Hotel at a Glance: The Brunswick Inn

From its 19th-century, Federal-style facade to the four wide, colonial fireplaces inside, The Brunswick Inn bed-and-breakfast is the picture of authentic New England charm. Its rooms are no exception—each is uniquely appointed with elegant furniture, luxurious Frette linens, and fluffy terry robes. The inn is located in the heart of downtown, just steps from Bowdoin College; spend the day exploring Brunswick’s tree-lined streets, art galleries, and quaint shops, or simply pass the time in a rocking chair on the front porch.

• Made-to-order breakfast: Enjoy eggs benedict with crab cakes, huevos rancheros, or french toast with Maine blueberry sauce—all made with local ingredients—while reading The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times.
• Enjoy a drink by the fire or in the onsite bar, which serves beer, wine, and such spirits as scotch, cognac, and gin.
• Grab dinner at one of many nearby restaurants, which offer a bounty of cuisines, including Asian, Italian, and pub fare.
• Awards: The inn was awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2013 and 2014; it was also named “Best College-Town Lodging” in Maine in 2012 by Yankee Magazine.

Brunswick, Maine: Scholarly New England Town with Historic Architecture

Cobbled streets, a rocky coastline, and historic, steepled churches—Brunswick has New England style to spare. The former 17th-century mill village sits at the gateway to Maine’s midcoast region, an area known for its beautiful harbors and growing arts scene. Every town along the coast has established a distinctive character. For its part, Brunswick is a culturally rich destination anchored by the presence of Bowdoin College, which U.S. News & World Report named one of the top 10 national liberal-arts colleges. There’s no shortage of enriching activities on campus, including plays in two theaters and concerts in the music hall. The Bowdoin College Museum of Art, one of the oldest art museums in the nation, boasts a fine collection of more than 15,000 objects dating from ancient times to the present.

Downtown, the brick sidewalk and 19th-century architecture harks back to the olden days. In winter, the pedestrian-friendly district looks a lot like a Currier and Ives print, complete with carriage rides and an ice-skating rink. Specialty shops and fine restaurants make it a great place for shoppers and foodies alike. Stroll through Middle Bay Cove to see the best of the historic buildings, including preserved shipbuilders’ and sea captains’ mansions built in the Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate architectural styles.

The city holds claim to a number of literary heavyweights, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who both attended Bowdoin. It’s also the place where Harriet Beecher Stowe penned parts of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. At the Pejepscot Museum & Research Center, you can learn more about the notable figures in Brunswick history via rotating exhibits.

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