Cruise ships docked by the piers in downtown Portland, Maine.

Portland, Maine

The first and only time I had visited Portland, Maine until today was thirteen years ago, driving an enchanting sky blue Ford Mustang convertible. Back then I had less than a day to visit but I thought it was a very cool town. I had less than a day to visit Portland this time too, but was determined to make the most of it. So after completing the Pine Tree Marathon at Cove Park and showering at the nearby hotel, I consulted Trip Advisor and tried to visit a few of its Top 10 Attractions for Portland.

Number one on that list was Allagash Brewery. Perfect. I needed to get lunch anyhow.

When I went, facemasks were still required but the staff was very welcoming a friendly. The server asked me if I had been to the brewery before and I replied that I was visiting from Colorado to run the marathon. The server had once lived in Colorado Springs, apparently.

The barista overheard our conversation and told me before moving to Portland a couple years ago, she had lived in Fort Collins for eight years working for New Belgium Brewery. “I ran the Horsetooth Half once,” she added. Small world.

After enjoying a nice burger and beer, I headed downtown to walk by the piers and along Commercial Street.

My time here was definitely too brief but once again my impression was Portland is a very nice place to live. I have no idea when will be the next time I go back (other than flying back to Colorado from its airport after completing the New England Challenge) but I hope to spend more time there and maybe find some lobster rolls.

banners for Allagash Brewing Company
I went to have lunch at Allagash Brewing Company.
burger, chips, coleslaw, and beer at Allagash Brewing Company
My lunch at Allagash.
The United States Custom House in downtown Portland, Maine.
The United States Custom House in downtown Portland, Maine.
Boats docked by the piers in downtown Portland, Maine.
Boats docked by the piers in downtown Portland, Maine.
A black 911 Turbo (991 Series) parked in downtown Portland, Maine with a sign reading "May you have fair winds and following seas."
A black 911 Turbo (991 Series) parked in downtown Portland, Maine with a sign reading "May you have fair winds and following seas."
Cruise ships docked by the piers in downtown Portland, Maine.
Cruise ships docked by the piers in downtown Portland, Maine.
A mural reading "Time for a pint!" on the side of the Flatbread Company building in downtown Portland, Maine.
A mural reading "Time for a pint!" on the side of the Flatbread Company building in downtown Portland, Maine.
A propeller and U.S. flag by the harbor in downtown Portland, Maine.
A propeller and U.S. flag by the harbor in downtown Portland, Maine.
The harbor in downtown Portland, Maine.
The harbor in downtown Portland, Maine.
Restaurant tables were set up on Fore Street by some greenspace during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restaurant tables were set up on Fore Street by some greenspace during the COVID-19 pandemic.