Portland, ME- Must dos? About This Page:

[jagmom08]

I am traveling to Portland, ME for a convention in the first part of August. What are the "Must dos" for that area?

Thanks

[Colexis Mom]

We always drive up to LL Bean in Freeport.

[jagmom08]

Got that on my list. Are there any neat lighthouses you can tour?

[jimmymac]

It's a bit of a drive, but Acadia National Park is gorgeous

[jagmom08]

What is a bit of a drive? I have convention stuff most days, so I won't have a ton of time to do full scale touring.

[5SOXFNZ]

Cape Elizabeth Park is just outside of Portland proper and the Cape Elizabeth Light is there. It's pretty, "real Maine" scenery but not too far to drive!
Acadia is a long way from Portland...probably 3 hours.
We love to go down to Old Port to walk the shops and get dinner, lotsa good little restaurants down there!

[jagmom08]

Any restaurant recommendations?

[KMB733]

Originally Posted by jagmom08

Got that on my list. Are there any neat lighthouses you can tour?

There is a boat tour out of downtown Portland that will take you past a bunch of different lighthouses.

Originally Posted by jagmom08

Any restaurant recommendations?

One of my favorite places to eat is a restuarant called The Great Lost Bear
The Great Lost Bear : Dining & Drinking

[omd]

Fore St. restaurant is my absolute favorite. The menu changes daily and the food is fabulous. Fore Street Restaurant - Portland, Maine

[unewillow]

The Old Port is a MUST!! Lots of cute shops and great restaurant/bars.
I recommend:
Great Lost Bear -- the food is okay, the beer I've been told is fab (I don't like beer)
Gritty McDuffs -- crab fries, nuff said.
Sebago Brewing Co
And if you don't mind a short drive (20-30 min) in Saco there's a newer restaurant called Run of the Mill which is excellent as well.

Freeport is about an hours drive, but LL Bean is open 24 hours so you can go anytime.
Kennebunkport is nice to wander around, cute shops and such.
Kittery outlets again for shopping.

[poohmaine]

I live just a few minutes from Portland . . . if you PM me with your hotel and days that you will be there, and some of your likes and dislikes (bustling versus quiet, beach versus lakes, etc.) . . . I would be glad to make specific recommendations to you!

[poohmaine]

I thought I would answer your PM in your thread in case anyone else wanted the same information . . .

L.L. Bean
The store is open 24 hours a day. If you are going to Freeport just to see this store, I suggest going out to a nice dinner first and visiting the store later in the evening to avoid the crowds. (Please note: the other outlet stores start closing at 6:00, so if you want to shop them, this idea won't work.)

One of the best things about L.L. Bean is the Walk On Adventures. For the bargain price of $15, you can get a lesson in kayaking, archery, etc and your $15 includes everything . . . transport to the lesson, all equipment, and your instructors. I have done the kayaking and the archery and they were FABULOUS! The only drawback: you can't make a reservation . . . hence the name "walk on." For more info: L.L.Bean: Shop New Arrivals, All Backed by Our 100% Guarantee.

A nice touristy place to eat in Freeport is the Harraseeket Lunch. This is a no-frills fish shack on the water with picnic tables (paper plates, plastic cups) but it has fresh local seafood. It was featured on an episode of $40 a Day with Rachel Ray. Website: Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company | Lunch counter and lobster pound | South Freeport Maine Harbor.

For more information on Freeport, visit FreeportUSA - The Official Website of Freeport Merchants Association.

More info, next thread . . .

[poohmaine]

"I like guided tours of old houses."

Here are two in downtown Portland: The Victorian Mansion {www.victoriamansion.org] and the McLellan House, which is attached to the back of the Portland Museum of Art. The Portland Museum of Art is FREE on Friday nights from 5 to 9 pm.

"I like lighthouses!"
There is a beautiful one in the Portland area: Portland Head Light. It is surrounded by the beautiful Fort Williams Park. It has lovely views of the ocean and Portland Harbor. And best of all, it's FREE. {www.portlandheadlight.com]

If you want to eat out near Portland Head Light, head to the Lobster Shack. This is a fish shack (picnic tables, paper plates, etc) with stunning views of the rocky coastline. The menu is on their website. You can check out the views with the video on the "About Us" page. [www.lobstershacktwolights.com]

For a more luxurious dining experience, try the Sea Glass Restaurant at the nearby Inn by the Sea. I have not been there, but I have heard the food is good and the view from the dining room is beautiful. [www.innbythesea.com]

A Unique Shop
DCole Jewelers, 10 Exchange Street, Portland
Handmade in Maine, reasonably-priced jewelry for all price levels.

Restaurants in downtown Portland
Someone already mentioned Fore Street Grille, but good luck getting a table. They have gotten a bit snobby from their fame and I haven't been there in years. Some others to try are Vignola, Cinque Terre, Riboletta, Norm's Bar and Grille, Walters, and Fujis. Your hotel should have all these menus.

Anything I forgot? Send another PM! Have a great time!

[Colexis Mom]

Thanks for all the info Susan!!

[jagmom08]

Thanks for the awesome info!