Travel Guide: Portland, Maine

We just got back from a long weekend in Maine and it was such a great little getaway! We have been hearing great things about Portland so decided to go there and were not disappointed! We stayed in the cutest airbnb in a great location. We’re sharing our favorites of what we did on the trip below!

Stayed:

In an adorable Airbnb on Spring Street. It’s an apartment with a great rooftop deck and a delicious organic juice place directly across the street! It is so nicely decorated, had wifi, smart TV, two bedrooms (although we only used one) and a great little kitchen. There’s a very popular dumpling house across the street that was always so busy we never got to try any and a really great restaurant a walk down the street that had great food and drinks. Head below for lots of pics of the Airbnb!

Ate

Little Tap House

This is the restaurant that was right on our street. Cozy, quiet spot with great, friendly service.

We recommend: the hummus plate for starters, salmon for entree and the “Back Nine” cocktail.

Elevation Burger

We were at the shops in Old Port when Anchor fell asleep in his stroller so decided to just go to the closest place. Honestly I wasn’t expecting much from a place that seemed like fast food, but was pleasantly surprised! They have vegetarian and vegan options and their beef is all grass-fed. There is outdoor seating and rooftop seating and it’s right across the street from the water.

We recommend: The paleo burger and fries

Maine Juice Co.

This is the juice spot right across the street from the airbnb. Everything is local and organic and they have a great menu including smoothie bowls!

We recommend: the Antioxidance smoothie and Chocolate Blues smoothie.

Tandem Coffee Bakery (the one on Congress Street):

SUCH a cool spot! We saw it while driving and I was so intrigued so we waited for an off-time (it gets busy) and checked it out! It used to be a gas station turned laundromat now coffee shop! It looks like an old gas station which is so cool that they worked with that instead of trying to make it look different. The inside is decorated very modern and fun and they have outdoor picnic tables with string lights.

We recommend: the Herby Limeade and big chocolate chip cookie

Higher Grounds

A gem of an artisan café! They are all about local and plant-based goodies. They also have an apothecary section and CBD infused coffee, treats and botanicals. It’s located in the Old Port near great shops and restaurants.

Played

Urban Farm Fermentory

I knew I wanted to go here before we even planned our trip! We have a few friends who have been and raved about it, and for good reason! They have Kombucha on tap along with a small selection of beer and ciders. It was so fun because Anchor could be a part of it (he LOVES kombucha) and there are games like cornhole and giant jenga.

We recommend: trying a flight of kombucha! Anchor and I really loved the blueberry flavor!

Shipyard Brewing Co.

The first night we got to Portland it was raining so we were looking for an indoor activity and this place was the perfect spot to go! There are boardgames and a screen to play old school video games so Anchor was in his glory! He made a friend and they were playing together while Dan and I enjoyed our beer flight. The brewery also has a soft drink flight for kids so they can be involved although we didn’t try it for Anchor. They also have a cute little gift shop. Anchor got a book and a bracelet that he is now obsessed with and we got an ornament.

We recommend: Trying a flight of beer. Our favorite is Finder NE IPA.

Crescent Beach State Park

This is SUCH a gem! Dan found it and we weren’t sure whether we were going to go or not as the weather was iffy that day but decided to go and I’m SO glad we did! It was probably my favorite part of the trip. The beach is SO beautiful. The sand is soft and the beach is long and wide. The views and scenery is breathtaking. We ran in the waves, relaxed on our blanket in the sand and got out just before another storm rolled it. We went around 5pm so it was more quiet and cooler than I expect it would be earlier in the day.

Peaks Island

Dan’s mom gave us a magazine about Maine before we left and we found Peaks Island in there as a recommended place to visit, so it was on the top of my list of things to do! It’s only a 20 min ferry ride from Portland. It’s a small, charming island that you can literally walk or bike around. We got off the ferry, got Anchor an ice cream and walked a straight shot across to the other side of the island. Through the island is beautiful, quiet and treelined. We got out to rocks along the water with beautiful views and had a blast climbing along and checking out all the pools of water. Then we walked back via the coastal road which was busier but had gorgeous views and pretty houses. Then while we were waiting for the ferry back we sat outside at the Peaks Island Inn and enjoyed cocktails and apps.

We recommend: Going at an off time! We went to get on around 10am but the boat was SO crowded we knew it would probably not be enjoyable on the island/wouldn’t be able to get into restaurants etc. So we went back around 430 and it was perfect! Plus with all the walking you do on the island, it’s better to not be in the heat and full sun of the mid afternoon.

Shop

Fetch (I think it may now be called Fish & Bone)

We kept walking by this pet store during our trip so on the last day we went in and got Sasco a toy. It’s a huge dog and cat store with a great selection and the friendliest staff.

Sherman’s Maine Coast Bookshop

This paper store is full of gems. Books, toys, local and artisan goods are some of the things you will find here. It’s located right in Old Port. This is where Anchor got the monster truck that you will see in half the photos 😂

Showing off his giant cookie from Tandem Coffee Roasters!

Kombucha flight at Urban Farm Fermentory

Playing cornhole at Urban Farm Fermentory

Relaxing after playing in the waves at Crescent Beach.

Gorgeous rocks found along Crescent Beach.