Last Updated:
2/2/24
Portland, ME
Below is a list of the best places I would visit on a trip to this location. My picks fit my personality and interest. Everyone has a different interest so you may not like everything I listed which is fine. If you like a place, I recommend saving it to Google Maps for a future trip down the road. I made sure to include the address or GPS to make it easier to find. You can find out more about me in the "About Me" section to see if we share common interests.
​
Breakfast
The Holy Donut
194 Park Ave, Portland, ME 04102
Some of the Donut Flavors
Holy Cannoli Ginger Glazed: Slightly sweet cream cuddled by a warm ginger-spiced glaze
Sweet Potato Coffee Cake: Thick, spicy-sweet cinnamon glaze with the crunch of traditional butter and brown sugar streusel. Made with sweet potato dough.
Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar: Covered in a cinnamon-sugar dusting instead of a glaze, this gives the rich chocolate dough a nice crunchy texture
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt: Flagship donut; the sprinkle of sea salt on top makes the flavors of the chocolate dough and vanilla glaze pop
Blueberry Lemon: Fresh blueberry dough featuring a zesty lemon glaze.
Hours (1.30.24)
Daily 6:30 am - 2 pm
Order Online: Yes
Feb. Highlight: Try the Strawberry Holy Cannoli
Hot Suppa
703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
The Mother Clucker: Boneless Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Biscuit, Cheddar Curds, and Sausage Gravy $21.00
Scrambalaya: Chicken & Smoked Sausage Jambalaya, Scrambled Egg, and Cheddar $17.00
Pulled Pork Egg Sandwich: Over-Medium Egg, Pickled Red Onion, Smoked Cheddar, South Carolina BBQ Sauce, Sourdough Bread $14.00
Hours
Daily 8 am - 2 pm
Order Online: No
Jan. Highlight: Try the Cold Brew Coffee Cake ~ citrus ricotta, orange supremes, cranberry sauce, and candied walnuts
Activities
Portland Head Light
Summary
Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse located in Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, Maine. Completed in 1791, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States. Perched on the stunning shores of Fort Williams Park, Portland Head Light offers breathtaking views of the rugged Maine coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The iconic lighthouse has become a symbol of maritime heritage and is a popular destination for visitors, providing a picturesque setting for photography and a glimpse into the region's maritime history. The adjacent museum showcases exhibits on lighthouse history and the life of a lighthouse keeper, adding to the overall experience for those exploring this historic site.
The Fort Williams Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset with free parking available. The lighthouse tower is only open to the public one day a year on Maine Open Lighthouse Day ( September 14, 2024). On that day approximately 280 tickets will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. (9 am - 3 pm)
The museum is located in former keepers' house and museum admission is as follows: Adults $2 and Children $1.
12 Captain Strout Cir, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Museum Hours
Memorial Day to Oct 14, 2024
Mon to Fri to 10 am - 4 pm
Sat & Sun 10 am - 4 pm
Biggest Takeaway From Here, Maine Open Lighthouse Day is September 10, 2022
Victoria Mansion
Summary
Victoria Mansion is a historic house museum renowned for its stunning architecture and opulent interiors. Constructed between 1858 and 1860 as a summer residence for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse, the mansion showcases the elegance of the pre-Civil War era.
Designed by architect Henry Austin, Victoria Mansion is a masterpiece of the Italianate style, featuring elaborate decorative elements, intricate woodwork, and vibrant frescoes. The mansion is particularly celebrated for its original interiors, which include period furnishings and decor, providing visitors with a glimpse into the affluent lifestyle of the mid-19th century.
Today, Victoria Mansion is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its lavishly adorned rooms and marvel at the architectural and artistic details that make it a significant cultural and historical landmark in Maine. The museum offers guided tours and hosts events, preserving and sharing the rich history and artistic heritage encapsulated within this grand historic home.
Admission(Best Purchase Online):
Adults: $19.25
Seniors (62+): $17.25
Students (6-17): $6.00
Under 6: Free
109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101
Hours
May 1st to October 31st
Daily 10 am - 4 pm
Final Admission Sale 3:50 pm
Lucky Catch Cruises
Want to experience catching lobster with the pros? This would be the tour to take. Each lobster tour lasts around 90 minutes. Learn plenty of good lobster information, and any lobster caught can be purchased at wholesale "boat" prices.
Two Good Tours to Pick From, Depart From Long Wharf in Portland
Portland Headlight Lobstering Cruise
Seal Watch Lobstering Cruise
Prices:
Adults $50
Child (2-12) $40
170 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Tour Times (May 2024)
Check their Website
Tours Run Daily May Through October
Portland Observatory
Summary
The Portland Observatory is a historic maritime signal tower that played a crucial role in the city's maritime history. Built in 1807 by Captain Lemuel Moody, the observatory served as a communication hub for ships entering the busy harbor. Positioned on Munjoy Hill, the tower allowed observers to spot incoming vessels and relay important information to merchants and shipowners in the city.
The Portland Observatory is the only remaining maritime signal tower in the United States. Its octagonal shape and wooden structure contribute to its distinctive appearance. Visitors to the observatory can climb to the top for panoramic views of Portland's harbor and the surrounding area.
Today, the Portland Observatory is a museum and historic site, offering educational tours and exhibits that delve into its maritime history and the role it played in the city's development. It stands as a testament to Portland's seafaring past and is a recognized landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tickets
Adults: $10.00
Seniors: $8.00
Kids (6-17) $5.00
138 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Tour Times:
Guided Tours (May 28 - Oct 10)
Thursday to Monday 10 am - 4 pm
Self-Guided Tour (June 7 - Sept 8)
Tuesday & Wednesday 5 pm - 8 pm
Food
The Highroller Lobster Co.
104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 11 am - 9 pm
Friday & Saturday 11 am - 11 pm
Order Online: Yes
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Lobster Roll: Freshly baked brioche, Chopped Romaine, 4 oz of fresh Maine claw, and knuckle meat, your choice of sauce. $32.00
Lobster Grilled Cheese: Buttery Toasted Bread, Gooey Cheddar, and Swiss Blend, Fresh Claw and knuckle meat
The Surf & Turf Burger: 8oz Brisket Blend Patty with butter-poached lobster meat, chopped romaine, and your choice of sauce on a freshly baked sesame seed bun
Just In Case Do Not Know, Lobster is an Expensive Product, Buyer Beware
Becky's Diner
390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Double Cheeseburger: $15.00
Fried Haddock BLT with Chipotle Mayo: $15.00
Fried Fisherman's Platter: 4oz Each Haddock, Shrimp, Scallops, & Clams $33.00
Hours:
Daily 5 am - 9 pm
Order Online: No
Known to Have a Very Good Hamburger
Gelato Fiasco
425 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Maine Wild Blueberry Crisp: Blueberries, Crunchy Oat Streusel, and Vanilla Gelato
Torched Marshmallow S'More: Graham Cracker Gelato, Chocolate Bars, & Marshmallow Swirl
A Big 'Ole Peanut Butter Pint: Peanut Butter Gelato, Peanut Butter Swirl, & Peanut Butter Cups
Hours (12.12.22):
Closed Monday
Sun to Wed 1 pm - 10 PM
Thu to Sat 1 pm - 11 PM
Order Online: Yes
I Guess Gelato Is Popular In Portland, Maine
Places to Stay
FYI: The hotel prices are estimated and will most likely fluctuate since I looked them up on their website. I will keep them updated the best I can every three months. I look for the cheapest available room, usually a queen bed. I typically look at book rates two months in advance and in the middle of the month to get average rates. Reminder: It is an ESTIMATE
The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
Located within Walking Distance of the Down Town, Old Port District, and Lucky Catch Cruises
From their Website: "Each luxury guestroom has a unique vintage style including a 1920's journalist desk. Elegant floor to ceiling marble bathrooms and reeded glass doors similar to a historic newsroom."
Food/Drinks Options: Union Restaurant (seafood ), Eighty 8 Donuts (nearby), and Slab Sicilian Street Food (nearby pizza)
Who is this for: Downtown Explorers, Seafoodie, Shipspotter, & People Who Love to See Old Buildings
119 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Estimated Cost for Weekend Night (without tax/fee)
King in April 23' - $333
King in April 24' - $329
In Great Walking Distance of All the Great Things Portland has to Offer
Portland Harbor Hotel
Located within Walking Distance of the Portland Waterfront District, Victoria Mansion, and Cross Insurance Arena
From their Website: "Each room is designed with sleek wood floors and cozy, coastal themes for a luxuriously quaint, nautical feel. From local artwork to quality bedding, the details in our rooms will have you refreshed, and relaxed."
Food/Drinks Options: Harbor Bistro (coastal cuisine), Butcher Burger Old Port (nearby), and Portland Lobster Company (nearby)
Who is this for: Concert Goer, Shipspotter, People Who Love to See Old Buildings, & One Stop Shop for Tourists
468 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Estimated Cost for Weekend Night (without tax/fee)
King in Feb 23' - $305
King in April 24' - $309
Pet Friendly
21 and up fun
Bissell Brothers Brewing Company
38 Resurgam Pl, Portland, ME 04102
SAMPLE OF BEER MENU
The Substance: IPA - New England / Hazy | 6.6% ABV | 80 IBU
Swish: IPA - Imperial / Double | 8.0% ABV | 80 IBU
Lux: Pale Ale - American | 5.1% ABV
Industry Versus Inferiority: IPA - American | 6.2% ABV
Hours (2.2.24):
Mon to Thurs 11 am - 8 pm
Fri & Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sunday 11 am - 11 pm
Feb. Highlight: Try the Bastron (6.0% ABV Transformer Edition) ~ Pale Ale
Food Menu is Available (Weds-Sunday)
Foulmouthed Brewing
15 Ocean St, South Portland, ME 04106
SAMPLE OF BEER MENU (12.15.22)
Impure Thoughts: IPA - New England | 7.5% ABV
Mama's Breakfast Stout: Oatmeal Coffee Stout | 6.0% ABV
Meggy: Sour Ale with Tart Cherries | 6.0% ABV
Blue Balls: Belgian Style Dark Strong Ale with Blueberries | 12.0% ABV
Hypothesis: Carrot ESB English Ale | 4.0% ABV
Mr. Giggles: Belgian Style Dark Golden Strong Ale | 12.0% ABV
Beer Flights - Six 4oz Pours - $14.00
Hours (2.2.24):
Monday 4 pm - 8 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday Closed
Thursday 4 pm - 8 pm
Fri & Sat Noon - 9 pm
Sunday Noon - 8 pm
Jan. Highlight" Try the Lava Chihuahua New England IPA (6.7% ABV)
Food Menu is Available
Again these are just few of my picks that fit my personality and interest. If you feel that I left one-off that may interest me or other people, message me on Facebook about the location. I value a person's opinion and never just discard the information. Always looking forward to learning about new places to add to my Google Map. ~ Shawn
​
The Summary in Activities Uses OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com