Nesting Around: Portland, ME

When I think of Maine, I think of lobsters, national parks, light houses and long drives. I was very surprised to find it is only 5-hour drive to Maine from New York! Of course, depending on where you are leaving, it could be anywhere between 5 to 6 hours, which is almost the same amount of time to get to Boston. I think we have better odds getting to Portland, ME in that time than Boston as traffic can get bad on major thruways to Boston. There is hardly any traffic going to ME except when near NYC, but if you time your travel well, such as leaving early in the morning and arriving pass 9 pm, the drive will be painless and smooth. This means you can easily take a mini vacation to Portland, ME on a 3 day weekend.

Which is precisely what we did during Aiden's spring recess this past April, as almost everywhere else are packed with kids during the break. I could not believe the $450 flight cost when I tried to book flights to Orlando.

Portland's main attraction to me is FOOD, and more FOOD! It is amazing how many good restaurants are in this small city.

Breakfast/Brunch - definitely my favorite meal of the day, and proven to be the best in Portland, ME

Five Fifty-Five - yum!!!

Bintliff - Best Brunch EVER!! The pictures may not look as the best brunch, but this bloodymary is the best we've had, and this egg white omelette is so perfectly done that I am trying to make it at home myself.

Lunch

Duckfat - sandwich place with everything made in duck fat. It's a small place with long line especially during lunch hour. But, if weather is nice, you can have the sandwich to go and walk to a park or water front nearby to enjoy.

Lobster Shack at Two Lights - Not only this is one of the best lobster roll places in Maine, it is also located right by the water with spectacular view of Casco Bay.

Dinner

Street&Co - great seafood restaurant in a small alley in Old Port. This fish dish we had was really amazing!

There are so many more amazing restaurants in Portland we want to sample, such as Eventide.

Attractions

The main attraction in Portland is the Portland Head Light, it is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country and maybe the world.

The old port is full of good eats and boutique stores that are fun for stroll for everyone. Here are few fun stops.

I also recommend stopping in to the seafood market to check out the variety of Maine seafood or go on a lobstering tour with Lucky Catch.

We also spent half day at Peeks Island. There are 7 islands near Portland, I think Peeks Island is most visited. You get to ride a ferry to and from the island with great view of Casco Bay, and spend a relaxing day at the beach, why not? There is a little shop on the island that sells things made from the local artist which are very cool and why not support starving artists right? There is also an umbrella cover museum, it was closed when we were there, but definitely fun to stop in and good for kids. You can also rent bikes on the island, which is the best way to tour the island.