Summer in Portland, Maine
Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds.
I LOVED spending some time this summer in Portland, Maine. In fact, I’ve been to Portland maybe 4 or 5 times now, and this was my first time there in the summer!
Yes, it’s true. I’m typically there in December and once in April – that one time we got engaged!
And you know what? I love wintertime in Portland. It’s cozy, snow-capped, and yup – oysters are in season, baby.
What more could you want?
Some of my favorite memories with Tim happened in Portland, Maine. One of those being enjoying our favorite lamb khao soi at Honeypaw in our little window seat watching people slide on the ice patch that forms religiously each winter. What? Don’t worry, we slid, too!
Or how about this more wholesome memory – walking around the breezy Portland Head Lighthouse where he surprised me with a proposal in early 2017.
Oh here’s one of my favorites – ALL the samples at the Cabot and Stonewall Kitchen stores, ha! Aren’t free samples the best? Don’t worry, we always buy something so we’re not those people.
While this latest trip was much different than those winter adventures up north, I loved it just as much.
Summer in Portland, Maine
My mom, younger sister, and I decided it was high time we start planning an inaugural girls’ trip. And, while we initially planned to head to Philly (went there for 24 hours and LOVED IT), we landed on a favorite little city of mine – Portland.
We put the plan in motion and just a few weeks later I was on a 5:45 am flight up north. Yes, I did wake up at 2:30 am after two hours of sleep to curl my hair and fill in my eyebrows. What of it?
After a brisk breakfast at Tatte (get the honey halva latte with oat milk, seriously), we were on the road.
We stayed near Old Port (isn’t that a must?) and enjoyed moseying around town for four blissful days.
The mornings were cool, as were the evenings. And, each afternoon was filled with sun like how summertime in New England should always be.
We lounged on the beach, took a ferry ride over to Great Diamond Island, sipped on cocktails at Vena’s, and so so much more.
Favorite spots from our summer trip to Portland, Maine
If you’re curious, here are a few of our favorite spots from this summer trip:
- Vena’s Fizz House. You simply cannot beat their cocktails! Their mocktails and shrubs are tasty, too.
- Crown Jewel. Because I’m never in Portland in the summer, I’d never taken the ferry! Crown Jewel opened up on Great Diamond Island last summer, and my dear friend Emily had quickly suggested it as our dinner spot for Friday evening. Real talk: It did not disappoint. Also, don’t quote me on this, but I think you can take your cocktails to go for the ferry ride back!
- The Highroller Lobster Co. Two words: Corn dogs. Or is that one word? Either way, they’re delicious. They also have excellent fries, tasty condiments, and frosé.
- Omi’s. As we were leaving the lighthouse (where we got engaged!), Emily texted me to tell me about Omi’s, and I should have known it would be the cutest darn spot ever. Emily has great taste, by the way. I promptly ordered an iced rose latte with oat milk, because….well…why wouldn’t I?
- Toast Bar. It was so good, we went twice. And, I got the same thing BOTH TIMES. It was called the Strawberry Situation and holy moly it was divine. Just picture this: A sesame seed bagel topped with plain cream cheese, rhubarb jam, and sweetened strawberries. You’re welcome
- The Shop. This one’s an oldie (well, not that old,) but a goodie. We’ve been before and LOVE it, so naturally I went again and treated myself to a half-dozen oysters with mignonette and a glass of rosé.
- Duckfat Friteshack. Oh, you don’t want to wait in line for fries? Well, here you go. Enter….the Duckfat Friteshack where you can (and you must) order the condiment flight. This is living, y’all.
Clearly we mostly ate, isn’t that what you’re supposed to do in Portland?
Do you have your own trip planned for Portland soon? Do share!
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