Portland, Maine (1st time visitor)
 

My boyfriend and I plan on taking a vacation <BR>in Maine this August, does anyone have any suggestions on places to visit. We have planned on staying in Portland, we also plan <BR>on driving up the coast a bit to check out the views. What beaches are recommended? (just for relaxing and beachcombing) Any particular restaurants we should try? I would also like to visit some of the islands. We plan on staying at the Eastland Park hotel in down-town Portland (any comments on this hotel)?

Make sure you go Street& Co. Restauarant in the old port area - I think it's on Fore St. They have EXCELLENT seafood- their Grilled Scallops in Pernod sauce is one of their best specialties! <BR>I always enjoy a quiet nature walk at The Rachel Carson Naute Preserve

Karyn ... I live just outside of Portland. For beaches, I'd recommend Cresent Beach in Cape Elizabeth, and then head to Two Lights State Park, to walk along the rocks. Just beyond Two Lights is the Lobster Shack -- absolutely best place around Portland to get lobster in the rough (or clams, scallops, shrimp, even a burger or chix fingers). You can sit on the picnic tables outside overlooking the ocean, or inside the very basic, casual dining room. Great place for lunch. Anthony was right -- Street & Co is my FAVORITE restaurant in Portland, but it's on Wharf Street, not Fore Street. There is another restaurant called Fore Street actually on Fore Street and it's also one of the best. Neither has a view, but if you're looking for a view, a new restaurant called Salt Water Grill just opened across the channel from Portland. Went there Saturday. It was very good and the view at sunset is spectacular. If you're looking for a bit of an adventure and some great food, try Diamond Cove. It's on Great Diamond Island -- you get there via the Casco Bay ferry. All these places require a reservation (except the Lobster Shack), so call a week in advance. <BR> <BR>As for sights in Portland, be sure to visit the Portland Headlight, the Portland Museum of Art, and maybe take in a Sea Dog's baseball game -- it's great fun. Make sure to drive up to the Eastern Prom and take a walk along the walkway down by the water. <BR> <BR>If you're going to head north of Portland, stop in Freeport and pay a visit to LLBeans. Then I'd definately go to Reid State Park -- beautiful beach and great rocks to climb on. It's just over the bridge from Bath, and down the pinsula about 15 miles. Beautiful ride to the get there. If you do go there, make a reservation for dinner at the Robinhood Free Meetinghouse. It's on the way to Reid in Georgetown -- absolutely the best food around, nice atmosphere and great service. They catered my wedding, which we had at the Grey Havens Inn, which is another spectacular spot, again in Georgetown, right on the water. If you have an extra day or two, I'd definately recommend spending a night or two there. The innkeepers are fabulous. <BR> <BR>That's just a few of my favorites. Email me if you'd like more. Have a great trip.

Thank you Laura and Anthony for responding to my request. I look forward <BR>to trying all the suggestions. <BR>How is the weather in August? Does it <BR>get very hot & humid? <BR>I need to be prepared for anything! <BR>Thanks again.

The weather in Maine in August is always "unpredicatable." It can be very hot and humid, and it can be quite cool. I'd be prepared for warm weather but pack some "layers" and a jacket.

any good shopping recommendations? <BR>

Thanks to you all..sent friends to Street&Co..they made reservations several days ahead..and enjoyed it... <BR> <BR>For shopping we like Kittery, Maine..Freeport is sooo yuppy..