Portland, ME
- julmmarshall
- Mar 29, 2023
- 4 min read
This post was going to be split into the three days we were there but I figured it would be so much easier to keep it all in one post so it’s a long one but a good one for sure so I hope you enjoy reading this post!
Our next stop was Portland, ME. It was about a 4 hour ride from Stowe, VT to Portland, ME. We checked into the Marriott Autograph Press Collection and it was our first time there. We usually stay at the opposite end of the city but decided to stay somewhere more central to make sure we saw the most! The hotel was nice, clean and in the perfect location for sure.
Exchange Street
First stop, Bull Feeneys. This bar has been a staple in downtown Portland and it just happened to be the last weekend they were open so on our way to dinner we had to stop in for a drink!
Bull Feeneys
Bull Feeneys
Next was dinner at Brickyard Hollow Brewery. We had a late lunch and weren’t super hungry and had also wanted to try this brewery so we figured it would be the perfect place for a small bite to eat. We also walked in as they were setting up for a comedy show which was pretty funny!
Brickyard Hollow
Brickyard Hollow is known for their pizza. We split a Cup & Char Pepperoni and a smoked BBQ pulled pork, Fiji apple and red onion pizza. TO DIE FOR. Honestly it’s a must go to.
Brickyard Hollow
Lastly, because we were pretty tired from our drive we stopped at Grittys on the way back to our hotel which is another well known spot in downtown Portland. We basically followed the music and we weren’t disappointed.
The next morning we woke up and went to Bayside American Cafe. Guys, run don’t walk. It’s a hole in the wall, away from the city center, terribly located for parking reasons restaurant that will quite literally keep you coming back for more. We walked (don’t) and waited about 45 minutes but there’s always a wait and we knew it was worth it.
Bayside American Cafe
I had the Veggie Home fries (my absolute favorite ever) and Joe had the classic eggs Benedict (also his absolute favorite anywhere we go 🤣)
Bayside American Cafe
After a late breakfast we went to Stars & Stripes Brewery. It’s a veteran owned and operated brewery that donates a portion of their proceeds to veterans organizations. The inside is super industrial and such a cool vibe. They had 8 beers on draft so we each had a flight of 4.
Stars & Stripes
Stars & Stripes
We left and went walking through old town Portland. Cobblestone streets, brick alleyways hiding cafes, local eateries and local shops. A dream honestly. Most notable we stopped at Sherman bookstore which is the oldest in Portland. I obviously had to buy a book while we were there. Next door we went to Treehouse Toys LTD to get something for the boys and Fat Face which is a clothing store just to name a few.
Alley to Exchange St
Sherman Bookstore
We had dinner reservations at Solo Italiano which is one of the best Italian restaurants in Portland. We LOVE Italian food and anytime Joe and I go somewhere new, we look for the best Italian restaurant and grab dinner. It’s our thing. LET ME TELL YOU it didn’t disappoint!! Everything is homemade in house that day and the menu changes daily. To die for.
Solo Italiano
Carpaccio di Tonno
Solo Italiano
House made bread
Misticanza di Campo con Pecorino
(Top) Ravioli all’Erbette (Bottom) Spaghetti Carbonara di Mare
Sorbet + biscotti cookie
Espresso martini
After dinner we could barely walk because we were so full but we made our way to Novare Res Bier Café for a drink after dinner. It was hard to find but once we did we loved it! It was underground, had a awesome beer list and the vibe was really fun!
Novare Res Bier Café
The next morning we went where anyone who has ever been to Portland must go. It’s actually a right of passage. We never get enough. Holy Donut is a Maine based donut shop and all of their donuts are made from Maine potatoes. Don’t knock it until you try them. They’re the best donuts I’ve ever had in my life.
(From top to bottom) Cinnamon sugar sweet potato, dark chocolate and sea salt, maple bacon, espresso, holy cannoli.
Downtown Portland
We spent the morning walking all around the city, down by the water and eventually all the way down to their bike path which is a really nice walk that follows the water for quite a distance. Highly recommend it so you can see all parts of downtown Portland that you normally wouldn’t see because most people stay central!
Commercial Street
That sums up most of our trip to Portland, ME! Joe and I always love trying new places. We always want to go somewhere we’ve never been. We love trying new food, drinks and seeing new spots. While we have been to Portland quite a few times, everywhere we went and stayed this trip was all new which made it feel like a new place for us. We had so much fun I can’t even begin to explain. It was definitely much needed and so much fun.
This is NOT in Maine but I wanted to add in just in case anyone is in the same area as us and wants to check them out. On our way home we stopped at Stoneface Brewing in Newington, NH for lunch which was an hour away right off 95 South. Delicious food and beer and a super cool vibe.
Stoneface Brewing
(Top to bottom) French dip sandwich, chickpea Caesar salad and a mushroom taco
I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed reliving our trip. Totally a must visit place if you’ve never before!
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