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Portland Maine: Lobsters and Lighthouses
I recently visited Portland Maine,
ABOUT PORTLAND, MAINE
At the southern edge of Maine, Portland is the perfect introduction to all the state has to offer. Okay, true, Portland is about an hour away from the border of Maine and New Hampshire, but it is the largest city by population in the state of Maine. That being said, it’s still a small town by many standards at roughly 67,000 residents.
Portland is not just a part of the greater outdoors nature of Maine. It’s artistic, multi-cultural, and exquisitely culinarily diverse. With such a mix of nature and foodie finds, it would be easy to spend more than 24 hours in Portland, but here’s how to get the best taste.
The Tantalizing Donut Flavors at Holy Donut
HOLY DONUT
Start your day at Holy Donut on Exchange Street. This popular donut shop creates a variety of flavors the way only Mainers could, with potato donuts. If you’ve never had a potato donut, it’s not what you think. Surprisingly lighter than a flour donut, Holy Donut uses fresh Maine potatoes that keep the donuts moist. I should know, I took home a box of six to the hotel and I’d like to say they lasted a long time. In truth, I think I ate 3 in one day!
Flavors change daily and the shop closes when the last donut is sold, so plan to go early!
Tonya 1, Lobster 0
GET A LUCKY CATCH
One of the best and most unique things to do in Portland Maine is Lucky Catch Cruises.
Just a short walk to the Long Wharf pier from Holy Donut, Lucky Catch Cruises offers lobstering excursions daily from May through October.
Take the 10:30 Portland Headlight cruise and you’ll get sea view of Portland’s iconic Headlight lighthouse (one of the most photographed in the world.)
The highlight, however, is catching lobsters. Maine is very strict in their lobstering laws, and you’ll learn the right length and what you need to do to become a lobsterman.
After your cruise, take your lobster right next door to the Portland Lobster Company to get it steamed and served for lunch. Or order from their full menu. This dock-side bar will not disappoint.
GREATER PORTLAND LANDMARKS
By now you may need to walk off lunch a bit and a great way to do that is a self-guided or hosted walking tour through Greater Portland Landmarks.
The city is full of history, as it was once one of the top ports in the Northeast. And since the city is easily walkable, you can see a lot in just a short amount of time.
MAINE BREW BUS
Well after lunch is the perfect time to hop on board the Maine Brew Bus. Easily one of my favorite tours in Portland, the Maine Brew Bus starts as early as 10 am on Saturdays, with “last call” at around 5 pm most nights of the week.
While most of the tours are focused on beer, Maine is one of the largest craft beer states in the country, you can also enjoy wine and spirits on some of the tours. Try the Fermented Friday with a visit to one brewery, one winery, and one distillery.
Additionally, your guide provides sightseeing and history in between stops.
MAINE FOODIE TOURS
If beer and wine aren’t your things, Maine Foodie Tours offers a variety of Portland walking culinary tours. Choose from street food, lobster crawls, and more.
PORTLAND HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
After a fun foodie or brew tour, a trip to Portland Head Lighthouse (via Uber or Lyft if you’ve been drinking) may time you right at sunset. Even if it’s still a little early, late afternoon is a lovely time to walk the nearby seaside cliff walking paths to work off some everything you’ve had to eat!
The lighthouse is both iconic in looks as well as historical significance, dating it back to 1791 as a commission from George Washington. It is Maine’s oldest lighthouse and sits in a 90-acre park. Plan to spend an hour here walking the trails, photographing the lighthouse, and exploring the museum.
DINNER
Portland is an epicurean haven of epic proportions. In fact, it has the most restaurants per capita than any other location in the US. I don’t know how it’s possible to narrow it down to one place but some popular favorites include Duck Fat, DiCamillo’s on the Water, Otto Pizza, Portland Lobster Company, Pom’s Thai, Becky’s Diner.
SHOWS
After dinner, head out for some quality entertainment. Portland boasts a wide variety of theater, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Portland Ballet, and comedy shows.
AFTER HOURS COCKTAILS
Your evening can continue with after-hours cocktails at a variety of places.
Dimillo’s on the Water is a docked “boat” with magnificent views of the Portland Harbor. Get a second bite to eat or just grab a table for drinks and dessert.
Portland was once an ardent protester against prohibition. Thus, a speakeasy is a perfect way to cap the evening with drinks… if you can find it. Search for Lincoln’s where everything will cost you just a Lincoln (a $5 bill.) It’s a hidden gem.
PORTLAND MAINE HOTELS
Finally, you need a place to rest your head for the evening. Portland has a great mix of luxury, budget and a few unique places in between. Contact us and we would be happy to find you the accommodations that match what you are looking for.
Want to Book a trip to Portland, Maine or elsewhere in Charming New England? Please contact us.
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