Wash U is known for its good food and the city of St. Louis offers more than Brunswick does. That said, I would ask in the Bowdoin forum, or simply google “top restaurants in Brunswick, ME” and check out what the town offers.
Off the top of my head:
- St. Louis will have better ribs. It is also known for pizza, but good pizza can be found in many environs.
- Brunswick will have fresh lobster, lobster rolls, seafood in general. I’m not much of a fan of seafood, but I loved the lobster rolls in Maine. It’s like a lighter/flakier, richer version of chicken salad.
Brunswick actually has a fairly hip food scene for the location. Something like 40 restaurants and there was an Asian fusion one as well. Portland has it all too
Let’s just say that St. Louis pizza is an acquired taste. I’m not a fan of processed cheese on my pizza.
Brunswick has much more than lobster. Good dining scene. Portland is relatively easy to get to and has amazing eats. The food scene in Maine is pretty good. Lots of focus on local, farm raised ingredients and locally owned restaurants. Music scene in Portland is good as well with a couple great venues.
BTW I don’t remember if I’ve mentioned but I was named a faculty scholar at Bowdoin. Are the opportunities/doors this could open worth letting go of for a seemingly better social fit?
My DD was also named a faculty scholar and will not be interested in the hookup/party culture. She is very bright like you and wants to make good friends, maybe be in the chamber choir and enjoy all that Bowdoin offers. Please know there will be students who will also be seeking alternatives to the hookup culture. She does loves the town of Brunswick though, especially the gelato place. Good luck with your decision! Hope to see you there!
@Twinsdad499 I wasn’t able to connect well (or as well) with my Bowdoin peers online, so it’s really refreshing to hear that there’s somewhere out there like myself! I definitely do value meaningful friendships above everything (social-wise), and I’m glad to know that this feeling will be reciprocated.
Do you have any info regarding the faculty scholars program besides the stipend? That’s really all I know about it from reading their website and the letter that came with my acceptance.
Not much more than it’s a one time grant to be used toward Study Away or internship anytime during her 4 years at Bowdoin.
@privatebanker @Twinsdad499 I ended up committing to Bowdoin!! Talked to a lot of people from Bowdoin (realized that I did proportionately more of this with WashU than Bowdoin which made me less certain about the latter in the beginning) and realized that it’s a great fit for me. WashU was hard to let go of too though, don’t get me wrong. I’m still waiting on chicago but at this point I’m not going to hold my breath, and am very happy with my choice 
thanks all for the help!