The Culinary Delights of Portland, Maine

My passion for food led me to travel to sample the culinary delights of Portland, ME. Truth be told, I would never have known of the city’s very existence had it not been for Charlie Parker, John Connolly’s tortured, mysterious protagonist. Yet, I did, leading me to visit and instantly fall in love with this small New England city. I was thus primed to explore the food scene on my third visit.

Accommodation

Like other cities, Portland offers a choice of accommodation. Here though, options also range in proximity of the city, as well as the sea.

I stayed at The Press Hotel in Portland, Maine | Book a Suite Today (thepresshotel.com). It is part of the Autograph line of Marriott hotels. Fortuitously, there was a room available for an early check-in. This was subsequently upgraded to a corner room that was quieter and offered views on two sides.

The hotel decor is a fun newspaper theme. Also, the location, right in the city, is perfect. Still, the downside is that the hotel does not offer parking. Valet parking is a nose-bleeding $40 per day. The only option is to find self-parking. The better news is that several parking lots and decks are within walking distance of the hotel. However, expect to pay at least $15-$20 per day for the privilege.

The Press boasts all the other usual amenities including bike loans. I was more interested in the gym though. It was, surprisingly, decently equipped for a full body workout. The limited space leaves room for just two treadmills. While I was grateful for them, I wasn’t too thrilled that neither the machines nor the room had any fans. And while I did okay because I worked out mostly alone (due to the times I visited), I can imagine how the space can quickly become hot and oppressive with even just 5 people.

Getting Around

The small city makes it a walking haven. It also boasts a decent system of bike lanes, making it a popular method of getting around town as far as I could see. The town also offers local buses for those traveling beyond the city center. Then of course, the usual taxis and ride shares are also available.

However, I recommend hiring a car as well for excursions further afield. Towns are close together and a car is the best option to get to them, including a day trips or forays to some of the beaches. The airport offers a large selection of car rental companies.

Things to do

EAT!! What else? Okay fine, you can do other things other than just stuff your face with the amazing food. Make sure to take at least a half day (it will suffice) trip to Kennebunkport. Yes, it’s famous for the Bush First Family compound, but it really is a little delightful place to visit. Bring your wallet to shop in the unique stores, from local food, to clothes, to kitchenware, candy and sage to burn.

You’ll also want to hit the beaches around Portland. I recommend Ogunquit, Maine – Visit Maine – Visit Maine. The peace that I experienced from the phenomenally beautiful dawning day made the visit well worth it despite the slight September chill.

Portland offers both harbor and road tours. I opted for a water and Casco Bay perspective of the city. The tour included lighthouses and the Islands around the Bay and was well worth it. It was quite readily affordable too. There was a city tour in an old firetruck that looked fun, but I didn’t get to do that one.

Then as always, shopping. Commercial, Fore Street and surrounding areas offer uniquely Maine gifts, or goods made by Maine producers. It’s fun to window shop as much as it is to actually buy things to take home.

Nature lovers will for sure not despair in Portland Portland, Maine for Nature Lovers – HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com) . There are extensive trails both in the heart of downtown, as well as in surrounding neighborhoods. It being a relatively small city, it doesn’t take to long to find secluded hiking or running spots.

And I would not be me if I didn’t mention one of my favorite activities: food tours. The city offers a few options to get a sense of the delightful food scene. Unfortunately, I was unable to get into a food tour this visit. However, I did a Seafood tour at my last visit (only because I wanted expose myself to it more, never having eaten much of it in the past). I loved it. In fact, I can confidently say that it turned me into a seafood foodie.

Food

By now you should know I’m a food fanatic. It should come to know surprise then that I made an excursion to Portland, ME to immerse myself in the culinary delights of the city. More to the point, I was going to indulge in my new obsession: seafood.

I was not disappointed Portland, ME Food Scene – HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com). There were lobster rolls, scallops, and fish galore. While the high number of good quality bakeries meant I had all the bread, cakes, buns I could eat just about every which way. I ate from food trucks, James Beard Award winners (and future nominees I’d say) as well as local tourist joints. To summarize, the culinary delights of Portland Maine did not disappoint (mostly:).

Safety

I felt comfortable and quite safe as a woman and minority traveler. Of course, I exercised the usual cautions to stay safe. Still, I was able to get around the city center after dark.

Miscellaneous

Be aware that like a lot of cities nowadays, Portland, ME does have a noticeable homeless population. You will see some panhandlers around town. I admit I bought a sandwich for a guy who was asking for money next to the restaurant, however, most went about their business just trying to survive.

I know from a prior long visit that Portland, ME is very welcoming to immigrants. That was even more evident this visit where I noticed a large population of African migrants. Additionally, the welcome extends to the LGBTQ+ community as well.

It should be obvious at this point that I highly recommend a visit to this fair city for lovers of food, nature and beautiful small cities.