November 2-5, 2018
TL;DR: Everything about Portland just clicked. Parking was consistently easy, we had a local friend who gave us the inside scoop on all the cool spots (thanks, Luke!), we got into all the restaurants we wanted, and the sun came out on our last day. Jess is ready to move.
The sights
This is a really cool little brewery right by where we parked Layla when we explored Portland. Good food, good vibe. Can use the wireless to work while drinking beer with no weird stares.
Congress Street
Toward the East End of Portland, Congress Street is a cute spot to walk around and pop into the shops. Carlson & Turner Antiquarian was a favorite right next to LB Kitchen (see Roadfood); it’s mainly a book store with tons of antiques thrown into the mix.
If you go up one block, you’ll hit Washington Avenue, which is also a great street.
Washington Avenue
Cute street in the East End with lots of breweries and distilleries. We stopped at Hardshore for some gin and cribbage (Jess won in spite of Bri’s b-day!?). Then went over to Goodfire and Lone Pine breweries. All good and had a very local feel.
It was very windy out!
Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
Super neat bar with great cocktails. Bartender was really friendly and said Portland is a lot like Asheville, which made us want to go back even more than we already did.
Holy Donuts
Delicious potato donuts and coffee. Jess was ready to get about five, but Bri talked her down to two. They were delicious, but maybe a little stale that day.
Amazing little shop with a variety of well-curated goods by our new friend Kazeem, who is a friend of our other new friend Luke. In addition to designing jewelry and opening his beautiful shop, he was deep on the topic of artificial intelligence and how it would lead to people having a lack of purpose in life (hard to disagree with).
Portland Museum of Art
Happened to be here on a first Friday of the month, so got in for free, which was lovely.
Camden Coffee
Super cute coffee shop where we got THE most delicious cinnamon bun that was half croissant, half bun. And great coffee. Really good spot to wait for your table at Hot Suppa (see Roadfood).
Eventide
Went to this restaurant for Bri’s bday dinner after hearing a ton about it. Was really busy so went over to Tomasso’s for a beer first, which we think may have been a Michigan bar (Go Blue!). Had a great dinner.
Duckfat
Oh my gosh. This place was pretty packed, but we only had to wait about 20 minutes and it was worth it. Duckfat fries were out of control. Also the duckfat milkshake, because yes.
Fort Williams
This is such a gorgeous spot right on Cape Elizabeth and about 10 minutes from downtown Portland. Has a ton of picnic space for when it’s warm, a walk along the cliff, and beautiful view of the coast.
Details, details, details
We love Portland.
And then this happened…
Forgetting to get propane when it’s chilly out sucks. We woke up on Bri’s birthday with this problem, and had to drive a bit out of our way to get it.
Now we know
We parked right downtown every time we came in, and it was a super convenient spot—both to get to, and walk from. On Commercial Street, on the water side, on either side of where Center Street intersects Commercial, there are a few spaces that say “5 Min. Idling Tour Bus Parking Only.” This means you have to turn your engines off after 5 minutes, but can park there for an unlimited time (but not overnight).
Road food
Highroller, home to lobster grilled cheese with charred pineapple and jalapeño mayos, whoopie pies, and very red lighting.
Scratch Baking Co is one of the cutest bakeries ever, with an amazing Muffaleta, gooey brownies and Crackled Apple Spice cookies.
Golden Milk pancakes, breakfast salad, and thick-cut sourdough bread with coconut oil made LB Kitchen one of our faves.
Hot Suppa: home of crisp corned beef hash, fried green tomato Benedict, and Cajun bloody Marys.
Where we stayed
Nights one and two: Cracker Barrel, Scarsborough, Maine, just outside Portland
Nights three and four: Cabela’s outside Portland
Just show me the pictures already
