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Our Favorite Things to Do in Portland, Maine

Things to Do in Portland, Maine

Whether you are going on vacation or looking to move, Portland, Maine, is a superb option. There are many fun, informational things to do in this historic town.

About 40% of Maine’s residents live in the Portland metropolitan area, making it a hub for museums and entertainment. Also, strips of restaurants, clubs, and bars dot the city.

If you are visiting, read over our favorite things to do in Portland, Maine.

Portland Brewery Tours

If you ask anyone to recommend things to do in Portland, Maine, they will suggest visiting one of the many breweries. Portland is known to be one of America’s top beer cities thanks to the array of local brewers. The area holds over 20 microbreweries, which is a lot for the city’s population.

Allagash is one of the more well-known breweries in Portland. The brewery stands out for its Belgian-style drinks. The Allagash tour is free, and it includes tastings. Another popular option is the Shipyard Brewing Company, which is known for its English-style beverages, or Sebago, which produces their brew with the water from Sebago Lake State Park.

Cape Elizabeth

One of the fantastic things about visiting Portland is that you can visit Cape Elizabeth for free. This stretch of beaches is about nine miles south of Portland, but the breathtaking views make it worth it.

Cape Elizabeth is most well known for its lighthouses. This one mile stretch of beach has multiple lighthouses, gently flowing water, a nice sized shoreline, and flowery dunes depending on the time of year.

While visiting, you can check out Crescent Beach State Park. There is a snack bar, some picnic tables, restrooms, and a lifeguard during the summer for safety.

The Old Port

Once you arrive in Portland, you have to stop at the Old Port. There is no other transatlantic port in the United States that is closer to Europe than the Portland port. It is also the 20th largest fishing port in the country.

The Old Port is the most massive foreign inbound transit tonnage in the United States. You can walk along the port admiring the buildings, the boats, and the ocean. You can also stop at one of the many bars and restaurants that overlook the water.

Peak’s Island

If you are looking to spend a stress-free day, you can hop on the ferry and visit Peak’s Island. The ferry takes about 20 minutes, and it brings you to a small island where around 1,000 people reside.

There is so much to do once you arrive at Peak’s Island. You can rent golf carts to see the island, but more adventurous folks might opt for kayaks and bikes. There is fresh seafood available from all the local shops to eat for lunch, and you can end your day by seeing one of the beaches or museums.

Portland Museum of Art

Visiting the Portland Museum of Art is the last of our top things to do in Portland, Maine. This unique exhibit features over 18,000 pieces of American and European Art. According to its website, it would take you nearly ten years of constant gallery rotations to see every part.

The museum has new and older art pieces, including paintings, photos, sketches, furniture, ornate silverware, pottery, and sculptures. The Portland Museum of Art is typically open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday on Friday.

Besides looking at the exhibits, the museum also offers various tours, family activities, talks, movies, and other special events. It is an excellent visit for everyone!

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Top 10 Restaurants in Portland, ME

Restaurants in Portland, ME

When you visit Portland, Maine, you want to make sure you hit all the famous restaurants before you go. You might not have time to check the reviews before stopping to eat, so here are the top 10 restaurants in Portland, ME.

You may notice we included Portland, ME food trucks on this list. These are a great alternative to sit down style restaurants, perfect for when you are short on time or don’t want to be surrounded by many people.

  1. Flatbread Company

Everyone loves to eat pizza. When you visit the Flatbread Company, you can expect great pizza while overlooking Casco Bay. The atmosphere and food are perfect.

There are a handful of seating options to fit the needs of their guests. You can sit in their spacious dining room and enjoy your food in the air conditioning. However, you will want to sit out by the dock if the weather is nice. It is the ideal place to eat flatbread pizza while gazing over the water.

  1. Boda

Boda is the go-to place in Portland, Maine, for cocktails and Thai food. This exquisite restaurant features a wide variety of Thai dishes, including quail eggs, spicy wings, pad thai, and more.

Another great thing about Boda is that they are open late, so you can get their delicious food until 1 a.m. Whether you need to eat a quick lunch or want to enjoy a meal after a night out, Boda is the place to go.

  1. The Back Bay Grill

The Back Bay Grill may be the perfect spot to go for a fancy evening out. This high-end restaurant is well known for its hand-rolled pasta and fantastic seafood dishes. Pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy an elegant dinner in low lighting for your next anniversary dinner in Portland, Maine.

  1. Solo Italiano

Solo Italiano is one of the most beloved restaurants in Portland, ME to get Italian food. The menu here changes daily, but you will not be disappointed with the chef’s choices. Salads, pasta, or seafood, whatever you are craving, you can find at Solo Italiano.

Another significant aspect of visiting this restaurant is the wine list. They have an extensive array of all their best wines ready for their guests. Whether you’re in the mood for a glass of red or white wine, the staff at Solo Italiano can answer all of your questions and provide an excellent pairing.

  1. Rose Foods

The bagels from Rose Foods are top of the line. You can’t visit Portland without making a stop and trying one of these bagels.

There are six different bagels available every day. There are always five classic flavors and one specialty that rotates out. You can order a dozen bagels to take home or choose from 11 handcrafted sandwiches for a fantastic breakfast.

  1. Salvage BBQ

Not everyone is a massive fan of seafood, and that’s okay. Just because Portland, Maine is known for its lobster doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit. Stopping at Salvage BBQ is a must when you’re in town.

This restaurant serves up classic barbecue and plenty of hearty sides to go with your meal. They have trivia on Wednesdays, along with live music every Friday and Saturday. Come for the food or the environment; either way, you won’t be disappointed.

  1. The Holy Donut

The restaurant name is fitting, considering the Holy Donut produces some of the best donuts on the East Coast. There are two locations in Portland, so you’re never far from these sweet treats. The donuts are slightly denser than your typical donut, but delicious regardless.

  1. Bite into Maine

Bite into Maine has two locations in Portland, and they almost always have a line. Here you can get six different types of lobster rolls that are all under $20. Bite into Maine has a food truck next to the lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth, and it is worth the drive. You can order your food and explore Cape Elizabeth while enjoying your delicious lobster roll.

  1. Artemisia Cafe

Artemisia Cafe is one of the top brunch restaurants in Portland, ME. You can find all of your classic brunch foods on the menu and feel at home in the environment. This little spot is beautiful to visit, and it opens a bit earlier than most places in Portland, so you don’t have to wait until 11 a.m. to get brunch.

  1. Oxbow Blending and Bottling

Before you leave Portland, make sure to visit Oxbow Blending and Blotting. They have one location in Portland, with another about 10 miles away. You can find events often, but you’ll want to check it out either way. They have tons of brew and wine to try, as well as all your typical bar foods. The restaurant even has an art gallery that you can look through before you leave.

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5 Best Wedding Venues in Portland, ME

Wedding Venues in Portland ME

Planning a wedding will likely be the most fun and the most stressful time of your life. You will want to make sure every aspect is perfect and as you had envisioned it. One of the critical steps in planning your dream wedding is finding the ideal venue.

Finding the right venue

Modern times have brought back the outdoor wedding, and Maine is home to many amazing views. The scenery is beautiful, but you might have trouble narrowing down the top wedding venues in Portland, ME.

You want to consider the size of the venue, the ambiance, and the meal options. To see the size and ambiance, touring the space and seeing photos of past receptions will help you find suitable options.

When it comes to food, you want to ask about options for those with dietary restrictions. If a space doesn’t offer vegetarian or vegan options, don’t worry! You can always turn to Portland food trucks for help. There are plenty of vegan food trucks available in Portland, and they can help save your day.

Our top 5 wedding venues in Portland, ME

Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and Marina

Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and Marina is a classic favorite for hosting a reception. This waterfront wedding venue overlooks the crystal waters of Diamond’s Cove. Get together with up to 250 of your friends and family at this beautiful location. The location actually offers three wedding venues.

When it’s warm outside, ask about the McKinley Grove Event Site. It comes with a Sperry tent with retractable slides and a dance floor to add to the fun.

If you want a more intimate feel, The Art Gallery is another option. This building can seat up to 80 guests, and it’s well known for its high ceilings and rustic atmosphere.

For 20 to 50 guests, The Patio is your best option. This large lawn is perfect for watching the boats ride by.

There are additional services you can add to your wedding. Some of these include on-site catering, coffee service, bar service, a wedding specialist, champagne toasts, and cake cutting. Diamond’s Edge gives you everything you need to throw an amazing wedding.

The Barn at Smith Farm

Another breathtaking outdoor venue in Portland is the Barn at Smith Farm. This venue is perfect for a smaller setting; the maximum number of guests it can hold is 150. It is an affordable barn on a ranch with fantastic photo opportunities.

Although small, the wedding venue comes with a lot of options. You have access to catering services, a fully equipped kitchen, a full bar, and lounge, as well as wireless internet and a waterfront experience.

Brick South at Thompson’s Point

There is no better place for a big wedding than Brick South at Thompson’s Point. This property consists of 25,000 square feet and has many noteworthy features. You get a nice blend of elegance and rustic features, as well as an industrial feel.

Brick South has rough-hewn wood and steel beams, polished concrete floors, and open ceilings to make your day perfect. There are wooden panel room dividers you can use to create a secluded setting and bistro string lighting to set the mood.

Rising Tide Brewing Company

The Rising Tide Brewing Company is one of the most lively wedding venues in Portland, ME. If you are looking to visit a newly renovated space in East Bayside, Rising Tide is for you.

There are three separate areas available to rent, ranging from semi-private to entirely private rooms. When renting the private East Room, you pay hourly, and the tables, chairs, AV/PA system, private bar, and outside patio space are all included.

Rising Tide’s rooms come in various sizes, with some holding 40 guests and others seating up to 150 people.

The Press Hotel

The Press Hotel rounds out our list of the five best wedding venues in Portland, ME. The space is built to accommodate an intimate to a medium-sized wedding. It can hold up to 100 guests for a reception or 70 guests for a banquet.

The Composing Room has expansive windows to feature natural lighting as well as handcrafted paneling inside. Their Editorial Room is smaller, holding up to 45 guests, but it is still as intricate and beautiful as the others.

If you are hosting a rehearsal dinner, the News Room holds up to 15 guests.

The Press Hotel also provides parking, valet, wireless internet, and in-house catering.

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Fun Fairs and Festivals in Portland, Maine

Fairs And Festivals In Portland Me

Whether you are visiting or if you have just moved to the area, there are tons of fun fairs and festivals in Portland, Maine that you can check out. The city has events for the holidays and a few fairs that have become local traditions.

Whether you prefer a fair over a festival or vice versa, all of the events we listed below are worth checking out at least once. The breathtaking sights and unforgettable adventures will keep everyone in your family entertained.

Below are 5 of the best fun fairs and festivals in Portland, Maine.

1. Bug Light Kite Festival

The Bug Light Kite Festival is one of the most whimsical sights you will see. It comes around annually and is always held on the third weekend in May.

People fill the sky above Bug Light Park with every kite you can think of for this magical event. You will see pink, blue, yellow, green, sparkly, light up, and any other kites you can imagine.

Admission to the event is free, but many guests purchase hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, fries, and more available from the local barbeque. All proceeds are donated to a local organization, so you get to eat while giving back to the community.

2. Cumberland Fair

For the more adventurous crew, as well as kids, the Cumberland Fair may be an attractive choice. This is a traditional fair that has been going on since the 1800s.

There are so many things to do when you visit the Cumberland Fair. You can enjoy yourself on the wide variety of carnival rides and then stop by the petting zoo. As your day winds down, you can grab some of the famous fair foods. Satisfy your craving with some cotton candy and enjoy the lights and laughter.

3. Street Eats and Beats

One of the most popular food truck events in Portland Maine, and nationwide, is the Street Eats and Beats. This event has come to Portland, every summer for the last six years. You can find food for everyone at this food truck meet up.

This event is great for food lovers who want to try meals from other states, but it also for anyone who loves live music. Gather together to listen to some up and coming artists perform live while eating and drinking top of the line beer and wine.

4. Freeport Fall Festival

Get into the spooky season with the Freeport Fall Festival. This festival promises a fun day filled with art and music. It goes on every year in October, just in time for Halloween and the change of seasons.

Over 100 artist exhibits feature oil and watercolor paintings, fine crafts, jewelry, mixed media, and photographs. After you get a good look at all the fantastic artwork, you can shop at local stores, get something to eat, or enjoy the live music.

Don’t forget to participate in the Chowdah Challenge, one of the most fun aspects of the Freeport Fall Festival. People from across the city prepare their best chowder, and the public can sample each dish and vote for their favorite.

5. Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

The Christmas Boat Parade of Lights is one of the most beautiful festivals in Portland, Maine. This event is also known as the Portland Harbor Christmas Boat Parade.

Every year around Christmas time, the Portland Harbor is filled with a surplus of lit-up boats. You can watch from the waterfront as the boats twinkle under the stars. Keep your eyes open, and you might see Santa hitching a ride. To cap off the night, the sky is lit up with fireworks to celebrate the ending of a great year.