The Portland of the East. Very frequently confused with our favorite Oregon hippy hub because of the greenery, friendly locals, and groovy breweries--but mostly for the name.
A short, two-day trip was all it took to fall for this lovely place. From lobster to donuts - it's a small Stephen King-esque little slice of heaven (minus the creepy sewer clowns). Here's what local we loved:
Vintage Goods - Merchant Co
Your creative juices will be flowing the second you see the hand made magnets, wallets, and wall-hangings. Rather than DIY-ing, you can purchase those goods right from Merchant Co. on the lively Congress St. #supportlocal
This chair, those bowls. Nostalgia runs deep here. #vintage #childhood
Worth the Wait - Eventide
Assuming you are like the rest of us and forget to make reservations well in advance (and simply love to provide free marketing by waiting in line in front of a business for hours), you should put your name in well-before you are ready to eat.
However, here's a tip- eat at the standing-room-only bar. The food is so good you won't even notice your legs giving out from under you (possibly due to too many brews, but who's counting)? The food comes out quick & more than makes up for the lack of seating. You'll get to eat faster, and enjoy the comforting proximity to fresh oysters.
Flights to Free (beer) Flights - Allagash Brewery (FREEEEEEEEE)
Ever wanted to drink beer in the woods next to a friendly local wearing pajamas? You can do that here! What a treasure among the trees. Follow the smell of fresh brew to the Allagash HQ. The free beer flights are offered upon entry (I know, we couldn't believe it either) and more than make up for the ride-share cost to get there.
Relax outdoors, catch some sun, fight over who's next to play corn-hole, and grab a lobster roll (they're everywhere. EV-ER-Y-WHERE).
Never Too Nerdy - Arcadia National Bar
Barcades are cool, and that's a fact. You get to play games, drink, and experience throwback after throwback. This place even has local youths hogging the couch, playing Mario Kart for hours. Direct quote: "its your turn when I die, bitch!" Just like old times!
Day Tripping - Peak's Island
On a not-so-sunny day, a short ferry ride to a nearby island fits the scene. Perfect time to do a Shutter Island bit for which my partner confirms I am, in fact, the crazy one.
Once docked, get around this island via golf cart---for which you will be denied access to if you have any sort of stamp or slur indicating possible inebriation. but who's judging?
Without a golfcart, you can walk the whole island and capture many instagram worthy homes.
Soak it up - Duckfat
Best for dessert, but works for a light lunch soaked in duck fat. Not even kidding--its all soaked. 4 adults can comfortably split two (duckfat) milkshakes, a plate of poutine, duck sandwich, and crispy donut holes (fried in duckfat) with dipping sauce.
The line is long, so put your name in and head over to this store while you wait. If you can't find a floor mat or mug you want to buy, then I don't know how to help you!
If you, like me, prefer to eat your way through life, here are some options for second breakfast, midday snack, and third dessert:
Lobster Co - Trap me at this tourist trap any day--a full lobster meal, lobster rolls, beer, and live music. Just bring extra layers...to save seats. People are vultures.
Gilbert's Chowder House - "Line Up, and Seat-Yourself" style diner (don't get me started) with amazing Lobster stew and Clam chowder. Get the large, for both--feeds about 3 adults for a snack.
The Holy Donut - A post-breakfast, pre-lunch snack. These potato-based donuts somehow maintain an abundance of flavor within the density of a cushy cloud. I care more for sweets than anything. Anything.
Would I go back? Yes, during lobster season when its nice and hot.
Next standby: Oakland, CA. Looking forward to sharing some local favs from the city by, by-the-bay. #hella
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