Sarah’s Local Picks in Portland, Maine
Painted Houses, Portland, Maine
Live like a Local
Portland, Maine is a special place. While the gorgeous natural landscape is one of our best assets, it is truly the people who make living here so effortlessly cool. From funky boutique owners to world class chefs, hardworking fisherman to talented artists, pleasant neighbors to childhood camp friends - living like a local in Portland means embracing all the places and characters that make our city by the sea unique.
Below is a very short list of some of my favorite spots to eat, shop, and play in and around Portland. While this list is by no means exclusive, it is a great jumping off point to explore this fine city. I hope you enjoy these businesses, places, and people as much as I do!
Am I missing your favorite local business? Reach out! I’d love to learn more about the local places you love to support.
Harbor Fish Market, Portland, Maine
Eat Like a Local
Izakaya Minato for Japanese Street Food, East Bayside
The Shop for Local Oysters, East Bayside
Ramona’s for Subs, East Bayside
Blake Orchard for Smoothies, Forest Ave.
Pat’s Meat Mart for Grillables, Deering Center
Harbor Fish for Fresh Seafood, Waterfront
BLVL for Pastries, East End
LB Kitchen for a Healthy Lunch, East End
Shop Like a Local
Darby Jones for Home Goods & Gifts (Woman Owned), Deering Center
Kurier for Handbags & Clogs (Woman Owned), East End
Gus & Ruby Letterpress for Sensory Goodness, Old Port
JuJu for Home Goods & Gifts (Woman Owned), Arts District
Longfellow Books for an Independent Book Store, Monument Square
Abura for Skincare & Selfcare Products (Woman Owned), Deering Center
Boutique Little for Children’s Toys & Gifts, Old Port
The Haberdashery for Secondhand & Vintage Clothing (Woman Owned), Arts District
Play like a Local
Presumpscot River Preserve for Walking Trails, Nason’s Corner
Eastern Promenade for Picnics, East End
Thompson’s Point for Concerts, Family Friendly Events, and Ice Skating, Libbytown
Baxter Woods for Dog Walks, Deering
Back Cove Trail for Outdoor Exercising with a View, Back Cove
Beaches:
Scarborough Beach, Scarborough - great for small kiddos.
Crescent Beach, Cape Elizabeth - such a gorgeous, sandy beach.
Higgins Beach, Scarborough - worth it if you can find a parking spot!
Willard Beach, South Portland - easy, close to Portland, and a favorite among dog owners.
East End Beach, Portland - at the bottom of the Eastern Prom with great views of Casco Bay. Rent a kayak or paddle board from Portland Paddle and get out on the water!