Portland, Maine
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I had my first apartment in this beautiful, historic, walkable, waterfront city with world class chefs, boutique hotels, locally crafted shops, sailing, harbor tours, kayaking and fresh lobster. Every time we visit we have a hard time leaving.
Stay
The Press Hotel Built in 1923, this building served as the offices and printing presses of the Portland Press Herald newspaper until 2010. The hotel is full of newspaper themed art including the quotes and art in the rooms. The warm and welcoming atmosphere at this artful hotel make it the perfect spot to enjoy the best of Portland.
Portland Regency Hotel and Spa Located on Portland’s historic Milk Street this traditional, tranquil hotel and luxury Spa is the perfect place for a quiet, romantic retreat.
Eat
The Holy Donut These amazing, large Maine cake donuts are made from Maine potatoes in the Maine tradition. They are the donuts of my childhood with the perfect modern twist. Flavors including Sea Salt, Maple Bacon, and Allen Coffee Brandy (a local favorite liquor) and my favorite, the Old Fashioned donut (a plain cake donut, my favorite) They have gluten free donuts and vegan donuts. Feathered Empty Nest Tip get there early, they sell out of the best donuts first and sell out all together most days. You can’t get these donuts outside of Maine but you can take or order a wonderful mug, t-shirt or coffee
Amotos is the place to try the little know the Maine traditional sandwich, not the lobster roll ,but The Italian, created in 1900 it is loved by Mainers and early found outside Maine. Pizza, pasta and salads are made in the same way they have been made since the first shop opened in 1902.
UNION Restaurant Chef Josh Berry puts a magical twist on farm to table cuisine, located inside The Press Hotel and serving meals all day. We were happily surprised by the creative and artful meal we had here. Feathered Empty Nest Tip ask for your meal to be served on Portland’s Edgecomb Pottery (see below under shopping) visit their Inkwell Bar a for a craft cocktails, “Off The Record” Happy Hour from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Monday - Friday Coffee and pastries served in the morning
Garden Café this outdoor garden on Portland’s famous Milk Street is perfect for a warm sunny day. Chef Alan Cook serves lunch, dinner, cocktails, and dessert.
Duck Fat Award winning, locally owned, know for their hand cut fries cooked in duck fat and their Poutine. Closed Mon and Tue and they don’t take reservations so show up early.
DiMillo’s You can’t leave Portland without having lunch outside here. Seafood on the waterfront, great drinks and food. We dine here on every visit. Happy Hour food and drink specials 4-7 and Gluten Free menu available
Fore Street James Beard award winning chef Sam Hayward serves a locally sourced, seasonal menu of creative dishes, Gourmet Magazine named Fore Street as one i=of it’s Top Fifty Restaurants of the United States
Play
Portland Paddle Rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards, take a guided tour or take a yoga class on a stand up paddle board
Portland Schooner Co, Set sail on a wooden Schooner and see Portland like sailors have for centuries.
Casco Bay Tours Visit all the small island surrounding Portland, check seasonal schedules
Old Port Festival This annual June event is a great time to visit Portland
Portland Sea Dogs Baseball Catch a Double A (Red Sox affiliate) game at Hadlock Field stadium
Eastern Promenade Trail Known as the “Eastern Prom” by locals, this 2.1 mile waterfront trail built along an old rail corridor has great harbor and ocean views
Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth was first lit in 1791, the surrounding park, museum and gift shop are a fun way to see the history of Maine
Shopping in Portland’s Old Port District on the waterfront with a walkable neighborhood of historic buildings is a fun way to spend the day
Edgecomb Potters a must when you are in Portland, hand made pottery in their unique style, start your collection as soon as possible
Lisa Marie’s Made in Maine A wonderful gift shop with Christmas ornaments, specialty foods, clothing, kitchen items and any gift you might imagine.
D Cole Jewelers Maine themed jewelry that makes great gifts
Cross Jewelers Take home a piece of Maine with their Maine Tourmaline and other Maine gems
Skardo Spice shop with so many great gift idea
22 Milk Street Ariana Fischer’s design shop with a Portland feel
Blanche + Mimi Linens, home accessories, baby gifts, and great vintage finds
Rough and Tumble Locally made slouchy bags made from leather and traditional waxed cotton and linen
Sea Bags These totes are made from recycled sails and ooze Maine charm, these are great boat or beach totes, they also have wine totes and garden totes
Harbor Fish Market Get lobster packed and ready to take home or steamed for you while you wait at this market built in 1800, the freshest seafood right off the boat
RSVP discount beverage This warehouse has the largest selection of beer, wine and spirits in Maine including Maine made items you won’t find outside the state and a wonderful wine selection
See our Portland Maine Map with all of these great spots marked on it
Portland Maine Map - Feathered Empty NesT
Special Thanks to Yvonne at YNL Photography for many of these great photos
Guide to Portland Maine Photo credit YNL Photography
Portland, Maine is a beautiful, historic, walkable, waterfront city with world class chefs, boutique hotels, locally crafted shops, sailing, harbor tours, kayaking and fresh lobster. Portland, Maine Empty Nest Travel, East Coast Road Trip, Weekend Get Away, Small City Travel, Foodie Travel, Walking Tours, Visit The Press Hotel, Holy Donut, Gluten Free, Sea Bags, Portland Marina, Portland Old Port