We continued our 4th of July weekend festivities in Portland, Maine. We wanted to do something fun, but we had no idea where to go or what to do. Inspiration hit when I read Amsterdam-based blogger, Ali’s, recent adventures in her hometown near Portland, Maine {pressedwordsat.wordpress.com}. Her photos of early morning strolls on Old Orchard Beach and delicious finds at J’s Oyster made it pretty easy in deciding Portland, Maine as our weekend destination. I think blogs are a great travel planning resource, and this is a perfect example. Lucky for us, we also found a great deal for a hotel, which we booked two days prior to departure. See? I’m learning how to be spontaneous!
Upon arriving to Portland in the early afternoon and having skipped breakfast, we went straight to J’s Oyster situated in the Old Port neighborhood of the city. On the outside, the place looked nothing special. But, on the inside, it looked as if they hadn’t changed a thing since its construction. Dark wood, hanging Christmas lights, and kitschy nautical decor. It was perfect. P and I chose to sit at the bar and befriended some locals who were having their afternoon libations. We devoured a dozen oysters, a lobster roll, and a breaded Haddock filet sandwich while chatting with Bill and Bob, who were sitting on the stools next to us. People from Maine are so friendly! The food here was simple but amazing, and the prices couldn’t be beat.
We had some time to kill before our 2 p.m. brewery tour at Allagash Brewery Company, about 20 minutes outside of downtown Portland. So, we took Bill and Bob’s suggestions and checked out the Eastern Promenade. The walk, though pleasant, was a bit industrial and unexciting. I guess we’re just spoiled by Boston’s gardens and architecture…
Next stop, Allagash Brewery! I’ve only had the Allagash White and was excited to try some of their new beers (Be sure to make reservations for the free brewery tours in advance because they fill up quickly, especially on weekends). The tour was casual, informative, and fun. I learned that day that brewing beer is a science, I love the smell of brewery beer (who knew?!), and that I’m a total lush after sampling four types of beer (I blame the Asian genes…).
After the tour and tasting and a quick stop at the hotel, we headed toward Old Orchard Beach to explore. We both had never visited the area before, and were excited to see what this popular vacation spot had to offer. Old Orchard Beach is about a 20 minute drive south of Portland with a boardwalk and pier, which brought me back to childhood summers. The sand on the beach was so soft (unlike most New England beaches). I was in heaven!
P and I followed the live music to the end of the pier where we had dinner, made new friends (have I mentioned how friendly the people in Maine are?), and jammed to a top 40’s cover band. Though the food was mediocre and nothing special, the atmosphere was just what we were looking for!
When the sun began to set, we headed to the boardwalk to check out the rides and games. Joyous screaming from the roller coaster and tilt-a-whirl. Children laughing and running, swinging their cotton candy. A guy in a neon green uniform yelling, “And we have a winner! A pink unicorn for you! It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!” from his game booth. P and I played a game or two. Oh to be a kid again…
I have always wanted to go on a romantic ferris wheel ride à la The Notebook. So, as P likes to put it, “to make all my dreams come true,” we rode on the ferris wheel with a great view of the beach on one side and the sunset on the other. Not gonna lie, it was kind of amazing.
After all the fun on the boardwalk, we found an open spot on the beach with hundreds of other locals and tourists, waiting for the evening’s fireworks to begin. Our expectation for the fireworks weren’t high, especially after watching Boston’s half an hour fireworks extravaganza over the Charles River (which you can read about here). But, holy cow! The fireworks over Old Orchard Beach were pretty darn awesome.
The next day, we woke up bright and early for our morning paddle boarding tour with Portland Paddles, located on East End Beach. Our group was chatty and fun, and our guide was a retired surfer and lover of all water sports, who taught us all the tricks of the paddle boarding trade. Paddle boarding is a lot harder than it looks, but P and I got the hang of it pretty quickly. Now, we love paddle boarding and can’t wait to do it again! (P’s already talking about renting boards and going on the Charles in Boston…)
After our morning core workout on the paddle board, we treated ourselves to Duckfat, a small sandwich shop with delicious paninis, Belgian fries fried in duck fat, soups, salads, and craft beers and sodas. We got to the restaurant right before the line started forming and got seated right away. We had the portobello panini, pork belly panini, and of course the famous Duckfat fries. For drinks, I tried the Cherry craft soda (so good and refreshing!) and P had an Allagash White. Definitely recommend this place if you’re ever visiting Portland!
On our way back to Boston, P and I stopped by to check out the Portland Head Light Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The views here are what New England is all about! There’s more to do than just visit the lighthouse. There are walking paths along the coast, a little cove beach, picnic and BBQ areas, a seafood shack, and abandoned forts. I only wished we had more time to explore.
On our way back to Boston, traffic was terrible. I mean so terrible. I guess that’s what we get for leaving in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday on the 4th of July weekend. After almost two hours, we were still in Maine… So, I came up with this brilliant idea of taking the next exit, finding a beach or cafe, and waiting out the awful traffic for a few hours. Even though we would be getting back home a little bit later, we could relax in a small beach town with a scenic view, instead of sitting in bumper to bumper holiday traffic. Best decision ever. We happened upon York Beach, found ourselves a patio table at Stones Throw, and nibbled on calamari and chicken fingers while reading a good book and taking in the views. Life was good… at least until we had to head out again, in which time the traffic had died down significantly.
What a fantastic mini weekend trip to start off the summer! And to think, we have the whole rest of the summer ahead of us…
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Your trip looks absolutely amazing – and you seem to have crammed in so many awesome activities!!! Glad you liked J’s and so happy you made a trip to Duckfat as well. They’re one of my favorites!! x
Thanks! Hope you’re enjoying your New England adventures! P.S. Love your blog!