3 Days Near Portland, Maine

   Welcome back. If you are following my blog, thank you. This post follows the first three days of our Maine trip. We based out of Kennebunk, Maine; twenty five miles south of Portland. The first stop after picking up our rental at the Portland airport was lunch. We are fans of Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives and had seen the episode featuring Becky’s Diner in downtown Portland and knew we had to go! We both had the lobster rolls and they were outstanding. These rolls were the best of our entire trip through Maine

   We then went to Kennebunk and checked in at Port Inn and Suites. This hotel is nice but a little outdated. It was very clean and the staff was accommodating. The price was reasonable and served as a good base for our purposes. We then drove across the bridge to the sister city of Kennebunkport. We found Walker’s Point and viewed the Bush summer home. You can see it very clearly across Blowing Cave inlet. We drove from there to Dock Square in Kennebunkport and visited several of the local shops. We ate dinner at The Boathouse on the Kennebunk River. Darlene had clam chowder and I had a fried haddock sandwich. Both were pretty good but did not match the view.

   Day two started with a short drive to York, Maine and Cape Neddick where we stopped at Nubble Lighthouse. What a sight sitting on a small island just beyond the shoreline. The rocky shoreline is nothing like the white sandy beaches we usually see on the Gulf Coast. The views were awesome.

   We left York and drove the twelve miles into Portsmouth, New Hampshire and checked off another state we have now visited. We looked around some of the gift shops and stores and then ate at The River House. It was located on the harbor with beautiful views. I had never eaten whole belly clams before; only clam strips. I am now hooked. I had the clam and shrimp dinner and it was outstanding. I would highly recommend this place. Darlene had another lobster roll and it was also good.

   Leaving Portsmouth, we road along Highway 1 and stopped in Ogunquit, Maine. We stopped at the famous Marginal Way and walked along the rocky coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. We visited a couple of the shops and stores. We noticed signs everywhere saying do not climb out on the rocks but people were all over them. Can’t say they weren’t warned. We stopped for a drink at the Oarwood Cafe.

   We left and headed back to Kennebunk stopping for a quick round of Putt Putt Golf in Wells, Maine. Afterwards, we stopped at Ryans Irish Pub. Still full from lunch, we only had a light dinner; Lobster Bisque and French Onion Soup. Both were good. So we then called it a night.

   Our final day in this area of Maine took us into Portland itself. The first stop was the most photographed lighthouse in the United States; Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth. We toured the grounds and even went to Fort Williams which was built in 1639. We learned about the wreck of the Annie Maguire on Christmas Eve 1886. It’s a really interesting story about greed and karma.

   We ate lunch at the Lobsta Shack at Two Lights. It sits between two lighthouses, hence the name. Small little hole in the wall place, but the crowd says it must be good. I got a crab roll and Darlene got another lobster roll. Both were good but not as good as Becky’s. We then went into the part of Portland known as Old Port. Cobblestone and brick streets, many shops, restaurants, and bars. It has been renovated and actually is located on the harbor and near the working docks. We walked around the area before going to dinner at Demillo’s On The Water. The seafood platter and shrimp platter was excellent. I would recommend this restaurant for food, views and ambience. And the service was friendly and attentive. Just to prove what a small world we live in, sitting in the restaurant close to us we heard someone say “War Eagle.” My wife, being an Auburn fan, perked up and replied with the same cry. Since I am an Alabama fan, I was also very curious. Turns out these two guys were from a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama just like us. We were 1300 miles away and encounter people from the same area.

   The way back to the hotel took us to Old Orchard Beach and the famous pier that goes out over the ocean some 200 yards. Many shops, restaurants, and bars line the pier on both sides.

   If you enjoy following my blog, hearing of things we did and the places we stayed and ate, I hope it helps you plan your trip.  The next post will cover our move 150 miles northeast and our base out of Bangor, Maine for our next three days.