Did you know that Portland boasts a pretty great selection of amazing restaurants?  Bon Appetit called it “America’s Foodiest Small Town” in 2009. Some of the more well-known restaurants include Fore Street, Hugo’s, and Street & Co.; they are all fantastic, but I tend toward more under-the-radar places.

One of my favorites is Caiola’s in Portland’s West End neighborhood {also my favorite ‘end’ of the city}.  Getting the same dish there every time is sort of hard to resist: they make the best paella!  They have a delicious burger and once a gnocchi special made me unbelievably happy! Walter’s is always my go-to place for drinks & the calamari with girlfriends.

If you visit the city and want to stay somewhere distinct, slightly tucked away, and indicative of this city’s celebration of art then you should consider the Pomegranate Inn {also in the West End}.  It’s beautiful, whimsical, and elegant; every single room and nook and wall and thing in there is artfully selected or art itself.  They have a veritable gallery throughout the halls & rooms!  I promise you will love it there!

Something to take home & remember Portland by:  Chart Metalworks  makes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cuff links and more using nautical maps of all places in Maine {and anywhere, really}.   I gave my husband a key ring with a map of Popham Beach, where we were married.

Portland has it going on!  It’s so dear to me and has grown to be a very hip, happening little city.  This is the first of many Portland mentions and just a few of my recommendations…more later!  Have a happy weekend!