This past week I returned from an adventure exploring the north-eastern American coast.
It was only a short trip before I headed off to a conference in Quebec City, but I feel that I discovered a host of new magnificent travel destinations.
The trip, as you can see, involved many, many hours of driving. But the scenery I saw along the way was breathtaking. Endless stretches of forests, mountains, and then the change to coastal plains and, finally, the sparkling sea. I also finished an audio book along the way, Thrive by Arianna Huffington (co-founder of HuffPost), which I highly recommend and which was very fitting to a long journey.
The first city I visited was Portland. Not the one you all know in Oregon. This one is in Maine, and it has a charming vibe all its own.
When I got there, the sun was just setting. The boats had come in to the harbor for the day. And there were twinkling fairy lights dotting the coast along the sea. It was unbelievably lovely.
I had already plotted to check out Saltwater Grille, a restaurant located in South Portland with great online reviews. The location was prime, with a view overlooking the harbor and downtown Portland.
The food and wine was good (I had the lobster linguine), though not what I was expecting for the price. However, the staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful and the atmosphere of the place was very fun and lively.
That night, I stayed in the Inn at St John. This place I couldn't recommend more highly. Because they offer a variety of room types, you can stay for less than in a conventional hotel, yet enjoy all of the charming perks and courtesies of a bed and breakfast. The lobby was stocked in the evenings with milk and fresh baked cookies (complementary), and a quaint continental breakfast is included the following morning. All the other guests I met while staying there were also very friendly.
The following morning, I awoke refreshed and set out to explore the city for a few hours before I hit the road.
The town is full of a unique shops, local cafes, and painted in a myriad of sunny colors. It mixes luxury with a laid-back, sea-side feel, instantly zapping one into vacation mode.
I checked out one of the local coffeehouses, Coffee By Design, which has a handful of locations in Portland. A fun hangout and good-quality coffee.
Finally my walk led me down to the Waterfront district, which was my favorite. There was a chain link fence along one section dotted with hundreds of locks, "love locks", many with writing on them.
A number of little shack-style restaurants dotted the water. I then made what turned out to be a very good decision. A friend of mine also in Portland at the moment recommended that I try a "lobster roll". So I popped in one of these restaurants, the Portland Lobster Company, and placed my order.
This is what it resulted in. A pile of delicious fresh fries, a fresh little bucket of coleslaw, and an oversized piece of buttered toast piled with fresh lobster meat, which was, delightfully, drizzled in more butter. By far my favorite edible item in Portland.
"Beware of Sid, the vicious seagull. He will steal your food!"
Still swooning over my lobster roll, I finally bid Portland goodbye and set off toward New Brunswick, Canada, which I wold have to drive across before making it to Nova Scotia that evening.
To be continued.... :)
