Vacation Vortex Maine Guidebook
Drinking Scene
Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries
Located at Thompson's Point. They're always releasing new brews!! Yes, lines form on pick-up day.
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Bissell Brothers
38 Resurgam PlLocated at Thompson's Point. They're always releasing new brews!! Yes, lines form on pick-up day.
21 minute walk
The Brandy Smashes: Cranberry or Blueberry are what I prefer but everyone goes for the Gin. Located in the Old Port. Tranquil, brick-lined tasting room & boutique featuring wines & spirits produced at a local farm. Tasting is $5 for 4 samples and you keep the glass.
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Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery Old Port Tasting Room and Shop
324 Fore St21 minute walk
The Brandy Smashes: Cranberry or Blueberry are what I prefer but everyone goes for the Gin. Located in the Old Port. Tranquil, brick-lined tasting room & boutique featuring wines & spirits produced at a local farm. Tasting is $5 for 4 samples and you keep the glass.
Recommend taking an Uber to this location.
Modern craft brewery in a 1920's-era garage offering limited tastings, growler fillings & tours. They sometimes have events with live music and food trucks.
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Bunker Brewing Company
17 Westfield StRecommend taking an Uber to this location.
Modern craft brewery in a 1920's-era garage offering limited tastings, growler fillings & tours. They sometimes have events with live music and food trucks.
Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox StTake a drive out to the Riverton neighborhood if you want to see the brewery up-close. Allagash White, so good.
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Allagash Brewing Company
50 Industrial WayTake a drive out to the Riverton neighborhood if you want to see the brewery up-close. Allagash White, so good.
Heading out to the Portland Headlight? Located in South Portland is this great local brewery and restaurant.
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Foulmouthed Brewing
15 Ocean StHeading out to the Portland Headlight? Located in South Portland is this great local brewery and restaurant.
Raspy Trouble
LRBC also host and annual wing competition.
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Liquid Riot Bottling Company
250 Commercial StRaspy Trouble
LRBC also host and annual wing competition.
Get to East Bayside and check it out!
Portland Pale Ale, Space Metal Dinosaur, Quantum Kitten
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Lone Pine Brewing Company
219 Anderson StGet to East Bayside and check it out!
Portland Pale Ale, Space Metal Dinosaur, Quantum Kitten
Family-owned brewery located in Bayside that keeps its focus on local ingredients.
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Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox StFamily-owned brewery located in Bayside that keeps its focus on local ingredients.
Classic Maine Brewery. Got the "short" tour when Zachary was young. All about the samples of Eli's Sodas. They host a rotating lineup of core and seasonal offerings and feature new beers and pilot brews that have not yet hit the market. They also offer a small food menu as well.
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Shipyard Brewing Company
86 Newbury StClassic Maine Brewery. Got the "short" tour when Zachary was young. All about the samples of Eli's Sodas. They host a rotating lineup of core and seasonal offerings and feature new beers and pilot brews that have not yet hit the market. They also offer a small food menu as well.
Gritty McDuff's
396 Fore StPopular pub fare.
Traditional Irish Music on Sundays. People show up and join in. Trivia night is on Tuesdays. Check their websites for hours.
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Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant
72 Commercial StTraditional Irish Music on Sundays. People show up and join in. Trivia night is on Tuesdays. Check their websites for hours.
21 minute walk (1.1 miles)
We use to have to visit Lincolnville, Maine but they now have a location here in Portland. Wine lover? Highly recommend you visit. They have cheese plates too.
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Cellardoor at The Point
127 Middle Street21 minute walk (1.1 miles)
We use to have to visit Lincolnville, Maine but they now have a location here in Portland. Wine lover? Highly recommend you visit. They have cheese plates too.
19 minute walk
Eclectic food menu. Don't have much time but want to try all the great "local" beer Maine and the world has to offer then this Beer Garden is your place. Deck seating available.
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Novare Res Bier Cafe
4 Canal Plaza19 minute walk
Eclectic food menu. Don't have much time but want to try all the great "local" beer Maine and the world has to offer then this Beer Garden is your place. Deck seating available.
Food scene
6 minute walk
Ramen, Soba Noodle, Yakitori Skewers, Sake, Gyoza
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Pai Men Miyake
188 State St6 minute walk
Ramen, Soba Noodle, Yakitori Skewers, Sake, Gyoza
3 minute walk
Seasonal French & Spanish-influenced cuisine & craft cocktails
Outdoor patio in the back
Note: make reservations on-line, these are for indoor only
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CHAVAL
58 Pine St3 minute walk
Seasonal French & Spanish-influenced cuisine & craft cocktails
Outdoor patio in the back
Note: make reservations on-line, these are for indoor only
7 min walk
Southern food and comfort-food favorites from other regions
I recommend the fried green tomatoes. Popular brunch spot but worth the wait.
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Hot Suppa
703 Congress St7 min walk
Southern food and comfort-food favorites from other regions
I recommend the fried green tomatoes. Popular brunch spot but worth the wait.
7 minute walk
Breakfast pastries YUM!
Expect a line. I usually get some jalapeños biscuits to make breakfast sandwiches at home.
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The West End Deli & Catering Inc
545 Spring St7 minute walk
Breakfast pastries YUM!
Expect a line. I usually get some jalapeños biscuits to make breakfast sandwiches at home.
25 minute walk (1.3miles)
Slab pizza in the back of the grocery served til 2:30pm
Local favorite
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Micucci Grocery Store
45 India St25 minute walk (1.3miles)
Slab pizza in the back of the grocery served til 2:30pm
Local favorite
22 minute walk
Open wood-fire grill, oven & spit lend smoky flavors to upscale American fare
Recommend reservations
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Fore Street Restaurant
288 Fore St22 minute walk
Open wood-fire grill, oven & spit lend smoky flavors to upscale American fare
Recommend reservations
14 minute walk 194 Park Street location - recommend coupling this with visit to Deering Oaks Park.
21 minute walk 177 Commercial Street location - heart of the Old Port shopping and the wharfs
Recommend the Chocolate Sea Salt
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The Holy Donut
194 Park Ave14 minute walk 194 Park Street location - recommend coupling this with visit to Deering Oaks Park.
21 minute walk 177 Commercial Street location - heart of the Old Port shopping and the wharfs
Recommend the Chocolate Sea Salt
13 minute walk
Get your burger and fries here. Recommend a fork for the fries if you get a dusting. Yummy and messy!
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Nosh Kitchen Bar
551 Congress St13 minute walk
Get your burger and fries here. Recommend a fork for the fries if you get a dusting. Yummy and messy!
7 minute walk
Across the street from the Longfellow Statue
Solid sushi offerings. The kids love their sweet potato rolls and I'm a fan of the RocknRoll with Plum wine. Zach eats whenever he visits home. Many other sushi offerings in town. Also try, Yosaku's 15 walk towards the Old Port.
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King of the Roll
675 Congress St7 minute walk
Across the street from the Longfellow Statue
Solid sushi offerings. The kids love their sweet potato rolls and I'm a fan of the RocknRoll with Plum wine. Zach eats whenever he visits home. Many other sushi offerings in town. Also try, Yosaku's 15 walk towards the Old Port.
24 minute walk
Despite being a regionalized chain restaurant, this place is constantly packed. I don't eat oysters but if you do, check this place out. Also,
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Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle St24 minute walk
Despite being a regionalized chain restaurant, this place is constantly packed. I don't eat oysters but if you do, check this place out. Also,
19 minute walk
Foodie? Go here. You won't regret it. Reservations recommended but always a spot at the bar.
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Central Provisions
414 Fore St19 minute walk
Foodie? Go here. You won't regret it. Reservations recommended but always a spot at the bar.
In the Old Port off Commercial Street in the back of a parking lot. Absolute best morning buns in town. Also, recommend everything. * )
They use organic, locally grown products when available and buy from small, family-owned suppliers whenever possible. Use unbleached wheat flour and certified 100% organic wheat flour. All of their whole grains and whole-grain flours are certified 100% organic and sourced from farms in Maine and Quebec when available. Our naturally-leavened bread is made with our own organic starters, without any commercial yeast.
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Standard Baking Co
75 Commercial StIn the Old Port off Commercial Street in the back of a parking lot. Absolute best morning buns in town. Also, recommend everything. * )
They use organic, locally grown products when available and buy from small, family-owned suppliers whenever possible. Use unbleached wheat flour and certified 100% organic wheat flour. All of their whole grains and whole-grain flours are certified 100% organic and sourced from farms in Maine and Quebec when available. Our naturally-leavened bread is made with our own organic starters, without any commercial yeast.
Services
3 minute walk
Great veteran-run laundry services.
Always check the hours.
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Soap Bubble Laundromat
68 Pine St3 minute walk
Great veteran-run laundry services.
Always check the hours.
Maine Hardware
274 St John St16 minute walk
Recommend driving if you need to visit our local hardware store.
5 minute walk. Local gas station. Opened 24 hours.
Please use caution if you plan to visit and say 3am
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Cumberland Farms
49 Pine St5 minute walk. Local gas station. Opened 24 hours.
Please use caution if you plan to visit and say 3am
Neighborhoods
39 minute walk (2 miles)
Pay for parking when you visit. Thompson’s Point has Bissell Brothers Brewing Company and restaurant, a concert venue The Depot Pavilion + Concessions, outdoor ice rink (in the winter), Children’s Museum and Theater, International Cryptozoology Museum, and a function space hosting craft fairs focused on local Farms, Artisans, and more. We recently went to the Gem Show!!
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Thompsons Point
Thompsons Point39 minute walk (2 miles)
Pay for parking when you visit. Thompson’s Point has Bissell Brothers Brewing Company and restaurant, a concert venue The Depot Pavilion + Concessions, outdoor ice rink (in the winter), Children’s Museum and Theater, International Cryptozoology Museum, and a function space hosting craft fairs focused on local Farms, Artisans, and more. We recently went to the Gem Show!!
The laid-back East End, also known as Munjoy Hill, is popular for walks and relaxation along the grassy Eastern Promenade, with views over Casco Bay. Other landmarks include the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum and the Portland Observatory, an 1807 signal tower. Boutiques sell gifts and gourmet goods, and traditional eateries mix with chic restaurants and bars around Washington Avenue.
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East End
The laid-back East End, also known as Munjoy Hill, is popular for walks and relaxation along the grassy Eastern Promenade, with views over Casco Bay. Other landmarks include the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum and the Portland Observatory, an 1807 signal tower. Boutiques sell gifts and gourmet goods, and traditional eateries mix with chic restaurants and bars around Washington Avenue.
LL Bean, Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Desert of Maine, Breweries
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Freeport
LL Bean, Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Desert of Maine, Breweries
Sightseeing
15 minute walk
Hill is steep coming back so plan accordingly.
Farmer's Market on Saturday til 12pm May-Nov, also, features a tennis court, pickle ball court, baseball field, sand volleyball court, children's playground, shallow water pool in the summer, and the pond is used for recreational ice skating in the winter.
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Deering Oaks Park
15 minute walk
Hill is steep coming back so plan accordingly.
Farmer's Market on Saturday til 12pm May-Nov, also, features a tennis court, pickle ball court, baseball field, sand volleyball court, children's playground, shallow water pool in the summer, and the pond is used for recreational ice skating in the winter.
Just over the Veterans Memorial bridge to Cape Elizabeth. Recommend you bring a picnic lunch and stroll around the park.
Park your car near the Children's Garden for free. You'll have to pay parking near the lighthouse (headlight) and the left parking lot near the water. We sled in the winter and fly kites in the summer. Take lots of photos!!
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Museo del porto di Portland
12 Captain Strout CircleJust over the Veterans Memorial bridge to Cape Elizabeth. Recommend you bring a picnic lunch and stroll around the park.
Park your car near the Children's Garden for free. You'll have to pay parking near the lighthouse (headlight) and the left parking lot near the water. We sled in the winter and fly kites in the summer. Take lots of photos!!
Restaurant on the top floor offers panoramic views of the Portland skyline. Perfect for a sunset drink.
The Westin Portland Harborview
157 High StRestaurant on the top floor offers panoramic views of the Portland skyline. Perfect for a sunset drink.
ART!! Plus, it has the better Grant Statue in its collection and an art house movie theater.
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Museo d'Arte di Portland
7 Congress SqART!! Plus, it has the better Grant Statue in its collection and an art house movie theater.
If in the Bethel area, must see. It may be only 64 miles away but expect a traffic-filled trip. Bethel is next to Sunday River Ski Resort and a throughway to the White Mountains. Visiting MMGM you'll get to hold part of Mars and the Moon. Pretty cool!!
The MMGM houses the finest collection of Maine minerals and gems. It includes the famous Perham Collection, viewed by generations in a local mineral store that operated for ninety years. The MMGM displays one of the world’s foremost collections of extraterrestrial rocks—meteorites from Mars, the Moon and the Asteroid Belt that teach us about the origins of our Solar System, including the five largest pieces of the Moon on Earth!
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Maine Mineral and Gem Museum
99 Main StIf in the Bethel area, must see. It may be only 64 miles away but expect a traffic-filled trip. Bethel is next to Sunday River Ski Resort and a throughway to the White Mountains. Visiting MMGM you'll get to hold part of Mars and the Moon. Pretty cool!!
The MMGM houses the finest collection of Maine minerals and gems. It includes the famous Perham Collection, viewed by generations in a local mineral store that operated for ninety years. The MMGM displays one of the world’s foremost collections of extraterrestrial rocks—meteorites from Mars, the Moon and the Asteroid Belt that teach us about the origins of our Solar System, including the five largest pieces of the Moon on Earth!
A 10 minute car ride to South Portland. Bug Light (lighthouse) where you can walk the break wall. Also, experience the Liberty Memorial. As a Navy Veteran and history consumer this checks off a few boxes. Architecturally beautiful. Informative. Artistically emphatic to the community's sacrifice.
Liberty Ship Memorial
A 10 minute car ride to South Portland. Bug Light (lighthouse) where you can walk the break wall. Also, experience the Liberty Memorial. As a Navy Veteran and history consumer this checks off a few boxes. Architecturally beautiful. Informative. Artistically emphatic to the community's sacrifice.
Depending on the time of year and day, expect to spend 1-3hrs. Reasonable pricing $$ (except for Polar Express $$$$), museum displays, and beautiful views within your short Narrow Gauge trip. Bring earplugs if you have noise sensitivity.
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Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum
49 Thames StDepending on the time of year and day, expect to spend 1-3hrs. Reasonable pricing $$ (except for Polar Express $$$$), museum displays, and beautiful views within your short Narrow Gauge trip. Bring earplugs if you have noise sensitivity.
Rocky beach, coarse sand with beautiful views. Little trail for exploring.
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Kettle Cove
Kettle Cove RoadRocky beach, coarse sand with beautiful views. Little trail for exploring.
Venues
List of Portland
's music, sport, function centers.
10 minute walk
Seen many a show here. Kevin painted most of the murals inside. Malabar from The Unknown is one of my favorites.
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State Theater
609 Congress St10 minute walk
Seen many a show here. Kevin painted most of the murals inside. Malabar from The Unknown is one of my favorites.
13 minute walk
Catch a comedic or tragic staged production.
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Portland Stage
25 Forest Ave13 minute walk
Catch a comedic or tragic staged production.
18 minute walk
Our neighborhood movie theater. Tuesday are the bargain days and yes, the floors are sometimes sticky.
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Nickelodeon Cinema (Patriot Cinemas)
1 Temple St18 minute walk
Our neighborhood movie theater. Tuesday are the bargain days and yes, the floors are sometimes sticky.
Family fun watching a Sea Dogs Game. The mascot, Slugger, has events year-round. On hot summer days, suggest you bring an empty water bottle and fill with water fountain water once inside.
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Portland Sea Dogs
271 Park AveFamily fun watching a Sea Dogs Game. The mascot, Slugger, has events year-round. On hot summer days, suggest you bring an empty water bottle and fill with water fountain water once inside.
Indoor Ice Skating. Check "free" skate time before you go. Sometimes has private/group lessons and hockey practice.
William B. Troubh Ice Arena
225 Park AveIndoor Ice Skating. Check "free" skate time before you go. Sometimes has private/group lessons and hockey practice.
We tend to stay in Boothbay when visiting but a round-trip (Portland-Boothbay-Portland) can be accomplished with an eager crew. We sometimes eat going or returning at Fat Boy Drive-In (classic 50's American style diner) pull your car up and they come take your order.
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Giardini Botanici Costieri del Maine
105 Botanical Gardens DrWe tend to stay in Boothbay when visiting but a round-trip (Portland-Boothbay-Portland) can be accomplished with an eager crew. We sometimes eat going or returning at Fat Boy Drive-In (classic 50's American style diner) pull your car up and they come take your order.
Home of the Maine Red Claws
239 Park AveOur local basbetball team.
Great spot to see a show!! We typically walk to shows. Recommend seats if you don't like standing for extended periods of time.
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Aura
121 Center StGreat spot to see a show!! We typically walk to shows. Recommend seats if you don't like standing for extended periods of time.
City/town information
We've lived here since 2005 (my husband Kevin since 1987).
Love being in proximity to mountains, lakes, beaches, trails, food, breweries, art, shopping, shows, and yes, four seasons!!
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Portland
We've lived here since 2005 (my husband Kevin since 1987).
Love being in proximity to mountains, lakes, beaches, trails, food, breweries, art, shopping, shows, and yes, four seasons!!