I’ve traveled the majority of my life and yet, I’ve never hated anything more than feeling like a tourist. Obviously, it’s inevitable—you can’t visit Washington DC without seeing the Mall or London without riding on the Eye or Cleveland without visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, I think there’s something to be said for trying the local (or at least more unknown) places.
So, that’s my mission, to bring the local flavor of a city to your visit (which arguably should still include all the museums and sightseeing you want). This week, I’m focusing on Portland, Maine.
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Old Port, the oldest part of Portland, is a collective of boutique shops and funky dining options, all along cobblestone streets and stunning buildings.
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For breakfast, check out Dutch’s, where the two chef-owners freshly make all of their pastries, bread and coffee. For the freshest coffee in town, head to Tandem’s Cafe and Bakery, with lots of fresh food and amazing coffee in a cozy setting. To end the night, hit up Tamaso’s Canteen (a self-proclaimed dive bar), where you must order the chicken wings with one of Maine’s local beers.
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Casco Bay is a beautiful way to explore the Maine coastline—visit the westernmost point at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth. While there check out, the infamous Lobster Shack or the Bite Into Maine food truck for their lobster rolls!
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Island-hopping isn’t just for the Caribbean—it’s for Maine as well. There’s Peaks Island, Cliff Island, Little Diamond Island, Jewell Island and Cow Island, just to name a few!
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The official state soft drink of Maine is Moxie (no joke—it was designated in 2005). Some say it tastes bitter, other say it tastes of bubblegum, but either way try it while you’re there!
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Maine is notorious for its beautiful nature, from perfect seaviews to trail-hikes through Arcadia National Park to walks along the Presumscot River. However, be warned, lyme disease is rampant in Maine, so make sure to cover up in the forests and check afterward!
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Maine basically lives on seafood, so make sure to eat lobsters, oysters and any type of fish possible while you’re there. Portland Lobster Co. features excellent shrimp, great coleslaw and live music most nights of the week.
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In Portland, “yes” becomes “ayuh.” Their accent is more Bostonian than anything else, so this is a particularly point of how Mainers distinguish locals from tourists.
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Popular with both tourists and locals, DiMillo’s is a floating restaurant and lounge in the Portland marina that has been around since 1954. Specializing in seafood (obviously), there are also live music nights and two outer decks so that you watch the waves roll by as you chow down.
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Get on the water! Rent kayaks, take sailing lessons or hop onto a lobster-fishing or whale-watching boat to get the full Portland experience.
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If you’re a vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian, try Silly’s, a funky place serving pizza, burgers and wraps, where there’s options for every type of eating, including alcoholic milkshakes.
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Out for the night? Try Bubba’s Sulky Lounge, the #1 dance club in Portland with two dance floors in this 1960s inspired nightclub! The best night to go is on 80s Nights’, where music videos are played alongside their respective tunes.
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Duckfat is a prime lunch spot for locals. Everyone recommends ordering a side of Belgian fries, regardless of what you order!
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Interested in the Portland arts scene? Check out Space Gallery, with a variety of rotating exhibits, and Mayo Street Arts features local plays, poetry readings and band performances.
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The best part of Portland, though, is that almost everywhere is dog-friendly, from outdoor adventures to shops and dining in downtown.
If you love your hometown or have a city you’re particularly familiar with, and want to show tourists what the locals love, please contact me at hewittr@kenyon.edu and I’ll happily sit down with you to work out an article that showcases your love for your city.
Photo sources: etravelmaine.com