MAYBE MAINE

When you’re not able to leave the country for a variety of reasons, sometimes it’s best to explore what’s close by.

Starting from the top of the northeast coast, I had the opportunity to visit a city in Maine.

Portland is the name and top sights was the game. First, we checked out the arts and entertainment scene. There are loads of art opportunities including the Farnsworth Art Museum, Maine Craft Portland and the Muse Paintbar where you can create your own masterpiece or stroll the Portland Museum of Art. Next up, view the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts. There’s also the Opera Maine, Portland Ballet and Portland Symphony Orchestra.

For outdoor activities, it’s a walking city. You can pretty much get anywhere by foot to get those steps in. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are gorgeous. The Spring Meadows Golf Course is cool with 18 holes to enjoy in the New England air. Then the Pineland Farms allow for engaging with animals and other hiking trails.

While outside, head to Porthole Restaurant & Pub for the most delicious lobster in Maine. If looking for something indoors, I’d recommend Fore Street Restaurant or Portland Lobster Company. Then for those who like to queue for lunch, there’s Eventide Oyster & Co. For more adventurous seafood, The High Roller Lobster & Co has the best quality lobster roll under the sun.

Afterwards, the Allagash Brewing Company can welcome you for a brilliant brewery tour. Additionally, there’s Blue Lobster Urban Winery, Main Distilleries / Cold River Vodka and Sweetgrass Winery. Walking around the port itself can be cool. If you’re up for it, taking the water taxis to see more of the city is great too.

When determining where to spend the night, these are my solid picks: Blind Tiger Portland, Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront, Holiday Inn By The Bay, Hyatt Place Portland Old Port or the Poland Spring Resort. Imagine how many free bottles of water come with that.