Plan to Get Away with These 6 Picturesque Fall Weekend Escapes Around the Northeast
Driving distance weekend getaways (and one longer respite) that include where to eat, play and stay in Boston, the Cape, the White Mountains, Maine, New York City and the Adirondacks.
Portland, Maine
Visit the shopper and foodie’s paradise any time of year, but especially during leaf-peeping season. By Kerri Tallman
Portland Harbor. Courtesy of Visit Portland/Serena Foling
When you think of Portland, what comes to mind? I’ll go first: the amazing food scene and local shopping. Somewhere within its thirty-one neighborhoods, all varying in landscape and culture, you’ll fall in love with this city by the sea.
Sunday afternoon: After a smooth, two-and-a-half-hour drive, I arrive at the waterfront around 1 p.m. and check into the Canopy by Hilton, situated right between downtown and the pier. After unloading my bags (into what is quite the modern suite), I immediately walk uphill to downtown.
Pinecone and Chickadee gift shop. Photo by Kerri Tallman
You know how they say you never really remember a place the first time you see it? On my second trip to this historic seacoast city, everything seems familiar: cobblestone streets, classic New England architecture and narrow stoops in front of hole-in-the-wall spots.Seeing as many places are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, I hit up a few shops. I pick up a pair of funky earrings at Pinecone+Chickadee (pineconeandchickadee.com) on Free Street and check out the aptly named vintage store Find (foundatfind.com) just a few doors down and score on denim, leather and corduroy for the chilly seasons.
The view of the harbor from Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier. Photo by Kerri Tallman
Sunday evening: With my new purchases, I head back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. While the ivy-covered Via Vecchia (vvoldport.com) is tempting (and an Italian must-visit while in the area), I opt for a more casual meal at Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier (lukeslobster.com). When in Maine, eat lots of lobster and order anything with native blueberries, if you can get them past peak season. The signature lobster roll arrives perfectly dressed on a split brioche bun with chips and a pickle. After two blueberry mojitos, brewed with locally sourced blueberries in partnership with local distillery Three of Strong Spirits, I head back to my hotel and rest up for a full day of exploration.
Monday morning: I wake up to a rainy waterfront and speed-walk to Speckled Ax (speckledax.com) for a chai and breakfast sandwich, one of the best I’ve ever had: fluffy eggs on a slightly charred English muffin with perfect umami flavor from the shallot butter.
State Street Traditional Jazz Band on Exchange Street. Courtesy of Visit Maine
Portland is similar to Newport with its many wharves, downtown shopping and hyper-local focus. This city is alive with buskers no matter the time of year, be it on the streets or in Post Office Park. After checking out a few of the shops, including Maine Body and Bath, which claims to be Maine’s smallest shop (but did not lack in quantity of products) (instagram.com/mainebodyandbath), I grab a slice of lobster mac and cheese pizza at Old Port Slice (oldportslicebar.com).
As a total book nerd, I have to check out a few of the shops. Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop (shermans.com) claims to be Maine’s oldest bookstore. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are stacked with books, both old and new. I grab two new titles and make my way to Yes Books used and rare bookstore in the West End. I cross the street with a heavy backpack. While downtown promotes local and small boutiques, and the East End has more big brand names, the West End boasts vintage and thrifted finds, including vinyl. Moody Lords Vinyl/Vintage procures clothing tagged from the ’80s and ’90s, and records line the walls. I find a few funky albums for my friend and trek back downhill to get ready for dinner.
Seafood scampi at Harbor Bistro and Terrace. Photo by Kerri Tallman
Monday evening: Due to inclement weather, the terrace at Harbor Bistro and Terrace (harborbistroandterrace.com) is closed, but it sure looks beautiful from the interior. Open seasonally throughout the summer and fall months, the restaurant serves an elevated bistro menu and small bites for the terrace. The grilled stone fruit and burrata salad is heavenly, followed by seafood scampi which includes shrimp, salmon and lobster. I return to my hotel room before heading back out to Arcadia (arcadiaportland.com) barcade for a night of fun cocktails and nostalgic games.
Tuesday morning: I check out of my hotel and decide to explore the surrounding areas of Biddeford and Saco. I take the scenic route through Scarborough and pass Old Orchard Beach. I’ve heard stories of floating down the famed Saco River, but since I didn’t exactly come prepared, I hit downtown instead. I find myself at yet another bookstore, Elements: Books Coffee Beer (elementsbookscoffeebeer.com). While it is too early for a drink, a nice chai and everything bagel with herb cream cheese hits the spot. I pick up one more book (I swear I am done now!) and head into the local shops. I find a few fun pieces and deals at Luscious Curves Boutique (instagram.com/luscious.curves.boutique), then grab a drink at Sea Dog Brewing Co. (seadogbrewing.com) while I leaf through my new books, eager to read the rest.
NUTS & BOLTS
Travel time: Two-and-a-half hours from Providence.
Miles: 156 miles.
How to Get There: 1-95 North. Bring your E-ZPass!
Best Season to Go: All year! Summer is peak tourist-season, while fall draws in leaf-peepers, but holiday time on the waterfront is quiet and peaceful.
Bucket List for Next Time: More of the food scene in downtown Portland, for sure.
Worth a Detour: When in Maine, take an obligatory photo at the L.L. Bean boot in Freeport, about twenty minutes north of Portland.
Coming up: New York City
