Excursions: Portland, Maine

Portland is just 40 minutes north of Portsmouth, NH along Route 95, but feels so much closer. I think it’s because there’s usually less traffic driving north, especially in the cold and gray non-tourist season. Portland is full of fun things to do – it has big city potential, but folks are happy just the way it is – it’s northern New England’s crossroads of culture on the coast. Whether you’re a fan of bar hopping, art galleries, independent film, gourmet and ethnic food, coffee, shopping, or sight-seeing – Portland has it all and without the big city price tags.  There are many parking garages and street parking spots – all priced not to break the bank. Some areas are even free – but I’m not telling where… you’ll have to find ‘em yourselves.

Start out parking near lower Congress Street, which is downtown Portland’s main drag.  It’s mixed with local and national businesses to admire – but pay most of your attention to YES Books located at 589 Congress Street. They’ve got tons of used books in all categories – I always find something and have at least 1 conversation with another patron…It’s a great place to browse – no pressure by staff and no attitude. Next, walk up to Enterprise Records at 650 Congress Street (towards Longfellow Square) and browse through the multi-genre used vinyl all placed neatly by Smiling Bob. He’s open Thursday through Sunday only. It’s a small store, but the selection is incredible. Again, I always find at least one record to purchase – his prices are affordable, but it can add up if you’re a collector looking for rare finds. Next stop, The Portland Museum of Art located at 7 Congress Square, at the top of Free Street and across from Starbucks Coffee. The museum has a great gift shop and the top floors are part of the museum’s collection – the first two floors are always reserved for rotating exhibits. I’ve seen numerous fascinating exhibits here – including a great mix of artists and styles from Warhol, Kahlo, Degas, Monet, and tons more. There are over 17,000 collected items on display in 3 buildings and the Children’s Museum is located next door. Independent & foreign films are also offered at the PMA – for an additional fee. After visiting the museums, I’m always ready for some coffee to keep my focus – I usually visit Coffee by Design at 620 Congress Street for a latte and then head down past L.L. Bean to the Art Mart and see who might be playing at Space Gallery (art gallery, live performances, films) and peak in the window to see if there are any student exhibits inside The Maine College of Art located next door.

There are interesting people wandering Congress Street and some may ask for change – this is Portland’s largest city, which also means there are many homeless and less fortunate people on display. There still Mainers – just be polite and move on towards Monument Square and step into the Portland Public Market House to see the local businesses in a co-op like environment. You can buy cheese, local bread, craft beers, and other local products. Its worth the walk through – you might just be hankering for a hunk of cheese…or a loaf of fresh baked oatmeal molasses bread.   Okay, so you’re getting hungry and looking for somewhere to eat – we’re almost there – just walk through the square towards Free Street and the city’s Old Port.  At the corner of Temple and Middle Street is the Nickelodeon Movie Theater, which usually has some great films you won’t find showing at the suburban Cineplex. The prices are reasonable and matinees are always 6 bucks – Tuesday it’s 5 bucks all day! The popcorn isn’t good, but who cares – the films usually are worth the visit. No time for a movie, as it’s time to eat – walk along Middle Street still heading towards the Old Port and now you have a choice of where to eat… Do you walk down Exchange Street and get an open turkey sandwich with a few pints of local craft beer at Gritty McDuff’s? They make their own beer – maybe you’ve already had it? My favorite is the Halloween Ale – it appears on tap and in areas stores each September.  Okay, I’m side tracking, back to food – If you walk down to 43 Middle Street instead, you’ll find a little spot called Duckfat. Everything is made using duck fat. Go figure… but it’s super good food! When there, try the Belgian style frites, homemade Panini, amazing homemade soda, or the always delicious beignets. My favorite is of course the Duckfat Poutine. Maybe it’s due to my French-Canadian heritage, but it’s the best poutine outside of Montreal. There are many other restaurants in the same stretch of road to tempt your tummy, but in this area Duckfat is king. A few other places to check out are Commercial Street along the water of Casco Bay – look for fishing vessels, cruise ships, and if it’s evening – drunken college kids who’ve escaped nearby a campus of USM, Bowdoin College, or The University of New England. There are many bars and local hang-outs, but besides that – you might just want a Bubble Tea. Check out Bubble Mainea located at 136 Commercial Street for some great tasting flavored green tea with those little tapioca balls floating around. Never heard of Bubble Tea? You better try it – it’s as much a treat as it is an experience.

Portland has a lot to offer. This weekend I am going to head up and check out Bard Coffee at 185 Middle Street and say hi to Anne. I might also make a quick visit to the Apple store in South Portland, but I really want to go back to Thanh Thanh 2 at 782 Forest Ave for more fresh tofu spring rolls and Vietnamese Pho… or do i want to try one of over 70 imported and craft beers on tap at The Great Lost Bear? There is just too much to do in one day in Portland, Maine and nothing has to do with lobsters or lighthouses.