by Carmen Hilton | Apr 29, 2025 | Emerging Projects
Written by Carmen Hilton, Program Manager
Brunswick has ALL the Ingredients
I was recently asked by a reporter why I wanted to work in Brunswick and why I thought it was so special. It made me think of my interview process with the City. I used the story about Stone Soup in my interview presentation. It reminded me of Brunswick Stew. Do you know it? There are lots of iterations.
However, the fictional story I am referencing is about soldiers that have traveled a long distance and have come upon what appeared to be a deserted small town. They were so tired and so hungry that they could go no further and set up their camp in the middle of the town. Unfortunately, they had nothing to eat so they set their pot with water in it on the campfire and added rocks to it. What they didn’t know was that the town people were peeking out at them from the closed curtains of their homes. No one had much to eat in the town, but one person felt so bad for the tired soldiers she brought out a carrot to them. They were grateful and put it in the pot. From that point on others came out and put more ingredients in – potatoes, onions, greens, etc. By the time the last town person gave a piece of food from their depleted pantry, the stew smelled amazing. The soup was created in the same way Brunswick Stew originated—during times of scarcity, with a variety of ingredients tossed into the pot!”
It is the PERFECT tale to talk about this wonderful community. Brunswick has the Potomac River, C&O Canal Towpath, and rolling hills. Its location is incredible with borders on Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington County. The train comes through the downtown and a major highway is on it’s doorstep. With all these incredible “ingredients” I knew I wanted to do my part to help put it all together. Since 2020, the number of people using Brunswick’s natural resources has grown immensely. People biking, running, and walking the towpath, mountain biking the River’s Edge Trail, starting their hiking journey on the Appalachian trail, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in the Potomac are a common site in this city.
And in the last 4 ½ years the downtown has blossomed with new stores, restaurants, personal service businesses and places to live. As the soldiers in the story found nourishment and hope through the generosity of the townspeople, Brunswick has thrived through the collective efforts of its community. Each new business, each visitor, and each resident adds their own unique ingredient to our vibrant town. Together, we have created a place where nature, history, and modern life blend seamlessly. We invite you to be a part of our story. Come explore Brunswick, where every path leads to discovery, every smile welcomes you, and every moment is an opportunity to contribute to our shared journey. Whether you’re here for a day or a lifetime, we can’t wait for you to experience all that Brunswick has to offer.
by Carmen Hilton | Feb 7, 2025 | Emerging Projects
Brunswick Main Street made significant strides in 2024, revitalizing downtown through key partnerships, business growth, and strategic investments. The Blighted Building Program and the Building Blocks Program were instrumental in the redevelopment of the Newberry and Kaplon buildings. A record SIX new businesses opened, adding to the area’s vibrancy. The YIFTEE Gift Card program injected over $96,500 into the local economy.
Brunswick Main Street EOY ’24 Report.
by Carmen Hilton | Jan 6, 2025 | Emerging Projects
Start 2025 with fresh, local goodness at the Brunswick Pop-Up! Market. Held on the second Friday of each month from December 2024 through March 2025 from 4 to 7 PM in the historic Kaplon Building (102 W. Potomac Street), this winter market brings seasonal delights and community spirit to downtown Brunswick.
The venue’s proximity to Beans in the Belfry, The Corner Store, and Brunswick’s other vibrant Main Street businesses and restaurants, makes it a perfect destination for an evening of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
2024-2025 Pop-Up! Dates
- December 13, 2024, 4-7pm
- January 10, 2025, 4-7pm
- February 14, 2025, 4-7pm
- March 14, 2025, 4-7pm
Pop-Up! Highlights
- Fresh Squeezed Please: Warm up or cool down with made-to-order beverages, including their nearly famous flavored lemonades. Whether you prefer hot or cold, their drinks are a perfect addition to your shopping experience.
- Stefania Olive Oil: Imported directly from their family farm in Greece, Stefania Olive Oil offers premium olives and oils, bringing authentic Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen.
What to Expect
The market features a wide range of high-quality, locally produced goods, including:
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Local honey and farm-fresh eggs
- Sourdough and other baked goods
- Culinary mushrooms and smoked nuts
- Handmade jewelry and indoor plants
The Brunswick Pop-Up! Market ensures access to fresh, seasonal foods even during the colder months. Most vendors accept card payments, and free parking is available throughout downtown Brunswick. An ATM is conveniently located next to City Hall on South Maple Avenue.
More About the Brunswick Pop-Up! Market
This winter market is a continuation of the Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market, which is sponsored by Brunswick Main Street and Mid-Maryland Farm Market, showcasing vendors who participated in the 2024 outdoor farmers market season. The indoor market will run through March before returning to the Martin’s Creek Municipal Parking Lot for the outdoor season in April 2025.
Vendor applications for the 2025 outdoor season will open on February 1, 2025, via the market’s website, bmsfarmersmarket.com.
by Carmen Hilton | Dec 18, 2024 | Emerging Projects
We’ve all been there: scrambling for the perfect gift at the last minute. Whether you’re short on time or just want something versatile, a Buy Local, Buy Brunswick digital gift card is the perfect solution! Not only does it make for a thoughtful present, but it’s also a great way to support the small businesses that make our town special.
A Buy Local, Buy Brunswick card is more than just a convenient choice; it gives your loved ones the freedom to choose exactly what they want from any of 16 participating downtown Brunswick businesses. No need to guess sizes or preferences; a gift card offers the perfect solution every time!
Plus, by choosing a Buy Local, Buy Brunswick gift card, you’re investing in our community. It’s a win-win!
Update on Holiday Bonus Gift Card Offer
We’re thrilled to share that our 2024 Small Business Saturday Yiftee Gift Card Bonus Offer was a resounding success — we sold out in 72 hours! Thank you to everyone who participated and also to the Taft-Mills Group, builders of the Residences at Railroad Square, for providing the matching funds.
by Carmen Hilton | Nov 27, 2024 | Emerging Projects
Brunswick Main Street is thrilled to announce a special buy-one-get-one free promotion of the Buy Local, Buy Brunswick and Meet Me on Main Street digital gift cards in honor of Shop Small Saturday.
Beginning at 12:01am on Sat. Nov. 30th, 2024, you can purchase up to two Buy Local, Buy Brunswick or Meet Me on Main Street gift cards valued from $20-$100 and get matching gift cards FREE.
Bonus matching funds for the Buy Local, Buy Brunswick card have been generously provided by the Taft-Mills Group (builders of the Residences at Railroad Square) and Brunswick Main Street.
The Buy Local, Buy Brunswick card is accepted at 16 downtown Brunswick businesses. The Meet Me on Main Street card is accepted at participating businesses in the following Main Street communities: Brunswick, Middletown, New Market, and Thurmont.
Act quickly! Bonus cards are only available until matching funds run out.
by Carmen Hilton | Aug 26, 2024 | Emerging Projects
Written by Carmen Hilton, Program Manager
The Efforts of Many
In June of this year, I led a tour of downtown Brunswick, which was attended by over 40 people. I was thrilled by the turnout! The tour lasted 1.5 hours and was packed full of information. By the end, I was a bit hoarse but incredibly excited to share all the projects. I surprised myself when speaking about the sheer number of hands working together and the incredible amount of effort being put into making all of this happen. Here are the spots we covered: (more…)