Six Reasons Why You Should Have a Bachelorette (or Bachelor Party) in Portland, Maine

It’s often hard to find the perfect itinerary for the hodgepodge of bride-to-be, college friends, future sister-in-law, cousin and random co-worker. Well Vegas can wait! To celebrate the bride-to-be and keep her close-knit crew busy, fed and happy, look no further!  Portland may just be the perfect balance of low key but fun and nice but affordable.

Six Reasons:

1. Great food– Named the 2018 Restaurant City of the Year by Bon Appetit, Maine is a foodie haven. Obviously, Maine lobster is synonymous with the state, but beyond the seafood joints there are some incredible options for those who will appreciate a good meal. Some favorites include:
   • Fore Street – a brick fire oven, a seasonal daily menu with fresh local ingredients
   • Duckfat – insanely good paninis, fries and milkshakes
   • Isa – communal seating, good way to mingle
   • Eventide Oyster Co – for lobster rolls, oysters etc. and they have a family-style New England Lobster Bake perfect for a hungry crew
   • Standard Baking Company, Tandem Coffee or Rose Foods for breakfast sandwiches, pastries and coffee, which you’ll need after a night on the town!
   • The Holy Donut – made from all-natural ingredients (but tastes just as glorious as a super indulgent dessert)
2. Scenery – Portland is a coastal town with boats, lighthouses and quaint houses.  Your crew will enjoy walking around and taking advantage of the excellent backdrops for photos!
3. R&R – This is a place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the busier cities. There are plenty of spas, boat cruises and biking trails. The Salt Vault and Soakology are some fun, unique opportunities to get pampered as a group too!
4. Drinking establishments – Portland has more micro-breweries per percapita than any other cities.
   • Oxbow Blending & Bottling,  Rising Tide, Urban Farm, Shipyard Brewing Company and Goodfire Brewing Company are all walkable from the Old Town.
     • Tip: Breweries don’t take reservations so have someone from the group arrive ahead of everyone else to stake out a table! Or let the pros handle it and book the Maine Brew Bus!
   • Portland Hunt + Alpine Club – cocktail bar
   • Maps – hipster bar that also oddly has amazing desserts?
   • MJ’s Wine Bar – snacks, happy hour and Sunday Funday specials
5. Clubs– For those who want to bust a move, Portland has a surprising amount of clubs!
   • Bubba’s Sulky Lounge – 80s and 90s hits and a lit up dance floor. Need I say more?
   • Oasis – dance club, multiple bars, outdoor patio with live music and games means something for everyone
   • Pearl – strobe lights and bottle service. This is the place to bring out your LBDs
   • Ri Ra – a pub that sometimes become a dance floor!
6. Affordable – If you plan ahead, there are several inns, hotels and downtown houses. Check Groupon and group rates when booking activities!

For a suggested weekend itinerary, click here!