A weekend in Portland, Maine
A quaint coastal town complete with cobblestone streets, fresh seafood, potato donuts, and a world famous lighthouse are just a few things you will find in the heart of Portland. One weekend in the city will only begin to scratch the surface of all that it has to offer. But if you plan your weekend right, you can lobster fish with the locals, tour the city from the back of a vintage firetruck, and eat and shop in the historical seaside part of town; all while planning a longer stay for your next visit. Because just one weekend won't be long enough!
Start your weekend by going to The Holy Donut. While doing research for a long weekend trip to Portland, I read about a local donut shop that makes their donuts fresh, every day. And that they use a special ingredient which takes their donuts to a whole new level- potatoes!! The reviews were great and I knew I had to make it a top priority.
We found our way into the historic district of Portland, Old Port. This quaint district is filled with shops, cafes, pubs, cobblestone streets and The Holy Donut. I knew as soon as we stepped inside that I would not be disappointed. There were so many donut options both seasonal and traditional. I opted for the old-fashioned glazed donut with a cup of hot apple cider. It was amazing. The weather was a little rainy making it the perfect time to cozy up at the table and people watch while getting to enjoy the smells of the fresh donuts and coffee! ☕️
The trip to Portland was a surprise for my husband's birthday and I wanted him to have the full East Coast experience, so I booked a lobster catching excursion with Lucky Catch Cruises.
These local lobsterman showed us their day to day routines and then we were given the opportunity to not only catch a lobster straight from the Atlantic Ocean, but we could purchase what we had just caught and have it prepared by the Portland Lobster Company restaurant. It was truly an authentic East Coast dinner. And for those of you who don’t like seafood, like myself, they also had a nice grilled chicken Caesar salad. 😉
If lobster catching doesn't spark your interest, hop on the back of a vintage fire engine and take a tour of the city. Portland Fire Engine Co. will drive you around as local guides share their knowledge of all things Portland. You will experience the cobblestone streets, visit historic landmarks and take in spectacular views all from the comfort of a renovated fire engine. This is one tour you don't want to miss out on!
Before your visit comes to an end be sure to stop at the famous Portland Head light lighthouse in Fort Williams Park; It's the most photographed lighthouse in America.
Take time to walk the park where you will find historic buildings and beautiful gardens. They also have food trucks so you can grab a bite while walking the park!
Whether you are looking to spend the weekend engaging with the locals and living like a true east coast native or you want to relax by walking the picturesque seaside and spending time in charming coffee shops, Portland offers a variety of entertainment and you will not be disappointed with whatever you choose.