Chris & Amy's Wedding
Portland's Old Port
When choosing where to have the wedding, I decided there is nothing more amazing than summertime in Maine. I grew up in South Portland, Maine and I think the only time you realize why Mainers put up with the long, cold winters is to experience a warm summer day in Casco Bay. Whether you are out on the water, island-hopping, or wandering the cobble stone streets that line Portland's Old Port it will make you appreciate the laid back life of New England. Here are a few suggested things to enjoy while you are in town. I've linked most to websites if available for more information.
Sightseeing:
The Old Port - This is Portland's downtown full of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and little boutique stores. Take a walk down the main road, Exchange Street, grab a coffee, and window shop the day away.
Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park- This is the most photographed lighthouse in the world and a must see if you have time. Located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine (15 minute drive from Portland) you can tour the lighthouse, walk through old military forts built for WWII, enjoy the walking trails and the public bbq's. No admission fee. **Accessible by the Portland Trolley Tours**
Portland Observatory - Located in Portland's Munjoy Hill neighborhood, this is where you can get a view of the city and harbor from the highest point in Portland. $7.00 admission fee for adults, $4.00 for children.
Portland Schooner Company - Go for a two hour windjammer sail through Casco Bay! Pack a lunch, BYOB and enjoy a day out on the water. This goes for everyone, but mostly Ben, I recommend this over chartering your own boat!!! :)
Two Lights State Park- Also located in Cape Elizabeth, this is another great park to visit with twin lighthouses, made famous by Edward Hopper, and nearby the famous Lobster Shack (see below).
L.L.Bean - The original store is located in Freeport, Maine (20 minutes from Portland) and is open 24 hours! You never know when you might need fishing gear and a new flannel shirt. Freeport is also home to lots of outlet stores and can be very crowded on the weekends.
Restaurants (nearly impossible to only list a few here, but these are my favorites):
Fore Street- Portland's best 4 star restaurant. Reservations required.
Street & Co. - Same owners as Fore Street opened another restaurant, seafood only ('very fresh seafood').
Benkay Sushi & Japanese Restaurant - Best sushi in Portland and conveniently located on India Street (walking distance to hotels).
Portland Pie Co.- Great pizza and beer spot!
Federal Spice - My favorite lunch spot and they make the best sweet potato fries ever, but only open M-F and no website.
Lobster Shack - "THE" touristy food spot to hit for a lobster roll, chowda', fried clams or any other fried item you can think of! If you make the trip to Two Lights State Park, you must partake in this tourism gem, even if it is only for the ocean view.
Local 188 - Wonderful restaurant and lounge.
Norm's East End BBQ - One word, YUM.
Bars and Breweries:
Gritty McDuff's- Expect crowds, but probably the best bar in town.
Three Dollar Dewey's- Yes, many of the beers are only $3 at this fantastic bar...a bit of a dive, but still a fun spot.
Sebago Brewing Company - Local brewery and restaurant downtown...no tours or tastings here though.
Vignola - Portland got trendy with this wine bar! :)
Shipyard Brewery - Located right in downtown Portland, this brewery has frequent tours. Check their website for tour times.
Allagash Brewing Company - A quick cab ride away from downtown and you can tour this brewery or attend tastings. Check their website for tour times.
Bakeries:
The Standard Bakery Company - Do not, I repeat, do not miss this bakery!!! They don't have a website, but it is located on Commercial Street directly across the street from Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal. You can't miss it, and if you ask anyone from Portland they'll point you in the right direction. Amazing breads and pastries!
Two Fat Cats - Can't get enough of the whoopie pies at the wedding? Go here for more (cakes/pies/cupcakes/cookies too).
Scratch Baking Co. - Located near Willard Beach in South Portland, this bakery usually sells out of their famous bagels before 8 am. Wonderful breads and sweets too.
Sightseeing:
The Old Port - This is Portland's downtown full of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and little boutique stores. Take a walk down the main road, Exchange Street, grab a coffee, and window shop the day away.
Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park- This is the most photographed lighthouse in the world and a must see if you have time. Located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine (15 minute drive from Portland) you can tour the lighthouse, walk through old military forts built for WWII, enjoy the walking trails and the public bbq's. No admission fee. **Accessible by the Portland Trolley Tours**
Portland Observatory - Located in Portland's Munjoy Hill neighborhood, this is where you can get a view of the city and harbor from the highest point in Portland. $7.00 admission fee for adults, $4.00 for children.
Portland Schooner Company - Go for a two hour windjammer sail through Casco Bay! Pack a lunch, BYOB and enjoy a day out on the water. This goes for everyone, but mostly Ben, I recommend this over chartering your own boat!!! :)
Two Lights State Park- Also located in Cape Elizabeth, this is another great park to visit with twin lighthouses, made famous by Edward Hopper, and nearby the famous Lobster Shack (see below).
L.L.Bean - The original store is located in Freeport, Maine (20 minutes from Portland) and is open 24 hours! You never know when you might need fishing gear and a new flannel shirt. Freeport is also home to lots of outlet stores and can be very crowded on the weekends.
Restaurants (nearly impossible to only list a few here, but these are my favorites):
Fore Street- Portland's best 4 star restaurant. Reservations required.
Street & Co. - Same owners as Fore Street opened another restaurant, seafood only ('very fresh seafood').
Benkay Sushi & Japanese Restaurant - Best sushi in Portland and conveniently located on India Street (walking distance to hotels).
Portland Pie Co.- Great pizza and beer spot!
Federal Spice - My favorite lunch spot and they make the best sweet potato fries ever, but only open M-F and no website.
Lobster Shack - "THE" touristy food spot to hit for a lobster roll, chowda', fried clams or any other fried item you can think of! If you make the trip to Two Lights State Park, you must partake in this tourism gem, even if it is only for the ocean view.
Local 188 - Wonderful restaurant and lounge.
Norm's East End BBQ - One word, YUM.
Bars and Breweries:
Gritty McDuff's- Expect crowds, but probably the best bar in town.
Three Dollar Dewey's- Yes, many of the beers are only $3 at this fantastic bar...a bit of a dive, but still a fun spot.
Sebago Brewing Company - Local brewery and restaurant downtown...no tours or tastings here though.
Vignola - Portland got trendy with this wine bar! :)
Shipyard Brewery - Located right in downtown Portland, this brewery has frequent tours. Check their website for tour times.
Allagash Brewing Company - A quick cab ride away from downtown and you can tour this brewery or attend tastings. Check their website for tour times.
Bakeries:
The Standard Bakery Company - Do not, I repeat, do not miss this bakery!!! They don't have a website, but it is located on Commercial Street directly across the street from Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal. You can't miss it, and if you ask anyone from Portland they'll point you in the right direction. Amazing breads and pastries!
Two Fat Cats - Can't get enough of the whoopie pies at the wedding? Go here for more (cakes/pies/cupcakes/cookies too).
Scratch Baking Co. - Located near Willard Beach in South Portland, this bakery usually sells out of their famous bagels before 8 am. Wonderful breads and sweets too.
