Squashed onto a peninsula jutting into Casco Bay, Portland ME packs a cosmopolitan clutch of cocktail bars and restaurants into its compact downtown. Historic schooners ply the waters, past the Calendar Islands, which once numbered as many days in a year.
At Eventide Oyster Co, sample a raw bar or grab a lobster roll slathered in browned butter. Izakaya Minato serves up a fusion of Japanese izakaya and coastal Maine ingredients.
Scales
Scales is a seafood restaurant that offers the best in cuisine and ambiance. Its menu includes tasty fried oysters, grilled halibut, and grilled scallops. You can also order a nice glass of Sauvignon blanc or craft beer.
PIBCA, known as Portland Buy Local, is a local business organization that promotes the importance of supporting locally owned businesses. It informs consumers, policymakers, and the media about the value of local businesses.
LooHoo (Organic Cleaning Products) – Cyndi Prince turned her quest for eco-friendly and cute wool dryer balls into a successful Maine business. She uses a combination of domestic wool and organic soap to make the product.
Lucky Catch Cruises
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this charming seaside city is packed with shopping, gourmet dining, and historic tours. Plus, there’s plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking and biking to enjoy on the beautiful waterfront!
One fun excursion that’s sure to be a highlight of your visit is taking a lobstering cruise with Lucky Catch Cruises. This hands-on tour lets you experience the lobstering process firsthand while learning about the history of Maine’s seafood industry.
This scenic tour also takes you near lighthouses, historic civil war forts, and the famous Seal Rocks. And if you prefer a private charter, this company will work with you to create the perfect excursion!
Izakaya Minato
A warm glow from red lanterns signals izakaya time. Izakaya literally translates to “stay, sake, shop” and the East End spot is a casual pub serving small plates. Pair garlic edamame, cucumbers with pickled plum paste and fried tofu with a glass of sake from the well-curated list.
Cooke sources ingredients as locally as possible, from the sashimi platter of two kinds of tuna and local mackerel to a gorgeous omelet made with last-of-the-season scallop. There are also dishes for those who aren’t seafood fans, including the popular JFC (Japanese fried chicken). The carefully-crafted cocktails are worth trying too. The stylish and intimate atmosphere makes this restaurant a must-visit!
Maine Day Ventures
Give your loved ones the gift of a local culinary adventure by giving them a tour with Maine Foodie Tours. Their tours explore different aspects of Portland’s unique food culture. They offer a variety of packages that are perfect for any occasion.
Breweries and bike shops in repurposed warehouses are scattered throughout this neighborhood, where art galleries and coffeehouses share space with spirit makers and food trucks. The waterfront views are spectacular too.
A popular family activity is to visit the Portland Sea Dogs, Boston Red Sox double-A affiliate. Tickets cost from $1 to $5 and the stadium is a neat, campy outdoor venue.
The Portland Museum of Art
The Portland Museum of Art is a cultural destination with an emphasis on local and American art. Its collections include works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Claude Monet, as well as Maine artists.
The museum is located in a large building that straddles an older and newer portion. Its exhibits are surprisingly diverse, offering something for everyone.
Kids age zero to 10 years shriek and squeal at Palace Playland, one of the best kid-friendly attractions in Portland. The 5-acre park features more than 28 outdoor rides, including a carousel and drop zone. Other highlights include a miniature town and a sound studio.
Portland Head Light
One of the oldest lighthouses in Maine, Portland Head Light has a long history of service to local shippers. Its rocky cliffs mark the entrance to Portland Harbor on Casco Bay and are part of the city’s Old Port district. The lighthouse was automated in 1989, and the original keeper’s home is now a museum that displays the tower’s first second-order Fresnel lens.
You can spend as little as 20 minutes here if you snag a parking spot quickly, but it is easy to spend a few hours enjoying a picnic, coastal trail walks and exploring the museum. Just remember to follow the park’s carry in, carry out policy!