It’s finals time and that inevitably means a few things: sweatpants become acceptable, coffee is your best friend, and the library gets really, really busy. Suddenly, it is necessary to stake out a spot; you cannot stroll into HL assuming a table awaits you– you have to fight for it. Rather than face competition over a comfy chair or a study room, why not venture off campus (yes, a full ten minute walk away) to one of Brunswick’s adorable cafes? A major plus, they can supply both caffeine and snacks.
This weekend I woke up dreading a ten-page research paper that I vowed to finish Saturday (ambitious, I admit) yet the prospect of sitting in the union all day, where I already spend a large chunk of time, was grim. That is, given that I could secure one of the couches behind the café, which have become more and more desirable it seems, much to my dismay. As I set off in dread of what promised to be a static day, I decided to turn right instead of left and head towards town.
I’ve heard about Little Dog Coffee Shop and decided to make the trek down Maine Street to see what the hype is about. It was quite busy (not unexpected for a Saturday morning) and I was hard-pressed to find a spot but a table freed up and I settled in. I would have liked to sit at the couch by the window and bask in the sunlight, but I was content with my table. Little Dog offers bagels, wraps, pastries, and smoothies galore. Hungry as always, I ordered the California breakfast sandwich: avocado, tomato and cream cheese on a bagel. It was the perfect hybrid of breakfast and lunch and complimented by an iced coffee. Though busy, the atmosphere of Little Dog was adorable and the food was delicious.
Mid-day, I wanted to keep doing work in town and, fearing my spot had surely been taken after leaving Little Dog to run an errand, I decided to go somewhere different. Upon the suggestion of my roommate, a green tea addict, we went to the Bohemian Coffee House (between Domino’s and Hannaford). The atmosphere was not quite as cute as Little Dog, and the food offerings were limited to pastries and Gelato, but it was relatively empty and I had my pick of seats. Bohemian even has a separate room of couches, which is sheltered from the rest of the café and quite cozy.
I write this as I sit in Wild Oats Bakery & Café that has a generous seating area with a lot of outlets, always a plus. I have managed to avoid buying a pastry up until now, but I foresee an impending lapse in willpower. Wild Oats has all the baked goods you can imagine, an entire counter of soups, an oatmeal bar, prepared foods—everything you could want plus caffeine. I can’t get my internet to work which I’m thinking is a blessing in disguise since I am forced to write and not peruse Stumble Upon.
The major limitation of the coffee shops and cafés are limited hours. Needing an after dinner study spot, I went to Gelato Fiasco (open 11-11 7 days a week!). Thinking gelato was their focus and thus not expecting too many other options, I was pleasantly surprised to see the wide offering of coffee and tea beverages. Gelato Fiasco grinds and brews each cup of coffee to order, ensuring a fresh and delicious dose of caffeine every time.
It is surprising how nice it is to have a change of scenery, especially at this high-stress time. I urge everyone to make the treacherous walk all the way into town. You’ll find treats, coffee, internet and most importantly, a new setting. We spend so much time in our usual study spot, but I find that I’m considerably more productive in a different environment. If you find yourself getting stir crazy (reading period is longer than it sounds when you’re trapped studying!), get off campus and try out the different study spots Brunswick has to offer.
Photo credit:
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/21/a4/3e/their-dessert…
http://www.greatstateofmaineairshow.us/images/445_Little_Dog_Brunswick.JPG
http://www.gelatofiasco.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/store-interior.jpg