TRAVEL
Escape to the Original Portland
Lobster, flannel, and its lighthouse are not the only things making this city a destination in its own right anymore.
A STORY OF REBIRTH
Over the course of four centuries perhaps no city has faced as much adversity as the lesser known of the country’s two Portland’s has. There were bloody battles, unruly sailors, horrific fires, but what none of those things realized was that there was a city ready to take on whatever was thrown at them only to rise again stronger and better than before.
Today you sense a city that is really on the verge of a cultural movement. Its got that small town feel with a much more cultivated sensibility for food, art and design.
Young people are the owners of the best coffee shops, restaurants and shops. You can go down to the water and grab some fresh lobster straight from a fisherman’s boat or venture into Harbor Fish Market and have them pack up a dozen to bring back on your flight. Now, that’s a real crowd pleaser!
It’s history remains an integral part of the cities development with conversions like the historical Portland Press Herald Newspaper’s building reincarnated as The Press Hotel.
Follow me as I make my way around the city.
Portland Trading Co, 157 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101 207.899.0228
Tandem Coffee, 742 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102 207.805.1887
KAREEM LAVAL, OWNER OF PORTLAND TRADING CO.
“I think a lot of people are discovering Maine for the first time and really enjoying what they see. There are a lot of people moving to Portland right now from New York, San Fransisco, and as far out as Australian and South Africa. I think its fantastic and that energy of optimism is in the air.”
Catch of the Day
Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
207.774.8538
If you want to get a sense of Portland’s scene be sure to carve out some time to eat at Eventide Oyster Co, the local hipster hangout with an extensive raw oyster bar and garnishes I have never heard of like crushed ice red onion. And, if no where else be sure to eat the brown butter lobster roll here.
THE PRESS HOTEL
Part of the Autograph Collection
#EXACTLYLIKENOTHINGELSE
As with most trips I take these days its the balance of work and play that allow me to explore new places so home base is one of the most important decisions. I stayed at the recently opened Press Hotel, which had been home to the Portland Press Herald Newspaper since 1921. Today it is the perfect place to regroup and meet for a delicious meal.
JIM BRADY, OWNER OFTHE PRESS HOTEL
