Maine Getaway Guide

Fly north for the summer to chase lighthouses and coastal dreams.

Sorry, Tim McGraw—but we know exactly where Portland, Maine, is. … Make your way to the real Portland (East Coast, beast coast!) for a charming coastal oasis fit for culture vultures and outdoor enthusiasts alike. 

At once stylish and sophisticated, the “authentic by nature” modern maritime gem is a welcoming harbor haven where “gray and plaid flannels” comingle in harmony, and where the vintage vibes of history-steeped cobblestone streets give way to modern marvels aplenty—think avant-garde art, music, food, fashion and more. 

Just a ~two-hourlong nonstop flight from RDU, the city that bore the likes of Stephen King (talk about *it* factor) is the perf destination for a summer—or any season—sojourn. Hey, as the city’s new MO goes: “Yes. Life’s good here.” So pack your bags and (lobster) roll out to the land of guiding lights and serene sights. It’s time to wander where the Wi-Fi is weak. 

EAT

Luke’s Lobster
Lobster in Maine is a necessity—period. And Luke’s has us hook, line and sinker. Voted best local lobster roll and best waterfront, it’s always prime time on the Portland Pier, where pillars of patience—read: walk-ins only—and your pets (!) are always welcome. Honestly, were you even in Portland if you didn’t go where “no middlemen, just lobstermen” wander? Hey, a little pier pressure never hurt no one. @lukesportland

The Porthole
It’s giving “big deck energy.” A true downeast experience awaits at this seaside sup spot touting  uberfresh coastal fare paired with live tunes all summer long. Tucked along the bustling Custom House Wharf, the authentic icon of Old Port’s history and heart is also home to Casablanca Cruises. So, um, we’ll have what they’re serving. @theporthole

The Holy Donut
Enough to make Biebs believe in nirvana, noshing on scratchmade Maine potato doughnuts (it’s a thing) from this family-owned local sweet shop “feels so holy” indeed. Seasonal and OG flavors (think pomegranate, maple bacon and dark chocolate sea salt) promise to send you—and leave you thinkin’ “can’t wait another second” for more. @holydonutmaine

DRINK

Coffee By Design
Get roasted—in the best way—at this buzzing warehousey community hub percolating pro-people + planet pours. An icon on the ever-evolving Portland bean scene, the feel-good Roaster of the Year winner brews up good vibes worth imbibing (um, honey Sweet Bee or lavender Purple Rain lattes?!). Basically, it’s a hug in a mug—and, once hooked, one you can bring home or ship straight to you. @coffeebydesign

Allagash Brewing Company
“From Maine, with love.” Crack open that Allagash White on-site—or any of the do-good Belgian-inspired nonprofit–backing brews that’ve racked up medals (Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, European Beer Star awards) for good reason. And, while there, sample a host of hoppy interpretations in the tasting room (and finally learn the diff between witbier, wheat beer and hefeweizen). Your trivia bar buds’ll be so wowed. @allagashbrewing

Blyth & Burrows
Every week is Fleet Week at this cozy nautical-decked watering hole rooted in local maritime history. Dubbed for a duo of fallen commanders from the War of 1812, the mod upscale craft cocktail bar is the perf perch for sipping vintage-inspired libations and elevated small plates. Pro tip: Wander downstairs for a speakeasy sojourn. It’s a shore thing. @blythandburrows

DO

Peaks Island
A getaway within your getaway, hop the ferry to this quaint, quirky island for a choose-your-own-adventure fit for lifetime islanders and first-timers alike in the form of birding, biking, walking, kayaking and, of course, views for days. It promises to be an, ahem, peak experience. peaksisland.info

Old Port
Cobblestone street strolls or it didn’t happen. While away your stay along the Casco Bay in the quaint historic district’s brick-walled buildings. By day: boutiques, gourmet eats and gift shops (Cool as a Moose & Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine) call. And if you’re feelin’ nauti, get docked at dusk via a ream of pubs, cocktail bars and swanky restos. True north, found. @portlandoldport

Portland Head Light
Maritime marker, photogenic sparkler. Roam to Cape Elizabeth to peep the ocean’s guardian—aka the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Boasting a backdrop of expansive seaside cliffs (do it for the ’Gram), the cardinal New England landmark boasts coastal charm in spades via primo picnic spots, hiking trails and rec areas aplenty via proximal 90-acre Fort Williams Park. BRB, we found the light. portlandheadlight.com

STAY

The Press Hotel 
So many stories unfold at this Portland Press Herald HQ-turned-boutique hotel in the heart of Portland merging modern amenities (and private rooftop patios!) with nostalgia throwbacks via vintage typewriters, art gallery, some Scrabble by the hearth and nods to local literary luminaries (s/o Stephen King). Doctor sleep, who? @thepresshotel

The Francis
Wave hello to serenity with a stay in this quaint glowed-up historic mansion set among some of the city’s best bakeries, bars and bistros (pro tip: Tandem Coffee Roasters, y’all) that promise to be just enough to beckon you from your private deck perch—or from in front of that Victorian fireplace. Oh, and you don’t have to leave Bark Twain at home. Talk about a beacon of bliss found. @thefrancismaine

Pomegranate Inn
I hope your email doesn’t find me… I’ll be in 1884. Trip back in time and lay your head in the lap of “funky yet fancy” luxury in this arty, eclectic West End find where the whimsy promises to woo you so hard you’ll think you’re from the 1800s—in the best way. Pro tip: The “Sun Room” promises to light up your vacay. @pomegranate_inn