Exploring Portland, Photo by Phil Tracy

On a beautiful weekend in June I traveled up to Portland, ME with Jordan and four other friends from college. Another friend of ours just moved to Portland with her fiancé and started working at the Allagash Brewery so it seemed like perfect timing to take a trip! I have been to Portland a couple of times before for brief visits and have always had an epic time and this trip was no exception.

Portland is a quick 2 hour drive from Boston. On this latest trip we were lucky enough to have a car but I’ve also taken a very affordable bus (Concord Coach Lines booked via Mega Bus). Additionally, for this trip we stuck to the major highway but if you have some extra time and a car you can take Route 1 instead. The scenic route 1 winds through the main streets of several adorable seaside towns and with the siren like sizzles and smells of many a fried clam shack settling in your stomach, be prepared to make frequent stops.

We stayed at a wonderful Airbnb between the main downtown drag Congress Street and Deering Oaks Park. Each meal we went to in the city was outstanding and we were able to catch the Saturday farmers market in Deering Oaks Park!

Photo by Phil Tracy

We had an UNBELIEVABLE tour at the Allagash brewery, complete with tasting flight.

Allagash Brewery, Photo by Phil Tracy

Abby pouring a flight in the Allagash Tasting Room, Photo by Phil Tracy

We even made a successful dragon ball attack photo! For details on where we ate see below.

Photo by Phil Tracy

The best evening we had actually took place outside of Portland in Cape Elizabeth at a seasonal restaurant called “The Well” at Jordan’s Farm. You’ve heard of farm to table type restaurants but at The Well your table is literally on the farm. There are a few picnic tables and two screened in gorgeous gazebos that contain solid, rustic, farmhouse style tables. Our gazebo fit our group of 8 comfortably. We chose the 3 course family style dining option for approximately $30 each. The place is BYOB so we were armed with some classy boxed wine and reinforced with an array of Allagash brews. In addition to the fresh air, sweeping farm-scapes and impending sunset seduction of the place, the chef sealed the deal with a constant flow of farm fresh veggies, black rice and pulses, the juiciest roasted chicken I’ve ever had in a restaurant, monk fish, pork belly, warm bread and a strawberry rhubarb crepe for dessert. Sitting out in the beautiful farm, full of good food and among such good friends engendered such a care-free happiness in me that just summed up the entire weekend!

Enjoying our dinner at The Well at Jordan’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth, ME.

Farm Fresh Veggies at The Well, Jordan’s Farm, Cape Elizabeth, ME. Photo by Meryl Ayres

Jordan, at Jordan’s Farm! Cape Elizabeth, ME.

That’ll do Portland, that’ll do.

Other Notable Meals We Had:

Boda – Thai Food (We had Dinner Here) – Everyone loved their food here – I ate the Beef Penang, which was tender and covered in a spicy but smooth sauce.

Hot Suppa – (We ate Brunch Here) – Coined “Bennies in June” on the weekend we were there, we were blown away by the Eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes. THIS IS A MUST EAT!

Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict at Hot Suppa. Photo by Meryl Ayres

Duck Fat – (We stopped in for an afternoon snack) – French fries with truffle ketchup, horseradish mayo etc, beignets served hot and fresh, all fried in duck fat…need I say more???

Photo by Meryl Ayres

Discovered and photographed by Phil Tracy

The Holy Doughnut – We bought a baker’s dozen of these hot beauties to add to the wonderful home cooked brunch Abby and Jeff treated us to.

The Holy Doughnut – Photo by Meryl Ayres