Not Too Cold To Toodle

(Snow piles near the chicken coop at Blueberry Woods.)

What to Do in February: Brunswick, Maine

Coastal Maine is always the perfect destination for a girls’ weekend—and no shame here, I’m absolutely nailing it test trying everything for you! Yes, summer is the epitome (obviously), and I might gently dissuade you from April and early May, but winter? Winter is the hidden runaway gem.

Since Prelude in Kennebunk is already a sweet memory by February, I recommend a full-day stroll in Brunswick from one end to the other. With the right gloves and your favorite scarf, the chill is completely manageable—and honestly, popping in and out of storefronts while smiling, laughing, and catching up is the fastest way to stoke that internal fire.

My BFF and I hit Brunswick on a balmy 12-degree day last week (hardy, I know), and here’s how I recommend doing it.

Start near the outdoor ice skating rink on the town square. (I mean—how charming is it to say, “Let’s start by the outdoor ice skating rink”?) From there, head straight to Art Mix.

Do not discount this spot if you don’t consider yourself an artist. Art Mix is the perfect blend of charm, ooooh-ahhh nostalgia, remember when, and oh my goodness, this is so cute. It’s the kind of store that invites you to linger, poke around, and smile at things you forgot you loved.

And if you are an artist at heart? Well… treat yourself. You deserve it. Move down Main Street toward Fort Andross with the ultimate goal of landing at Baked on Maine for lunch. (A worthy goal, always.) We started by popping into Reverie to warm our glove-hands with coffee before hitting the storefronts. There are a handful of great coffee options along the way, but for me it’s all about vibe and charm—and Reverie delivers both. We love lingering in the little bookstores and home shops, and soaking up the energy at Morning Glory Natural Foods.

Summer Lovin’ Williams on Display at UMVA juried show at the Curtis Memorial Library, February 2026

But here’s the big new February addition: veer off onto the side street and step into the Curtis Memorial Library.

It’s impressive in scale yet still beckoning in that quiet, welcoming way a library should. Take a moment. Take it in. And while you’re there, take in some art. The UMVA is hosting a juried art show throughout February—and I’m thrilled (and honestly honored) to share that I was accepted. Williams is on display among fellow UMVA artists, which feels both surreal and deeply gratifying.

Which raises an important question: do we finish that coffee before entering the gallery? Or do we simply call this an overnighter and give ourselves two full days? Because truly, there is so much toodling to be had.

Please give me a shout out when you browse the art show - or better yet - send me a selfie next to Williams when you visit! Then, next summer, we can kayak out to the island in person.

ABOUT THE UMVA SHOW

“I was impressed with the quality and variety of the work submitted. Many of the artists submitted two or three works for consideration. How did I choose pieces when I felt all of an artist’s works were worthy? Not always an easy decision. It came down to this: which of the pieces held my attention the longest… subject, form, color, composition… something in the piece spoke to me and thus was selected. Thank you all for your fine work and I hope you enjoy your fellow artists’ creations.”

—David Brooks, juror

Participating artists:

Charlotte Agell Riding the Wave
Lori Austill  She Reached for the Stars #1
Steve Bradford Basilica
David Brooks Post & Lintel
Robin Brooks Tidal Pulse, Birch Harbor
Tom Brudzinski CMBG Bits
Kate Buehner Jaimie’s Pond
Barbara Burns Madeline
Caroline de Mauriac We’re in Here
Betsey Feeley Coupled
Robert Gibson Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-changes
David Griffin Pines-1
Kimberley Harding Salt Marsh
Jay Helfrich Dangerous Moonlight
Nina Jerome Gravity
Jaeohk Keenan Blueberry Barren, Appleton Ridge
Jonathan Luoma Baxter State Park in Winter
Lesley Macvane Greater Than Fear
Kristi Marsh Summer Lovin’: Williams
Nancy Marstaller Spring Is Hungry
Bridget McAlonan Making Spaces for Spiders
James McCarthy John and G-Boy, Friday Night Fish Fry, Oistins
Shanna McNair Dress Up
Avrohm Melnick Not Guilty
Jennifer Merz Seagull
C E Morse Old Town #19
Mark Nelsen Into the Woods 1
Arthur Nichols Goose Alchemy
Donald Patten Blue Mushroom, Orange Mushroom
Stephen Petroff Dawn Entering the Ravine
Robert Robbins When Birds Fly
Daryne Rockett Rincon
Peter Simmons #7050
Joanne Tarlin Standing Together
John Tiedje Snow Shadow
Andrea van Voorst van Beest Cows in Snow and Fog
Jan Pieter van Voorst van Beest Athena and Hephaestus
David Wade High Heart
Sandy Willcox Seaweed #3