We hear a lot from visitors who are passing through Portland (usually between June-September!), and often get asked for our local recommendations. Here’s a compilation of resources, and some of our go-to spots for those visiting our great city.
Stay
The Press Hotel – Chic and well-located, The Press Hotel is arguably the nicest hotel in Portland. Be warned, room rates in the summer months can be quite pricey. If the rates are out of your budget, you can still check out Union, the in-house restaurant, for the Portland power lunch scene. Also the location of the annual Chenmark holiday dinner.
The Francis – Locally owned & operated by fourth-generation Mainers and located in the Parkside neighborhood, The Francis offers uniquely designed guest rooms and a small spa in a beautifully renovated historic mansion. Bonus: It’s only steps away from Wayside Tavern.
The Hilton Garden Inn – Portland Downtown Waterfront – A more affordable option, the Hilton Garden Inn is a solid hotel that is within walking distance of all the Portland attractions. It has the added benefit of being located right next door to Standard Baking.
Eat
Forage Market - yummy bagels and baked goods; another Chenmark daily haunt.
Standard Baking Co - James Beard award winner, and worth the wait to get a buttery croissant.
Terlingua – With a menu combining house-smoked meats with Caribbean, Southwest & Mexican inspired dishes, Terlingua is a locals favorite, especially in the warmer months when the back patios are open.
Fore Street - for a nice night out. if you can get a reservation… good luck.
Duck Fat – tasty frites (that’s fancy for french fries); hot tip – avoid the lines and check out their sister restaurant – friteshack (which is next to our office!) while you grab a beer at local farmhouse brewery Oxbow.
The Holy Donut - the Old Port location is charming; our favorite is the gluten-free chocolate sea salt. Another podcast guest.
Drink
Hardshore Distillery - ranked Top 10 Craft Gin by USA Today, and a good friend and neighbour of Chenmark! Check out the Podcast with founder Jordan Milne here.
Rising Tide Brewery - great place to hang out on a nice afternoon; food trucks and cornhole galore.
The Maine Brew Bus - there are too many breweries to keep track of. Thankfully, the good people at the Maine Brew bus will take care of you.
Bard Coffee or one of Coffee by Design’s locations (we are partial to Diamond Street) - both of which have owners who were nice enough to be featured on our podcast series.
Explore
Walk/Run/Bike along the Eastern Promenade, and if you are feeling adventurous, go all the way around Back Cove (~3 mile loop).
Along the way, rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards or just have some down time at the East End Beach.
If you have kiddos, the playground on the Eastern prom has world class views.
Take a ferry tour to Peak’s Island; rent bikes to tour the island and enjoy the beaches.
Drop into Misfit Gym Portland for the free group class at 10AM every Saturday. You’ll likely see some Chenmark people there.
Read
Bon Appetit: Portland, Maine, Is the 2018 Restaurant City of the Year.
New York Times: 36 Hours in Portland, Maine.
Travel and Leisure: The Perfect Three Day Weekend in Portland, Maine.
Down East – How Portland’s Washington Avenue (Chenmark HQ) Became All About Food