illustration by julia rothman
thoughts of maine bring to mind scenic lighthouse imagery and a fresh ocean breeze. although i have never been fortunate enough to travel there, i can certainly imagine the beauty that surrounds the seaside city of portland. thankfully we have local artist karen gelardi and stationery maven maria vettese to show us around their lovely city and advise us on the best shops around the area. thank you ladies for the tour!—stephanie
CLICK HERE for the full portland, maine guide after the jump!
ARTS DISTRICT
Whitney Artworks
A beautiful space right in the heart of the arts district featuring many different mediums. There always seems to be a buzz about this gallery and the work is definitely worth a stop.
Institute of Contemporary Art and Maine College of Art
This space is associated with the College and usually has interesting shows hanging. Again it is in a great string of galleries which makes it an easy stop for all art-wanderers.
SPACE Gallery
A simple space featuring art, film and music. Space is part of the heart of the artistic scene here in Portland. Definitely check in with their schedule if you are visiting because they will likely have a day-time or evening-time event not to be missed.
Portland Museum
A very nice stop for a short museum visit, the Portland Museum is free on Fridays and has a beautiful show space in the front that rotates work in and out. They also host weekend movies (this is the spot for foreign and art films in town), lectures, children’s activities and special events. Certainly this is a stop for any art-lover.
SALT Institute for Documentary Studies
Hosting an array of public events (audio, visual, and textual experiences, gallery openings, movie nights, guest lecturers, book clubs) this new space is a great stop along the way.
Public Market House
The Market House is an in-town public market providing a community gathering place that celebrates Maine people, food and agricultural traditions. Just outside the Public Market door you will find a Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from May through October.
Otto
One of the best slice joints in town. Open late. A recent customer said, “I know it’s just pizza but it was probably one of the best things I had in Portland, Maine.” Don’t miss this spot.
EAST END
angela adams
One of Portland’s claims-to-fame! angela adams is always stocked with beautiful, inspiring goods reflecting the natural surroundings here in Maine. They recently opened a showroom in the back of the retail shop where they feature their couture one-of-a-kind rugs and handcrafted furniture; these beauties are not to be missed!
Portland Observatory
Built in 1807, this tower is a very special Portland landmark. In the Summer you can take a 45 minute tour most days and learn all about the sea captain-turned-entrepreneur who ordered it built and get a great view of the city. This spot is tucked into the East End so you can take a peek at some beautiful old houses on the promenade just down the way.
East End Beach
Just beyond the Portland Observatory, if you are taking that walking tour, don’t miss the East End Beach and walking path. You can walk right along the ocean on the edge of the peninsula and feel the ocean breeze in your hair; it’s wonderful!
Carlson & Turner
A very unique shop filled with treasures for all book and art-lovers. You could get lost in here for quite some time.
ferdinand
Certainly this is the flagship shop in this East End area of special little shops … Diane has great taste and has supported the craft/art movement for ages. This is a perfect place to stop to pick up treats for your friends, family and of course yourself. Schedule your time on the East End around Ferdinand’s hours so you can make sure to get in and peek around.
Eli Phant
This new shop/gallery houses work from many wonderful artists and craftspersons. Along this end of Congress, just down the street from angela adams, there are so many great little finds like this one.
KnitWit
Tons of amazing yarns and knitting supplies. Need we say more?! A lovely shop with helpful staff and plenty of goodness for any knitting soul.
Katie Made Bakery
A somewhat new addition to the East End and a sweet spot to be sure. Good sandwiches, treats and more from this NYC & grandmother trained baker.
Homegrown Herb & Tea
Just a few paces up the street from these East End shops, this tea shop is one-of-a-kind in Portland. The owner makes all of the blends while you wait and you can even have a little something to snack on as well. This is a great spot to sit and rest your feet and recharge your soul after an afternoon of wandering.
Z Fabrics
A precious little fabric shop which will only take a moment to stop in (it’s so tiny and adorable).
field
Right next door to More, field always has something extraordinary to look at. This small space, run by two artists who do just about everything, features installation art rotating in and out every few months.
Two Fat Cats
Cupcakes, cupcakes, cupcakes!!! … from scratch.
Rabelais
A must for any food and book lover! This independent bookshop is delightful and so are its owners. Not only do they carry any and all books about food that you might want, they also have arts events and usually have a show hanging in their shop. Really, this is a shop not to be missed.
Rosemont Market
A food-loving market full of goodies to take away for lunch or to create your dinner. The Rosemont is a nice stop along the way if you are walking the East End.
WEST END
Great Houses
Just give yourself an hour to wander this neighborhood and enjoy the quiet beautiful streets and cobblestone paths. It’s especially lovely in the Spring and Fall when you can see the trees either going to sleep for the Winter or coming out for the party in the Spring. Take your time and enjoy this part of town for all its worth.
Bonobo
After you walk around the West End you can pop into Bonobo for an afternoon slice. They are a wonderful neighborhood spot with wonderful pizza and great beers on tap.
Aurora Provisions
They say it’s “beautiful food for busy people” and we think it’s one of the best cappucinos in town. Stop by this spot, pick up a snack and wander the West End.
OLD PORT / WATERFRONT
Casco Bay Lines
It’s very important to take a boat trip if you’re visiting Portland. Going out on the water shows a great view of Casco Bay and helps you understand the town and what it’s all about. A favorite is the evening Sunset Cruise or the morning Mail Boat Run. On a beautiful day you can’t beat the ferry!
Sea Bags
Right down on the water/docks you will find the offices of Sea Bags tucked away. These bags, made of old sails, are sewn right out of their Old Port space and are each one-of-a kind.
Rogues Gallery
Just seeing the inside of this beautiful space is worth the trip down Wharf Street. Handling mainly men’s clothing, Rogues Gallery has always been a Portland darling with great t-shirts and hip casual clothing. Even though the space is small you could get lost in here looking at all the nooks and crannies so give yourself some time to take it all in.
Brook There
Sustainable and locally-made clothing this is a little shop/studio front right in the heart of the Old Port.
37-A Gallery
A new gallery hosting some of the best art shows and events in town. A strong neighbor to Rogues Gallery and a perfect spot along the way.
Black Parrot
A very stylish boutique for men and women carrying many small-label designers such as Mociun, Rachel Comey and Assembly of New York.
Standard Baking Co.
Bread, baked goods, coffee and tea … this is a great place to stop in to replenish down in the Old Port. The croissants are out of this world!
Maple’s
Seriously the best of the cold stuff in town! Using all natural ingredients really makes the difference and the homemade waffle cones are unreal.
Longfellow Books
Another of the local independent bookshops with a great magazine section! Longfellow has lots of readings and signings so it’s good to keep an eye on their schedule or just pop in and see what you find.
Harbor Fish Market
Your classic waterfront experience near Sea Bags. Order up a lobster and get it steamed right there, packaged to go home or shipped to your doorstep.
chelliswilson.
Specializing in hand-crafted women and children’s clothing, this is a gorgeous space that celebrates strong aesthetics and the integrity of production.
CAPE ELIZABETH / SOUTH PORTLAND
Front Room Gallery
A cultural outpost on the way to some serious coastal hotspots (like the Portland Headlight and Crescent Beach State Park). Exhibits by Maine artists (like Patrick Corrigan and Greta Bank) mix in with Odd Inq’s pottery by Jon White. The matte green glazes of the ceramic vases are just amazing and so are the one-of-a-kind Beeswax Lamps.
Scratch Baking Company
Their bagels are amazing and it’s the perfect place to pull together a picnic before heading around the corner to Willard Beach.
158 Pickett Street Cafe
Also near Willard Beach, this is a popular, very casual spot for breakfast. Equally delicious bagels and a place to read the paper on a Sunday morning (although it is much quieter on other days!). With a charming backyard to sit in what more does one need in the Summer?
Portland Head Light
Rumor has it that this is the most photographed lighthouse in the state. Or maybe the world!??? Portland Head Light is located at Fort Williams Park which is a one-stop destination for all things associated with coastal fun times. Walking paths, picnic spots with grills and tables, swimming, fort structures, a little museum, little gift shop, spectacular views, crashing waves, wide open spaces.
Crescent Beach State Park
This beach is so serene and wonderful. Special features—the classic state park entry gate and the snack shack (which does not interfere with a very pure ocean beach experience believe it or not).
Willard Scoops + Red’s Dairy Freeze + Beals
Drive over the bridge and hit the beach while making the rounds to these three amazing ice cream spots. Stop at Willard Scoops for Mount Desert Island ice cream; stop at Red’s for frozen chocolate covered bananas or soft serve cones “with eyes” (just ask, trust us); stop at Beals for a kick-ass lobster roll.
WESTBROOK
westbrookartsandculture.com
In search of studio space, creative Portlanders have migrated to Westbrook where a Fourth Friday Art Walk is just starting to take shape. Celebrate and support the pioneers!!
BRUNSWICK
Frontier
Westbrook has its Dana Warp Mill and Brunswick has the beloved Fort Andross Mill, home to Frontier. An essential gathering place for the area as well as a spot to eat great food and be challenged by provocative films.
Whatnot Gallery at Spindleworks
Spindelworks is a non-profit art center for adults with disabilities. They produce some amazing goods and have a very creative way of helping those in need.
75 Comments
My husband and I are planning a trip to Portland this summer- I am so excited by all the attention it is getting from D*S
Thank you so much for this post!! I also have fond memories of Maine and was planning a weekend trip soon during the summer!! Thanks for the tips!
there is so much more we could have included… portland is such a lovely place. thanks for including us, anne.
Portland has always looked so beautiful, and I’ve wanted to go for a while. It’s so great to have a guide now! Thanks guys.
Now that you’ve done Portland, Maine it must be time to do Portland, Oregon.
(subtle hint, eh?)
thanks so much for this post! It would be great to know about some places to stay (inn, b&b…) in Portland …
hey.. andrea and i worked at a camp in maine that was about 30mins from portland.. so we would go there a lot on nights/days off.. fun little city!! i personally think best sushi is this place called fuji in oldport.. order the avacado salad… the sweet miso dressing that it is served with will make you go there one more time before you leave! it really is that good!!
Great guide! I love my state. :)
The Maine Highlands are beautiful and relatively rarely visited – Look up Gulf Hagas, Debsconeag Lakes, and the East Branch of the Penobscot and the Northwest Plateau of Ktaadn …
Good question Rachel… I always refer friends to the Pomegranate Inn if they are looking for some place small but eclectic and the Harbor Hotel or Regency for something larger and right in the Old Port.
This makes me so, so sad to go through because I want to move to Maine so badly, but I have to wait over a year. You have no idea how tough it is!!
This is pretty useful, considering that I’m moving to Portland next week! Thanks!
I’ve been hearing so much about Maine lately. Thanks for sharing such an insightful post. I’m a first timer here, but hopefully I’ll be back often.
One Shot Beyond Photography & A little More>
thanks, Lin!
Thanks for including us (Eli Phant)- we are so excited to be surrounded by great people and incredible energy.
Also, for more Portland Maine leads (places to stay, eat, shop, etc) check out the Indie Biz Directory at PortlandBuyLocal.org.
Thanks!
I fell in love with Portland Maine through the eyes of my dear friend Madeline McTurck. Her new blog:
mainemorningduckreport.blogspot.com, a charming overview of the back cover and First Friday Art Night in Portland’s vibrant area. A must to log onto…thanks, Figgy
the correct blog site is:
http://www.mainemorningreport.blogspot.com
beautiful poetic commentary about the Back Cove and First Friday Night Art Walk…interesting and must to read-thanks for your patience,figgy
correction:
http://www.mainmorningreport.blogspot.com
hurray, i’m off to portland next weekend. i’m excited to have a few more things to check out!
Thanks so much for including us in this great city guide. We are lucky to be in a city with such a vibrant art and design community. Like many cities, Portland has a First Friday Art Walk on the first friday of each month — the galleries stay open late and host receptions for new exhibitions. There is a online guide to participating galleries at http://www.firstfridayartwalk.com whihc is a good resource for visitors. Come see us!
I’d like to include one of my favorite shops where I prop for a lot of my magazine photo shoots. Blanche & Mimi is a combination of great new finds mixed with Brimfield treasure pulled together in a style savvy way by owner Hillary Sinauer. Definitely worth checking out. 184 Middle St. in the Old Port area.
Not Portland proper, but close enough. Stone Mountain Arts Center is the “handmade” venture of Carol Noonan and Jeff Flagg in Brownfield Maine, which is about an hour and 15 minutes northwest of Portland in the foothills of the White Mountains. Hosting a wide variety of music including folk, classical, country, bluegrass and lots more. Go to and find out.
Brownfield is a weird little place in the middle of nowhere and is gently beautiful. Completely not hip and therefore wonderful.
Disclosure: my boyfriend built the gorgeous timber frame barn which houses the arts center, and we’ve bought land there. And, hint, hint: the area needs a little breakfast/lunch place for all you creative foodie types looking for an adventure and a nice place to live……
small correction: it’s Portland Head Light, not Headlight, like a car. The light is located at Portland Head, a very beautiful spot. Thanks for the guide!
As a West Ender, thanks for mentioning our great neighborhood that is walking distance to downtown! I also recommend visiting http://www.portlandmaine.com for a list of all major events, maps and info. Portland is a very dog friendly place (and home of Planet Dog!) so bring Fido along!
Just thought I’d mention that we’ve just launched an online store for Eli Phant– visit us at eli-phant.com
Thanks! Sally
Just thought I’d mention, a lot of the links in this post are broken. Too many redundant pieces of code.
Thanks for the info nonetheless.
hi sylvie!
which links are broken? i’m heading out but i can fix them when i get back…
grace
Sadly, Edith & Edna is no more (they have plans to re-open eventually in Freeport, I think), and Books, Etc. will be closing in a couple of months. There’s still so much to do/see/eat/experience here in the Original Portland, though!
I live in Portland, and this guide is lovely, lovely!
Oregon, s’il vous plait?
will have an oregon guide in a few weeks ;)
g
planning on coming to the our gorgeous portland area and need a place to hang your hat? clean ,simple, furnished rooms for rent- ahhh relax- life on the farm: checkout dragonflyhoney.com
Yay for Portland! It should be noted that Maples is not only natural gelato, but organic.
I live in San Francisco but I’m from Portland and it really it is a little gem of a town! We go back every summer. There is a great progressive and creative energy there. Great Music, amazing restaurants and as DesignSponge has attested , awesome arts and craft folk.
Happy memories of a trip to Peaks Island, off Portland, in 2006. I recommend the Peaks Cafe, near to the ferry landing. Also, the Cockeyed Gull. Both places are good to relax in, and enjoy good food and friendly staff.
SO happy to see this guide, and perfect timing with the kick off of summertime* I’ll have to plan a little escape sometime soon.
And Stephanie, you must visit!!
xx, Jane
Wow, If I only had this guide two days ago! can’t wait to use it to my next visit to wonderful Porland!
Maine is my home and I am so happy that you did a post on Portland! Portland is our place to go and enjoy ourselves when we travel South. :) Great Job & Thanks!
FYI: Red’s ice cream recently had a fire :( They will probably reopen later this summer. Willard Scoops makes its own ice cream now and it is to die for.
Any idea if Julia Rothman created that Portland image for purchase or if it’s a one-off thing? As a native Portlander transplanted across the country to the other Portland, I’d love to have it to remind me of home.
Thanks for the post about Portland, I miss my home!
I was just about to comment about Red’s too…it’s been a very sad time for South Portland since it burned.
Also, I’m so glad you went to Ferdinand! I went to her store on a weekly basis when I lived there years ago. I love how cheeky and clever her designs are.
I would like to include Corey &Co. located in Portland’s “studio district”. The shop carries women’s clothing, accessories, and art. Featuring original clothing designs by the owner, Barbara, herself. Watch her designs come to life while you shop. The line is called B. Corey, and includes all one of a kind pieces. Follow her blog to keep up with what Barbara has thought up next! Visit her at
My city! Yay! and you hit all the great places, it is such an amazing little city to live in.
Awesome timing, we leave for Maine on Friday.
Can’t wait to check out these places!
Thank you all SO much for including me! I’m honored to be part of this great “best of Portland” list!
<3 my city. :)
unfortunately Red's ice cream is repairing fire damages and is closed but will return soon. I am very happy to see my favorite places on the list. But also make sure you visit Material Objects, Asia West, Bull Moose Music and buy all your coffee at Coffee by Design (my favorite) or Arabica as we all would love the two corporate giant starbucks to go out of business.
I’ve aaaalways wanted to go to Portland, Maine (well, for about the past year). If I ever get the chance to go, I will definitely refer back to this post. Thanks!!
Just got back on 5/26 from a great trip to Portland. Highly recommend staying at the Chadwick Inn- great rooms, breakfast and hospitality! Loved our tasting dinner at 555! Took a short trip to Peaks island, just be sure to know which road is the shortcut back to the ferry. Fries and a double cream milkshake at Duckfat topped off our amazing foodie trip! We will be back!
I’ll second Tanya’s recommendation for Duckfat. One of the most delicious meals I have had!
Portland is the BOMB! San Franciso will always be my first love but Portland is a lose 2nd! It has a wonderful creative vibe and energy that is similar…and the food is fabulous! some of the best places to eat and no one has mentioned that…
I live in Portland’s west end neighborhood and I highly recommend Miyake (also in the west end on Spring St.) for the best sushi dining experiences EVER. Also, the Farmer’s Market in Deering Oaks Park is one of the best and oldest in the country. http://portlandmainefarmersmarket.org/
Just spent our anniversary weekend in Portland! Seconds on Miyake (its small so call ahead). Not mentioned but wonderful is Fiachre a gorgeous little garden shop. Thanks for the Portland guide!
my family just moved to portland, me from portland, or this year and are in love with this beautiful place.
karen gelardi works for angela adams. very biased review on her part.
choose someone else to review portland.
I’m from Maine and lived in Portland for a few years…amazing little city. One thing for sure: you can get the BEST food there. NY Times even did an article on it. A foodie’s paradise.
Rachel: If you want to stay in Portland somewhere a little ways off the Old Port, I’ve heard St. John’s Inn is adorable. 15min walk or so to the center of activity, and next to The Dogfish Cafe (worth a visit, too!)
Mount Desert Island Ice cream has it’s own location at 51 Exchange Street in the Old Port! The ice cream and gelato is fabulous!
My mother in law lives in Bath and we never miss having lunch at the Frontier cafe when we’re visiting – good pick, its the best! As is Ferdinand – their drumming squirrel t-shirt is a classic.
Sure- Ferdinand and angela adams are good stores but… there are so many other locally owned business who design and build there own products. Why are they left out?
Allots
Feel free to suggest shops you feel are missing- this is an edited guide so not everything is intended to be listed, but rather the places that would appeal most to DS readers
G
I live in Cambridge,Ma. and just visited Portland. We found a WONDERFUL store called Furniturea. They design and locally build beautiful modern furniture and they will happily customize it. Where else can you find that? The women who work in the showroom are super friendly and obviously love their products. We will definetly be back to buy lots of their furniture.
http://www.greenelephantmaine.com/
this is my FAVORITE place to eat. and i’ve only been there once. i’m so impressed with their vegetarian and vegan menu- (btw, i am neither of which) affordable and cheap, & classy decor. i’d road trip to portland just to eat there again.
Wonderful timing. We plan to visit Maine this summer.
Thank you!
It may not be a local fave, but as a part time Mainer (summer six weeks a year), I LOVE the Lobster Shack at Two Lights, it is so Maine. It is in Cape Elizabeth, you sit outside on benches, or inside the rustic totally cool shack. If it is foggy, it is so beautiful, and if it is sunny, it is so beautiful. Parking can get tight at peak hours! It is a beautiful 15 min ride from downtown.
thank you for this guide! I am going for a long weekend this week and am so incredibly excited!
Portland, Maine is my hometown and reading this guide makes me miss is. There are some wonderful recommendations here! As always, I love your city guides.
This Guide like all your city guides is Wonderful, but I was wondering if someday you will do region guides. For instance Coastal Maine can be one of the most exciting design shopping experiences of a life time. Just a thought.
Don’t miss these breakfast places: Marcy’s on Free Street (Arts District), Good Egg Cafe on Middle St (Waterfront/Old Port).
Yummy :)
Add http://www.InnbytheSea.com to the Cape Elizabeth section. It’s right on Crescent Beach (white sandy beaches in Maine, who knew?) The restaurant is top-notch, very into locally sourced produce from surrounding farms. Spa is great too and they are one of New England dog friendliest resorts. Woof!
How could Grace Restaurant have been left off? Fantastic atmosphere in a Gothic-revival style church!
@RENEE. Grace is pretty recent. It likely opened after this article was written.
I’m wondering how the Cryptozoology Museum didn’t make it. Those sculptures and artwork inspire some to belief in mythical creatures.
Thank you, Design Sponge, for these fabulous guides! I just spotted this post on Portland (my home city) for the first time. If you’re visiting Maine with little ones, Cute Potato: Your Guide to Kid-Friendly Maine is a great resource for handmade items, restaurants, shops, and events that appeal to kids and their parents.
I moved to Arizona 10 years ago from Maine I miss Maine so much n can’t wait to move back I love u MAINE
Great recommendations!! Just adored the shop Blanche & Mimi and we’re currently having delicious cheese and cocktails at Grace, a converted church. Great guide, great town!
hi grace, i’m planning a tentative trip to portland this summer and was wondering when this was last updated. any chance you guys could start to put dates on these, such as
initial guide 1/1/2006, updated on 2/22/2013? i realize it’s a lot of work to go back and retroactively do it so i’m not suggesting that, just moving forward :)
that said, i have consulted your design guides for every city i’ve visited that has one with wonderful finds since about 2007. thank you so much for putting these together over the years!
kyra
sure thing :)
this guide was updated 2 years ago, so it may be a bit out of date now.
grace
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