3 Days Along the Androscoggin River

Morning: Donut-fueled River Walks

Start your morning in the historic Main Street community of Brunswick with a treat from Frosty’s Donuts. This local institution has been serving up hand-cut donuts for over 50 years. But get there early, they usually sell out by 9am. They’re just that good. Grab a donut (and a nitro-infused coffee) to go and head to the Androscoggin Brunswick-Topsham Riverwalk, a 1.25-mile in-town loop linking the Frank J. Wood Bridge to the historic Androscoggin Swinging Bridge along the Androscoggin River. In the mood to roll instead of stroll? Rent a bike at Gorham Bike and Ski in Brunswick and then hit the riverwalk.

If you feel like getting some extra steps in, make your way to the Androscoggin River Bike and Walking Trail. This 2.6-mile, 14-foot wide paved bicycle/pedestrian path runs along the Androscoggin River. The path offers scenic overlooks while providing a pedestrian and bicycle connection between Brunswick and the Cook’s Corner area. The path can also be accessed from Topsham via bicycle and pedestrian lanes over the Merrymeeting Bridge.

Lunch: Be a Nomad

Enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza or homemade pastas from Nomad  in the Fort Andross Mill, open for lunch Friday -Sunday.

After lunch, head across the river on the Frank J. Wood Bridge to Sea Dog Brewing for a local take on craft brew. Don’t skip the Bluepaw Wheat Ale. It’s brewed with wild Maine blueberries.

Afternoon: Art, Antiques & More at Fort Andross

Spend the afternoon at Fort Andross. This unique mill complex, situated on the banks of the Androscoggin, has operated for 30 years at the foot of Brunswick’s downtown Maine Street (yep, like the state). The brick structure, once known as the Cabot Mill, has been rechristened Fort Andross after the original fort that was erected on the same site in 1688. Today it’s the biggest art studio complex in Maine, home to more than 50 artists, working alongside restaurants, a winter farmers market, indoor flea market and antique mall, and even a movie theater.

Dinner: A Confluence of Cuisines

Bounce around the world as you explore your options. Brunswick offers excellent takes on Greek, Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisines. Of course, you can’t go wrong with some classic Maine seafood.

Spend the Night

If you’re looking to end your day with a dose of New England charm, head to The Brunswick Inn, located on historic Park Row in the heart of downtown. Stay in one of their 16 rooms and enjoy the experience only a small New England inn can provide, including a complimentary breakfast served by a roaring fire. Also located downtown, near Bowdoin college, is The Brunswick Hotel, known for its stylish interiors and phenomenal onsite restaurant, the Noble Kitchen + Bar. Hoping to bring the doggo along? The hotel welcomes four-pawed family members.

Morning: Breakfast and Butterflies

Route: Take Route 196 from Topsham to Lisbon.

Take a seat at the window bar of Blueberries, located on Bowdoin Mill Island in Topsham, for classic breakfast items. After breakfast, hit the road towards Lisbon and make your first stop at the Maine Art Glass Studio. Enjoy the work of local glass artists and then travel into the truly fascinating world of butterflies and some of the world’s largest insects as presented by Jim Nutting, owner of Maine Art Glass. Maine Art Glass offers classes too!

Take a Walk, Take a Run, Take a Bike, Take the Whole Family

Stretch your legs on the Papermill Trail in Lisbon. The southern portion of the easy 3.5 mile out-and-back trail follows the Sabattus River, while the northern half passes through gently rolling, open fields.

Lunch: Head to Lewiston

Route: Take Route 196 for 9 miles from Lisbon to Lewiston.

After your walk, make your way to DaVinci’s Eatery, and acquaint yourself with some Italian cuisine comfort food. Rumor has it the housemade garlic knots won’t disappoint. For a late afternoon cocktail or brew, head to Sonder & Dram or The Pub at Baxter Brewing for burgers and more in the historic Lewiston Bates Mill. Check the brewery’s events calendar to see what’s in store.

Afternoon: Celebrate a Vibrant Franco-American Culture

How does a town go from little agricultural hub to booming industrial center? Find out at the Museum L-A. Formerly a working mill, the museum was founded in 1996 and is now home to exhibits about the French-speaking laborers that built the textile, shoe, and brick industries and gave life to the original Lewiston-Auburn community.

Dinner: Canal-side at Fish Bones Grill

Fish Bones Grill opened in 2005 and focuses on seafood and classic American cuisine, with a belief that good food is a vital and vibrant part of their community. Enjoy a regionally focused menu as you sit outdoors and enjoy the views, and be sure to try the poutine, inspired by local Franco traditions.

Spend the Night

Kick back for the day with a stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch or the Hampton Inn Lewiston-Auburn. Both are located along the Androscoggin and within walking distance to shops, restaurants and attractions.

Morning: Bagel Breakfast and A Break Back in Time

When it comes to fueling up for the day, there’s nothing like bagels. And when it comes to bagels, there’s no place like Forage Market. Stop by their café on Lisbon Street to taste for yourself why they’ve been voted in the top 50 bagels in the U.S. by Saveur and others.

Or, pack a picnic and take a walk in the shoes of an 1870s farmer at the Washburn Norlands Living History Center. The past comes to life on daily tours and at year-round events where costumed interpreters recreate activities and display the skills of 19th-century rural Mainers.

Early Afternoon: Not Your Average Orchard

Route: After breakfast, head up Route 1.

If you love apple picking, you’re in luck. Or, if you just love spending time in stunning landscapes, you’re also in luck. After breakfast, take a short drive to Turner where you can explore Ricker Hill Orchard. You’ll be welcomed by, of course, beautiful apple orchards and a farm store, but you’ll also find unexpected fun like a hard cider tasting room and disc golf.

Seasonal Tip: In Fall check out Boothby’s Orchard and Farm Winery. You’ll find it nestled among rolling hills and fields of Livermore, where it’s been cared for by the same family for seven generations. Today, their wines are making waves across New England.

Mid-afternoon: Hike the Mahoosucs

Route: Head towards Rumford on Route 108.

After spending some time in the 1800s, you’ll have the chance to take in some views that are much, much older as you hike the Rumford Whitecap Trail. With panoramic views of both the White Mountains and the Mahoosucs, these trails provide a distinctly Maine experience. A sweet perk? The summertime blueberries that grow on the upper ledges.

Evening: Onward to Bethel

Cap off your day in Maine’s most beautiful mountain village. Bethel boasts top-notch outdoor recreation opportunities all year round, from mountain biking and hiking to fishing and kayaking in the summer, and some epic alpine and Nordic skiing in the winter. For anglers, the Western Maine Guide Service will have you out on the river and connected with nature (and fish) in no time.

The Sudbury Inn has been a favorite B&B for weary hikers, skiers, and adventures since 1873, and also happens to have three different dining choices under one roof: a AAA-rated dining room, a bistro serving classic French fare, and Sud’s Pub for pizza and other pub grub.

Spend the Night

After dinner, head upstairs and spend the night in one of the Sudburys Inn’s seven two-bedroom suites. Larger groups can take advantage of the three-bedroom apartment, and families with furry friends can take up lodging in their Carriage House. Want to wake up to a beautiful golf course? Then take up at the Bethel Resort.

Great Gatherings

All together now. Depending on when you visit, your Androscoggin River adventure could (and should) include a stop at one of these great local festivals.
Moxie Festival, Lisbon
Bates Dance Festival, Lewiston
Great Falls Balloon Festival, Lewiston
North American Wife Carrying Contest, Bethel