Thornton Oaks Residents Speak

Pat Brown

Former Bon Appetit editor, Pat Brown, may miss New York, but living at Thornton Oaks affords her plenty of cultural opportunities. “If you’re looking for interesting things to do, you don’t have to look very far here,” says Pat. “You can audit classes at Bowdoin College; attend the Portland Symphony; Portland Stage; the Bowdoin International Music Festival—students and faculty give Friday afternoon concerts at Thornton Oaks. It’s a nice little perk.”

Pat and her husband, John, also enjoy their proximity to world class restaurants, which includes the dining room at Thornton Oaks. Pat was impressed by the flexibility of our staff when a miscommunication left Portland String Quartet musicians and concert-goers without a venue. “A last-minute call was placed to Thornton Oaks and they were more than accommodating. The concert was held in our multi-purpose room. John Vickery, the director of dining services, asked if there would be an intermission and informed us that we would have refreshments. The food was fabulous, as always.”

Pat has good things to say about the wait staff too. “They’re all local high school students; getting to know them adds a dimension to our lives that we really enjoy.”

A world away from Manhattan, Pat and her husband are happy in their new home. “We set out to find somewhere with an authentic sense of place. We’ve found it at Thornton Oaks. It’s a very vibrant community, and we feel right at home.”