Things To Do
Fort Williams Park - Portland Head Light
"Cape Elizabeth is the location of Portland Head Light, an iconic landmark situated on the stunning shores of Fort Williams Park at 1000 Shore Road. The town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine owns and manages the popular attraction. Inside the former Keepers' Quarters, visitors can find the award-winning Museum at Portland Head Light. The museum houses several lighthouse lenses and informative displays. Additionally, there is a seasonal shop that offers Maine-related gifts. The lighthouse tower is open to the public only once a year, on Maine Open Lighthouse Day." "Fort Williams Park is a vast ninety-acre park adjacent to the lighthouse, offering picnic facilities, hiking opportunities, sports and recreation areas, historic structures, and endless ocean views. For information on the Fort Williams Park Masterplan updated by the Fort Williams Park Committee, visit Cape Elizabeth Engage!"
Two Lights State Park
One of the best parks in Maine! "Two Lights State Park is a popular point of destination for Maine residents and the many visitors who enjoy the state's legendary rocky coast. Opened in 1961, the park encompasses 41-acres of rocky headlands. Standing high above the rocky coast and rolling surf, visitors have sweeping views of Casco Bay and the open Atlantic. The park's name originated from the twin lighthouses located nearby at the end of Two Lights Road. Built in 1828, these were the first twin lighthouses on the coast of Maine. Although not open to the public, the eastern light is an active, automated light station, visible 17 miles at sea. The western light ceased operation in 1924 and is now a private home. One of these towers was the subject of Edward Hopper's famous painting "Lighthouse at Two Lights.""
Eastern Promenade
Such a great park! "Portland's largest developed park at 78 acres, provides sweeping views of Casco Bay and direct access to the waterfront. The park features an Olmsted-designed landscape, Eastern Prom Multi-Use Trail, Will's Playground, public boating ramp, hand-launch boat ramp, East End Beach, community garden, and world-class sledding in the winter months. Many picnic areas and benches dot the property, and the park is home to the annual 4th of July celebration, concerts and events. Athletic facilities include: baseball, softball, tennis and basketball."
Portland Arts District + Old Port
A historic district with history, art, awesome food, small business boutiques, and more. So much to explore all with amazing views of the city. *Commercial street is a great starting point for exploration! *Congress street is a great starting point to seeing art stores, museums, exhibits, and more! "Cobblestone streets, salty ocean air, and boutiques and eateries aplenty characterize Portland’s historic Old Port district."
Peaks Island
Melissa and Guy went here on their first trip to Maine! Its wonderful! About: "Accessible only by ferry, quaint Peaks Island is popular for biking and kayaking, plus swimming at Sandy and Centennial beaches and exploring rocky Cairn Beach. The Fifth Maine Regiment Museum has exhibits on local and Civil War history, and the Battery Steele is a World War II military fortification. A few casual seafood restaurants, cafes, and a small grocery store are scattered around the harbor." Ferry Needed - Casco Bay Ferry: www.cascobaylines.com/schedules/peaks-island-schedule/
Portland Museum of Art
Of course we need an art museum on here... "Although the museum was founded in 1882, the story of our downtown campus really begins with the legacy of our first benefactor, Margaret Jane Mussey Sweat. In 1908, Sweat bequeathed the McLellan House and necessary funds to build the L. D. M. Sweat Memorial Galleries in memory of her late husband. Margaret Jane Mussey Sweat’s belief in the museum would set the precedent for future generations of philanthropy and provide the visionary foundation of what the Portland Museum of Art could be."
Fore Street Restaurant
All About Fore Street "Fore Street's interior surrounds a unique brick and soapstone hearth consisting of a wood-burning oven, grill, and turnspit, visible from most tables. Hardwood and apple wood fires cook and flavor the seafood, meats, game, and vegetables that have made Fore Street a New England destination. In 2001 and 2006, Fore Street was named in Gourmet Magazine's Top Fifty Restaurants of the United States. In 2004, Chef-partner Sam Hayward was named “Best Chef – Northeast” by the James Beard Foundation and in 2011, he won the Chef’s Collaborative “Sustainer of the Year” award for his work in sustainability and local food issues. Fore Street has also been a semi-finalist for “Outstanding Restaurant”, a national category from the James Beard Foundation, consecutive years since 2011."
Scales
Incredible seafood!! Melissa and Guy went to this restaurant on their first trip to Maine and it was one of the best meals they have ever had together!!! GO!!
Leeward
About Leeward: "leeward is a restaurant in portland, maine with an italian bent and a fondness for fresh pasta. we opened in 2020 and like to think that when you’re here, you’re family… but that feels oddly familiar. is that catchphrase already taken? oh, well."
Central Provisions
A terrific restaurant for foodies!
Duckfat
DUCKFAT! You gotta go! About Duckfat: "IT STARTED WITH A TRIP TO AMSTERDAM. Hot Frites on a Cold Night In November 2003 Nancy Pugh took her husband, Rob Evans to Amsterdam for his 40th birthday. One night walking the streets, they came across a Belgian frites window. Standing in the cold streets of Amsterdam with a warm cone of fries they thought—wouldn’t this be great in Portland? Walking through the Old Port is a lot like Amsterdam, plus—potatoes, it’s one of the biggest things Maine does—blueberries, lobsters and potatoes. The success of Duckfat is in its people. The environment as a workplace is fulfilling, educational, and enjoyable—and the staff is much like family. Why is Maine a good food place? The ingredients, the farmers, the ocean. For Rob and Nancy, there is no question about it. The ingredients they use are as local as possible. They have built their business on prevalent and available products in a close proximity to their restaurants."
Terlingua
BBQ and Southern Vibes... TERLINGUA: SERVING GUESTS SINCE 2015 "tur-ling-gwuh: A neighborhood restaurant & market in Portland, Maine, combining Texas style BBQ w/ southwest and Mexican inspired flavors. Our small batch BBQ is smoked in house daily beginning before sunrise. We our proud to source from local purveyors, farms, distilleries and breweries and strive to offer exceptional hospitality."
Eventide Oyster Co.
A classic in Portland! "Eventide marks the transition between day and night, a time that calls for refreshment and rejuvenation. Eventide Oyster Co. offers a variety of restoratives—we welcome you to join us at any time of day for satisfying food, spirits and good cheer. A revival of the great American oyster bar, Eventide Oyster Co. offers pristine shellfish and a fresh take on classic New England fare—such proximity to the Gulf of Maine provides the sharpest seafood money can buy. A wine list chosen to complement shellfish, craft cocktails, and a warm sense of hospitality bring laid-back extravagance to Portland’s Old Port. Sunken into the concrete bar sits an enormous block of Maine granite that serves as the shellfish display, home to an ever-changing array of oysters and shellfish. The restaurant’s bright colors, picnic table seating and reclaimed nautical lighting encourage a playful experience."
The Highroller Lobster Co.
Such a great spot for some awesome lobster and other yummy bites! "THE HIGHROLLER LOBSTER CO. STARTED IN 2015 AS TWO GUYS AND A HOT DOG CART. Andy was working in a local fish market at the time while Baxter was working at a restaurant and on his friends food trucks. After three years of the mobile circuit.... "In December of 2018 the three changed the world of lobster rolls in Portland, Maine. This little shop showcased all of the favorites of the cart and allowed for an expansion of the menu with things like burgers, fries and corndogs. This shop also gave the team the opportunity to bring some of the beer discovered in their travels back to their hometown!" "PEOPLE CAME FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO EAT LOBSTER ROLLS AND DRINK BEER! " Check them out!
Standard Baking Co
This place is a MUST! One of the bakeries Guy and Melissa went to on their first trip to Maine! "Since 1995, Standard Baking Co. has been honored to be your neighborhood bakery in Portland, Maine. Inspired by village bakers providing daily breads and sweets for friends and neighbors, we’re committed to creating our handcrafted baked goods with care and the carefully sourced ingredients." "Everything we make embodies our commitment to time-honored techniques, natural and sustainably-sourced ingredients, and artisanal food. In fact, we end every day by asking “how did the baked goods turn out today?” We try to make the same thing every day, but better than the day before." "We believe our bakery is much more than just a place to buy artisanal food; it’s a place where people can come together and connect over a shared love of baked goods." "We"..."hope to give you a warm, friendly, and welcoming destination for your daily bread, hot coffee, and treat."
Gelato Fiasco
Can't pass up on Gelato...and trust us, it's delicious! "Nestled in the historic Old Port district just a block from Casco Bay, we’ve planted our gelato spoon in Maine’s biggest little city. Boutique shopping, fantastic restaurants, and bars of varying degrees of respectability are all steps away. Our team scoops up to 30 fresh flavors of ice cream daily. Named Maine’s Best Ice Cream by readers of Down East (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021) and Maine Magazine (2022)."
Eighty 8 Donuts
Who doesn't love donuts? Need we say more...ENJOY! "Located in the heart of the peninsula in the Old Port, our Portland location is open year round, 7 days a week!"
Good Life Market
Good Life Market "A family-run business in Raymond, Maine offering a selection of high-quality foods, deli sandwiches prepared meals, wines, fresh produce, coffee and locally made Maine products, available for purchase or for gift baskets." "Owners, Walt and Linda Manchester, are long-time Maine residents who know and love, good food and wine."
Pineland Farms
A beautiful working farm with delicious markets and worth a visit! At Pineland farms, "You can tour our sustainable farms, shop and dine on local foods, stay in our finely appointed guest houses, or locate your business on our beautiful rural campus. Pineland invites you to stay for the day, the week or longer!" More info here: "Pineland farms is a 5,000-acre working farm, diverse business campus and educational and recreational venue that welcomes visitors to enjoy its beautiful rural landscape. We invite you to learn about the businesses located on campus and to explore the many activities available. Start at the Market & Welcome Center for more information about activities & events or head straight to the farm for a self-guided tour and educational programs. For recreation passes and rentals please visit the Outdoor Center."
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
This is a beautiful state park! "Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park is a five minute drive from the center of Freeport's bustling shopping district, and as visitors approach the park, marshes and open fields provide a tranquil transformation back to nature." "The park contains varied ecosystems, including climax white pine and hemlock forests, a salt marsh estuary, and the rocky shorelines on Casco Bays and the Harraseeket River." "The park's signature residents are the ospreys who nest on nearby Googins Island. An interpretive panel on the trail explains the life cycle of this magestic, graceful bird which summers on the island and makes its annual trek to South America each fall. "Visitors...can view the baby birds on their nest through high-powered lenses and learn that these birds mate for life." "The popular Casco Bay Trail carries visitors along Maine's legendary coast to a point where the surrounding islands of Eagle, Cousin, and others are described on an interpretive panel."
Maine Beer Company
Looking for some awesome beer? Check this brewery out! "Based in Freeport, Maine, our brewery was founded in 2009 by brothers David and Daniel Kleban. They were determined to create a company purposed with doing good through great beer. Our motto "Do what's right" is at the forefront of every decision we make from how we treat our employees, to the beer we brew, to taking care of the world around us. We're known for our IPA's, pale ales, and our commitment to the environment."
L.L.Bean Flagship Store
L.L.Bean! The quintessential New England clothing store and the Flagship no less. Happy Shopping :)
Acadia National Park
The first National Park Melissa And Guy ever went to together! Even though this is VERY far from Portland and Migis (3hrs 10 minutes and 3hrs 26 minutes respectively by car), if you can do it, its 100 percent worth it. If not, there is always next time! :) About Acadia: "Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area primarily on Maine's Mount Desert Island. Its landscape is marked by woodland, rocky beaches and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States’ East Coast. Among the wildlife are moose, bear, whales and seabirds. The bayside town of Bar Harbor, with restaurants and shops, is a popular gateway."