If there’s one thing that is sure to take away the winter blues, it’s to grab a girlfriend and head to the spa! Well, that is exactly what I did this past weekend and while we only got to sneak away for one night, it was a great escape from the humdrum winter routine!
Portland, Maine is a great place to get away to with its Historic Old Port shopping districts and vibrant culinary scene. Even in winter, most of the shops and restaurants are open for business and there are lots of things to do.
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We stayed at the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa and it was just perfect! This historic hotel used to be an old Armory and is located smack dab in the center of Old Port just 2 blocks away from the waterfront. This made it super convenient to explore all the shops, restaurants and bars. Besides it’s great location, the staff was very friendly and helpful and the beds were so comfortable it was like sleeping on a cloud.
While the temperatures may have been a bit chilly and snow covered the ground, we still had a fantastic time! It is February in Maine after all, so frigid temperatures and a little of the white stuff is to be expected.
So what is there to do on a Winter Girlfriend Getaway in Portland?
See more Amazing Ideas for a Girls Weekend in New England
Have Lunch at one of Portland’s Historic Pubs
$3 Dewey’s is hailed as Portland’s Original Ale house. This popular pub serves up an extensive selection of locally brewed beer and ale, many which are brewed right in Portland or other Maine locations.The menu offers classic pub-style food and it’s casual atmosphere with brick walls and exposed beams is a favorite to both locals and visitors. This is a great place to watch a game and first responders and their families get a 20% discount with a valid ID!
Explore the Shops in Old Port
If you like shopping, you will definitely enjoy Old Port with its many unique and interesting shops.
You’ll find all sorts of locally owned businesses along with well known national brands. During our brief visit, we enjoyed exploring the shops along Commercial Street and the surrounding area.
Here are a few of our favorites that we were able to visit. With our short time, we barely made a dent with so many stores, so we will definitely be back!
Local Color
Located right on Commercial Street, Local Color specializes in bright coastal designs created by local artist Kate Nelligan. Walking inside this store evoked such a sense of summer with all the bright colors and patterns. So refreshing!
Salt Cellar
Head down the stairs at the Salt Cellar and you’ll find premium all-natural Salt for everything. Finishing salts for your culinary creations, rejuvenating bath and body products as well as other home and kitchen items.
Himalayan salt lamps are all the rage lately and the largest Himalayan salt lamp in North America (almost 500 pounds) is on display in this Portland shop.
Visit their unique Salt Vault, a spa-like room where you can schedule a session of halo-therapy. This new trend has you laying in a zero-gravity chair as you breathe in salty air with the intent to provide relief from various breathing and skin conditions.
Gross Bakery and Confection Bar
When we walked out of the Salt Cellar, there was an incredible aroma of fresh baked cookies coming from the bakery next door. We just had to go inside to check it out.
“Gross” Bakery and Confection Bar is such an odd name for an eatery but there’s nothing gross about what they are serving up. This place is a bakery by day and a dessert bar at night. What a great concept!
The creations looked delicious and the selections on the dessert bar menu truly sound decadent. This is such a great place to grab a treat or a late light drink and dessert. Although we did not indulge, it will certainly be on the bucket list for the next time I’m in Portland.
Sheepscot River Pottery
This shop offers hand-crafted and hand painted pottery that is made onsite. Not only are these pieces beautiful they are also practical.
Sheepscot River Pottery is a family owned business and one of the last hand-thrown pottery studios around. Portland is its newest location with their main studio located in Edgecomb, Maine.
Pop into this shop to check out their creations along with other home and handmade products. You may even get to see some pieces being made while you are there.
Pick Up Some Souvenirs
Looking for a token of Maine to bring back home with you? Shipwreck and Cargo is the place to go. You won’t be able to miss this fun store which is located on Commercial Street, across from the waterfront. Just look for the pirate standing guard out front.
You will find everything Maine in this nautical themed gift store. There is something for everyone from real buoys, model ships, lobsters, books, clothing and Maine made goodies.
Grab some Tapas at one of Portland’s Hidden Gems
With the frigid temperatures and slippery sidewalks, we didn’t venture too far at night. Luckily, we didn’t have to being in the heart of Old Port. Right across the street from the hotel was The North Point. This cozy little eclectic restaurant serves up some tasty tapas, 10 local beers on tap and lots of top-shelf cocktail creations.
The decor is warm and welcoming with its exposed brick walls and old photos and memorabilia hanging on the walls.
The menu offers a great range of meat and cheese boards, shareable plates and their signature stuffed sandwiches.
We tried the very popular Spinach & Artichoke Dip which was on almost every table. This version was a little unique as it uses pepper jack cheese which gives it a nice little kick you don’t expect.
This place was really quaint with limited tables and a bar. They are open Tuesdays-Saturday and they don’t take reservations so it may be tough to get a seat here in the busier months.
Find a Hidden Speakeasy with $5 Drinks
If you’re up for a challenge, try to find Lincoln’s, a really cool underground speakeasy where everything on the menu is $5. Yes – every drink is only $5 – Cash Only. And these were some great drinks!
You’ll need to find the entrance and then figure out how to get in but it is worth the effort. Once in, you’ll find a dim-lit room with a very laid back atmosphere. You’ll also realize how this place got its name when you see all the pictures of our 16th president, Abe Lincoln, hanging everywhere.
We can’t tell the secret on how to get there but we can say that it isn’t far from the Portland Regency Hotel. Remember…we didn’t venture far!
You may try asking a local and see if they can help give you some clues on finding this cash only bar. Don’t plan on eating here unless you want to try the chili mac as that is the only food they serve.
Good luck finding this awesome little bar with great drinks and secretive vibe!
Get Pampered at the Spa
The Portland Regency Hotel and Spa offers a great Girlfriend Getaway Spa special. This special is available year-round but the cost depends on when you go. Of course, February is the off-season so we got a great deal.
The Spa service we chose was the Botanical Massage which was 80 minutes of pure bliss. As part of your stay, you can also enjoy the Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness center also located in the spa area.
Check Out Some Interesting Art Along the Waterfront
Take a stroll over to the waterfront and you’ll get to see a little bit of history. Located on Long Wharf right near DeMIllo’s restaurant is an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall which was dismantled in 1989.
Apparently, there are pieces of the wall located all over the US and the world. How interesting to learn that Portland has this incredible piece of history on display.
Next to the wall is a piece of the famous Love Lock fence.
Visit Portland Head Lighthouse
No trip to Portland is complete without stopping by Fort Williams to checkout the Portland Head Lighthouse. We were surprised to see so many people visiting this time of year but I guess it is a must-see destination if you are in the area. Some of the local kids were even sledding at the hill nearby.
Our visit to the lighthouse was pretty short as it was quite frigid out with the wind blowing near the water. Still it was amazing to see this beautiful landmark covered in a blanket of snow.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a great place for a winter getaway or day trip, Portland, Maine is an excellent choice. During the off-season, you won’t find much happening near the waterfront but most of the shops and restaurants are still open so you will still have plenty of things to do. Just be sure to bundle up and bring some good walking boots as it can get a bit slippery walking around if there is snow and ice.
Winter is always a challenge in New England with the weather but that is when you will get all the great deals. Your best bet when going during this time is to stay in the heart of Old Port where you are close to the shops and restaurants so you don’t need to travel far.
During the warmer months, there is a lot more activity, especially around the waterfront, but plan on paying double or more for your accommodations.
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