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The Ultimate Guide to Portland, Maine

Old Port - Guide to Portland, Maine

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I am pretty excited to write this guide to Portland, Maine. Why you ask? Well, I’m going to go ahead and put this out there. In the near future, I believe Portland, Maine will be a popular travel destination.

 

For such a small town, this city is super impressive. Portland is Maine’s largest city, and has a lot of spunk. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was definitely surprised by how much Portland has to offer. I truly enjoyed my time here, and already can’t wait to go back. Looking for a guide for your visit to Portland? Let’s dive on in!

The Ultimate Guide to Portland, Maine

 

The Ultimate Guide to Portland, Maine

 

Accommodation

If you’re willing to spend some money, stay in a lovely Victorian mansion is a great option. These mansion are now turned into bed & breakfasts, and they make the most enjoyable way to take in the Portland experience. However, if that’s not your MO (main objective), no worries. I am a classic budget traveler, and only splurge occasionally. Unfortunately, I found Portland to be quite limited on budget friendly accommodation.

 

There are also Airbnb options in Portland. Let Airbnb be your friend, and stay with a local. 😉

 

Portland, Maine has a full price range to choose from:

 

Guide to Portland, Maine

 

Where to Stay: Portland Neighborhoods

 

Portland has three main areas where you’ll likely be spending your time. 

  • Downtown – This is likely where you’ll spend the bulk of your time. Congress Street is Portland’s main thoroughfare, while Commercial Street is where the majority of the businesses are located.
  • West End – Portland’s most extravagant neighborhood. Come here to gaze at stunning 19th century mansions. Better yet, stay here for a charming bed & breakfast experience.
  • Munjoy Hill – Portland’s trendy hipster scene.

 

Congress Street - Things to do in Portland, Maine

 

Portland Food Scene

Portland is fantastic foodie town! For being so small, the number of food digs speckled around the city is surprising. As you might imagine, seafood is big here. You simply can’t leave without diving into a lobster roll and fries (preferably with a micro-brew in hand). That leads into my next point, the beer scene.

 

Guide to Portland, Maine

 

Portland Food Recommendations: There are so many great places to try out, below are a few you might like:

  • Duckfat
  • Eventide Oyster Co.
  • Public Market House

Portland Beer Scene

Portland also has an amazing micro-brew scene. You can find local brews in the restaurants and bars, and beer tours are also available. I attempted to go to Allagash Brewing Company, but due to a storm, the power was out and it was closed. Bummer. Oh well, next time!

 

Allagash Brewing Company - Guide to Portland, Maine

 

Portland Beer recommendations:

  • Shipyard Brewing Company
  • Allagash Brewing Company
  • Rising Tide Brewing Company

 

Portland Coffee Scene

Yes, you guessed it! The coffee scene is strong, too. You will never have to worry about getting second-class coffee in Portland. There are many great coffee shops around the downtown, but here’s a few I would recommend.

 

Portland Coffee Recommendations:

  • Bard Coffee
  • Coffee by Design
  • Yordprom Coffee Shop

 

Yordprom Coffee Shop - Guide to Portland, Maine

 

Portland Bakery Recommendations:

  • Bam Bam Bakery
  • The Holy Donut

 

Bam Bam Bakery - Things to do in Portland, Maine

 

Things to Do in Portland

There’s so much more to see and do here! I’ve put together a few recommendations to start off your trip, but I didn’t go too in-depth, because I wrote another blog post all on things to do in Portland, Maine

 

Read more: 18 Awesome Things to Do in Portland, Maine

 

 

Portland Recommendations:

  • Wander down the main street: Congress Street and Commercial Street
  • Explore Old Port
  • Eat a lobster roll
  • Tour the Portland Head Lighthouse
  • Go boutique shopping

 

Portland Head Lighthouse, Fort Williams Park - Things to do in Portland, Maine

 

Shopping Recommendations:

  • Stonewall Kitchen Portland Company Store – Drool-worthy kitchen and home decor
  • Motif’s – Everything from clothing, home décor, and decorations
  • Gus & Ruby – The most precious paper store, ever
  • Little – The most adorable kid’s clothing store. I don’t even have kids, but it was too precious not to take a peek inside

 

Little, Old Port - Guide to Portland, Maine

 

Read More

18 Things to Do in Portland, Maine

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Maine

Everything You Need to Know About Acadia National Park

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Old Port - Guide to Portland, Maine

What would you include in your “Guide to Portland, Maine”? Love to know in the comments below!

 

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Welcome to Lavender Vines

I’m Tiffany, a travel lover, small business owner, and expert-level cat cuddler. Sharing the love of Jesus is one of my favorite things ever, hence why I started this blog! You’re gonna find loads of goodies on this site, but one of my fav’s is my brand spankin’ new free ebook on your identity in Christ. Cut to the chase – Jesus thinks you’re pretty cool – but my ebook explains just how cool you really are. It’s kinda amazing.

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