Portland, Maine Travel Guide

 😉 There is one city I really hold near and dear to my heart – Portland, Maine. I went to college there, I lived there for three summers, I got engaged there, I got married there, I regularly vacation there. I love it just a tad  😉 While I may be a bit bias, Portland, Maine is certainly a destination to visit. From the salty ocean breeze and historical cobblestone roads to fresh lobster galore and award-winning restaurants, you’ll surely want to extend your stay no matter how long your visit. Fun fact, Portland is ranked #2 in the US for most restaurants per capita! We just visited this past weekend so I figured it was the right timeto share in case you’re planning a trip soon. Xo Mindy TO EAT + DRINK Arabica Coffee: My favorite spot for coffee. There are two in the Old Port, but I prefer the ambience of the Free Street location. Beal’s Ice cream: Old fashioned yummy ice cream! We love to grab a scoop after dinner and walk along the ocean. Blythe and Burrows: Some of the best and most interesting cocktails you will try. This cocktail bar is a must-visit. Central Provisions: Tappas and small plates with amazing cocktails in a cozy ambience. The Corner Room: Classic Italian spot. We celebrated our engagement here so it will always be my personal favorite. You’l find house-made pastas, pizzas, antipasti and some dang good martinis. I’d suggest this as a great lunch spot. Duck Fat: If you needed an excuse to grab a burger, fries and a milkshake, here it is. This is a well known tourist spot, but the food makes it worth the visit. Eventide Oyster: A must for any oyster lovers. There is a constant line for a reason! Green Elephant: This vegetarian thai bistro will even please carnivores. It’s a little off the beaten path, but a unique menu and vegetarian options makes it worth the stop. The Holy Donut: Donuts made from Maine State potatoes. SO GOOD and unlike any other donut you’ve had. S’ favorite is the Maine Blueberry [only available in the summer] and I love lemon. We love them so much that we ate them during our engagement photos and served them as a late night snack at our Old Port wedding. Maine Squeeze: A spot to stop of smoothies and fresh squeezed juices. We love the Lemon Zinger as an afternoon pick me up. Mr. Bagel: No bagel compares. Get the everything with chive cream cheese! Otto: Pizza that ranges from a classic cheese to a potato or butternut squash heavenly concoction. Portland Lobster Co.: If you have one stop for seafood, go here. It’s been rated Portland’s best lobster roll for years in a row. Plus the outdoor patio is on a dock with a gorgeous water view. There is often live music too! S’ favorite lobster roll ever. Scales: Tucked away on a dock, this seafood spot is so chic. If you want a really nice five star, sit down meal I’d reserve a spot here. The scallops, lobster roll and clover roll appetizers are all our suggestions! The french fries were also the best we’ve ever had. TO STAY Press Hotel The Danforth Portland Harbor Hotel Westin Harborview TO DO Back Cove Trail: or “Backbay”.. a runners delight – 4 miles with a beautiful view the entire time and a a whiff of B&M Backed Beans. Breweries: Shipyard, Allagash, Sebago, Sea Dog – Maine has your brewery wants covered. Ferry to Peaks Island – Why not catch a ferry and head to a Maine Island? You hop on the ferry in the Old Port and land on the island in 30minutes. Ferries run back and forth frequently throughout the day. This is where we got engaged! LL Bean: Just 30 minutes or so North of Portland you’ll find yourself at Freeport. This is home to the flagship LL Bean store that is open 24 hours. Portland Sea Dogs:  For $7 you can’t go wrong! Make sure you get the Seadog Biscuit and meet Slugger. Old Port Festival – Every year in June, there is a wicked fun festival in the Old Port. From music, to performances, and bar hopping – it’s guaranteed to be a good time. The Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon – My first half marathon that I continue to run every year. You’ll see each and every beautiful part of Portland by running this race! Shopping: Walk all up and down the Old Port strips to hop into cute little boutiques.