I have lived in Maine for about 10 years now, but I am relatively new to the Portland area. Needless to say, it has been a blast exploring what the city has to offer & I thought I would share with you some of my favorite places so far.
PLACES TO EAT
I always start with food first, because it is closest to my heart & always on my mind.
breakfast.
- Scratch Baking Co. in South Portland, ME: for delicious homemade bagels (I love the sea salt ones!) & coffee to go
- Silly's: for Sunday brunch & breakfast alcohol
- Standard Baking Co.: for a pain au chocolat
lunch.
- Big Sky Bread Co.: for AMAZING sandwiches on homemade bread (don't forget to pick up a loaf to go)
- Big Top Deli in Brunswick: for perfect tuna melts on English muffins & sour pickles
- Micucci's: for a pizza slab & Italian soda (sometimes the lunch wait can be ridiculous, but so worth it!)
- El Corazon Food Truck: for tamales & agua fresca
- East End Cupcake: a cupcake of course!
- Homegrown Herb & Tea: for a cup of afternoon tea!
drinks & dinner.
- The Grill Room: for dinner & drinks outside
- The Thirsty Pig: for a drink & a sausage (pork, chicken, or vegan)
- The Frontier in Brunswick: for great food, a glass of wine & an Independent film (it's located in a renovated mill along the river--it's a great space)
- Congress Street Bar & Grill: for drinks & hummus platter to share with friends
- Gritty McDuff's: a local brew
- Nosh: for bacon dusted fries (or sea salt & cracked pepper ones for veggies)
- Green Elephant: for the best vegetarian food
- Miyake: for sushi
- Taco Escobarr: for a burrito & a beer
- Wine Wise Wine Tours: You get to taste wines, eat local food, & learn...it is so fun. Erica is awesome.
markets.
- Rosemont Market: for groceries & homemade soup
- Browne Trading Co.: for fresh fish & wine
- Portland Farmer's Market: for local fare
- Sun Oriental Market: for Asian ingredients, teas, & groceries
- Morning Glory's in Brunswick: for a great natural food store, with local meats, veggies, & cheeses
PLACES TO EXPLORE
I am learning more & more how beautiful Maine is, how much it has to offer, & how happy I am that I get to spend my days here.
the great outdoors.
- Peak's Island: only a 17 minute ferry ride from the Old Port...it's truly magical spot
- Ocean State Park Beach in Saco: just a few miles south of Old Orchard Beach, it's quiet & quaint
- Eastern Prom: for picnics, live music, & people watching (like Parisian flaneurs!)
- Portland Trails: for day hikes, walks, & biking
museums.
- Space Gallery: for Contemporary art & performances that really draws the community in
- MECA ICA: for student art & cool installations
- June Fitzpatrick Gallery: for a Contemporary fine art feel
- Portland Museum of Art: for art from all over the world & from different art movements
for the dogs.
- Quarry Run Dog Park: 7 acres of fenced in trails & puppy play (it's awesome)
- Planet Dog: Bring the dog in to pick out a treat!
- Eastern Prom Beach or Willard Beach in South Portland: Dogs can go off leash before 9AM & after 5PM
PLACES TO SHOP
These are a few places I like to go that aren't too touristy.
- LL Bean: Everything you will ever need all in one flagship store. You gotta pick up some Maine duck boots!
- Blanche & Mimi: for new & vintage home goods & the best baby clothes
- Bliss: for designer duds
- More & Co.: for quirky, handmade goods
- Le Roux Kitchen: for kitchen gadgets galore!
- Recession Skate Shop: for all of your skateboarding needs, of course!
LINKS!
Here are some of the websites & lists that have helped me (and still are) explore the area:
- 3191 Miles Apart: Blog about two women, one in Portland, ME, the other in Portland, OR
- Map & Menu: Blog of a relatively new Portlander's food adventures.
- Maine. Mag: Travel a Maine city or town in 48 hours
- Creative Portland: Info on connecting with local Portlanders & visiting
No comments:
Post a Comment