Back in March, the same weekend as that random Friday snow storm (yes that long ago!), Nick and I decided to get out of the city for a weekend. Since we don't have a car, we can't generally just pick up and go. However, after walking by the signs for the
Amtrak Downeaster in the T station day after day, we decided to look into the train to Portland. Turns out its pretty simple and way cheaper than renting a car!
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| Ocean! |
While driving to Portland would have been tough in the midst of a snow storm, the train got us up there only about 10 minutes late. The train was easy - loads of leg room and a dining car with some food and plenty of beer and wine to help pass the ride. In two and half hours we arrived in the city, jumped in a cab and rode about 10 minutes to our hotel in downtown Portland.
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| Commercial St. |
We stayed at the
Portland Harbor Hotel and it was great! The staff was super friendly and the rooms were large and comfortable. The best part was the location - right at the corner of Fore and Union Streets and right in the middle of shops, restaurants and bars.
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| Fore St. at sunset |
We arrived on the later side on Friday night and grabbed some food and beers at
Novare Res Bier Cafe. This place has one of the longest lists of beer I have ever seen. For regulars, there is a list of all the beers in house covering two full sheets of paper, and the bartenders will keep a copy for you as you try to work your way through every one. The bartenders were knowledgeable and more than willing to offer food and drink recommendations for our weekend. This place really is a beer lovers paradise!
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| Another shot of Fore St. |
I have a couple more posts detailing our weekend, but here's a hint: we spent A LOT of time eating and drinking!
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| Cute Downtown |
We returned to Boston on Sunday. Our hotel was nice enough to have the hotel car bring us to the train station, which just capped off our lovely weekend away. As you will see in the posts to come, Portland has tons to offer and is totally worth the trip north!
Portland is one of my favorite cities! We went to Novare Res Bier Cafe last summer and loved it.
ReplyDeleteyour photos are gorgeous! Can you believe I still haven't been there? (But I love the Amtrak that heads up that way, I've taken it to NH several times)
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about the Amtrak Downeaster - glad to hear it's a flawless ride! Now I want to go back to Portland soon!
ReplyDeleteWow. The train does sound really easy. Will have to remember that for a weekend escape!
ReplyDeletePerfect - we are thinking of going to Portland next month! Did you happen to bring your dog? I've heard the city has a number of dog-friendly hotels.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't bring the dogs because the train was not dog friendly...however our hotel was!
DeleteGreat to know! I think Sadie will come with :)
DeleteI looooove Portland! We are trying to find some time to get up there. The train sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteSeems to be a beautiful travel destination and lovely photos too..
ReplyDeleteManhattan extended stay
I agree with all of the points keep up the good work.
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