Portland remains on the brink of busting out as one of the East Coast’s premier getaways.
Given its location nestled in the corner of the Northeast, it still seems like a faraway land for those who overlook this delightful city brimming with red-brick rows of shops and eats amongst seaside serenity.
Although Maine is known for its tranquility, if there is a bustling city here, it would definitely be Portland, especially downtown’s busy, walkable streets.
Maine’s most popular city is only an hour across the New Hampshire-Maine border, meaning there’s so much untapped potential to explore in this underrated state.
One such town is just 30 minutes away and its quintessential New England boasting craft beer, fresh seafood and authentic charm that will surely captivate you.
Brunswick is a delight to visit, especially given its close access to the region’s astounding nature including wondrous islands and blissful beaches.
Cheers To This Foodie Heaven!
If you’ve been to college, you know what the typical scene is like, but Brunswick isn’t your average college town with off-the-rails tailgates and wild Spring Breaks.
This laid-back town, located along the scenic Androscoggin River, is home to historic Bowdoin College, which dates back to the 1700s.
No promises if the dorm rooms get rowdy, but Brunswick holds all the positives of a college town without the chaos.
First and foremost – beer!
The craft beer scene is booming; the perfect pairing for the region’s decadent seafood too.
While wine tends to receive all the hype in fall, many breweries offer seasonal brews such as pumpkin ales and hard ciders.
One of the best places to grab a pint is across the river at Sea Dog Brewery in neighboring Topsham, where their ‘Blueberry’ claim to fame will have you forgetting about all the others’ pumpkin concoctions.
You gotta ask yourself if you really visited Maine without savoring the flavor of the world’s most renowned crustacean.
Lobsters are a way of life in this state and go far beyond the trendy food trucks of Portland with Brunswick’s own unsuspecting dives like Cameron’s Lobster House serving up Lobster Salads and Lobster Rolls.
Although, I’ve visited this area years ago and my personal favorite (along with many others) is Red’s Eats in the nearby town of Wiscasset.
Foodie Tip: Don’t skip out on Maine’s potato donuts either!
Small Town Charm & Gorgeous Scenery
Visiting downtown Brunswick is a must. Perusing all the delights of Maine Street (yes, cleverly with an “e”) will keep you busy for hours, checking out bookstores, cafes, boutiques, and more.
Brunswick’s charm goes beyond New England architecture and quiet brick streets. There’s more to do here than you might expect.
One such unique attraction is to follow along the Maine Art Museum Art Trail passing through Brunswick’s Boudoin College (and it’s free!).
There’s also an array of historic homes to visit as Brunswick holds deep ties to the Civil War. Visit what locals often call a ‘time capsule’ at Skolfield-Whittier House ($15 to enter).
While there are plenty of fall events to enjoy, one of the most hyped festivities is the town’s Winter Market re-opening November 11th.
But before winter hits, fall makes for the perfect time to explore Brunswick’s beautiful nature whether it be strolls on the spotless beaches or hiking such as nearby Maquoit Bay for epic fall foliage photo-ops.
Stunning Islands In Close Reach
The only downside to visiting the multitude of islands right now is puffin season is over, so mark your calendars for next summer!
Maine’s Midcoast is home to truly incredible islands, where fall is the last season of the year to make the trip worthy.
Ferries are still in operation, taking those in the know to some of the state’s best-kept secrets.
You’ll have to depart from Portland to visit some of the top islands outside Brunswick, such as:
- Peaks Islands
- Cheabeague Island
- Long Island
The good news is you can also drive to some islands like Orr’s Island and Bailey Island, home to cozy seaside cottages and virtually crowd-free beaches in fall.
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