Mike and I recently spent a few days in Maine celebrating our anniversary. We went in late September and split our time between Portland and Camden, with stops in smaller coastal towns along the way. The little towns, harbors, and coastal detours were just as much a part of the experience. We loved exploring Maine and ate incredibly well throughout – the fresh lobster all the seafood was sublime!
Sharing highlights from our time on the Maine coast below.
Portland
We started with two nights and two days in Portland, spending our first afternoon exploring Old Port, wandering Exchange and Commercial Streets, and making our way down to the waterfront.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at The Press Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. It is a 110-room boutique hotel in the former headquarters of the Portland Press Herald, and its newspaper history gives it personality, It was a pretty newly updated hotel, and very conveniently updated.
Where We Ate
The restaurants were a huge highlight of our time in Portland. It’s such a food city, and we had some truly sublime meals!
Central Provisions
We started with lunch at Central Provisions before exploring Old Port. Central Provisions is a tiny, NYC-feeling spot that serves creative small plates and craft cocktails. We sat at the bar and were able to watch all the workings in the kitchen. This was our first stop after checking into the hotel and such a good beginning of a very food-filled few days!
Scales
Our first dinner in Portland was at Scales, where a (very) nondescript entrance opens into an airy space with a converted-warehouse feel. Fresh seafood is the draw here, with whole fish and shellfish displayed on beds of ice beside the open kitchen. The display lends a fish-market atmosphere, and great views of Portland’s working waterfront complete the setting.
Fore Street
We spent our second evening at Fore Street, wrapping up a day of exploring with another excellent meal. Fore Street has a warm, rustic feel, with exposed brick, old beams, and another open kitchen that is marked by a wood-burning hearth. Watching the chefs work is a cool part of the experience! The menu changes daily around what local farmers and fishermen bring in.
Dockside Grill
On Sunday, we headed to Dockside Grill for brunch as part of our day exploring outside the city. It fit nicely between our walk on Mackworth Island and the afternoon’s lighthouse stops. We heard that Eventide was a must-see for lunch and were hoping to go (still on my bucket list!) – but this ended up just being much more convenient to where we were sightseeing. And, my lobster roll was one of the most unforgettable of the trip!
Exploring the Coast
Mackworth Island
We our second day in Portland with a walk around Mackworth Island. The easy loop took us through a wooded trail and then along the shoreline, with views across Casco Bay. It was a nice way to get outside and see a little more of the coast.
Fort Preble & Spring Point Ledge Light
After brunch, we stopped at Fort Preble and Spring Point Ledge Light. The walk across the huge, uneven stones is part of the experience, leading to a picturesque little lighthouse. Walking out to this was one of our favorite things to do!
Portland Head Light & Fort Williams
Our third stop was Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park. The lighthouse and rocky coastline are the most classic Maine scene!
Boothbay Harbor
As we left Portland and made our way toward Camden, we stopped for gardens, lunch, and a walk around Boothbay Harbor.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens were the most stunning stop! This was a stop we had planned along the drive, but it deserves its own place in the recap. I was so incredibly glad we made time for it. The flowers and gardens were gorgeous, and if you are a trolls fan, there are five of them here!
Lunch & Exploring
We had lunch at Boathouse Bistro, then spent some time walking around Boothbay Harbor and across the footbridge before continuing to Camden.
I loved getting to see these smaller towns as we made our way up the coast. If we’d had time for one more stop, we would have included Rockland, too. It was on our list, but we had to save it for another visit…
Camden
We spent our next two nights in Camden. We liked it just as much as Portland, but for different reasons. The harbor, our stay at the inn, and time out on the water made this a lovely second part of the trip.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Camden Harbour Inn in the Surinam Suite. Each room is different here, but one of the best parts of ours was having a sauna right in our room! It made our stay feel like a little spa getaway. Between exploring and meals, we loved having that space to come back to and relax.
Mount Battie
In Camden, we drove to the summit of Mount Battie to take in the views over the harbor. This was awesome! Getting to see the town and coastline from above was a real highlight.
Sailing from Camden Harbor
That afternoon, we went out on a schooner sail from Camden Harbor. We loved this, too! It was such a fun way to spend part of the day and see more of the coast from the water. We got to see dolphins but missed puffin season, which was mid-summer.
Where We Ate
Salt Wharf
We had dinner at Salt Wharf on our first night in Camden, after checking into the inn and settling in. Salt Wharf sits right on Camden Harbor, with modern glass-and-steel design and retractable windows that open the dining room to the sea air. It is a great location to walk around and see all the harbor views.
Natalie’s
Our final dinner was at Natalie’s, located inside where we were staying at the Camden Harbour Inn. This was memorable meal and a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary! Natalie’s has a AAA Four Diamond recognition and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence along with a gorgeous setting and spectacular food!
A Stop in Brunswick
On our way back to the Portland airport, we stopped in Brunswick to see the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge, which connects Brunswick and Topsham. One more town and a little last exploring before heading home!
We loved having both Portland and Camden as part of this trip, but the stops along the way really added to the charm. It was my first time in Maine and I would happily return to explore other parts!
Happy travels!
xx—BB
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