We did the BBC tour with both of our kids and enjoyed staying Freeport, specifically the Hilton Garden Inn right in downtown Freeport so everything is walkable. Both times we did Colby on one day, and Bates and Bowdoin together on the same day which was easy enough to do. (Full disclosure, D graduated from Bowdoin and S is a sophomore at Bates, but they both liked Colby as well.)
We have visited at different times during the year, and even in the dead of winter there are a lot of beautiful areas on the coastā¦if you are okay with bundling up!
What are your favorite places to eat in Portland, Lewiston, Brunswick, and Waterville?
If the weather isnāt terrible, what are some good hikes in the area?
What lighthouses could/should we visit?
Not Maine, but we are visiting Clark on our last day and will be done around noon. Is there anything you recommend doing before a 7 pm flight out of Boston?
Portland: Portland Headlight is the lighthouse to visit. Go to eat at Highroller Lobster Co. if you want some local lobster with flair. Central Provisions is a favorite, as well as Hot Suppa and Boda. There are also many local brew pubs if you enjoy beer. Bissell Brothers is one. If you like Indian cuisine thereās a place in Brunswick called Bombay Mahal. Portland Pie Company has great pizza and thereās one in Portland and Brunswick. If you are driving through Augusta to Waterville, State Lunch is an award-winning gastropub with the most delicious cocktails. OPA in Waterville is a greek restaurantāvery good. Hikes ā you may have luck in Freeport at Wolfeās Neck State Park. March is mud season so bring your boots!
Is this for college visiting with your child? In Lewiston, Forage and Pure Thai (for dinner) are favorite student hangouts. I particularly like Forage. Very comfy and chill place for coffee and artisan sandwiches.
We love Nezinscot Farm outside of Lewiston. Such good food, amazing cheeses, farm produce, and hand dyed yarns for the knitter in your life.
There is a lovely walk right in Lewiston which goes along both sides of the river, including great views of the weir. The best walk/hike we did in Maine is at Bradbury State Park, between Lewiston and Freeport. There are views out to the coast. Itās absolutely gorgeous, but if there is ice around, you will probably need yaktrax or similar.
Not much ice or snow now. So weird. Most years, this time, I literally canāt walk to our mailbox because the driveway is so icy, but this year itās totally clear.
Youāre probably aware that my kid went to Bates. I also recommend visiting the art museum on campus and the bird sanctuary next to campus if you have time.
For nice upscale fantastic dinner, go to Scales. On the water, great food.
For really good, not quite so upscale, try Eventide Oyster Company. Delicious seafood, and a truly unique lobster roll (in a bao bun).
If you need a break from all of the delicious seafood, and just want something different, try Terlingua. Southwest/Mexican inspired food with house smoked meats.
Forage: You can double dip, and go here twice - once in Lewiston, and once in Portland. Great bagels that satisfied my super picky husband from New Jersey.
Bissell Brothers Brewery - awesome beer, really good food.
Duckfat - amazing fries.
Highroller Lobster - great lobster roll.
Lewiston:
Forage - if you havenāt hit this Portland, do it here.
Davincis for decent Italian food.
Based on @Lindagafās post, we need to hit up Nezinscot Farm next time weāre there!
If weather permits, check out the Bird Sanctuary - nice hiking, but Iāve only even been there in good weather. Not sure how great it would be in snow/mud season.
