Kettle Cove is where Alex and Cathy got engaged! There are a couple walking trails that lead out to the rocky coastline. You can also walk along the beach. It's a beautiful area and especially special to Alex and Cathy. Check it out!
Two Lights is a great area to explore! It is just down the street from Kettle Cove. Also a must stop, is the Kettle Cove Creamery and Shack for some delicious ice cream (also all right there)! The rocky edge here, at Two Lights, is a little higher, steeper, rockier. Great for the adventurer/rock climber/explorer. Also great to stand atop the hill and view the expansive coastline and ocean views.
A must see! Portland Head Light is in Fort Williams Park (where Alex and his friends would play Ultimate Frisbee in High School and where the graduation ceremony was held). The sweeping grounds are beautiful; offering excellent walking paths, Pickleball courts (bring your paddles!), and likely the most incredible views you will ever see. There are educational markers throughout the Fort, detailing its significance and role in history. The lighthouse was completed in 1791 and is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. It is also the most photographed lighthouse in America! You could honestly spend hours at the Fort if you wanted to- there is a food truck, "Bite Into Maine," offering lobster rolls and beverages. And facilities on site. Enjoy Fort Williams and Portland Head Light!
Take a tour with our friends at Rocky Bottom Fisheries! The Lobster Demo option offers you a chance to learn about one of Maine's oldest fishing industries, and try your hand at pulling and baiting a trap yourself! The Sunset Tour offers a romantic boat ride in Casco Bay at sunset with great company. Call/Book ASAP- they are very popular and fill up fast! The whole operation is run by our friend Kate-lyn, wife of Groomsman Eric Knight. Shout out to the Knights! Love you guys!
Downtown Portland offers a lot of delicious food, shopping, bars, and entertainment. Brenda and Marc's favorite restaurant is Scales. For a lobster roll and a view, visit Luke's Lobster! You can also get a unique and delicious lobster roll at Eventide. For breakfast, Becky's Diner is great, but prepare yourself for a long wait time. Shout out to our caterer: Matt Ginn! His restaurant Evo Kitchen and Bar offers stylish Middle Eastern cuisine. Or visit Evo X- their food truck on the marina, and you can enjoy great food and a cold beer, wine, or cocktail. The Old Port District has a lot of shops and great food- fun area to explore!
Remember to pack a swimsuit for time at the beach! Conveniently, Willard Beach is steps away from the wedding venue. Soak up some rays, then come dance the night away- or have a beach day the following day, or both days! Hopefully there will be wonderful beach (and wedding) weather all weekend long ;)
Another GREAT beach option is Scarborough Beach! If you are looking for a LONG stretch of beach with wonderful walking opportunities, fun seashell, driftwood, and skipping-rock exploration, and beautiful ocean waves- this is your beach! This beach is also great for a big group to circle up, hang out, and enjoy the sun, surroundings, and each others' company. Just a 20-minute drive south of Portland- enjoy time at Scarborough Beach!
Robinson Woods is perfect for the guest seeking a good-for-the-soul wooded hike. There are a few entrances, but we recommend the main entrance right off Shore Road and Pond Cove. Be sure to take in the views there!- Pond Cove is breathtaking (just southeast of the entrance). The woods offer great pine needle smells, small, trickling waterfalls, fallen tree obstacles, and great exercise!
Just a short ferry ride away is Peaks Island! Peaks Island is an attraction for bikers, walkers, and swimmers. There are also golf cart rentals to view the island more leisurely. The road hugs the coast most of the way- fabulous Casco Bay views. There are a few nice seafood restaurants, cafes, and stores. Plus, the rocky beaches allow for building pretty cool rock formations! :)
Freeport is excellent for the guest with a vehicle and looking to do some shopping. It is famous for being the L.L. Bean headquarters. Freeport is about a half hour drive north of Portland.