It’s a foodie’s paradise

FOOD is the most important reason to visit Portland. It’s a bustling foodie scene, named Restaurant City of the Year by Bon Appetit in 2018. The innovative chefs, among which five are James Beard award winners, continue to produce sumptuous eats sourced from local farmers and fishermen.

Maine Foodie Tours can take you for a culinary stroll to try some of the signature foods, such as a hearty Italian from AC Grocery, melt-in-your-mouth pomme frites with an array of dips from Duckfat, and beautifully laminated croissants from BLVL. Enhance your experience with some of the city’s signature adult beverages from Oxbow and effervescent kombucha from Wild Root.

Don’t leave the city without tasting Portland’s main dish. You can find lobster prepared in numerous ways: bisque, the famous lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese and the entire crustacean, steamed and served with sides. Don’t worry about the calories. You’ll walk them off.

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder

Just in case you need something to wash it all down, there’s the Maine Brew Bus. You’re all set with a designated driver. Feel free to taste the exceptional flavors that sets Maine beers apart from all the rest. Portland is hopping with award-winning microbreweries. Make a point to stop by Allagash Brewing. Rob Tod, the founder, was awarded the coveted 2019 Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer by the James Beard Foundation for his Belgian-inspired beers.

Love at first bite

Don’t forget to leave room for a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth. The official state dessert is, of course, Maine blueberry pie. But the state treat is the Whoopie Pie, which can come in a variety of flavors. The standard construction is two cake-like layers with a cream filling sandwiched between them. Of course you can’t leave Portland without trying one of the heavenly donuts from The Holy Donut. They capitalize on Maine’s primary agricultural crop, potatoes, and use it as the base for their donuts. Stop by every day so you can try a different one of these toothsome treats. Don’t miss the maple bacon. Wash it down with a double espresso. You’ll have enough energy to tackle the cobblestone streets of the Old Port.

Exercise your body

Calories don’t count when you’re visiting Portland, because you’ll be so busy. It’s a great walking city and cars actually stop for pedestrians. Wear good walking shoes, though, since the Old Port area still has some cobblestone streets. Those kitten heels may set off your sightseeing outfit, but they can deal havoc if one catches between two stones. If you want to cover more ground quicker, Summer Feet Bike Tours will rent you a bicycle. You can blaze your own trail or take one of their guided tours in this very bike-friendly city. If you want to explore the surrounding islands, take it with you on the ferry. You can rest on the boat before tackling the road.

Exercise your imagination

Expand your mind with some of the city’s offerings of art. Home to the Maine College of Art, this vibrant scene offers a myriad of options. First Friday Art Walks can take you from the Portland Museum of Art, (where admission is waived for the evening) through terrific galleries and performance venues. You can mingle with the artists, enjoy some nibbles and buy a unique souvenir of your visit.

Need a bit of a breather from your walks, but still want to learn more about Portland? No worries. Book a tour with Portland Fire Engine Company to ride in an antique fire truck and delve deep into the history of this marvelous city that has risen from the ashes three times to survive and thrive. The Real Portland Tour ventures a bit outside the city. You’ll ride to the world’s most photographed lighthouse in nearby Cape Elizabeth. The operator, who’s full time job is a college librarian, is a walking encyclopedia of the area’s trivia.

Take to the sea with Lucky Catch Cruises to catch fresh breezes, fabulous glimpses of the city, and lobster. Learn about the lobster industry from a seasoned captain. Help the first mate set bait in the trap and drop it overboard. After the traps are reset, head back to the dock, where your catch can go fresh off the boat to your dinner plate at a dockside restaurant.

Take time to relax

Sometimes travel takes a toll on the body and mind. Portland has you covered. Step into Soakology, a sanctuary where you immerse your aching feet in a huge copper tub filled with warm water and a soothing blend of herbed salts. There’s the option to add on treats such as a massage, light nibbles and a therapeutic tea. Just need an oasis where you can gather your thoughts? Soakolgy invites you to nestle into their overstuffed sofas and chairs, enjoy a pot of tea and regain your stasis. The alluring aromas and soft music settles your spirit and relaxes your body.

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There’s also Float Harder, where your can release your tensions in a tank filled with a solution of Epsom salts and water. It allows you to float effortlessly on the surface. You choose a hue of light and sounds to enhance your experience, or float in complete silence and darkness. But you will emerge from your buoying relaxed and refreshed.

So what’s Portland’s best kept secret? It’s the people. They are warm, welcoming, jovial hosts. Tourism is their number one industry and they embrace those who choose to visit. Passersby greet you. Store clerks take the time to chat. Restaurant staff are friendly. This small city of less than 70,000 people feels like your hometown. It’s easy to see why transplants have chosen to relocate here. If you can’t find the food, fun, history or adventure you’re looking for in Portland, you probably don’t need it.

Have I piqued your interest in exploring the area? What would be your first adventure here? If you’d like help in planning an itinerary or more information on Portland, ME, go to their website, Visit Portland.

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