This article is pretty cool! I basically am using this as a planner!
When I saw this article headline, I immediately thought oh this is gonna be ALL about craft brewery beer et al. Donuts! Kombucha! Asian food! Gelato!
Who the heck goes all of the way to Portland and doesn't want a steamed lobster meal? Where does any of this fit into a family or older person's itinerary? When we go down east it's not for city related frivolities found everywhere else. There is natural beauty to be absorbed and enjoyed.
Portland is not the real Maine anyhow. Sort of like Seattle or Brooklyn wannabes transported here. We've been to Maine every summer for many years and just keep on driving past Portland and all of it's cool hipness vibe.
And so far we have not missed it. Especially the traffic, crowds and costs-no thanks. You can all wander around Portland in your new L.L. Bean hiking boots and chunky sweaters and pretend you are in Maine. Leave the rest of the state more open to those of us who want the peace and quietude that exists in more pristine areas. KOMBUCHA?
Who the heck goes all of the way to Portland and doesn't want a steamed lobster meal? Where does any of this fit into a family or older person's itinerary? When we go down east it's not for city related frivolities found everywhere else. There is natural beauty to be absorbed and enjoyed.
Portland is not the real Maine anyhow. Sort of like Seattle or Brooklyn wannabes transported here. We've been to Maine every summer for many years and just keep on driving past Portland and all of it's cool hipness vibe.
And so far we have not missed it. Especially the traffic, crowds and costs-no thanks. You can all wander around Portland in your new L.L. Bean hiking boots and chunky sweaters and pretend you are in Maine. Leave the rest of the state more open to those of us who want the peace and quietude that exists in more pristine areas. KOMBUCHA?
Go the weekend after Labor Day.
Or pay the money and go Columbus Day weekend.
(That hotel rate chart is a bit misleading. When the foliage is peaking there are no where near enough rooms to go around. Rates soar.)
But the coldest I have ever been was walking up Exchange St. to see a concert at Merrill Auditorium in January.
The wind coming off the Bay cut like a knife.
Still from Mid-July to Mid-September there is no place I'd rather be than Maine.
Or pay the money and go Columbus Day weekend.
(That hotel rate chart is a bit misleading. When the foliage is peaking there are no where near enough rooms to go around. Rates soar.)
But the coldest I have ever been was walking up Exchange St. to see a concert at Merrill Auditorium in January.
The wind coming off the Bay cut like a knife.
Still from Mid-July to Mid-September there is no place I'd rather be than Maine.
2
Standard Baking, across from the ferry has some of the best breads and pastries in the US.
Best ice cream anywhere at Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream on Exchange Street. We drove 5 hours -- each way -- for Blueberry Sour Cream -- and also loved the rest of Portland as well.
1
You'll encounter quite a number of homeless men, sometimes in groups, on Fore and Commercial streets. My adult daughter took a walk there in the evening and felt a little unsafe in spots.
1
I am feeling lucky. We are bound for Portland in four days, and this falls in my lap. Wow!
1
While you're in Portland, don't miss the amazing ice cream at Catbird Creamery, just a short drive inland.
Left unsaid is the terrible lack of parking in downtown Portland. It is generally worth the agony but be prepared for a long hunt afternoons and nights all week.
1
Street parking is limited, but there are many parking garages downtown.
Agree - don't both driving down Commercial St looking for parking. Park at the Top of the Old Port lot for the day and walk. Or better yet, bring your bike.
1
The same could be said of Boston, New York City, Montreal or any city that is historic, dense and desirable to visit. Parking is not a problem in Portland, there are more than enough lots, garages and on-street spaces to go around. If parking determines your vacation destinations you better stick to Branson and Disneyland.
3
I am from Maine and their ain't nothing better then livin' in Maine. Come and visit one of the most beautiful states in the union. We maybe up north a bit and off the grid of the rest of the union but enjoy your stay! It is a beauty!
1
I live five minutes from Portland in the town of Scarborough. My favorite on-the-water place for lobster is Rising Tide Restaurant which is a part of the Pine Point Fisherman's Coop. You can watch lobstering in action feet away! If you want to go to the beach, check out Scarborough or Ferry beach, both in the old-monied Prout's Neck, home of Winslow Homer Studio. Also, there is a beautiful, easy walk at the Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary complete with free parking.
4
Celiacs take note! Bam Bam Bakery at 267 Commercial Street is unbelievable! My daughter and I loaded up on muffins, eclairs, a mini-chocolate covered coconut cheese cake, cinnamon rolls, whoppie pie, raspberry pie with a great crust! And I am only mentioning about 10% of what is there. Go to Portland just for Bam Bam
1
Also - everthing at Bam Bam is gluten-free so celiacs can enjoy as well.
$$$$$
Fun town, for sure. Try GRACE for dinner, an old church. Fabulous food, and the owner's standing up to the gun problem in this country: No concealed weapons allowed, even though apparently she's breaking Maine Law.
THAT SAID, don't think it's affordable to live in this town. This is an upper middle class haven, albeit a gorgeous, hip one one at that.
Fun town, for sure. Try GRACE for dinner, an old church. Fabulous food, and the owner's standing up to the gun problem in this country: No concealed weapons allowed, even though apparently she's breaking Maine Law.
THAT SAID, don't think it's affordable to live in this town. This is an upper middle class haven, albeit a gorgeous, hip one one at that.
4
This article did a great job promoting activities in Portland. I always enjoy reading about what to do in a city besides shop. However, where are the lodging suggestions? Not everyone has the luxury of being able to stay with their parents when they visit Portland, and the hotel and inn options in the city are ever-expanding.
These days, Portland is very well-known for their craft beer breweries, and the article barely touched on this. I'd suggest looking up the new and expanding facilities of Allagash, Bissell Brothers, Bunker, Foundation, Austin Street, Oxbow, and Rising Tide. All of these breweries can be sampled and enjoyed collectively at beer pub/restaurants such as Little Taphouse, near the Portland Museum of Art, and Great Lost Bear, known for their sizable tap and bottle list.
Our favorite restaurants in Portland turn Asian concepts around to satisfy and delight even the pickiest NY diner. We love Bao Bao Dumplings, Pai Men Miyake, and Empire Chinese.
And there IS shopping, from stocking up on my "uniforms" at South Street Linen, to picking up baby gifts at Blanche+Mimi, and an ever-growing small list of indie bookstores, soon to include PRINT: A Bookstore, on Congress Street. Knitters shouldn't forget a stop for QuinceandCo yarns at KnitWhit, also on Congress Street.
Enjoy your trip.
These days, Portland is very well-known for their craft beer breweries, and the article barely touched on this. I'd suggest looking up the new and expanding facilities of Allagash, Bissell Brothers, Bunker, Foundation, Austin Street, Oxbow, and Rising Tide. All of these breweries can be sampled and enjoyed collectively at beer pub/restaurants such as Little Taphouse, near the Portland Museum of Art, and Great Lost Bear, known for their sizable tap and bottle list.
Our favorite restaurants in Portland turn Asian concepts around to satisfy and delight even the pickiest NY diner. We love Bao Bao Dumplings, Pai Men Miyake, and Empire Chinese.
And there IS shopping, from stocking up on my "uniforms" at South Street Linen, to picking up baby gifts at Blanche+Mimi, and an ever-growing small list of indie bookstores, soon to include PRINT: A Bookstore, on Congress Street. Knitters shouldn't forget a stop for QuinceandCo yarns at KnitWhit, also on Congress Street.
Enjoy your trip.
2
+1 on the breweries. Maine is making some stellar craft beers and many are in Portland. Also try Maine Craft Distilling.
Don't forget the Portland Headlight (in Cape Elizabeth) one of the most photographed lighthouses probably on earth.
Don't forget the Portland Headlight (in Cape Elizabeth) one of the most photographed lighthouses probably on earth.
2
I was just in Portland for the first time and really, really loved it.
Like you, I enjoyed Becky's Diner too (oh those blueberry pancakes and also a good place for a reasonably-priced seafood dinner). J's Oyster, a fantastic local dive, can't be beat for fresh oysters (I'm embarrassed how many I ate). Fresh bread is amazing at Standard Baking Company to start the day.
Something else about Portland that I especially enjoyed was the friendliness of the people. Portland is a mix of the sea, fishing, warehouses and incredible restaurants which visitors wouldn't normally expect. One local told me that due to high restaurant rents in Boston and NYC, many beginning chefs instead come to Portland to start their businesses.
Like you, I enjoyed Becky's Diner too (oh those blueberry pancakes and also a good place for a reasonably-priced seafood dinner). J's Oyster, a fantastic local dive, can't be beat for fresh oysters (I'm embarrassed how many I ate). Fresh bread is amazing at Standard Baking Company to start the day.
Something else about Portland that I especially enjoyed was the friendliness of the people. Portland is a mix of the sea, fishing, warehouses and incredible restaurants which visitors wouldn't normally expect. One local told me that due to high restaurant rents in Boston and NYC, many beginning chefs instead come to Portland to start their businesses.
3
ate at J's thursday. had the dozen oysters for $21. they were the tiniest I've ever encountered. well it is not oyster season after all.
What! No mention of Nosh, the greatest sandwich eatery on the East Coast, or Standard Bakery, whose sticky buns and various breads are to die for? Stick around in Portland for another 12 hours!
2
Maine College of Art First Art Walk
Soakology Foot Sanctuary & Teahouse
International Cryptozoology Museum
Float Harder Relaxation Center
Fort Gorges
Portland Architectural Salvage
Allagash Brewing Company
D.L. Geary Brewing Company
Soakology Foot Sanctuary & Teahouse
International Cryptozoology Museum
Float Harder Relaxation Center
Fort Gorges
Portland Architectural Salvage
Allagash Brewing Company
D.L. Geary Brewing Company
2
If you have time--take a drive to Pine Point and stop at Ken's Place. It's been there since the 1920's. A classic New England clam shack with a screened-in porch, and (if memory serves) picnic tables, and the best fried haddock dinner this side of my Aunt Mary's.
1
No mention of 3 $ Deweys (?)
If you have 36 hours, you have more than enough time to take the ferry to Peaks. That is quintessential Portland.
6
One of my favorite cities. Catch a minor league baseball game (Portland Seadogs) if they're in town.
1
Red Sox farm team!
How could you forget Micucci's grocery store next to Two Fat Cats bakery? This is an amazing Italian grocery store with sicced of fresh delicious Sicilian style pizza in the back, and great prices and selection of olive oil, wines, and a deli counter for authentic meats, cheese, and olives. Check out the fresh ravioli in the refrigerator--it is the best I've found anywhere to prepare at home.
1
Portland is a nice place. But here's one egregious fact about it and about Maine. The Province of Nova Scotia has poured tens of millions of dollars over recent years (and currently) into operating the ferry out of Portland to Yarmouth. That ferry provides great economic benefit to Nova Scotia AND to Portland and Maine. Yet, the US are free-loaders in this important aspect: Portland is and could potentially remain the gateway to the Maritime Provinces.
The people of Maine should step up to the plate, and finally do the right and honorable thing, supporting the operation of this ferry. It would greatly benefit Portland's businesses, restaurants, and economy, as well as preserve Portland's status as a "destination place" and a launching point. It would help ensure the freer, easier movement of people and business activity between Maine and Nova Scotia.
The people of Maine should step up to the plate, and finally do the right and honorable thing, supporting the operation of this ferry. It would greatly benefit Portland's businesses, restaurants, and economy, as well as preserve Portland's status as a "destination place" and a launching point. It would help ensure the freer, easier movement of people and business activity between Maine and Nova Scotia.
1
The Maine coast has far more going on than Nova Scotia's. This is the primary reason Nova Scotia has been marginalized as a destination (cultural options). And if you want coastal beauty, nothing beats Acadia.
don't understand. watched that ferry go by Peaks every day. is it about to go out of business? is the service substandard?
With all due respect to the ferry: I've been in both of its destination cities this summer, it's very clear that only one of them really needs the tourism the ferry might raise. But don't just take my anecdotal report; in addition to this article about Portland, there is also a long article about Portland in Food and Wine magazine this month, and in the past couple of years it's been profiled in Bon Appetit and other national media more times than I can remember. Portland does not depend on the ferry to elevate or preserve its status as a "destination place."
4
Do not miss a walk through the West End, one of the best preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the country! Mwah, see you here!
Brooklyn East (if not for all the Red Sox fans).
6
Don't miss the sushi at Yosaku on Danforth Street! Their deck is a great place to enjoy a beautiful day in Portland. Afterwards have the best gelato in town with a quick stroll down Fore Street to Gorgeous Gelato!
5
I recommend also checking out South Portland, its more of a residential neighborhood, but has some nice water access and a very nice vibe. There is an excellent bakery called Scratch Bakery that has great snacks for breakfast or lunch. Grab some goodies and then walk on over to Willard beach nearby for a nice picnic.
9