I don’t normally drink soda, but yesterday I bought the last Pepsi “Throwback” at the local supermarket. It took me back to the days I would ride my bike to Suds N’ Soda and buy candy and soda before little league baseball games. The Pepsi “Throwback” uses sugar (but not raw unbleached sugar) instead of corn syrup – giving the soda a more natural appeal instead of an overly processed sweet goo that sticks to your insides and makes everyone fat, diabetic, and causes high blood pressure. Why can’t Pepsi, Coke, and other soft drinks go back to real sugar? Is it the cost? Europe, Mexico, Asia all use sugar, not corn syrup. Why? For more information, click here or visit your doctor and ask them about corn syrup.

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… (more…)

Portland’s Best Restaurants:

Green Elephant – Creative Vegetarian Cuisine

The Pepper Club – All local ingredients, both carnivore and vegetarian

Hugo’s – Elegant, Gourmet dishes in a quiet setting

Duck Fat – Homemade Belgian Fries & Soda, Yummy Panini, Local beers on tap

Sapporo – Fresh, Local Sushi, Sashimi – Great Ginger Ice Cream.

The Great Lost Bear – Over 60 unique beers on tap, many regional microbrews