Vacation Vortex Maine Guidebook

Zachary
Vacation Vortex Maine Guidebook

Drinking Scene

Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries
Located at Thompson's Point. They're always releasing new brews!! Yes, lines form on pick-up day.
102 locals recommend
Bissell Brothers
38 Resurgam Pl
102 locals recommend
Located at Thompson's Point. They're always releasing new brews!! Yes, lines form on pick-up day.
21 minute walk The Brandy Smashes: Cranberry or Blueberry are what I prefer but everyone goes for the Gin. Located in the Old Port. Tranquil, brick-lined tasting room & boutique featuring wines & spirits produced at a local farm. Tasting is $5 for 4 samples and you keep the glass.
7 locals recommend
Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery Old Port Tasting Room and Shop
324 Fore St
7 locals recommend
21 minute walk The Brandy Smashes: Cranberry or Blueberry are what I prefer but everyone goes for the Gin. Located in the Old Port. Tranquil, brick-lined tasting room & boutique featuring wines & spirits produced at a local farm. Tasting is $5 for 4 samples and you keep the glass.
Recommend taking an Uber to this location. Modern craft brewery in a 1920's-era garage offering limited tastings, growler fillings & tours. They sometimes have events with live music and food trucks.
49 locals recommend
Bunker Brewing Company
17 Westfield St
49 locals recommend
Recommend taking an Uber to this location. Modern craft brewery in a 1920's-era garage offering limited tastings, growler fillings & tours. They sometimes have events with live music and food trucks.
138 locals recommend
Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox St
138 locals recommend
Take a drive out to the Riverton neighborhood if you want to see the brewery up-close. Allagash White, so good.
156 locals recommend
Allagash Brewing Company
50 Industrial Way
156 locals recommend
Take a drive out to the Riverton neighborhood if you want to see the brewery up-close. Allagash White, so good.
Heading out to the Portland Headlight? Located in South Portland is this great local brewery and restaurant.
47 locals recommend
Foulmouthed Brewing
15 Ocean St
47 locals recommend
Heading out to the Portland Headlight? Located in South Portland is this great local brewery and restaurant.
Raspy Trouble LRBC also host and annual wing competition.
34 locals recommend
Liquid Riot Bottling Company
250 Commercial St
34 locals recommend
Raspy Trouble LRBC also host and annual wing competition.
Get to East Bayside and check it out! Portland Pale Ale, Space Metal Dinosaur, Quantum Kitten
68 locals recommend
Lone Pine Brewing Company
219 Anderson St
68 locals recommend
Get to East Bayside and check it out! Portland Pale Ale, Space Metal Dinosaur, Quantum Kitten
Family-owned brewery located in Bayside that keeps its focus on local ingredients.
138 locals recommend
Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox St
138 locals recommend
Family-owned brewery located in Bayside that keeps its focus on local ingredients.
Classic Maine Brewery. Got the "short" tour when Zachary was young. All about the samples of Eli's Sodas. They host a rotating lineup of core and seasonal offerings and feature new beers and pilot brews that have not yet hit the market. They also offer a small food menu as well.
48 locals recommend
Shipyard Brewing Company
86 Newbury St
48 locals recommend
Classic Maine Brewery. Got the "short" tour when Zachary was young. All about the samples of Eli's Sodas. They host a rotating lineup of core and seasonal offerings and feature new beers and pilot brews that have not yet hit the market. They also offer a small food menu as well.
Popular pub fare.
22 locals recommend
Gritty McDuff's
396 Fore St
22 locals recommend
Popular pub fare.
Traditional Irish Music on Sundays. People show up and join in. Trivia night is on Tuesdays. Check their websites for hours.
32 locals recommend
Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant
72 Commercial St
32 locals recommend
Traditional Irish Music on Sundays. People show up and join in. Trivia night is on Tuesdays. Check their websites for hours.
21 minute walk (1.1 miles) We use to have to visit Lincolnville, Maine but they now have a location here in Portland. Wine lover? Highly recommend you visit. They have cheese plates too.
15 locals recommend
Cellardoor at The Point
127 Middle Street
15 locals recommend
21 minute walk (1.1 miles) We use to have to visit Lincolnville, Maine but they now have a location here in Portland. Wine lover? Highly recommend you visit. They have cheese plates too.
19 minute walk Eclectic food menu. Don't have much time but want to try all the great "local" beer Maine and the world has to offer then this Beer Garden is your place. Deck seating available.
85 locals recommend
Novare Res Bier Cafe
4 Canal Plaza
85 locals recommend
19 minute walk Eclectic food menu. Don't have much time but want to try all the great "local" beer Maine and the world has to offer then this Beer Garden is your place. Deck seating available.

Food scene

6 minute walk Ramen, Soba Noodle, Yakitori Skewers, Sake, Gyoza
148 locals recommend
Pai Men Miyake
188 State St
148 locals recommend
6 minute walk Ramen, Soba Noodle, Yakitori Skewers, Sake, Gyoza
3 minute walk Seasonal French & Spanish-influenced cuisine & craft cocktails Outdoor patio in the back Note: make reservations on-line, these are for indoor only
47 locals recommend
CHAVAL
58 Pine St
47 locals recommend
3 minute walk Seasonal French & Spanish-influenced cuisine & craft cocktails Outdoor patio in the back Note: make reservations on-line, these are for indoor only
7 min walk Southern food and comfort-food favorites from other regions I recommend the fried green tomatoes. Popular brunch spot but worth the wait.
152 locals recommend
Hot Suppa
703 Congress St
152 locals recommend
7 min walk Southern food and comfort-food favorites from other regions I recommend the fried green tomatoes. Popular brunch spot but worth the wait.
7 minute walk Breakfast pastries YUM! Expect a line. I usually get some jalapeños biscuits to make breakfast sandwiches at home.
163 locals recommend
The West End Deli & Catering Inc
545 Spring St
163 locals recommend
7 minute walk Breakfast pastries YUM! Expect a line. I usually get some jalapeños biscuits to make breakfast sandwiches at home.
25 minute walk (1.3miles) Slab pizza in the back of the grocery served til 2:30pm Local favorite
41 locals recommend
Micucci Grocery Store
45 India St
41 locals recommend
25 minute walk (1.3miles) Slab pizza in the back of the grocery served til 2:30pm Local favorite
22 minute walk Open wood-fire grill, oven & spit lend smoky flavors to upscale American fare Recommend reservations
92 locals recommend
Fore Street Restaurant
288 Fore St
92 locals recommend
22 minute walk Open wood-fire grill, oven & spit lend smoky flavors to upscale American fare Recommend reservations
14 minute walk 194 Park Street location - recommend coupling this with visit to Deering Oaks Park. 21 minute walk 177 Commercial Street location - heart of the Old Port shopping and the wharfs Recommend the Chocolate Sea Salt
220 locals recommend
The Holy Donut
194 Park Ave
220 locals recommend
14 minute walk 194 Park Street location - recommend coupling this with visit to Deering Oaks Park. 21 minute walk 177 Commercial Street location - heart of the Old Port shopping and the wharfs Recommend the Chocolate Sea Salt
13 minute walk Get your burger and fries here. Recommend a fork for the fries if you get a dusting. Yummy and messy!
53 locals recommend
Nosh Kitchen Bar
551 Congress St
53 locals recommend
13 minute walk Get your burger and fries here. Recommend a fork for the fries if you get a dusting. Yummy and messy!
7 minute walk Across the street from the Longfellow Statue Solid sushi offerings. The kids love their sweet potato rolls and I'm a fan of the RocknRoll with Plum wine. Zach eats whenever he visits home. Many other sushi offerings in town. Also try, Yosaku's 15 walk towards the Old Port.
9 locals recommend
King of the Roll
675 Congress St
9 locals recommend
7 minute walk Across the street from the Longfellow Statue Solid sushi offerings. The kids love their sweet potato rolls and I'm a fan of the RocknRoll with Plum wine. Zach eats whenever he visits home. Many other sushi offerings in town. Also try, Yosaku's 15 walk towards the Old Port.
24 minute walk Despite being a regionalized chain restaurant, this place is constantly packed. I don't eat oysters but if you do, check this place out. Also,
272 locals recommend
Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle St
272 locals recommend
24 minute walk Despite being a regionalized chain restaurant, this place is constantly packed. I don't eat oysters but if you do, check this place out. Also,
19 minute walk Foodie? Go here. You won't regret it. Reservations recommended but always a spot at the bar.
145 locals recommend
Central Provisions
414 Fore St
145 locals recommend
19 minute walk Foodie? Go here. You won't regret it. Reservations recommended but always a spot at the bar.
In the Old Port off Commercial Street in the back of a parking lot. Absolute best morning buns in town. Also, recommend everything. * ) They use organic, locally grown products when available and buy from small, family-owned suppliers whenever possible. Use unbleached wheat flour and certified 100% organic wheat flour. All of their whole grains and whole-grain flours are certified 100% organic and sourced from farms in Maine and Quebec when available. Our naturally-leavened bread is made with our own organic starters, without any commercial yeast.
114 locals recommend
Standard Baking Co
75 Commercial St
114 locals recommend
In the Old Port off Commercial Street in the back of a parking lot. Absolute best morning buns in town. Also, recommend everything. * ) They use organic, locally grown products when available and buy from small, family-owned suppliers whenever possible. Use unbleached wheat flour and certified 100% organic wheat flour. All of their whole grains and whole-grain flours are certified 100% organic and sourced from farms in Maine and Quebec when available. Our naturally-leavened bread is made with our own organic starters, without any commercial yeast.

Services

3 minute walk Great veteran-run laundry services. Always check the hours.
22 locals recommend
Soap Bubble Laundromat
68 Pine St
22 locals recommend
3 minute walk Great veteran-run laundry services. Always check the hours.
16 minute walk Recommend driving if you need to visit our local hardware store.
Maine Hardware
274 St John St
16 minute walk Recommend driving if you need to visit our local hardware store.
5 minute walk. Local gas station. Opened 24 hours. Please use caution if you plan to visit and say 3am
17 locals recommend
Cumberland Farms
49 Pine St
17 locals recommend
5 minute walk. Local gas station. Opened 24 hours. Please use caution if you plan to visit and say 3am

Neighborhoods

39 minute walk (2 miles) Pay for parking when you visit. Thompson’s Point has Bissell Brothers Brewing Company and restaurant, a concert venue The Depot Pavilion + Concessions, outdoor ice rink (in the winter), Children’s Museum and Theater, International Cryptozoology Museum, and a function space hosting craft fairs focused on local Farms, Artisans, and more. We recently went to the Gem Show!!
19 locals recommend
Thompsons Point
Thompsons Point
19 locals recommend
39 minute walk (2 miles) Pay for parking when you visit. Thompson’s Point has Bissell Brothers Brewing Company and restaurant, a concert venue The Depot Pavilion + Concessions, outdoor ice rink (in the winter), Children’s Museum and Theater, International Cryptozoology Museum, and a function space hosting craft fairs focused on local Farms, Artisans, and more. We recently went to the Gem Show!!
The laid-back East End, also known as Munjoy Hill, is popular for walks and relaxation along the grassy Eastern Promenade, with views over Casco Bay. Other landmarks include the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum and the Portland Observatory, an 1807 signal tower. Boutiques sell gifts and gourmet goods, and traditional eateries mix with chic restaurants and bars around Washington Avenue.
9 locals recommend
East End
9 locals recommend
The laid-back East End, also known as Munjoy Hill, is popular for walks and relaxation along the grassy Eastern Promenade, with views over Casco Bay. Other landmarks include the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum and the Portland Observatory, an 1807 signal tower. Boutiques sell gifts and gourmet goods, and traditional eateries mix with chic restaurants and bars around Washington Avenue.
LL Bean, Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Desert of Maine, Breweries
202 locals recommend
Freeport
202 locals recommend
LL Bean, Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Desert of Maine, Breweries

Sightseeing

15 minute walk Hill is steep coming back so plan accordingly. Farmer's Market on Saturday til 12pm May-Nov, also, features a tennis court, pickle ball court, baseball field, sand volleyball court, children's playground, shallow water pool in the summer, and the pond is used for recreational ice skating in the winter.
87 locals recommend
Deering Oaks Park
87 locals recommend
15 minute walk Hill is steep coming back so plan accordingly. Farmer's Market on Saturday til 12pm May-Nov, also, features a tennis court, pickle ball court, baseball field, sand volleyball court, children's playground, shallow water pool in the summer, and the pond is used for recreational ice skating in the winter.
Just over the Veterans Memorial bridge to Cape Elizabeth. Recommend you bring a picnic lunch and stroll around the park. Park your car near the Children's Garden for free. You'll have to pay parking near the lighthouse (headlight) and the left parking lot near the water. We sled in the winter and fly kites in the summer. Take lots of photos!!
346 locals recommend
Portland Harbor Museum
12 Captain Strout Circle
346 locals recommend
Just over the Veterans Memorial bridge to Cape Elizabeth. Recommend you bring a picnic lunch and stroll around the park. Park your car near the Children's Garden for free. You'll have to pay parking near the lighthouse (headlight) and the left parking lot near the water. We sled in the winter and fly kites in the summer. Take lots of photos!!
Restaurant on the top floor offers panoramic views of the Portland skyline. Perfect for a sunset drink.
The Westin Portland Harborview
157 High St
Restaurant on the top floor offers panoramic views of the Portland skyline. Perfect for a sunset drink.
ART!! Plus, it has the better Grant Statue in its collection and an art house movie theater.
412 locals recommend
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Sq
412 locals recommend
ART!! Plus, it has the better Grant Statue in its collection and an art house movie theater.
If in the Bethel area, must see. It may be only 64 miles away but expect a traffic-filled trip. Bethel is next to Sunday River Ski Resort and a throughway to the White Mountains. Visiting MMGM you'll get to hold part of Mars and the Moon. Pretty cool!! The MMGM houses the finest collection of Maine minerals and gems. It includes the famous Perham Collection, viewed by generations in a local mineral store that operated for ninety years. The MMGM displays one of the world’s foremost collections of extraterrestrial rocks—meteorites from Mars, the Moon and the Asteroid Belt that teach us about the origins of our Solar System, including the five largest pieces of the Moon on Earth!
54 locals recommend
Maine Mineral and Gem Museum
99 Main St
54 locals recommend
If in the Bethel area, must see. It may be only 64 miles away but expect a traffic-filled trip. Bethel is next to Sunday River Ski Resort and a throughway to the White Mountains. Visiting MMGM you'll get to hold part of Mars and the Moon. Pretty cool!! The MMGM houses the finest collection of Maine minerals and gems. It includes the famous Perham Collection, viewed by generations in a local mineral store that operated for ninety years. The MMGM displays one of the world’s foremost collections of extraterrestrial rocks—meteorites from Mars, the Moon and the Asteroid Belt that teach us about the origins of our Solar System, including the five largest pieces of the Moon on Earth!
A 10 minute car ride to South Portland. Bug Light (lighthouse) where you can walk the break wall. Also, experience the Liberty Memorial. As a Navy Veteran and history consumer this checks off a few boxes. Architecturally beautiful. Informative. Artistically emphatic to the community's sacrifice.
Liberty Ship Memorial
A 10 minute car ride to South Portland. Bug Light (lighthouse) where you can walk the break wall. Also, experience the Liberty Memorial. As a Navy Veteran and history consumer this checks off a few boxes. Architecturally beautiful. Informative. Artistically emphatic to the community's sacrifice.
Depending on the time of year and day, expect to spend 1-3hrs. Reasonable pricing $$ (except for Polar Express $$$$), museum displays, and beautiful views within your short Narrow Gauge trip. Bring earplugs if you have noise sensitivity.
31 locals recommend
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum
49 Thames St
31 locals recommend
Depending on the time of year and day, expect to spend 1-3hrs. Reasonable pricing $$ (except for Polar Express $$$$), museum displays, and beautiful views within your short Narrow Gauge trip. Bring earplugs if you have noise sensitivity.
Rocky beach, coarse sand with beautiful views. Little trail for exploring.
44 locals recommend
Kettle Cove
Kettle Cove Road
44 locals recommend
Rocky beach, coarse sand with beautiful views. Little trail for exploring.

Venues

List of Portland 's music, sport, function centers.
10 minute walk Seen many a show here. Kevin painted most of the murals inside. Malabar from The Unknown is one of my favorites.
116 locals recommend
State Theater
609 Congress St
116 locals recommend
10 minute walk Seen many a show here. Kevin painted most of the murals inside. Malabar from The Unknown is one of my favorites.
13 minute walk Catch a comedic or tragic staged production.
22 locals recommend
Portland Stage
25 Forest Ave
22 locals recommend
13 minute walk Catch a comedic or tragic staged production.
18 minute walk Our neighborhood movie theater. Tuesday are the bargain days and yes, the floors are sometimes sticky.
53 locals recommend
Nickelodeon Cinema (Patriot Cinemas)
1 Temple St
53 locals recommend
18 minute walk Our neighborhood movie theater. Tuesday are the bargain days and yes, the floors are sometimes sticky.
Family fun watching a Sea Dogs Game. The mascot, Slugger, has events year-round. On hot summer days, suggest you bring an empty water bottle and fill with water fountain water once inside.
80 locals recommend
Portland Sea Dogs
271 Park Ave
80 locals recommend
Family fun watching a Sea Dogs Game. The mascot, Slugger, has events year-round. On hot summer days, suggest you bring an empty water bottle and fill with water fountain water once inside.
Indoor Ice Skating. Check "free" skate time before you go. Sometimes has private/group lessons and hockey practice.
William B. Troubh Ice Arena
225 Park Ave
Indoor Ice Skating. Check "free" skate time before you go. Sometimes has private/group lessons and hockey practice.
We tend to stay in Boothbay when visiting but a round-trip (Portland-Boothbay-Portland) can be accomplished with an eager crew. We sometimes eat going or returning at Fat Boy Drive-In (classic 50's American style diner) pull your car up and they come take your order.
163 locals recommend
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
105 Botanical Gardens Dr
163 locals recommend
We tend to stay in Boothbay when visiting but a round-trip (Portland-Boothbay-Portland) can be accomplished with an eager crew. We sometimes eat going or returning at Fat Boy Drive-In (classic 50's American style diner) pull your car up and they come take your order.
Our local basbetball team.
Home of the Maine Red Claws
239 Park Ave
Our local basbetball team.
Great spot to see a show!! We typically walk to shows. Recommend seats if you don't like standing for extended periods of time.
17 locals recommend
Aura
121 Center St
17 locals recommend
Great spot to see a show!! We typically walk to shows. Recommend seats if you don't like standing for extended periods of time.

City/town information

We've lived here since 2005 (my husband Kevin since 1987). Love being in proximity to mountains, lakes, beaches, trails, food, breweries, art, shopping, shows, and yes, four seasons!!
273 locals recommend
Portland
273 locals recommend
We've lived here since 2005 (my husband Kevin since 1987). Love being in proximity to mountains, lakes, beaches, trails, food, breweries, art, shopping, shows, and yes, four seasons!!