A Weekend in {Portland Maine}
Words & Photos by Katy Chadwell
Portland, Maine, is easily accessible with one connection from Austin, making it a perfect getaway to experience a little New England charm, escape the Texas heat, or take in incredible fall foliage.
Friday
Located in the 1923 Portland Press Herald newspaper building, The Press Hotel makes a great home base for anyone who wants to be in the middle of the action. The property is filled with nods to the building’s prior publishing days, with wood-block printing elements behind the front desk and a quirky typewriter wall installation. Take a tour of the Portland Observatory to enjoy views of the harbor and learn about the last standing maritime signal tower. For dinner, head to Duckfat for poutine and creamy gelato milkshakes. Portland was named Best Restaurant City of the Year in 2018 by Bon Appetit Magazine and ranks #3 in the country in breweries per capita, meaning you’re in for an exploration of tastes.
Saturday
Start the day with a potato-flour treat from The Holy Donut. Take an hour to stroll the shops of Commercial Street. Some must-see spots include: Portland Dry Goods, Browne Trading Market, and Edgecomb Potters. The Harbor Fish Market, where you can pick up some picnic essentials and even have them cook a lobster for you to-go, is worth a quick stop. If you want to test out your sea legs, hop on the Casco Bay Lines ferry to spend the afternoon on one of the nearby islands, or rent a bicycle and head to the Eastern Promenade, a 2.1 mile trail along the coast. Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co. is not to be missed. The fresh local oysters, famed Brown Butter Lobster Roll, and inventive takes on seafood classics will have you wanting to order everything on the menu.
Sunday
Grab breakfast at Tandem Coffee and Bakery—not to fret—the line moves quickly, and it’s worth the wait. Head south towards Cape Elizabeth where you will find quintessential New England views at the Portland Head Lighthouse. A number of beautiful walking paths are along the
If you go…
Where to Stay:
The Press Hotel, a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, incorporates historical design elements that reflect its literary past. Book with Century Travel and receive breakfast for two daily.
Getting Around:
Central Portland is very walkable, and the city is quite small with less than 70,000 residents. Rideshare services are available, and renting a car makes sense if you plan to explore outside the city center.
What to Wear:
Wear layers and expect summer temps in the upper 70s and 80s and crisp fall weather in the 50s and 60s.
Katy Chadwell is a travel advisor at Austin-based Century Travel and would welcome the opportunity to help you plan a trip to Maine or wherever your travels may lead you! Contact her at katy@century-tvl.com or (512) 327-8760, and let her take the stress out of planning your next vacation!
