Free for all on Fridays after 4pm! While you’re in Portland’s arts district, you can also find lots of thrift stores, used bookstores & Arcadia (an arcade bar with delicious cocktails)
Our favorite beach! “Good sand. Good waves. Lots of space.” as Ben puts it. $15pp to park, and there can be a wait at peak hours. Best for a beach day. We also love Ferry Beach (across the street) in the early morning or evening, or Cliffhouse Beach in Cape Elizabeth at low tide for a quick dip.
Saturdays in Deering Oaks Park (around the corner from Grant St. where Jess lived for 6 years) from 7am-1pm. Tons of local farms and artisans, though Jess and Ben’s farms aren’t there. Check out Green Spark Farm, where Ben used to work! Late July in Maine starts peak season for farms; think sweet corn, tomatoes, blueberries.
Where we got engaged! 💍 The Eastern Trail is a gravel trail through the marsh, great for biking or walking or birdwatching. Bring your binoculars! Ben and Jess would often bike from Scarborough to Biddeford on the trail in the early days of their relationship. Kayak rentals are available at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center daily from 9am–4pm starting at $24/hour. Tide dependent though, so plan ahead!
Japanese spot on Washington Ave in Portland. Probably our favorite restaurant (Pai Men Miyake being a runner-up) There’s lots to do on Washington Ave, and it’s just a short walk from the Eastern Prom, which is worth a stop if you haven’t been to Portland before. We highly, highly recommend going with the Omakase option— the Chef’s choice 4-5 course tasting menu. Never disappoints and you don’t have to make any decisions.
Jess & Ben’s “first” date spot. Cozy, home cooked German food. BYOB, which we love. The spätzle is so damn good. Tiny, unassuming little place that’s only open 5-8pm. Best to make a reservation which means calling and leaving a message; they’ll get back to you but not always on short notice.
Our go-to when in a fried seafood mood. Good for lunch; order at the counter type place. We’re pretty much constantly craving/ trying to recreate their green goddess salad dressing. “If they have the smoked fish dip, get it.” - Ben
Old-time railroad car diner right below the apartment Ben lived in when Jess & Ben first got together. Limited seating, be prepared for a wait (worth it though). They have phenomenal pancakes, which sometimes run out late morning because they make them in batches (which clearly fascinates Ben because he has told Jess about this many, many times)
Jess and Ben’s informal getting-back-together spot. Good pizza, in downtown Biddeford. We recommend the Lemon & Onion (with Anchovies!) and following up with Sweetcream Dairy Ice Cream or Pop’s Tavern.
Great ice cream. Just down the road from the Farm.