The Way Away Traveler

Overview:
Portland, located on the stunning coast of Maine, is a vibrant and historic city known for its maritime heritage, delicious seafood, and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re a foodie, nature enthusiast, or history buff, there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal town. #portlandmaine #portland #maine #mainlobster #mainelife #visitmaine #newengland

The Way Away Traveler Top Picks for Portland, Maine:

• Eat Lobster – Love seafood? If so, then Portland is your destination. There are countless options for seafood lovers to indulge in their love for all things seafood. Everyone has their favorite spot, but as a seafood-lover myself, I was never disappointed with any of Portland’s offerings. During my August and September 2023 visit, I enjoyed a bowl of New England clam chowder and side salad for an outdoor lunch on the wharf-side deck of The Porthole Restaurant & Pub. Prices: New England Clam Chowder bowl: $16.00 USD. Small House Salad: $8.00 USD. https://portholemaine.com/ If you are looking for a more refined dining experience for lunch/dinner, I recommend DiMillo’s on the Water. The restaurant is situated on the retired SS City of Portland, a ferry that once operated in Casco Bay. It offers a distinctive dining experience with a charming and nautical ambiance. Guests can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes and other culinary delights while taking in picturesque views of the harbor. The restaurant’s interior is elegantly designed with wood-paneling and large windows, allowing diners to appreciate the scenic surroundings. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for a memorable meal in a one-of-a-kind setting. https://www.dimillos.com/
• Standard Bakery Co. – there is nothing standard or ordinary about this bakery. In fact, they might just be the standard that every other bakery aspires to be. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, you are presented with the seemingly impossible challenge of choosing between delicious sweets, breads, and other fresh baked goods from this highly prized bakery in Downtown, Portland. The line starts forming about 20-30 minutes prior to opening at 8:00 a.m. The Way Away Traveler tip: Order online in advance of pickup, and you will pass the folks in line and pick up you sweet treats without the wait. https://standardbakingco.com/

• Ferry Boat – It’s hard to imagine visiting Portland without experiencing some type of water activity. Originally, I booked a whale watching tour through Odyssey Whale Watch the day before my desired sailing. For $65.00 USD, you will get a spot on one of Odyssey’s whale watching boats for a tour that takes approximately 3.5 – 4 hours. Unfortunately, when I booked my tour, I received an e-mail the next morning from Odyssey, that the Atlantic Ocean seas were quite rough due to tropical disturbances I left behind when I left Florida, and they were unable to continue with my scheduled whale watching tour. Of course they refunded my purchase and I decided that taking a Ferry boat would be the next best thing. Therefore, I booked a same-day, ferry boat tour through Casco Bay Lines onboard their Mailboat! This actual working boat, allows passengers to experience Casco Bay in a truly local way. The Mailboat carries passengers, mail, and freight to the five separate islands of Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Cliff and Chebeague Islands. Round-trip prices for the approximately 3 hour trip: Adult $17.00; Senior (65+) $14.50; Child: $8.50. www.cascobaylines.com Whale Watching Tours: https://www.odysseywhalewatch.com/
• Best Views of Portland: Take in panoramic views of Portland at “Top of the East” located inside the Westin Hotel. Take the view elevator inside the Westin Hotel to the top floor and you will arrive at one of the highest points in Portland, Maine and take in the beautiful panoramic views of the Portland Bay area while snacking on small plate offerings. Address: 157 High Street, Portland, Maine 04101. https://www.topoftheeast.com/

TOP ATTRACTIONS:

1. Old Port District: Begin your journey in the heart of Portland, where cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Explore the unique shops and soak in the historic ambiance.

2. Portland Head Light: Visit this iconic lighthouse in nearby Cape Elizabeth for breathtaking ocean views and a glimpse into maritime history. Don’t forget your camera!

3. Casco Bay Islands: Take a ferry to explore the picturesque islands like Peaks Island and Great Diamond Island. Enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking while savoring the coastal scenery.

4. Art and Museums: Discover local art at the Portland Museum of Art and delve into maritime history at the Maine Maritime Museum.

5. Food Scene: Portland is a foodie’s paradise. Try fresh lobster, clam chowder, and other seafood delights at acclaimed restaurants like Eventide Oyster Co. and Fore Street.

6. Brewery Tours: Portland is known for its craft beer scene. Explore breweries like Allagash Brewing Company and Shipyard Brewing Company on a tasting tour.

Outdoor Activities:

1. Portland Trails: Hike or bike the extensive network of trails, such as the Eastern Promenade Trail, offering scenic views of Casco Bay.

2. Kayaking: Paddle along the coast or venture into inland rivers for a kayaking adventure.

3. Beaches: Enjoy sandy shores at Crescent Beach State Park or Higgins Beach for swimming and relaxation.

4. Maine Narrow Gauge Train Ride: Climb onboard this unique Maine experience. The Maine Narrow Gauge railroad adventure takes you on a 3-mile, 40 minute round trip train ride with incredible views of Casco Bay. http://mainenarrowgauge.com

Events and Festivals:

1. Maine Lobster Festival (August): Savor lobster in various forms and enjoy live music and entertainment.

2. Portland Flower Show (March): Admire beautiful floral displays and gardening exhibits.

3. Old Port Festival (June): Experience a lively street fair with food, music, and local vendors.

4. Gray Wild Blueberry Festival (August): Wild Blueberry Bake-off, Pie-eating Contests, Live music, food trucks, arts & crafts, and many more.

Day Trips:

Consider day trips to nearby attractions like Freeport (home to L.L.Bean), Kennebunkport (quaint coastal town), or Acadia National Park (a bit further but worth it for nature lovers).

PRA CTICAL TIPS:

Weather: Maine experiences four distinct seasons, so pack accordingly depending on when you visit. During my Labor Day 2023 visit to Portland, the daily temperatures reached a sunny and perfect mid-70s, while the night temperatures dropped to a comfortable and chilly, 52 degrees.

• Transportation: Most attractions are within walking distance in downtown Portland. However, it might surprise some visitors that there are some steep inclines in the downtown Portland area and navigating the cobblestone roads can be challenging. However, there are ride-share options (such as Uber and Lyft) that offer cost-effective alternatives to walking. Consider renting a car for day trips.

• Seafood Allergies: If you have seafood allergies, be sure to communicate this to restaurant staff.

• Local Events: Check the local event calendar for festivals or special events during your stay. https://portlandmaine.com/events-downtown/

Conclusion:

Portland, Maine, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and gastronomy. Whether you’re exploring its historic streets, savoring delicious seafood, or taking in the coastal landscapes, you’re sure to have a memorable visit to this charming New England city. Enjoy your time in Portland!