When I’m in Maine I don’t venture too far from Rockport because there’s plenty to keep me entertained on the midcoast. Every now and then, however, I need a need a city fix in order to go to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or places to shop other than WalMart or TJ Maxx. That means heading to Portland.
Though small, barely 100,000 or roughly 10% of Maine’s population, Portland has most of the amenities you’d expect in a city. There’s a very good art museum,
trendy shops and galleries,
and during the summer months Portland teems with throngs of visitors enjoying street festivals in the Old Port area.
There are plenty of good things to eat like this steak and lobster pizza which has me drooling just thinking about it. Portland has, in fact, become quite a foodie city well known for its talented young chefs and fresh and local menus. The only problem is that restaurants here have become so popular they’ve had to put tables on the sidewalks which has residents grumbling about it being harder to navigate the sidewalks.
In addition to great restaurants, there are food trucks and nowhere else have I seen a cupcake truck
or one that dispenses sodas right from its side.
For that something extra special, there are lots of ice cream shops serving up housemade selections of all natural ingredients. One thing’s for sure, we never leave Portland without at least one tasty treat. Making a choice is the hard part.
With all it has to offer, Portland is Maine’s closest answer to city life, and it has become a very hip place attractive to young professionals as well as a magnet for visitors to Maine. It is a great introduction to life the way it should be!
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Joining
Lulu's Musings 
Thanks for the little look at the other Portland. I have never been there and it looks like a place I would like to visit. Hopefully some day.
Hmm, I know I left a comment on this, I wonder what happened.
I saw it, Kathleen. It went to another post, but I got it all the same and agree that summer is hard on folks who live in such desirable locations and have their usual lives interrupted by visitors. Hope your summer is going well. I can’t believe it is so close to being over!!!
Spent a day in Portland and loved it…Had lunch on the water and walked the town…even got in a lighthouse tour…wonderful city! Glad you had fun with the “grands”
I would love a steak and lobster pizza followed by a visit to the Cupcake truck!
Jenna
Portland is great but looks like you have the best thing ever…are those two granddaughters??
They beat Portland any day!
Oh, we rented a home on Highland Lake one summer and had a grand time. Our favorite restaurant was Stone Dog………the BEST lobster benedict ………….EVER.
Look like a great place to visit, I hope to make it there one day.
Oh, how I’d love to be back on the coast of Maine. Loved our visit several years ago, and Portland was one of our destinations. Happy Weekend!
Another great blog posting. You’re going to have to come to Connecticut and we’ll visit the Coventry Regional Farmers Market where the NoRA Cupcake Truck is usually parked for a visit. Check out their website: http://www.noracupcake.com
Reblogged this on The Pretty Canary.
I love Pirtland, Maine. Enjoy!!!
Spent many summers in South Portland and at Little Sebago Lake. The best sub sandwiches ever. Cant get them anyplace else. Wonder if they still have them?