Total Time 48 Hours| Accommodations: Hotel or Inn in Downtown Portland | Transportation: Walking and biking | Traveled: With girlfriends | Type of Trip: Iconic Maine food and drinks | Highlights: Lobstering, Brewery Tour, Bike Ride, Holy Donuts
Welcome to Maine, a state that has 3,478 miles of coastline, 67 lighthouses and produces 40 million pounds of lobster a year. It’a a nice getaway from the city with still having plenty to do. There are many reasonable hotels and inns in the area though you can’t go wrong with the Portland Harbor Hotel, The Press Hotel or The Inn on Carleton.
DAY 1
First things first, once you arrive go straight to Duckfat and put your name on the list! Yes, there will be a wait and it will be worth it! To pass the time, get a mimosa at the East Ender bar next door and just up the stairs. Save room for poutine, paninis and milkshakes at the restaurant. Walk off lunch with a stroll around the the quaint Old Town with cobblestone streets, old buildings and boutique stores.
Nothing is more Maine than lobster. Step it up a notch and get acquainted with the culinary icon and industry! Book a spot on the Lucky Catch boat, where you can catch lobster, learn the ways of the local fishermen and get a scenic cruise all in one.
After a day at sea, head back to the hotel to clean up. Then dinner is at Isa, a neighborhood bistro with a house-made, farm-sourced menu that changes every season. The informal but cozy spot offers communal seating for making new friends.
Gather the group and walk just across the street to Bubba’s Sulky Lounge. Choose a meeting point because it’s easy to get lost in this unusual bar layout. But more than likely your friends will be on the multi-colored lit dance floor cutting a rug to 80s and 90s hits.
DAY 2
Get breakfast at the Standard Baking Company, award winning across the country and a favorite among the locals for bread and pastries. Then you might be in need of some R&R after a night at Bubba’s! Portland is home to two uniquely relaxing experiences including the Salt Vault and Soakology. They book up on the weekends so plan accordingly!
Now it’s time to dive into the Brewery scene! Oxbow Blending & Bottling, Rising Tide and Urban Farm are all cool spots and walkable from the main city center. Or you could let the professionals guide you. The Maine Brew Bus has several options but the Local Pour Tour or the Southern Crawl line up well.
For dinner, you’ve waited long enough for some oysters, crab and a brown-butter lobster roll! Eventide Oyster Co is the spot. If you’ve got a crew, the family-style New England Lobster Bake is an easy option to make everyone happy. After dinner, walk 5 minutes south on Middle Street to Portland Hunt & Alpine Club for a cool vibe and unique cocktail creations.
DAY 3
Rent bikes from The Portland Encyclepedia for an early ride along a mostly coastal trail to Bug Light Park and Lighthouse. Stop and enjoy some peace and quiet on the Harbor once you arrive.
Holy Donut on 7 Exchange St is the destination on the way back. Order a half dozen of the cult-favorite potato donuts and ride two blocks southeast to the waterfront, where you can sit on the pier and (maybe?) share with your group!
Great guide! Thanks for the Lucky Catch recommendation!