3 Days of Eating & Exploring in Portland, ME
Portland feels like a “chill little Boston”—at first glance, it might seem remote and small-town, but it’s surprisingly vibrant and scenic, no less lovely than Seattle. It carries the historical depth of New England, paired with a subtle “polite charm,” balanced out by the laid-back vibe from its small size and remoteness, plus the genuine kindness and friendliness of locals (thanks to fewer crowds and less competition). 🌟 Top Picks (5-Star Favorites!) 1. Mt. Washington ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ At 6,288 feet, this mountain is a must-visit! Below the mid-mountain, the landscape is covered in forests—imagine how stunning it’ll be in October when the leaves turn fiery red and gold 🍂. Above the mid-mountain, you’ll see rocky terrain, rolling mountain ranges, and massive, thick clouds that are classic New England weather. You have three ways to experience it: Drive up the mountain Take the small train (🚂) Hike to the summit (for adventure lovers!) 2. Portland’s Lighthouses ⭐⭐⭐⭐ We visited all three, but here’s the truth: only bother with Portland Head Light. The other two are just so-so—on par with a wetland park near your neighborhood. And the best part about Portland Head Light? The famous food truck Bite into Maine right by the lighthouse parking lot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! Their lobster rolls don’t drown the meat in heavy sauces (unlike many places)—you can actually taste the fresh, sweet flavor of the lobster itself. It’s a total game-changer for lobster roll lovers 🦞. 3. Duckfat ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Let’s break it down: Their duck fat fries? Pretty average. But the truffle ketchup? Chef’s kiss—even if it’s probably truffle essence mixed with ketchup, it’s still delicious. The Duckfat Caesar salad: The smoked duck in it was a miss (tasted off), but it would’ve been amazing with pan-seared fresh duck breast instead. That said, the salad itself is 5-star worthy—creamy Caesar dressing, a runny egg yolk, tangy vinegar, and crispy breadcrumbs come together perfectly 🥗. 4. Maine Blueberries ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maine’s signature fruit—just eat as much as you can! Blueberry sparkling water is a local exclusive—grab a bottle at the local Hannaford supermarket 🫐. Word of warning: Avoid the one labeled “[Some Name] Honey” (we forgot the exact name)—it’s nearly twice as expensive and shockingly bad. Total waste of money 😭. 5. Gorgeous Gelato ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredible gelato—their mokaccino flavor is a must-try! It’s rich coffee flavor mixed with chocolate chips, plus a hint of alcohol to cut through the sweetness. The balance is perfect—creamy, not too heavy, and totally satisfying 🙏🏻. 6. ISF Trading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $28 gets you unlimited fresh sea urchin—yes, you read that right! It’s a total steal for uni lovers. But pro tip: only buy the sea urchin—other items here aren’t nearly as impressive. ❌ Major Letdowns (Skip These!) 1. Holy Donut 🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️ So disappointing! It tastes like a gas station donut—overly sweet, slathered in cloying glaze, and weirdly dense texture. Save your calories. 2. Standard Baking Co 🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️ Just a basic bakery with nothing special. The pastries and bread are “meh”—not terrible, but definitely not worth going out of your way for. 3. Tandem Coffee and Bakery 🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️ Blueberry pie: The puff pastry crust was undercooked (raw in the middle 😃). Pecan almond pie: They tried to be creative by using coconut shreds instead of traditional buttery cookie crumbs—but the modified crust is greasy, bland, and not crispy at all. The only plus? It looks healthy. Cookies: Way too oily and underbaked—sticky, overly sweet, and just plain greasy. #Maine #MaineTravel #PortlandMaine
