Portland is the city I’ve always wanted to visit. From a distance, it appears to be the small city with a metropolitan vibe. To finally visit up close, it was exactly that. First off, they are serious about their food. Bon Appetit magazine named the city the “Foodiest small town in America” with about 389 restaurants. One local even mentioned that if any of the restaurants had a rating less than 4 stars, it would be closed by the next year. Also, their downtown is home to a vivacious art scene with a mix of galleries and an art museum featuring local artist. On top of that, they are the most friendly people I’ve ever met.
If you’re planning to visit there, take a chance to include some of these unforgettable places on your itinerary.
Hour 3 Cellardoor
Gorgeous decor? Check. Friendly staff? Check $8 Wine pairings? Uh Yes, check! This beautiful, spacious place is a great spot to wine down and sip Maine-based wine with your girlfriends or your date. They also host various events throughout the year. Check out the next events on their website.
Hour 5 Watch the Sunset by Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse at Casco Bay
Definitely get your life by watching the sunrise or set by one of the lighthouses. We were lucky to not only see the famous lighthouse, but to watch the sunset after a cloudy, rainy day.
Hour 7 Bramhall
One of the first speakeasies we went to grab a drink and a quick bite. If you want to feel like you’re in a medieval church surrounded by melted sculpture candle wax, this is the place to go.
Hour 19 The Holy Donut
Holy Donut! These moist and fluffy donuts are amazing and to think it’s a comfort, slightly healthier option than regular donuts. Made with Maine’s potatoes, these treats are usually sold out before lunchtime. They have many sweet flavors to choose and also a savory Cheddar bacon donut flavor. Plan to arrive earlier for more options.
Hour 20 Shops in Old Port
For the next three hours, we tried to visit every shops in Portland. The bad news, we failed. The good news is that they have plenty of shops to visit and they’re mostly nearby each other. From locally owned to a few national chains you will not be bored.
Hour 23 Eventide
This place was highly recommended by many locals and tourists. In fact it’s so good there’s usually a waiting line for a waiting line. That’s possibly because not only is the restaurant is small, but the food is yummy. Speaking of small, the portions were on the smaller side as well. Whatever you order, add the brown butter lobster roll. You’ll thank me later.
Hour 27 Port City Blues
At first, we came here just to stay warm indoors before heading to our next destination. But once we found there was no cover charge, live performances and quality drinks at a low price, we hit the jackpot at Port City Blues. Just to note, they highly encourage you to donate to the live performers. The host will pass around a basket around the middle of the performance. Check their website to see upcoming performances.
Hour 29 Lincolns
Our scavenger hunt to find this venue was fun. Had we not asked a couple of locals where this place was, we would’ve never found it. But once you’ll find it, just know that everything is $5. The cover charge $5, Drinks, $5 even their one food item, Chili Mac, is also $5.
Hour 41 Becky’s Diner
Located on the Portland Waterfront, this famous diner was our last restaurant stop. For breakfast, we ordered the Lobster roll, clam cakes and fresh fruit. For an inexpensive price, we thought the portions would be small. Boy were we mistaken. The lobster roll was very filling with large, plenty chunks of lobster and was delicious.
Hour 42 Eastern Promenade
“Eastern Prom” was great place to walk, right after our large breakfast. The 2.1 mile trail follows the water’s edge. Where out you can view the many islands nearby. Which by the way you can take a ferry to visit the many islands. If you have a chance, it’s highly recommended to go to Peak’s Island.
Hour 49 Airport
Goodbye Portland!
These were our highlights of the trip. Of course we wanted to do more, but the cold weather prevented us. Whether you can visit all of these places, more or less, I truly believe you will not be disappointed. Despite for us traveling around off season, in early April, we still had the best time.
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