FALL NE TRIP PORTLAND MAINE 2022
The fall in the northeast was supposed to be spectacular, however planning this trip trying to hit the leaves at their peak was tricky. We consulted many weather and fall predictions and decided the end of October was the best time for our locations. We based ourselves in two cities - Boston, Massachusetts and Portland Maine. We planned approximately 4 days at each location which ended up to be just about right. This is our Portland Section.
Day 1 Our hotel in Portland was the Hilton Garden Inn recommended to us. This was the perfect location for the port and restaurants and shops. We found a long term parking in the lot across the street which was ½ of what it would cost at the hotel and we could still get the car in and out as needed. Lots of seafood restaurants to choose from. Our first night we ate at Boone’s Tavern.
Day 2 We took the car out and headed up to Bar Harbor. This is about a 2 hour drive but well worth it. Again, with it being towards the end of the season, the crowds were much thinner. But everything was pretty much open and you could spend a good full day walking around, eating and shopping. We had a great breakfast at Paddy’s Irish Pub looking out into the harbor. Then after walking around drove to the Arcadia National Forest which is right near Bar Harbor. This was stunning, especially with the fall foliage. We would strongly recommend this.
We then drove back to Portland and had dinner at The Porthole in Portland.
Day 3 We started with breakfast at Becky’s Diner which is a local favorite of the fisherman and workers of Portland. Great breakfast food and a very busy place on a Sunday morning. We then walked all the stores along the wharf and ended the day with a sunset Schooner sail from Portland Schooner Company This was a 2 hour ride on a sailboat over 200 years old. The winds were calm and it was a little cloudy but still great views of Portland, the forts, lighthouse and sunset. This is more of a pleasure cruise rather than a historical one but very enjoyable. We finished up the day with dinner at the Old Port Sea Grill and Oyster Bar.
Due to changes in weather, we then decided to head out a day early. We did miss taking our Lucky Catch Lobster boat, the Ferry to Peak Island and some small towns like Bath, but with crummy weather we decided it would be another trip. However we did go to Fort Allen Park which sits on the north corner surrounded by beautiful houses and a great historical park telling the history of the land. And be sure to visit The Standard Baking Company which has fantastic pastries and a line out the door every morning which we could see from our hotel.
We loved Portland for its laid back atmosphere, friendly people and walkability.
Be sure to check out more about the restaurants we ate on our dining pages for Boston and Portland. Also please check our Boston page to see where we visited during our stay there. Feel free to send us any questions, ideas or information you would like. We would love to hear from you. Enjoy!!
