Things to Do in Portland, Maine

Ask any Mainer and they’ll tell you there is SOO much more to Portland and Maine than lighthouses and lobsters… and that is very true. But, hey, lighthouses and lobsters are a fun place to start when you stay at our Portland, Maine inn.

• Bike, View & Nibble
  Rent a bike from Gorham Bike & Ski, located close to the inn, and peddle 5 miles down to glorious Fort Williams Park for panoramic views of Casco Bay and a tour of Portland Head Light — one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. While there, grab the area’s best lobster roll from the Bite Into Maine food truck (Original, Picnic, Wasabi, Curry or Chipotle) and nosh while you soak in the view. Classic Maine.
• Be a Lobsterman
  Try your hand at hauling in a crustacean. On Lucky Catch Cruises you’ll see how these tasty treats get from the bottom of the ocean to your dinner plate and learn about lobster habits, conservation efforts and the difference between hardshells, shedders, shorts, culls and keepers.

Portland offers many tasty and intriguing ways to experience the Old Port. Sip and savor your way around or learn about the spooky and weird.

• Wine Wise Events
  Recently named the top attraction in Portland on Trip Advisor, these wine strolls combine tasting, touring and vino education. Owner/tour guide/wine professional, Erica Archer, is a joy to be around and a font of information. Wine sails and other events also available.
• Wicked Walking Tours
  Funny, irreverent (yet G-rated) and a little creepy, this short (one-hour), but detail-packed tour is fun for all ages. Learn about Portland’s ghosts and weird past from Gordon, the terrific – if a bit strange – tour guide.
• Maine Foodie Tours 
  Stroll the Old Port, sample delectable, Maine-inspired foods and obtain a behind-the-scenes look at those who craft these culinary delights. This award-winning company also offers culinary trolley and boat tours.

Whatever your speed, it’s always a good idea to enjoy the water in a coastal town like Portland, Maine!

• Come Sail Away
  Portland has not one, but two terrific sailing companies offering cruises through Casco Bay. Portland Schooner Company sails two, storied wooden schooners built in the early 20th century. Afternoon and all-day sails available, including a “sail and tail” with a lobster bake included. Maine Sailing Adventures sails a Maine-built windjammer, Frances. Unwind and absorb as you take in Portland’s working waterfront, and the beautifully rugged islands just beyond. Ask about the company’s popular sunset sails.
• Ride the Duck
  Tour the Old Port and the bay in one, convenient vehicle! The Downeast Duck covers both land and sea, including Portland’s working waterfront, the Casco Bay Islands and marine wildlife.
• Paddle Yourself
  See the bay up close and personal from a kayak. Paddle out to Fort Gorges and explore the deserted Civil War-era fort, weave between ferries and sail boats along the waterfront, challenge yourself with a paddle across to the Bug Light lighthouse in South Portland. Bring your own or rent kayaks from Portland Paddle.

The Old Port and Arts Districts offer a variety of shops ranging from high-end clothes boutiques to antique stores and specialty art shops. Too many to list, actually! Some of our favorites:

• Angela Adams
  Well-crafted modern home furnishings inspired by the timeless beauty of nature and the ever-changing landscape of Maine.
• Architectural Salvage
  12,000 square foot spectacular showroom of architectural elements, antiques and decorative accessories.
• Home Remedies
  Custom home decor showroom with an on-site sewing and reupholstery workroom.
• Pinecone + Chickadee
  Curated selection of handmade crafts unusual gifts, and vintage finds.
• Portland Flea For All
  Each weekend the Flea-for-All showcases a rotating cast of vendors selling the very best in vintage and handmade gifts.
• Portland Dry Goods
  High end men’s wear and accessories, offering brands such as, Engineered Garments, Gitman Vintage, 316 Denim, Gant Rugger, Redwing, Barbour, Alden, Muttonhead, Southwick, Reigning Champ and Topo.
• Portland Trading Company
  One-of-a-kind, well-curated, modernized, lifestyle-themed general store offering a mix of vintage and new clothes, and home goods. Owner Kazeem Lawhal has truly impeccable taste.
• Seawall
  Locavore approach to clothing. Sustainable model of custom-made shirts made with hand-loomed Japanese prints, skirts, leather bags and more. All gorgeous.
• Waterlily
  Hip conscious trade boutique featuring local artisans, vintage collections and an exclusive Waterlily line of clothing.
• Check out the Portland Buy Local website for many, many more!

Enjoy some pampering and self-care during your next getaway in Portland.

• Nine Stones Spa
  Located right downtown, from facials to couples massages, a full nail salon, and locker rooms with infrared saunas to enjoy while you wait for your service of choice, this spa truly it all.
• Akari
  From a hair care to nails, facials, massages, as well as a variety of “Medispa” services (anti-aging and rejuvenating skin and body treatments), it’s almost guaranteed that whatever spa service you’re looking to get, you’ll find it at Akari.
• Beauty Mark
  Indulge in a customized skin treatment or have some fun at the makeup bar and let Beauty Mark’s makeup artists get you ready for a night out in Portland.
• Float Harder
  Looking for a unique, out-of-the-box way to get some rest and relaxation during your next getaway to Portland? Try out a floating session in one thousand pounds of Epsom salt and experience complete sensory deprivation. You’ll leave feeling decompressed, relaxed, energized and re-aligned.

Whether you’re sticking to a routine or try something new, among many things to do, Portland offers a workout for everyone, from spin classes to yoga flows and everything in between.

• Reve Cycling Studio
  This boutique studio offers 50-minute indoor cycling classes, as well as yoga and full-body toning classes. Whether you’re new to cycling or are a seasoned veteran, Reve offers something for everyone (don’t forget to bring sneakers or SPD compatible bikes shoes!).
• Hustle & Flow
  Located on Bracket Street, take a yoga or dance class at Hustle & Flow and forget you’re even working out! Don’t be surprised to hear loud music and experience high-energy in class.
• Pure Barre & The Bar Method
  A low impact, isometric workout focusing on using your own bodyweight, there’s no shortage of barre classes in the city!
• The Body Architect
  From circuit training to mobility-focused classes, The Body Architect provides group fitness classes from sun up to sun down.
• Planet Fitness
  For those looking for a classic, old-school gym (with new, updated equipment!), they offer everything you need for a great workout. We think getting in a good sweat in is the perfect way to start your day!