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Has Anyone Visited Portland, ME?
What can you tell me about it? What should I see and do there?
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Re: Has Anyone Visited Portland, ME?
H was there on TDY a couple of weeks ago.
All I know about it is that it is really pretty. Apparently a lot of guys in H's squad want to retire there it's so nice. (I guess. I've never been there myself.)
He sent me pics of some pretty forests though. So I am sure hiking and canoeing are possible.
A quick google search led me to this site. Can't get any more legit than Yankee Magazine.(Lol) http://www.yankeemagazine.com/topfive/topfivetravel/top-5-restaurants-portland-me/all
And because I am posting in Safari, I can't make it clicky.
I've been there a couple times, although never for very long. I've basically just flown into the airport and then driven north. My grandparents have a condo in Booth Bay, so I know more about that region.
Basically, what I remember from the one time I spent any time in Portland was that we stopped at the LL Bean store along the way.
Maine really is beautiful in the summer.
I think Anthony Bourdain (or maybe Andrew Zimmern) did a show there if you want to pick up food tips.
Shipyard Brewery
Seadog Brewery
There's a big boat/ship that they turned into a restaurant downtown that's really yummy (sorry, the name escapes me).
Portland Head Light lighthouse
Pretty much anything downtown is absolutely adorable. It's such a sweet city. Shopping is alright. It's a big deal to people from Maine, but the mall is nothing special.
LL Bean is a must!
ETA: Also, if you go to the Local Maine Nesties board they're SO super friendly and helpful. Most of them that post there are from that area and would give you a lot of great info.
When are you going??
We went about 5 years ago and rented a big house on the water, in I think Harpswell. However I straight just had to stare at a map for 5 minutes trying to think of what island we stayed on. We had a lot of fun but didn't do too much around because we spent a lot of time hanging out at the house and on the water.
But I do remember that we went to the Freeport Outlets and they had a Dooney & Burkey outlet store. At the time I thought it was greatest thing ever because I had never seen a D&B outlet. And the outlet mall had a really nice setup.
That's about all I've got though, sorry.
Me! It's a little ways up the road from me. Although I'll probably have moved away before you get here.
Sorry I don't have any recommendations, I've never been up there cause I always go south to Boston when I go out of town. Although I've heard some people like to go to Kennebunkport, ME to oggle the Bush compound from afar. If you're into that sort of thing.
And find somewhere to go buy a lobster roll and a cup of chowder.
Ooh, I did these too and definitely second those recs.
I would most likely agree with you. My friends' parents went to see it. The highlight of their day was getting to see Bush Sr. driving around in a gold cart and secret service patrolling the water in their little boat.
Exciting, I know. But to each their own.
We may be going the last weekend of the month. T has to go up to his employer's Lewiston offices and I was thinking of tagging along on the last work day and stretching it out into a long weekend for his birthday. So, Ameristella I may be able to hunt you down!
I've thought about Kennebunkport. I have a super close tie in with the Bush family and I'm tempted to call said tie to see if we could get a private tour.
Thanks for all the recommendations...it's much easier to plan a trip based on recommendations than just looking on the tourism website which is what I was doing last night.
Lets try this again.
I live about 3 minutes from Portland.
First off, plan for all types of weather. The rule of thumb around here is if you don't like the weather.. wait 5 minutes.
DiMillo's is the floating restaurant PP mentioned. It's nice and a fun place to eat, it's fairly upscale ($20-45 a plate) If it's nice out definitely eat out on the deck.
The Old Port is the touristy part of Portland, mostly cobblestone roads and some 'boutiques', pretty ocean views.
I'd recommend going over the bridge to South Portland and going to Bug Light, it's a beautiful park right on the ocean. Great views, and there's a lighthouse to check out. If it's warm there will be some beautiful kites flying, there always are.
About 15 minutes south of there in Cape Elizabeth there's Fort Williams. I consider this a must see! I've grown up going there and we still go for picnics several times a year. It's an old WWII Fort, all the old forts are there with plaques saying what they used to be and what people did there. It's quite interesting as well as a gorgeous place for lunch. There's a newer playground in the back part of the park, fun for LO. But they can pretty much run all around here, it's almost all foot traffic. But full warning, it's cold there. Something about where it is on the coast, even in the dead of summer you need a light jacket. So pack accordingly. It's fascinating to walk along the trails to all the different forts. And they have picnic tables to bring lunch there.
Macworth Island is also a pretty nice walk, that's in Falmouth (about 15 minutes north of Portland). It houses Baxter School for the Deaf, but there's nature trails all around it. A nice wooded walk with pretty views all around it.
I'm struggling with places to recommend to eat. There isn't too much special about local restaurants around here.. Hmmm.. I'll come back if I can think of where to eat.
Where are you planning on staying?
WOW! That's a lot of info.
We haven't decided where we're staying yet. If T gets a hotel in Lewiston, we'll probably just extend our stay there for the weekend. I plan on getting a rental car when I get there.
I was born and raised in Portland! (Well, literally 5 minutes outside of it). It's a great, beautiful little city that I miss so much.
You've got some great recommendations. I will say though, the Lewiston-Auburn area is a dump. And I wouldn't recommend staying there (I know you said your H is going there for work, but if you can swing a hotel closer to Portland, I'd recommend that). Lewiston is also about an hour drive from "the city".
visitportland.com is a great website I always recommend to people who aren't familiar with the area. Lots of great ideas on there.
Freeport is home to the LL Bean flagship store and some ok shopping, but again, Freeport is not Portland and is about a 30 minute drive (nothing major, but it's not right next door). Same deal with Kennebunkport (45 minutes) and Kittery (1 hour, the other location for outlet stores).
The cities/towns of South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, Gorham, Westbrook, and Falmouth are all right nearby. South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, and Portland are the coastal touristy spots with lots of things to do. Also, if you find yourself in Old Orchard Beach get some pier fries with salt and vinegar - yum!
I will second the recommendations for Portland Head Light, Fort Williams (and since you're in that area, grab an over-priced lobster roll at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights...I love to sit on the rocks by the ocean and get some seafood there), Old Port (downtown Portland, super fun to walk around and explore!), and Sea Dog brewing. Portland is a wicked foodie town, lots of awesome local restaurants and food to try. Portland has something like the highest number of bars per capita too haha, so have a Maine beer at Gritty's, Great Lost Bear, Bull Feeney's, Sebago Brewing, or Novare Res..they all have great food too.
Oh oh oh! AND get some amazing whoopie pies at Cranberry Island Kitchen (they're in Portland)! They have so many great flavors...pumpkin, maple, blueberry..and the original, of course.
Have a great time! I'm obsessed with Maine, I had to leave it to love it as much as I do.
ETA: There is plenty of parallel parking in downtown Portland, but there's also a number of parking garages. I rarely have to parallel park when I go in town, I can always find a lot or garage.
WOW this is a lot of information. Thank you!
Yeah I got the distinct impression that Lewiston was a dump...I could only find one shady looking hotel online so we'll definitely be staying in Portland.