Love Portland? Try This Similar Spot in Maine

Whether for a long weekend or all season, spending any time in Maine during the summer is a major perk of living in the Northeast. Many East Coasters choose Portland as their destination, which can render the quaint city crowded with tourists. To avoid some of the summer throngs, I prefer to stay in Biddeford, Maine, less than a 25-minute drive down the coast from the popular city.

Looking for classic New England charm? Biddeford’s got it in spades. A thriving textile mill town in the 1800s, the past decade has seen its popularity rise once again after declining in the mid-1900s. The main street is dotted with shops and restaurants run by friendly locals—but first, let’s explore some possible accommodations.

The bespoke Lincoln Hotel is located in the heart of downtown and is one of the first hotels to be awarded a prestigious key by the Michelin Guide, which denotes “A very special stay.” With 33 well-appointed guest rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, their very own coffee shop and bakery, a lobby bar, and Batson River Brewing located on the ground floor, this is the perfect choice for couples looking for a luxe romantic getaway. If you prefer private residences, this spacious and modern apartment rental on Airbnb is also located downtown and only 10 minutes from the beach.

When booking your stay, go ahead and also snag a dinner reservation at Magnus on Water, where I had one of my top three meals all year. They serve Peruvian-inspired comfort food that’s been elevated in preparation technique to complement the unbeatable cocktails, top-notch service, and elegant decor. Think dishes like Amberjack with red kiwi, black sesame, shiso, leche de tigre, and green crab-dusted rice cracker, along with pepper-braised oxtail over local Maine grain polenta with crispy purple potato, Peruvian red peppers known as Aji Panca, and pickled shallot.

For mornings, be sure to try the decadent pistachio cream latte at Time and Tide Coffee on Main Street. They are serious coffee roasters who approach their craft with a joyful spirit, and their line of single-origin beans makes a perfect gift for any and every coffee-lover. They also host fun pop-ups with local makers and artists, so be sure to check their website for upcoming events. After securing your caffeine, head over to Palace Diner for breakfast, located in a tiny 15-stool dining car built in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1927. The small, classic diner menu is expertly executed and well worth any wait.

Just like Portland, Biddeford is also on the water and has public beaches on the Atlantic: Fortune’s Rocks Beach, Middle Beach, and Biddeford Pool. Fortune’s Rocks is a favorite of surfers and has port-a-potties during the season, but my favorite beach to spend an afternoon is Biddeford Pool, which is accessible via a graded path lined with mobi mats. You can obtain a daily fire permit from the town and watch the moonrise over the ocean in the evening while enjoying a bonfire on the sand.

Planning a summer trip to the Maine coast? Be sure to bookmark this article and share it with your travel companions!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.