A quick daytrip to Portland, Maine

It’s been years since I last visited Portland, Maine.. since I was 15, to be exact. Coming back as an adult felt like seeing an old friend who’s completely transformed.

So much has changed!

I wanted to make a trip up here while on my visit to Kennebunkport, Maine... mainly for the food.  The restaurants and small gift shops are what attracted me to this area, not to mention the fact that I could go sailing. The season for sailing is almost done, and luckily I was able to get in with a spot in Portland.

The city is much bigger than I remember it and pretty much every establishment is new. I mean, it's been 25 years (!).

Holy Donut | Portland, ME

First, we hit up the Holy Donut for a Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Donut and an Apple Donut. They were so decedant and delicious - it was the perfect start to our walking excursion all over the city. They do have multiple locations so plan accordingly.

The boutiques were PLENTIFUL. 

I stopped at the boutiques on Exchange Street and Fore Street and was loving it.

High Roller Lobster Co. | Portland, ME

This restaurant is plastered over every "best lobster roll" review in this city so of course I had to give it a go. We put our names in and waited 20 minutes and our table was ready. I had an oyster on the halfshell, a lobster roll with lobster butter (yes, that's their thing).. and my hubby had the fish and chips. Everything was delcious and perfectly cooked.

Maine Potters Market | Portland, ME

My hubby and I went into the Maine Potters Market downtown and it was so great getting to see some of the local art in the area. We stopped and chatted with the storekeeper, who also happened to sell some pottery at the shop as well.

We visited some local vintage shops that did not disappoint. Although, everything I wanted was ceramic as usual.

Sailing on Casco Bay | Portland, ME

Nobody was going to tell me I wasn't going to be going sailing in October in Maine. It simply had to happen. 

The crew was a delight, and there was even a proposal on board. This was a smooth, simple, and straightforward process. The company I used, Portland Schooner, is really good about communicating. They send you a text on where to park and when to get there and tell you to be sure to bring a tip for the crew. Something I wouldn't have remembered to do as a first-timer.

Pai Men | Portland, ME

Kudos to my hubby for finding this spot on a whim when we were on the brink of hangriness. There was a 30 minute wait and I'm so glad we waited.Sorry for the subpar images. They do not do this place justice.. but I was taking it all in and eating.. Also, reminder that I'm not a food blogger.. so this is what you get. 😂

It was by far the best meal I had on my trip. I didn't think to look for ramen spots because I lived in Seattle for 13 years, and the last thing I thought to eat in Portland, Maine, was ramen. That seemed like more of a "Seattle thing." But wow, was I pleasantly surprised. 

I had the Lobster Ramen and the spicy Lobster Roll.. cause when in Rome and WOW. It was a flavor explosion. Also the chunk of butter in the ramen was the icing on the cake for me.

Truly, I don't know the next time I'll be back to this city.. or if I'll ever be back in my lifetime. There are so many places I still want to visit and re-visit. If you like eclectic restaurants, small-city vibes, shops, vintage clothes, and maritime culture.. Portland should be on your bucket list. 

xo, 

Natalie

Related blog posts to read: 

My First Few Days in Maine: Slowing Down to Catch Up with Myself

Turning 40 in Maine: My Cozy Coastal Birthday Trip

P.S. How cute is this candle!?

Saw it in a boutique and I couldn't resist a snapshot.