For craft beer lovers, this is the one that started the Belgian White craze. Allagash Brewing is certainly a destination worth visiting. Affordable flights of beer and a food truck is always onsite. Two other breweries are right next door - Definitive and Foundation.
Want our #1 restaurant recommendation? This is it. The best tacos & margaritas in Portland are tucked away in this taqueria just a few minutes outside of downtown Portland. Street parking only (recommend just parking in Walgreens then walking over).
A hillside park on the eastern end of Portland. Expansive views of the islands, ships, and old forts of Casco Bay. Food trucks are aplenty along the park. Nearby restaurants include The Front Room, Blue Spoon. At the top of Munjoy Hill is the Portland Observatory, a lighthouse looking structure which you can climb the stairs up for even more views of the entire city and bay.
Need to get a workout in? Back Cove trail is a 3.5 mile long loop around the back cove of Portland. Scenic the entire way around, it's a great trail for biking, running, or walking. Park across the street from Hannaford.
This street is filled with foodie restaurants and even more distilleries and breweries. Go to Terlingua for BBQ, Izakaya Minato for Japanese, Cong Tu Bot for Vietnamese, and of course the Duck Fat Frites shack for delicious fries and paninis. OTTO pizza is also right near this street for their famous pizza flavors.
East Bayside is lively scene of new restaurants, cafes, bars, and breweries. Bayside Bowl is a personal favorite for bowling and their large rooftop deck, which includes a taco truck. Austin Street Brewery and Rising Tide Brewing are right next to each other and the Portland Zoo is a local bar that makes you feel as if you're hanging out in your own backyard.
Old Port is a historic downtown district with cobblestone streets, wharfs, and brick buildings. Enjoy all the window shopping and restaurants along Exchange Street, Commercial, and Fore Streets. Night life is abundant along the many bars of Wharf Street. We could right a book about all the places to eat and drink but here are some of our classic favorites: Bonfire Country Bar, Bull Feeney's Irish Pub, Novare Res, and speakeasy vibes at Lincoln's (if you can find it! Ask Brian or Lorin for tips). Portland Lobster Co is a must stop for the lobster rolls and live music on the deck. The Porthole is also a worthy mention for hanging out on an open deck with friends and family.
Lorin and I went here on our very first date. Enjoy exploring the old ruins of Fort Preble and walk out on the jetty toward the large, active lighthouse. Watch the time go by as ships roll in and out of port. Take the short drive next door toward Willard Beach, but make sure you grab coffee and a sandwich at Scratch Baking first!
One of the MANY lighthouses to see on the coast of Maine and certainly one of the most recognizable. Complete with abandoned military bunkers, lots of parking, scenic trails, and views of Casco Bay's islands. You'll likely find a food truck or two in the park as well.
How could we not include Old Orchard Beach? Love it or hate it, it's a Maine icon. Summer will certainly be busy, but if you can brave the crowds the party can be found in OOB. The Brunswick always has live music and is a beachside bar. There are quieter sections of the beach as you drive further south (Ocean Park) or north (Pine Point) from the downtown of OOB.
Brian, and his sister Leslie, went to college in Biddeford at the nearby University of New England. Over the past decade, Biddeford has transformed into a vibrant community of shops, breweries, distilleries, and restaurants. We have many high recommendations for Biddo including - donuts at Reilly's Bakery, fire-grilled bagels at Rover Bagel (order ahead!), lunch at Dizzy Bird, beers at Banded Brewing, pizza at Portland Pie Co, Run of the Mill for dinner. If you're lucky enough to snag a seat, enjoy a James Beard Award nominated breakfast at the Palace Diner.
Located in the heart of the quiet seaside town of Biddeford Pool, the East Point Audubon Sanctuary includes a stunning viewpoint with 270 degree views of the ocean, views of Wood Island Lighthouse, and open access to the rocky Maine coastline. It is quite possibly one the most beautiful parks in Maine.
Considered a hidden gem when compared to nearby Old Orchard Beach, Fortunes Rocks Beach is a sand-stretched beach that goes on for miles. Located within the Biddeford Pool neighborhood, this is a quieter getaway for a walk on the beach. You'll possibly see surfers out on the waves.
A visit to Maine wouldn't be complete without trying a potato donut! The Bacon Cheddar is Brian's favorite and Maine Blueberry is Lorin's preference. There's multiple locations to choose from including Arundel, Scarborough & two in Portland, ME.
Kennebunkport is iconic New England! Walk around the quaint downtown, grab a drink at Federal Jacks, see the view of Walker Point (The Bush Family Compound), or visit Gooch's Beach.
Enjoy walking trails among the salt marshes. Located just a short drive outside of Kennebunkport
Another iconic Maine lighthouse. This one is closer to the southern border of Maine/New Hampshire for those who do not wish to drive north up to Portland.