The charming town of Bridgton, where Chalmers Insurance Group was founded, is full of exciting and amazing adventures hiding in every nook and cranny. Follow our 24-hour Bridgton guide during your stay. It only scratches the surface of all the fun things to do here!
8:30 am:
Start your day with a good cup of locally roasted coffee and a delicious breakfast (available all day!) at Beth’s Café. The feel of the space encapsulates all that Bridgton stands for, community, locally owned businesses, and a small-town atmosphere. It is a warm environment that values good food and service. When you walk in, you are hit with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and breakfast cooking in the back. It’s as if you are stepping into breakfast heaven. Whether you're from Bridgton or a visitor, you're treated like family.
Not only is it a popular place to have a delicious breakfast, but it’s also a great place to meet community members. The Café is normally full of chatter from locals, so don’t be shy to start up a conversation with your table neighbor. Bridgton is known for its welcoming community! Conversing with locals over a good breakfast at Beth’s starts your day off right before you embark on the rest of your adventures in town.
10 am:
Just across the street from Beth’s is the Rufus Porter Museum. After you eat, go take a look around as either a walk-in or by making an appointment beforehand. Revel in the beautiful murals and inventions made by locally born artist Rufus Porter, and through that, learn about the interesting life that he lived!
Most of the murals in the museum were done in homes as decorative pieces and are landscapes of the Bridgton area as well as the Portland coast. Learn on your tour about how the museum was able to acquire, take out, and transfer them here. In exciting news, the museum just opened a new wing showcasing more of Porter’s murals, being laid out as if they were in the homes where the pieces were originally located.
The Rufus Porter Museum is a fascinating way to learn about Bridgton and the greater Maine area through the art and life of a talented, ahead-of-his-time artist. So, head over and enjoy!
11-11:30 am:
Once done at the museum, stroll down Main Street and stop along the way in the locally owned shops and businesses around downtown. Some of those being: Bridgton Books, Bridgton Antiques, Good Karma Yarn, Gallery 302, Scout Home Finds, and CJ River — just to name a few!
Stepping into these locally owned shops, which showcase some of the best products that Bridgton has to offer, is a great way to get to know downtown just a little bit better. One thing about this town is that no matter where you go, you know you are getting quality and great customer service. Whether it’s Bridgton Books where each employee will have a list of great recommendations or Gallery 302 where you can admire and purchase art from local artists, you will be welcomed with open arms!
1:30 pm:
After you walk down Main Street, stop for lunch at Queen’s Head Pub for a pint and yummy food!
A great local restaurant, the food is hearty, bursting with flavor, and made with love. The staff is incredible and always extremely friendly. Try the Haddock chowder or Spinach artichoke dip to start, and the Falafel wrap or crispy chicken sandwich for your main. But at the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. Everything is delicious.
2:30-3 pm:
For a sweet to finish your lunch, walk across the way to Baked with Love. New to the area, this bakery has been well-received by the community and is full of irresistible baked goods. With homemade pop-tarts, cakes, and cookies, anything you pick up is bound to be mouthwateringly delicious! If you are in the market for dessert or baked goods, this is your place.
3:30 pm:
Depending on the time of year and what you want your afternoon to look like, you have many different activities you can do!
Do you want to take it slow and stay in the general downtown Bridgton area? Then go for a walk in Pondicherry Park. Take in the beautiful greenery that Maine has to offer. Listen closely to the sounds of birds and little woodland creatures; maybe even pick up birdwatching for the day by bringing some binoculars with you. After, go relax at the public beachfront at the base of Highland Lake to enjoy the unbeatable view.
If you are in the mood for a more intensive activity, drive over to Pleasant Mountain to take a hike on one of its many trails. It’s a great way to escape the crowds by immersing yourself in the outdoors. Not only is it a great place to hike but, if you are here in the winter, Pleasant Mountain offers incredible skiing opportunities. It truly is a must-visit while here!
Finally, if none of that catches your fancy, make a tee time at Bridgton Highlands Country Club. A beautiful course, friendly to both beginners and long-term players, it’s a fun activity for all and a wonderful, relaxing way to spend the afternoon. That is unless you are playing to win!
6:30 pm:
At the end of your chosen afternoon activity, there are many brilliant spots around town to get a great bite to eat for dinner. If you want Italian food, go to Ancora Italian Kitchen. With great pasta and pizza, it’s a relaxing spot to unwind from a busy day. The atmosphere is always spot on, and their food somehow gets better each time you go.
Equally as delicious is the Pondicherry House. This place has something for everyone, with elevated classic dishes. The staff is attentive, and the chefs put a lot of care and time into their food. Just like Bridgton, the space is small but mighty, they have built a strong sense of community and are clearly dedicated to what they do, making a tasty meal!
7:30 pm:
Finally, to end your day, walk over to Main Street Creamery for the best ice cream cone you have ever had. With a wide variety of flavors, they straddle the line between classic and unique flavors, leaving you wanting to come back. Or maybe you won’t be able to wait like us and must go back for seconds!
We hope you enjoyed this tour of places to eat, see, and do in Bridgton. If you are looking to extend your visit there are some great spots to stay, including The Noble Inn and Terry-A-While. Both offer beautiful, comfortable rooms that reflect the warm, welcoming spirit of Bridgton.
