1. Thomas Point Beach
City: Brunswick, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 725-6009
Address: Thomas Point Rd.
Description: A small, privately run beach on Thomas Bay, an inlet of the New Meadows River, this 290-yard strand is a beachgoer’s paradise, if only because it’s one of the rare Midcoast beaches open to the public. The water is tidal, so make sure you check the charts before packing the car. The facilities are pretty lavish as beaches go, with hot showers, picnic areas, lawns to explore, playgrounds, fireplaces to cook at, an arcade, a snack bar, and lifeguards. It’s a great choice for functions or family get-togethers, and there are special events here all summer long, like the Thomas Point Bluegrass Festival. Open from 9 a.m. until sunset daily. Admission is $3.50 for adults, $2 for kids age 12 or younger.
2. Seaspray Kayaking
City: Brunswick, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: New Meadows River
Description: Growing like a rogue wave, Seaspray now has centers at four Midcoast locations, including its original base on the stunning New Meadows. It has a raft of kayaking options, among them bed-and-breakfast tours, moonlight paddles, and introductory splashabouts. But their coolest trip might be the one they do in search of the Midcoast’s famed stripers, or striped bass. That’s right, fishing from a kayak. You cast and catch right from the cockpit, and all tackle and techniques are provided. These tours are $85 per person, which includes a half-day kayak rental. See the Web site for details.
3. Androscoggin River Bicycle Path
City: Brunswick, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: Water St. to Cooks Corner
Description: When this 2.5-mile paved walkway was opened in 1998, town officials had no idea that it would be so successful. Right along the Androscoggin River, the path enjoyed heavy use from the outset and became a national model for other community paths. People use it to commute to and from work, to walk or jog, to sit on the benches and scan the skies for eagles, or even to, yes, bicycle. Fourteen feet wide, it’s perfect for that. You can hop on at Water Street or Grover Lane.
4. Heather Garden At Walker Art Building
City: Brunswick, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 725-3000
Address: Bowdoin College
Description: This museum should be visited more often than it is, and the same might be said of the heath and heather gardens that sit outside it.