Never Miss the Best of Greater Portland & the Maine Coast

Bard Coffee is a specialty coffee shop in downtown Portland built around a commitment to transparency and quality in everything that ends up in the cup. It's the kind of shop where the baristas can speak knowledgeably about where a bean was grown and how it's best brewed.The espresso program is a central focus, with drinks prepared carefully rather than rushed, alongside a rotating selection of single-origin pour-overs that changes as new coffees come in. That rotation gives regulars a reason to keep coming back, since the pour-over list rarely stays the same for long.Bard keeps its focus tightly on coffee done well rather than a sprawling menu, which suits both quick weekday stops and slower weekend visits. It's a downtown spot that fits naturally into a morning walk or a break between errands.Hours run Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm and Saturday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm, making Bard a reliable stop whether you're an early riser or prefer a slower weekend start.

Bird & Co. is a casual and lively neighborhood restaurant located at 539 Deering Avenue in the Woodfords Corner area of Portland, Maine. It specializes in creative tacos, fresh guacamole, and craft margaritasOur Chef and StaffOur chef is excited to present their vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff will ensure you have a fantastic experience with us.Special Events and CateringWe have a dedicated catering department and food truck. We can handle weddings, business lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, and more. We would love to discuss how to be a part of your next event. Seasonal and LocalWe refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from The State of Maine whenever possible.Happy Hour dailyWeekend brunchFood truck and catering available

Central Provisions has earned national acclaim for its small-plates approach to dining, set in a lively spot on Middle Street in the heart of the Old Port. The kitchen turns out inventive shared dishes meant for passing around the table, encouraging diners to order widely and build a meal one plate at a time.The format rewards curiosity: a spread of small plates lets a table sample far more than a traditional single-entree dinner would allow, moving from lighter bites into heartier, more composed dishes as the evening goes on. It suits conversation and a bit of back-and-forth over what to order next.A thoughtful wine list rounds out the experience, chosen to complement the kitchen's range. The room carries a convivial energy — busy, warm, and distinctly Old Port, equally suited to a celebratory night out or a spontaneous weeknight stop.Central Provisions is open nightly from 5 to 10pm, with pricing that fits its status as one of Portland's most talked-about dining rooms. Reservations are worth planning ahead for on busy weekends.

Duckfat is a beloved fixture of Portland's dining scene, a bistro on Middle Street built around a simple, now-famous idea: Belgian-style fries cooked in duck fat. Crisp and golden, they're the reason most first-time visitors walk through the door in the first place.Beyond the fries, the kitchen turns out creative panini that lean into hearty, satisfying combinations, alongside house-made milkshakes that add a nod to classic American comfort food. The overall feel is casual bistro rather than formal restaurant — quick, friendly, and easy to duck into any time of day.Open daily from 11am to 9pm, Duckfat suits everything from a midday lunch break to a late dinner, with pricing that keeps it approachable for regulars who stop in often. It has become a genuine must-visit along the Middle Street restaurant row.Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between errands or making a special trip, Duckfat delivers the same reliably good, unfussy fare that built its reputation.

Nestled in the heart of Portland's historic Old Port district, this award-winning oyster bar has been a celebrated dining institution since opening its doors in 2012. The restaurant's brick-lined interior and maritime-inspired décor create an intimate atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of Maine's coastal heritage, while exposed beams and nautical touches transport diners to a refined seaside retreat just steps from the bustling cobblestone streets. The crown jewel of the menu is undoubtedly the Brown Butter Lobster Roll, a masterpiece that elevates Maine's most iconic dish to new heights. Featuring sweet, succulent lobster meat from local waters, the roll is enhanced with rich, nutty brown butter that adds depth and sophistication to every bite. Served on a house-made brioche bun that's lightly toasted to golden perfection, this creation has earned recognition from food critics and locals alike, making it a must-try experience for visitors to Portland. The curated raw bar showcases the finest offerings from Maine's pristine waters and beyond, featuring an ever-changing selection of locally harvested oysters from renowned beds like Glidden Point, Pemaquid, and Bagaduce River. Each oyster is carefully selected for its unique flavor profile—from the crisp, mineral notes of Damariscotta River varieties to the briny sweetness of Casco Bay specimens. The knowledgeable staff takes pride in describing the origin and characteristics of each variety, creating an educational and delicious journey through Maine's diverse oyster terroir. Beyond oysters, the raw bar features other coastal delicacies including littleneck clams, sea scallop crudo, and seasonal specialties that highlight the bounty of the North Atlantic. The restaurant's commitment to sourcing from local fishermen and aquaculture farms ensures peak freshness while supporting the maritime community that defines Maine's coastal character. Located within walking distance of the Old Port's galleries, boutiques, and historic waterfront, this oyster bar has become an essential stop for both discerning locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Maine's culinary excellence.

Fore Street is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant led by chef Sam Hayward, widely regarded as one of Portland's defining dining destinations. The kitchen's signature is wood-roasting — meats cooked over an open flame in full view of the dining room, filling the space with the smell of the fire itself.Ingredients are drawn from Maine's farms, waters, and producers, with the New American menu built around what the season and the state's food system can offer. It's a style of cooking that trusts good raw materials and a hot fire over heavy technique.The open kitchen is a centerpiece of the room rather than a hidden workspace, giving diners a direct view of the wood-fired ovens at work. The stunning setting is warm and industrial-chic, suited to both a special occasion and a serious night out.Fore Street is open nightly from 5:30 to 10pm, with pricing that reflects its standing as one of the city's most acclaimed restaurants. Reservations are recommended well ahead, especially on weekends.

Northern Outdoors has been running whitewater trips out of The Forks for 50 years, with a second base — Katahdin Adventure Base Camp — near Millinocket. The Forks property sits at the center of Maine's 14,000-mile snowmobile trail network, with access to Coburn Mountain, Grand Falls, and Moxie Falls close by.Rafting trips cover three rivers: the Kennebec (Class II-IV), the Dead River (Class II-IV+), and the Penobscot (Class V). Outside of rafting season, the outfitter runs ATV and UTV rentals and trail riding, snowmobile rentals and tours, guided fly-fishing and bass fishing, guided whitetail deer hunts, hiking, and scenic floatplane tours.Lodging ranges from riverside campground sites and camping cabins to multi-bedroom cabins, lodge rooms, and logdominiums, and the on-site Kennebec River Brewery runs a full-service restaurant and brewpub for after the trip.

Pleasant Mountain is a ski area on Mountain Road in Bridgton, running for 86 years now. The mountain has 44 trails and glades served by six lifts, including the recently added Summit Express, which opened to the public in December 2024.Twenty of those trails stay lit for night skiing, and the mountain runs the usual mix of season passes, ticket packs, daily lift tickets, rentals, and lessons for people learning the sport. Mountaintop lobster bake events show up on the calendar as well, pairing dinner with the view.

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Maine Maritime Museum sits in Bath, on the site of the historic Percy & Small Shipyard, the museum's home base for telling the story of Maine shipbuilding.Guided shipyard tours run twice daily in season, and the Donnell House, an intact Victorian shipbuilder's home, has its own docent-led tours. The Watercraft Restoration Center lets visitors watch staff and volunteers work on real vessels, and seasonal demonstrations at the working blacksmith shop and periodic ship launchings add to the hands-on side of the museum. Cruises aboard the Merrymeeting run from the museum's own dock.Rotating exhibitions — recent ones have covered Maine coastal painting and illustrator Chris Van Dusen — plus weaving workshops and story time round out a visit for families and repeat visitors alike.

Portland Discovery has been running trolley and boat tours from 170 Commercial Street since 1995, covering the city and harbor by land and water. The Portland City and Lighthouse Tour spends an hour and 45 minutes covering downtown and the coast, with a 30-minute stop at Portland Head Light.On the water, the Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise and the Sunset Lighthouse Cruise each run about the same length, and the newer Guardians of the Harbor trolley tour stretches to two and a half hours with stops at three lighthouses. Every tour is narrated, and combo packages pair the land and sea routes for one longer outing.The season runs roughly April through October, with group, private charter, and wedding bookings available alongside the regular scheduled departures.

Portland Paddle launches from East End Beach on Cutter Street, running sea kayak and stand-up paddleboard trips out onto Casco Bay from mid-May through mid-October. The Fort Gorges Sea Kayak Tour runs three hours out to the fort sitting in the harbor, alongside shorter sunset and family tours and a half-day trip for people who want more time on the water.For paddlers ready to go further, multi-day expeditions run the Casco Bay Traverse and a four-day Penobscot-to-Acadia route along the Maine Island Trail. The outfitter also teaches, with weekend workshops on sea kayaking basics and Greenland-style rolling, private lessons, and a kids' paddle camp.Kayaks and SUPs are available to rent by the day or longer, with delivery options for multi-day trips.