A lobster lover’s paradise, Portland offers a great north atlantic escape.  It has a dynamic waterfront industry, a local art scene, and amazing fresh seafood in a host of gourmet restaurants, bars and breweries.

We started Friday at Duckfat, Rob Evan’s James Beard award winner spot, which was the place for amazing sandwiches, milkshakes, and of course, fries cooked in duckfat.  Following brunch, we walked over to see the sites around town: the Portland Observatory, visited the Wadsworth Longfellow House and Victoria Mansion.  We then returned over to Commercial street to grab a late launch at Portland Lobster Company, and sat on the outdoor deck to feast on lobster rolls while wipping a glass of white wine.  We ended the day with a cocktail at Vena’s Fizz House followed by a late dinner at Central Provisions.

We started Saturday with a quick visit to Standard Baking Co to indulge in some local organic pastries before heading out on a scenic tour of Casco Bay.  We decided to experience the local mail run by taking a charming three-hour ride through Casco Bay, where the boat delivered mail to the local residents, and we had a chance to see Great Diamond, Little Diamond and the Cliff Islands.

Upon return, we strolled the shops of Commercial street and then headed out to Cape Elizabeth to check out the lighthouses. 

Not to mention, there is a great place to grab a lobster roll out there too.  Since sharing a few lobsters wasn’t enough, we stopped back at Eventide Oyster Company where the fresh oysters on ice greet you upon entering, and then ended the evening at the Hunt & Alpine Club for a cocktail.

After all the eating over the last few days, we decided it was necessary to start Sunday with a stroll so we grabbed a donut from Holy Donut and hit the Eastern Promenade Trail, which snakes along the Casco Bay waterfront for a picturesque morning walk. 

We then stopped over at Honey Paw for our final lunch before heading back home.

Separate note: Thursday night dinner at Street+Co was amazing