Dear East Coast,
I love you, and I don’t care who knows it.
Sincerely,
Mavis
Seriously, one day, I am going to pack my bags and head East permanently. I love it here. I don’t mind the winters {maybe that’s the newbie in me talking}. I like the people, the history… LOVE IT.
So, in an effort to promote the awesomeness that is Maine, I made a list of the 10 must-do things if you ever make it to Portland, Maine. Here you go:
- Visit one of 6 lighthouses that are all just outside of Portland. They are as picturesque as the movies.
- Take a stroll {or rent bikes} down the Eastern Promenade. It’s next to the water, and even in winter, it’s full of fresh air and ambiance.
- Walk through Eastern Cemetery. Call me morbid, but I love to walk through old cemeteries. It’s like a history lesson. This one is the oldest in Portland, Maine. Some of the grave stones go as far back as the 1600’s.
- Hit the YEAR ROUND Portland Farmers’ Market. It’s supposed to be one of the largest in the country–and don’t worry, in the winter, they are indoors.
- Try DiMillos. It’s a floating restaurant, and if you are into fresh seafood, it’s a spiritual experience.
- Tour Victoria Mansion. We didn’t get to visit this one while we were there, as it is only open May through October, but it’s supposed to be pretty darn cool. It’s furnished in its pre-Civil war glory. It was originally built in 1858-1860 {and we get angry when our houses take longer than 6 months to build!}, and really is an impressive architectural marvel.
- Weather permitting, take a boat ride to the Casco Bay Islands. Afterall, you are on coastal Maine–you might as well experience the full “coastal” charm. If you can’t take a boat, as least go to Casco Bay and check out all of the boats.
- Tour the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up in this house, which has now been converted to a museum/gardens. Longfellow was an iconic American poet–and his childhood home really does say a lot about his charmed history. It’s no wonder he was such a romantic.
- Shop your way through the L.L. Bean flagship store. This one is actually in Freeport, just a short drive away.
- Walk your way through Old Port. This is an older part of town right on the waterfront. It’s got restaurants, neighborhoods, etc. I don’t know about you, but I love to see the neighborhoods–it’s like a glimpse into the daily life of living in coastal Maine.
Any of you locals have some must-do’s or must-see’s that I’ve missed?
~Mavis
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Judy says
Wonderful fun Mavis! Is your east coast house in Maine?
I’d love to see more photos of it!
Dawn says
Becky’s Diner in Portland is wonderful and they make the most incredible blueberry pancakes!
Lana says
Time for you to head south to Charleston, SC and see the history and grave yards there, too!
Sue says
If you are going to visit Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s house you might as well see his statue on Longfellow Square. It was built with 10c donations from children and bean supper proceeds. Are you sure that wasn’t the West End cemetery? We have the Western Prom and the Eastern Prom. Opposite ends of the city. I do most of my food shopping at our Farmer’s Market, so I second that! I can even get oatmeal and flour grown in Maine. Not to mention all the eggs, cheeses and meats, in addition to fresh greens in the winter. Kombucha anyone? There’s a kombucha bar at the winter market. I love living and working in “The city by the sea”.
Jess says
There are some many awesome things beyond Portland, if you ever get a chance to come back travel further than Portland. Popham Beach in Phippsburg is one of my favorite places of all time, absolutely beautiful. Bowdoin College Art Museum is pretty cool too, and it’s free, which makes it even better. There are so many great places in Maine, I could write out a whole list of my favorites.
Cheryl dunhamf says
I’ve lopived in Maine for 60 years,mtgere are wonderful places to explore I love it in the spring,summer and fall, but I just bought a home in Las Vegas to get out of the winters, guess you might like Maine in the winter if yo like to ski or snowmobile, or any other winter sport, but I just hate the winters. It is a beautiful place to be in the other 3 seasons.
Jenny says
Thanks for all your tips! We will be in Portland for a fall foliage tour (visiting Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine).
What about Cape Elizabeth and the lighthouse? Is that worth a visit?
Do you guys have any insights into rather cheap (but good) motels just outside of Portland?
All the best!
Mavis Butterfield says
The lighthead at Cape Elizabeth is a MUST SEE. We loved the area. We stayed in Freeport, Maine at the Holiday In Express fro around $79 {in February}. It had a free breakfast and was about a mile from downtown. Have fun!
Jenny says
Oh great, thanks for your fast reply. Then we will definitely go and see Cape Elizabeth.
I just looked up the hotel and write now it looks like the cheapest rate for October is $119 / night. Bummer.
Did you do any whale watching at all? We are still quite indecisive of whether we wanna do a tour or not.
Candy says
Are reservations required for DiMillos for small parties?