Portland is the basecamp of wild Maine. Over a third of the population resides in the port’s metropolitan area, centered on a peninsula 50 miles into a state that juts another 250 miles into Canada. During the summer or fall, the ideal seasons for a visit, tourists and locals mill around the walkable city, eating great food, buying locally made trinkets and generally taking it easy before their next adventure. Remnants of the city’s role as the port trade center for New England are obvious: huge red-bricked factory buildings and tenements, piers and lighthouses, traces of shipbuilding. But among the narrow streets and cobblestones of the Old Port Exchange, the thriving city is easy to see. Live music spills from the back courtyards of bars at night. The original Portland Press Herald building, once gray and shuttered, has reopened as an upscale hotel. Lobsters and local craft beer abound; so do the young and hip. Here’s how to spend a long weekend in the East Coast’s Portland.
Where to Stay
Nothing captures the decline of print and the rise of Portland like The Press Hotel. Located just by City Hall, the hotel keeps you within walking distance of the sights and nightlife of Portland, while remaining quiet and insulated from the bustle. A cozier bed-and-breakfast option is the Mercury Inn, named after the Roman deity. Located in Portland’s historic Parkside neighborhood, this seven-room Victorian house prides itself on sustainability, modern design and innkeepers that can help you make the most of your trip.
Where to Eat
According to MaineBiz, Portland has 536 registered food service establishments. With a population of around 66,000, that’s one restaurant for every 123 people, among the highest rates in the country. The foodie culture and diversity of options make it hard to narrow the field, but there are a few staples. Duckfat serves up paninis and fries that are as tasty as they are unhealthy. If traveling with a group, The Well at Jordan’s Farm offers an intimate dinner setting, with huge servings of beans, fish and salad served family style, straight from the farm in onsite gazebos. And for lobster rolls with a view, check out Bite into Maine, a food cart situated a little south of the city in Fort Williams Park, with a view of Ship Cove and the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse.
