We hope you’ve packed your appetite. This month, we’re finishing our Hit the Road series with a foodie foray into Portland, ME. Whether you’re interested in taking a tour of a lobster boat or sampling award-winning pesto at Solo Italiano, this driving-distance destination is every foodie’s dream.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~2 hours from downtown
Est. population: 66,706
Avg. high in August: 78°
🎟️ Things to do
Allagash Brewing Company
You’ve probably tried the signature Allagash White Belgian-style wheat beer, but there are so many other brews to sip, including some made with produce grown right on the property. The brewery has parking available on site + a food truck with traditional Maine eats.
Support local growers and winemakers with this choose-your-own-adventure experience. Visit a few stops on the Wine Trail, including Maine Mead Works, Sweetgrass Farm Winery, Urban Farm Fermentory, and Eighteen Twenty Wines.
Tour a Lobster Boat
Take to the sea on an authentic Maine fishing boat. During the 80-90 minute tour you can see the Maine coast, set lobster traps, and learn more about the daily life of lobstermen. There are a few companies offering tours, like Lucky Catch + Rocky Bottom Fisheries .
🍲 Memorable eats
The Holy Donut
This isn’t your average donut shop — these donuts are made with Maine potatoes, offering a unique flavor and texture with each bite. Pro tip: get there early to have a larger selection of flavors and toppings, since they sell out quickly.
Duckfat has been serving cones of golden, crispy duck fat-fried fries since 2005. If you like ‘em saucy, you can order a flight of dips for your fries, including garlic mayo, truffle ketchup, and thai chili mayo. Don’t skip the homemade sodas or shakes to accompany your fries.
This modern Asian-inspired restaurant is open Thursday through Monday and offers steaming broths, wontons, and wok-fried noodles. Pro tip: try the hand made noodle dishes.
If you are craving an authentic Italian meal, this is the place to go. The menu changes daily with fresh dishes from the farm + the sea, and gluten free pasta is available upon request. Pro tip: order a pasta with pesto — the signature smooth sauce won the 2008 World Pesto Championship.
Can you go to Maine and not eat a lobster roll? The answer is no, but if you can only have one roll, make sure it’s this one. Today, the restaurant features a modern space and secluded patio, but the food is just as delicious as it was when it made waves back in its food cart days.
🏨 Accommodations with award-winning cuisine
Blind Tiger
, 163 Danforth St., Portland
Located in the West End near the Old Port, this historic hotel offers views + eats in close proximity. Stay in the Bon Vivor suite with the private rooftop deck for an intimate dining experience.
Portland Harbor Hotel
, 468 Fore St., Portland
This boutique hotel gives guests nautical vibes next to the water + it’s conveniently located next to a location of The Holy Donut. The Bistro and Terrace dining options focus on locally sourced ingredients and offer a variety of small plates and main dishes.
Black Point Inn , 510 Black Point Rd., Scarborough
The newly renovated waterfront inn has two restaurants: the Chart Room + The Point. The Chart Room offers classic New England offerings like shrimp cocktail, lobster rolls, and burgers. The Point is a more formal and intimate dining experience with an extensive wine list.
Hungry for more? Catch up on the last two months’ Hit the Road features: an outdoor adventure to Acadia National Park
and a 40-mile getaway to Gloucester
.