If You Like Eating

These are our tried and true faves. The places to which we return. The places that hold memories for us.

Eventide Oyster Co.

Our favorite restaurant. There isn't a thing on the menu that isn't to die for! (Except if you are not a fan of shell fish.) Note that there can be a wait! But it is WORTH the wait, so get your name on the list and take a walk around the Old Port. Because these will be the best oysters you've ever had. The specials never fail to amazing. #romantic

The Front Room

Excellent brunch and terrific coffee. Cozy and classy. It's also just a couple of blocks from the Eastern Prom, so head over there for a stroll after your meal!

Miss Portland Diner

Excellent lunch spot for sandwiches and salads. Though I personally can never resist the all-day breakfast. The Shamrock omelet (with cheese and corned beef hash) is exceptional, if you like that sort of thing. A class-act diner with a great atmosphere and friendly service.

The Honey Paw

Simply one of the best restaurants in Portland. Wonderfully original Asian-leaning dishes that are difficult to describe! EVERYTHING is marvelous, but do be sure to order the soft serve ice cream for dessert. Even if you're already full. Trust me.

Boda

It's not just another Thai place. Do not miss out on the quail eggs as appetizer. All the main dishes are great. For reasons I am unsure, they make the best Tom Collins (cocktail) on the planet.

Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro

For our vegetarian and vegan friends. Wow, this place is so damn good! Sumptuous, decadent, and utterly original.

Duckfat

This place is all about poutine: fries with gravy and cheese curds (it's a Canadian thing, apparently) and a fried, you guessed it, duck egg on top. Decadent. Extremely attractive interior with dishware you'll wish you had in your own home.

Sichuan Kitchen

This Chinese food is the closest I've found to the meals I had back when I visited China back in 2007. Everything is intense, uniquely flavored, and extraordinarily delicious. Wonderful waitstaff. A must if you like spicy food.

Pacifico

Because this is where Hutch and I had our first date, this place is special to me. They have very fresh and wonderful ceviche here, and several varieties to boot. Great seafood dishes. Low-lit, romantic, and fabulous.

LB Kitchen

Exquisitely healthy dishes in a spare and lovely space. Perfect for the health conscious, vegetarian and vegan. Perfect place to have breakfast after a brisk walk. They have all kinds of wondrous strange and healthful beverages. New to Portland, yet already a Portland favorite.

If You Like Swimming

There's no better place for summer swimming than southern Maine. There's rivers, oceans, lakes. Do not forego this activity!

Ferry Beach, Scarborough, ME

Out of all the many wonderful beaches in Scarborough, THIS ONE is my favorite. (SHHHHH. Let's keep it a secret!) The waves are minimal and the water is deliciously chilly. TIPS: The way to enter this water is to walk in without hesitation and immediately submerge yourself, then give it 30 seconds. You will adjust to the water temperature and never want to get out. The salt water will make your body buoyant -- allow the current to carry your body along the edge of the beach. It's simultaneously peaceful and thrilling.

Parking is $20 during the day, free after 5:00p.m.

Sebago Lake

I never knew why writers made such a big deal about lakes in Maine until I swam at Sebago. It's a national park, so bring some cash to pay the fee. There is plenty of parking. This is a great afternoon outing. Let us know if you want to borrow an floaty. The water is silky and clear. The beach sand is a wonderful clay-red hue. It's simply one of the most relaxing places to lie in the sun, and one of the most refreshing places to swim.

Steep Falls

Great swimming in this river: rest by the shallows and allow the tiny fish to nibble your toes. The deeper pools by the falls are for the more adventurous. Idyllic.

Higgins Beach

It's strange to think that such a majestic place is just a fifteen minute drive away. This beach is great for walking any time of year. There are waves here, and it's a popular place to surf. Parking can be tough, however.

Pine Point Beach

This is a lovely beach to walk. It's great for swimming too,. Lots of waves!

If You Like Shopping

Here's a variety of unique and very special shops I have grown to love.

The Lady in the Moon

All manner of delightful, slyly humorous and exquisite items populate this store. It may be one of the best shops I've ever entered. And it's no wonder: owner Jess Howell is an artists. You will find jewelry, hair clips, magnets, books, occult items, soap, sage, astrological readings . . . in the the most beautifully designed space right on Monument Square.

Ferdinand

A wonderfully eclectic shop run by an amazing person named DIANE who creates all manner of delightful home decor, cards, knick-knacks, and vintage clothes. This is my personal favorite shop in Portland. It's a great place to pick up something cheap and unique for the folks back home.

Zane

Don't blame me. You like clothes? If you like fancy boutiques that sell $300 jeans, this is your place. Ohhhh, but I love this store. This is the one place I buy jeans in Maine. Let this be our secret.

LeRoux Kitchen

Now, why would you shop at a kitchen place while you're traveling in Maine? Because this store has Maine-theme kitchen stuff, that's why! ALSO, it has, hands down, the best kitchen stuff on the frigging planet. Dishes, pans, towels, teas, you name it. It is a place full of delights. Another place to grab that something special (and not too $$$) for the folks at home. Avoid the parking nightmare of Commercial Street at the Portland location and go the Scarborough location on Payne Road, right next to Sam's Club, and super close to Marden's.

Marden's

It took me years to grasp the concept of Marden's. Why did Mainer's rave about it so? Here's the low-down. It is a massive store with tons of marked-downed stuff, from toothpaste to dishwashers. It's a lot of fun if you're the kind of person who likes a deal, and like to dig through inexplicable merchandise. It is uniquely Maine.

GoGo Refill

Why would you go to a recycling / refill store while you're in Maine? Because Gogo Refill is a LIFESTYLE. They have every single alternative to plastic you can imagine. Trust me, it is divine.

Loquat

Wonderful little shop in the Old Port featuring all manner of BiPOC & trans crafts and clothes. Everything's handmade, homespun and Gen Z. Awesome ceramics too. Just a fascinating little museum of a store.

Z Fabrics

You may have noticed the curtains in the apartment and/or house. I bought all of the fabric I used to make them at Z Fabrics. If you are into sewing, you will find this place a delight.

If You Like Bookstores

Well, who doesn't?

Longfellow Books

Sometimes I need a specific book right away. So I call all the bookstores in town. No one has it. Then I find out Longfellow has it! This is a gorgeous store on a beautiful street. You could spend hours in there.

Print: A Bookstore

The Maine novelist Richard Russo's daughter owns this store. It is, how shall I say, IMPECCABLE. Frankly, I try to stay away, because I buy way too many books whenever I go there. They have EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT.

Back Cove Books

This store is house in a former bank and they have an actual vault, Flawlessly curated, chock-full of thoughtfully curated literature, you'll all manner of delightful doo-dads through-out. Impeccable and outstanding. Perfect place to buy gifts for the folks at home.

Not your usual tourist stuff!