Avery & Matthew
Where to Eat & Drink + Things To Do
Old Port
The Old Port is a historic district of Portland known for its cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings and fishing piers. This area is filled with boutiques, gourmet food stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, cocktail bars, and pubs.
Peaks Island
Accessible only by ferry, Peaks Island is an easy day trip from Downtown Portland - the ferry runs on a frequent schedule and the ride is just over 15-minutes. Once on the island, you can explore the 3.7 mile loop on foot, bike, or golf cart (all are available to rent once you arrive).
Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park
We highly recommend visiting Fort Williams Park and seeing the Portland Head Light. With over 90 acres of recreational space, there are opportunities to picnic, fly a kite, stroll paths, tour the arboretum, walk the cliffside loop, explore the rocky beach, and enjoy the playground. Once inside the park you'll be able to see the lighthouse. The Portland Head Light is the most photographed lighthouse in America, and also the oldest in Maine.
Scarborough Beach State Park
This family-friendly beach offers some of the best swimming in all of New England. Once you get past the "cooler" water temp, it's a great beach to go bodyboarding, or just take a stroll along the water’s edge. Find snacks like ice cream, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and plenty of fried foods at the "snack shack" and food trucks in the parking lot. Parking is limited to 285 on-site spaces and 125 off-site spaces and is likely to run out quickly during the busy season, so make sure to get there early.
Fore Street
Where we went the night we got engaged! Fore Street is often described as Portland's top restaurant - it is owned by Dana Street with Executive Chef & Partner Sam Hayward, who also own Scales, Street & Co, and Standard Baking Co. Fore Street’s menu changes daily and is founded upon the very best raw materials from a community of Maine farmers, fisherman, foragers and cheese makers. *reservations required
Street & Co
Under the same ownership of Fore Street, Street & Co is a staple in Portland. We typically bring our friends & family here when they visit Portland. Fun fact, we brought the Primavera's here the weekend they came to Maine to meet the Pietras fam. *reservations strongly encouraged
Scales
Scales is under the same ownership as Fore Street and Street & Co, but known for their lobster, seafood, and Raw Bar. Located in an elegant setting on the Maine Wharf, on Portland' Maine's Historic Waterfront, Scales is a delicious, high-end seafood destination in Portland. *reservations strongly encouraged
Eventide Oyster Co.
Our favorite lobster roll in Maine! Eventide is a must hit on our list every visit to Portland. They also have an amazing oyster bar and other seafood treats.
Becky's Diner
Becky's is one of our favorite, casual places to go that is reliable and entertaining. They have about anything you could possibly want for breakfast, from pancakes with Maine maple syrup & lobster eggs Benedict, to full lunch and dinner options, including a fisherman's platter & twin lobster meals.
ViA VECCHiA
Where we went right after getting engaged! We came here to take it all in while they played The 1975 and greeted us with champagne - it's one of our most memorable spots in Portland. ViA VECCHiA is known for their delicious cocktails and amazing Italian food. *reservations strongly encouraged
Blyth & Burrows
Our favorite cocktail bar in Portland! Blyth & Burrows is a classic cocktail bar steeped in the traditions of exceptional hospitality and a dedication to craft - if you're looking for a delicious, unique cocktail, this is the place to go.
Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub
Where Matt brought Avery right before he proposed. His famous last words were telling Avery to "order something light, it's a marathon not a sprint" as he ordered himself a whiskey on the rocks to calm his nerves.
Allagash Brewing Company
Allagash is most famous for their signature Allagash White—a Belgian-style wheat beer. The brewery is a short drive from Downtown Portland where you’ll find all different beers from sours, barrel-aged beers, and spontaneously fermented beers to try. You can either visit the tasting room or sign up for a tour of the cellar.
The Holy Donut
One of our favorite places to grab donuts and coffee! They offer Maine potato donuts made daily from scratch in a variety of flavors - our favorites are dark chocolate sea salt, maple bacon and anything blueberry. They have a few locations, but if you're staying in downtown Portland, their Commercial Street shop will likely be in walking distance from your hotel.