Location: South Berwick
Top Things to do in South Berwick
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10 Things to Do in South Berwick That You Shouldn't Miss
South Berwick is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 7,220 at the 2010 census. South Berwick is home to Berwick Academy, a private, co-educational university-preparatory day school founded in 1791.
Restaurants in South Berwick
1. Hamilton House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Shipping merchant Jonathan Hamilton built this striking Georgian mansion c. 1785. Its picturesque situation on a bluff overlooking the Salmon Falls River made it an ideal location for Hamilton’s shipping business and, more than a hundred years later, for the summer retreat of Emily Tyson and her stepdaughter Elise.Today, Hamilton House reflects the occupancy of the Tysons in the early twentieth century and is recognized as one of the region's quintessential Colonial Revival-style country estates. The house features two whimsical murals commissioned by the women as well as antique furnishings and handcrafted decorative arts they collected. The elaborate perennial garden, with its charming garden cottage, provides visitors with a place to stroll and picnic overlooking the river. Please visit nearby Jackson House, Governor John Langdon House, Rundlet-May House, Sarah Orne Jewett House, and the Sayward-Wheeler House.
Reviewed By eminker - New York, New York, United States
Our visit to Hamilton House was part of a larger venue visiting Historic New England properties in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. All in All, a great adventure touring some of the grandest and most significant properties detailing New England's glorious past.
Hamilton House is a 1780's Georgian mansion built on a bluff overlooking the Salmon Falls River. The rooms are beautifully architectural masterpieces and representative of this period for those from an affluent nature. the attached grounds themselves are even more spectacular and you can spend many hours just wandering the grounds enjoying the gardens and river front. For me, the fireplaces in the Hamilton are just magnificent as well as the lovely garden/fountain.
The two young ladies who were manning the properly were wonderful docents and quiet knowledgeable re: the property and the family histories associated with the property. There is a tie in with the Sarah Orne Jewett House in South Berwick regarding her association with The Tyson family and its purchase of the house.If you visit the Hamilton House (and you must!), the Sarah Orne Jewett house should also be on the agenda as well. Both properties as well as many more are part of Historic New England and are very worth touring/supporting.
Make sure you call to get current schedule as we were told by others that Hamilton House was closed but when we called, we were told its open for tours by Historic New England.
2. North Country Hard Cider
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By handyru
Bitter brothers and cranbarrel were our favorites for the newer flavors. Berry Brett was like drinking wine and we couldn't taste the berries. The bitter brothers bourbon barrel was just ok. We always buy growlers of original press and honey badger. This time we also got a growler of bitter brothers
3. Children's Museum of New Hampshire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
The Children's Museum of New Hampshire invites families to explore amazing creative exhibits that make learning fun. Discover dinosaurs, submarine, aerodynamics, brain waves, music, art, nature and more. Special area for babies and toddlers upstairs. Riverfront setting with playground, benches and picnic tables. Open year round with special events, classes, performances and workshops. Fall/Winter/Spring Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. Summer Hours (mid-June - Labor Day): Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm.
Reviewed By Gail M
We were planning a trip to Boston's children museum. We then figured that our three-year-old might do better at a smaller and closer venue for her first museum trip. This is not a small museum. We were all thoroughly entertained with so many exhibits for younger children. It was a rainy day, so it was a bit crowded. We plan on coming back soon when it might be less crowded. Fun day!
4. Hackmatack Playhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Matt R - Nottingham, New Hampshire, United States
We are frequent visitors here and thought it 'bout time' to let people know about this little gem.
Located in a rural country setting lies the Hackmatack Playhouse. You'll enjoy the quaint layout of the barn, concessions, and seating. We saw 'Once Upon a Mattress'.
You won't find air conditioning here, but are always offered a Hackmafan to cool down with. They have a very low carbon footprint here, so greenies will love it. We have yet to have an issue in the heat area.
Grab a snack at intermission, you'll love the entire experience.
Peace, Matt
5. Hilltop Fun Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
4 Go Kart Tracks, 18 Hole Mini Golf, 5000 sq foot Laser Tag, Batting Cages, Driving Range, 50+ Arcade, Rock Wall, Bungee Jumpers. Groups and Fully Catered Corporate Events. Birthday Parties
Reviewed By GEOFFREY A - Miami, Florida, USA
If you have kids and time to spare (or make time) and are in Somersworth, Dover or driving on I-14 in the area do try this out.
We took took our grand children 13 & 10 on Spring Break in Boston (but not in NH) and so had lots of room and even more fun for four plus hours.
We bought the Golf-Laser-Go karts Pass and they could exit one end and re-enter at the other (Go-Karts). There were always a few others so they had some competition.
All the equipment was in good shape and the mini golf course well laid out and challenging as well.
They have the 'gambler' games as well, but we avoided them, the kids eyes focused on better entertainment. Good choice of food and not over-priced
6. When Pigs Fly Company Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
When Pigs Fly is an all natural bread bakery featuring over 25 flavors of breads baked fresh each day. We also bake Bavarian pretzels, a variety of cookies and we are making fresh donuts on weekends. We sell olive oils, Vinegars , jams , artisanal butter and other items that accompany bread. Come in and check out our sampling table where you can sample all of our breads
Reviewed By Noreen M - Poughkeepsie, New York
We go to this bakery every time we are in the area 2-3 times a year. Everything is always spectacular! And delicious! They seem to have seasonal items as well as regular items we can get all the time. I am always amazed at how well their staff knows the products and ingredients. There is usually a line to get your bread sliced, but that makes it easier to snack on during the ride home. Some of their breads are so good, they make wonderful desserts. There is a pizza restaurant next door, but we have never been in.
7. Marginal Way
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
A scenic 1.5 mile oceanside cliffwalk.
Reviewed By dialam - Ct
The Marginal way is a great place to walk. The view is fantastic. Also you can see most of the places to stay on the water front. See the privet homes as well (It must be nice for some people). There are places to sit along the Way. Or walk onto the rocks for a closer look at the water. There are some walk ways down to the beach. Just make sure you bring your walking shoes. A must walk and see.
8. Vaughan Woods State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Self-guided nature trails and guided historical home and garden tours are offered at this 250-acre memorial park in southern Maine.
Reviewed By CanCookTonight - Maine/New York
We were almost the only ones in the woods except for a woman, her baby, and a dog. They did not disturb the tranquility of the woods. The trails were pretty easy except for the tree roots in some spots. On the ground, there were pieces of tree that we could use as walking sticks. We parked at the Hamilton House and the kind women there gave us directions to the trails. There is a clean restroom at the Hamilton House you can use. We didn't see a bird or a bug on the trails. The river was always to our right. There were benches were you could sit and just look at the water. It made for a lovely afternoon with the trees as our canopy.
9. Woodman Institute Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Museum campus has four buildings, featuring natural scince,local history,decorative arts, and contemporary art. Considered NH,s most eclectic museum. Yankee magazine award for best small museum in New England. Founded in 1916.
Reviewed By James V
The Woodman Museum is a gem with a surprising array of fine exhibits. Examples include the last saddle President Lincoln rode, fascinating history of world-famous Cochecho prints, and the story of John Wilkes Booth's fiance at the time of his crime. The Garrison House dates from the early 1600s and is worth the visit for that alon.
10. Wiggly Bridge and Steedman Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By FamilyGuy02184 - Braintree, MA
We went to the Wiggly Bridge for something to do other than the beach. It is a short walk to the bridge, and the Steedman woods walk is beautiful. Great little hike for a family or couples.
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