a favorite: Crescent Beach -- 2010
It's that time of year! Tourist season here in Portland, Maine. Over the years of blogging I often get emails from people asking for my 'Portland Favorites'. I figured it was finally time sit down, organize and share what makes my list. You'll see that mainly what I do here is eat! Ha! No but seriously, there is some amazing food in Portland so bring your appetite along when you come up here.
And before I say anything I want to make it clear that this is my small list of favorite things. It's based on what I do and love here in Portland and it is completely biased. It is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the amazing things in this wonderful town/area (in fact I am sure I am missing even some of my own favorites). This is just a place to start. If you're coming for a visit give yourself at least 3-4 days for the Portland area and just get out and explore! There is so much more to be found than what I have written about here, trust me.
To accompany my list I have included photographs of some of my favorite spots from over the years (a couple from our books A Year of Mornings and 3191: Evenings). If you're coming this way I hope you enjoy every last bit of it!
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MAV's PORTLAND GUIDE ... in brief ...
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post-bagel at 158 Pickett Street Cafe -- from A Year of Mornings, 2007
EAT
Don't Miss!:
• Bagel at 158 Pickett Street Cafe
• Tea & Scone/Crumpet at Homegrown Herb & Tea
• Lunch & Coconut Flan at The Blue Spoon
• Dinner or Dessert at Fore Street
• Pizza Slice at Otto
Other Favorites:
• Coffee at Aurora
• Homemade Toast at Arabica
• Pastries at Standard Baking Company
• Corned Beef Hash at Hot Suppa
• Lunch at Artemisia
• Fresh Pasta at Paciarino
• Grocery-Getting & Homemade Soup at Rosemont Market
• Cheese at K. Horton
• Fresh Bread & Olives at Micucci's
• Take-Home Fish at Harbor Fish Market
• Fish N Chips at Norm's
• Steak & Fries (in the bar) at Five Fifty Five
• Beer Outside at Novare Res
• Ice Cream at Bonobo's Ice Cream Window
• Milkshake at Duckfat
• Cocktail at Sonny's
• Late-night Drink at Top Of The East
Beyond Portland (to name just a few):
• Breakfast, Lunch or Friday Dinner at Chase's Daily
• Cheese & Meats at The Cheese Iron
• Lunch at Frontier
• Dinner at El Camino
• Dinner at Francine Bistro
• Drink at The Edge
• Breakfast at 2 Cats
beer at Novare Res -- from 3191: Evenings, 2008
post-dinner at El Camino (with Lisa Congdon) -- from 3191: Evenings, 2008
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SHOP
Don't Miss!:
• Books On Food at Rabelais
• One-of-a-kind Clothing & Art at chelliswilson
• Perfectly Quirky Goods at Ferdinand
• Stunning Clothing at Black Parrot
• Jeans at Bliss (ask for Michelle!)
• T-shirts at Rogues Gallery
• Office Supplies Old-School at Wigon
• A Massage with Andrea at Akari
Other Favorites:
• Artist-Made Goods at Eliphant
• Local Bookshop Goodness at Longfellow Books
• Cozy Homeware at Blanche & Mimi
• Comfortable Women's Clothing at Cory & Co
• Fun Kitchenware at Le Roux Kitchen
• Mens Custom Shirts at David Wood
• Surf Goodness & Art at Corduroy
• Totes at Angela Adams
• Peace, Love & Revolution at Nomia
• Antiques at Allen & Walker
• Awe-some Furniture at Addo Novo
Beyond Portland (to name just a few):
• Charming Antiques at Pillars
• Stunning Fabric & Antiques at Marston House
• Smart Home Goods at Smitten
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farm fresh goods at Chase's Daily in Belfast, 2009
post-dinner at Fore Street, 2008
VISIT
Don't Miss!:
• Attending Whatever Is Going On at Space Gallery
• Lounging at Two Lights State Park
• Walking Around (literally) Mackworth Island
• Strolling the West End
• A Movie at Portland Art Museum
• Wandering around the new Portland Public Library
• Taking a Very Long Walk on A Beach
• Visiting Farmer's Markets Everywhere
Other Favorites:
• Sunset or Moonlit Run on the Casco Bay Ferry
• Art at 37-A Gallery
• Art at Portland Art Museum
• Art at ICA, Meca
• Art at June Fitzpatrick Galleries
—MAV
11 July 10
{ eat, drink }, { field trips }, { stories, tips }, { jul 10 }