P and I have talked about going to Maine for a while now. I wanted him to experience eating a full lobster and what better place to do that than Portland, Maine. Our trip also marks off #36 on my 101 in 1001 list!! True to form it was mostly eating and drinking (is anyone shocked, anyone?!), I still feel like I’m recovering and we went in May 🙂 I’m starting the Portland recap off with the views, followed by booze, and finally the best part, food.
Portland is a nice city, with the airport being very close to downtown, and lots to see and do. We did not rent a car for this trip, though a drive up or down the coast would have been fun. There was so much in the city to do that we did not feel a need to venture outside the city limits…plus you know the drinking 🙂
We stayed at The Inn at Park Spring, a charming little bed and breakfast, centrally located. It was nice and cheaper than staying at one of the chains. While it was comfortable and we enjoyed it, I did feel that the innkeeper was a bit put out that we did not attend breakfast. We had too many other meals planned to accommodate one more. I’m not sure P and I are bed and breakfast people, as we really only use our room to sleep and shower. I got the feeling that we were not “enjoying” the property as expected.
We walked A LOT, and explored downtown:
The Portland sign below, we went by all three days to see if I could capture it without this stupid truck…nope that truck was there all three days!
At the Salt Cellar, P and I picked up some flavored salts to bring back. We got sriracha, ghost pepper, and balsamic flavored salts. The shop was really neat and had lots of flavors to choose from.
Portland hosts its own little take on a love lock bridge, in this case just a fence. They also have a part of the Berlin wall….there was no plaque or anything about why it was obtained by the city, but still neat.
P and I planned on doing a boat tour as part of our visit, but it was cancelled due to lack of interest. We instead, grabbed the ferry over to Peaks Island. Peaks Island was a small, charming little island community. We really enjoyed our walk around the island. I imagine during tourist season it is a lot more crowded, but our walk was nice and quiet.
As I mentioned, we went in May, about a week before official tourist season starts (May 14-May 17). The weather was chilly staying in the 50s and 60s, dropping to the 40s at night. I recommend packing a warm coat, especially if you are going out on the water.
Have you ever been to Portland, Maine? If so, what are some of your recommendations?
I’ve not been to Portland, but other towns around it…looks like a great trip..maybe the Hubs and I will venture up there…
Portland was such a charming town, really lovely to walk around and plenty to do.
I love that towns all over the world are popping up with love lock bridges. They are all the rage!
What a charming town! This looks like quintessential fisher town to me, so lovely. But really, what is the Berlin wall doing there?? I would love to know the reason, so random!
Beautiful! It’s on my list of places that I must see some day. Looks like such a wonderful place
I’ve never been. I love the East coast though!
I’ve always wanted to visit Maine, and Portland. It looks so pretty and historical!!
Maine is gorgeous and everyone should enjoy eating a full lobster! Although I had never heard of Portland, Maine, but it looks charming. I can’t believe they have their own love lock (fence) and the berlin wall! haha how quirky!
I have to say I’m not sure I’m a bed & breakfast kind of girl either, I just don’t like to be expected to be part of the ‘community’…can I just get up and go please?
I love Portland! My mom and uncle’s families are from Maine. My mom’s family is further north in beautiful trailer park country and my uncle’s family is so far north they speak French and aren’t entirely sure they’re not Canadian 🙂 Maine is beautiful!
I love Portland but it’s probably been a dozen years since I was there. I’m hoping to get back and investigate, and hopefully camp out at a nice B&B. My favorite spot in Maine, though, is Bar Harbor. It feels like another world and there’s so much charm, especially in the fall!
That little island looks like all my childhood dreams of where to spend Halloween!
Maine looks so lovely. I had interest in visiting when I was living in Massachusetts but never got around to it.
I love Portland. It’s such a cute city! I’m not usually a B&B person either. I feel like you’re forced to socialize and sometimes I just don’t want to 🙂 Glad you had a good trip!
What a cute place to visit! My husband and I aren’t really bed and breakfast people, either. Too much forced togetherness. I prefer my vacations to be antisocial, thanks! The flavored salts sound delightful, especially the balsamic!
Portland is on my list of places I want to go. These pictures definitely help prove why!
Yes Lobster! That’s the only thing I know about Maine….okay that and that the region is beautiful!
I have always wanted to visit Maine, looks like a town full of charm!
This seemed like so much fun! Maine was not on my list of places to see, but now I may have to add it to the end, at least. It seems like such an interesting town filled with character and food- that would certainly be a main focus for me. =) -Jess L