podium in this church. Walk-in, say your prayers and appreciate the history when you visit.
First Parish Church
Address: 9 Cleaveland St. 04011 Brunswick, Maine
Website: First Parish Church
9. Admire a unique collection at Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum
The museum was named in honor of two former Bowdoin College students – Donald B MacMillan and Robert E Peary. After college, the duo became arctic explorers and the museum is solely dedicated to the Arctic. The museum chronicles the work of the two formers students and others, and inside you will find displays of the equipment, natural history specimens, and valuable papers relating to the Arctic that were compiled by the agile explorers.
Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum
Address: 9500 College Sta, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
10. Enjoy a picnic at Brunswick Town Commons
The Towns Common boasts of varied terrains with lots of small ponds and pine heath. It also has a trail that is nearly 6 miles (9.65 kilometers), making it a nice spot for outdoors if you don’t want to venture into further distances. You can settle down for a picnic to enjoy some quiet times in the park, or you can take the small loops of the walk to soak in the beauty of the park, and also enjoy the fresh air.
Brunswick Town Commons
Address: 222, Harpswell Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Brunswick Town Commons
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
11. Pay homage at Pine Grove Cemetery
Posted by Pine Grove Cemetery on Sunday, 21 October 2018
The cemetery was donated by Bowdoin College, and its oldest grave dates back to 1794. Currently, it has over 2,500 gravestones, and it is also the final resting place of several prominent people in Pine Grove, including two Maine governors, a First Lady, a forensic medicine pioneer, and a Congressional Medal of Honor Civil War Hero.
Pine Grove Cemetery
Address: Bath Road. Brunswick, ME 04011
Website: Pine Grove Cemetery
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Book a tour through Maine Bass Fishing Guide Service
Maine is blessed with some of the most scenic lakes and rivers in the United States, and if you are in Brunswick, there would be no better way to soak in their beauty other than going for a bass fishing trip. If you know a thing or two about bass fishing, then you know that Maine is a hot destination for bass enthusiasts. There are lots of bass fishing guide services you can opt for to explore the lakes and the rivers, while you also appreciate magnificent Maine outdoors.
Maine Bass Fishing Guide Service
Address: 541 River Rd Suite A, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Maine Bass Fishing Guide Service
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Shop for unique and interesting gifts at Wyler Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We’re having a Huge Clothing Sale 40% off ALL clothing, Hobo Bags too + great deals in our Outlet Sale ends...
Posted by Wyler's on Monday, June 8, 2020
A trip to a new place will never be complete without you sampling the shopping experiences of those places, and if you are in Brunswick, then the Wyler Gallery is the place to be. In this place, you will find a humongous collection of souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family members back at home. The gallery has a total of three rooms, and you can buy items of all sorts, ranging from jewelry to clothing, toys, and gifts.
Wyler Gallery
Address: 150 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Wyler Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm
14. Tour the popular Flight Deck Brewing
Posted by Flight Deck Brewing on Monday, 1 April 2019
Flight Deck Brewing was opened in 2017 with the main aim of providing the locals as well as the visitors to Brunswick with a destination brewery and an ideal space for a casual gathering. It is a great joint to visit not just for the brews, but also a chance to interact with the locals. The brewery has a tap list and will usually feature live music performances, and plenty of food trucks so that at any given time, you will have enough to eat, drink and make merry.
Flight Deck Brewing
Address: 11 Atlantic Ave, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Flight Deck Brewing
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 4pm - 8pm; Wed - Sun: 12pm - 9pm
15. Travel back in time at Joshua Chamberlain Museum
The Joshua L. Chamberlain Camp #20 SUVCW plans to participate in the Massing of the Colors sponsored by the local entity of The Military Order of Word Wars 3 P.M. Sunday, October 16th 2016 Vinton War Memorial
Posted by Joshua L. Chamberlain Camp # 20 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War on Thursday, 6 October 2016
The museum was once the home of Joshua Chamberlain for more than half a century. Joshua Chamberlain was a Unionist Brigadier General during the American Civil War and also an American college professor. The original structure underwent several transformations just as Joshua who served in the military and later found himself teaching in the corridors of the universities. The museum currently houses a myriad of exhibits used by Joshua Chamberlain, with some dating back to the 1820s, and the periods of American Civil War. It is a nice place to visit if you cherish history, and you’d love to dig into the life of one of the generals during the Civil Wars.
Joshua Chamberlain Museum
Address: 226 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Joshua Chamberlain Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
16. Soak in the culture at Maine State Music Theatre
The museums will give you a glimpse of the past, but a visit to the Maine State Music Theatre will give you a blend of both the past the present through the myriad of performances usually hosted. The theatre normally lines up a rich variety of performances, featuring both locals and visiting artists, and the performances cover nearly every genre of performed arts. Whether you are interested in the box office like shows, electrifying dances, and songs, or you just need something that will entertain the younger audiences, the theatre has everything in store for you. This is where you will get to appreciate the richness of the Brunswick culture through their performing arts.
Maine State Music Theatre
Address: Pickard Theater, 1 Bath Rd, Brunswick
Website: Maine State Music Theatre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 12 USD
17. Interact with the locals at Brunswick Farmers Market
Peas and peonies!!!! #peasarehere #brunswickfarmersmarket #opentil2
Posted by Brunswick Farmers Market on Tuesday, 2 July 2019
A visit to the local market is always a great way to sample some of the produce the region is best known for, and also a chance to interact and socialize with the local population. In Brunswick, there is always the summer markets and the winter market – a good chance to sample what is available in both summer and winter. You will find vendors with all manner of seasonal produce, including fresh fruits, and vegetables. Also, there will be sections of the market where you can find local foods prepared with the freshest ingredients from the farms, thus allowing the pleasure of sampling the culinary diversity of the locals. Be advised that the market opens only on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Brunswick Farmers Market
Address: Maine St On The Mall, 04011 Brunswick, Maine
Website: Brunswick Farmers Market
Opening hours: Tue: 8am - 2pm; Fri: 8am - 2pm (closed on Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun)
18. Spend some fun time at Merrymeeting Dog Park
The concept of dog parks is not new in the United States, and if you traveled with your canine friend to Brunswick, they will be very pleased with you if you could also think of their fun by visiting the Merrymeeting Dog Park. Even though they are designated as dog parks, this doesn’t mean that they are only designed for dogs and that you will have a boring time when you visit. The park has all the amenities you may need for a little outdoor tour with your family, including your dog, and there are several games you can indulge in, both you and your dogs.
Merrymeeting Dog Park
Address: 94 Water St, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Merrymeeting Dog Park
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
19. Dine at the popular Enoteca Athena
Enoteca Athena is a convivial kitchen. It is also a wine bar, where you are bound to find creative and drool-worthy Italian and Greek cuisines in the heart of the main. The design and décor of the restaurant are rustic-chic, and from the outside, it is easy to mistake it for just another restaurant down the street. However, it is one of the most popular eateries in Brunswick. The joint is a darling to the majority because it serves inexpensive rustic foods that have been prepared using the highest quality ingredients demonstrating American influence on Italian foods. Their menu is also rich in tradition, and regional Italian foods.
Enoteca Athena
Address: 97 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Enoteca Athena
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 3:30pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 3:30pm - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
20. Discover the Brunswick Naval Museum & Memorial Gardens
The Brunswick Naval Museum & Memorial Garden is where you get to learn about Brunswick’s contribution to the country’s naval history, and the critical role it played during the Second World War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam wars. You will see exhibits of planes, equipment and other machinery associated with squadron deployment in places such as North Africa, Middle East, Far East, Europe and several other places around the globe. If you enjoy aviation history, then this is a visit that must never miss in your itinerary to Brunswick.
Brunswick Naval Museum & Memorial Gardens
Address: 179 Admiral Fitch Ave, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Brunswick Naval Museum & Memorial Gardens
Opening hours: Wed: 10pm - 4pm; Sun: 1pm- 4pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat)
21. Get your adrenalin fix at Androscoggin River Bicycle Path
Androscoggin River Bicycle Path is a 2.5 mile long paved path running along the Androscoggin River between Grover Lane...
Posted by Relax Inn on Friday, 7 June 2013
The Androscoggin River Bicycle Path is 14 feet (4.27 meters) wide and stretches about 2.6 miles (4.18 kilometers). It snakes its way along the Androscoggin River, thus treating you to scenic views of the rivers and valley beyond while you cycle. The path begins near downtown Brunswick, going through numerous stone beaches, and forested areas ideal for taking rest while you enjoy the motion of the river, as well as the beautiful chirping of the birds. The path is also shared with pedestrians, and this implies that if you don’t want to venture out biking along the river, you can venture out to stretch your legs on the trails as you enjoy being surrounded with nature. You will need to make reservations and have tickets in advance for you to enjoy the trail.
Androscoggin River Bicycle Path
Address: Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
22. Shop your heart out at Cabot Mill Antique
Posted by Cabot Mill Antiques on Wednesday, 17 July 2019
Cabot Mill Antique is one of the largest antique shops in Maine, and it is one of the places to visit if you want to feel the real shopping experience in Brunswick. The shop covers over 16,000 square feet (1486.4 square meters) of showrooms, and it houses more than 160 quality dealer displays. You will find a humongous collection of items from period furnishings to vintage collectibles that you can’t find in any other place in the world. It is one of the best places to check out souvenirs for your trip because it is full of lots of rare and unique items.
Cabot Mill Antique
Address: 14 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Website: Cabot Mill Antique
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 10am- 5pm; Fri: 10am - 7pm
23. Enjoy Brunswick nightlife at Byrnes Irish Pub
Finally, a visit to Brunswick in Maine will never be complete if you don’t have a taste of what the nightlife has to offer, and there is no other great place to get this than from Byrnes Irish Pub. The pub is family-owned, and this ensures the sense of warmth and personal care you can expect from your visit. It is a great place to visit if you are looking for delicious food and drinks and for having good times after exploring Brunswick. The night experience at this place will make you think you are in Ireland, given that the deco, the drinks list, and the service all have lots of Irish connotations. Depending on when you visit, you can look forward to enjoying live music and trivia nights that will enable you to make the most of your evening.
Byrnes Irish Pub
Address: 38 Centre St, 04530-2502 Bath, Maine
Website: Byrnes Irish Pub
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11am - 10pm; Wed: 4pm - 10pm; Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 10pm
Enjoy the beauty and charms in Brunswick
With so many things to do in Brunswick, Maine, every visit should be full of fun. No need to spend gloomy days when the outdoors are inviting, and there are also lots of museums and historical attractions that will educate and entertain you at the same time. Strive and get the most out of your visit by checking out all the above attractions.
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