Whether you go for the traditional lobster roll or not, Portland, Maine is a little city with plenty of delicious food to offer. One of our favorites is J's Oyster House. J’s Oyster House is situated right on the water. The building looks like its been there for hundreds of years, beaten and worn overtime by crisp New England air. It’s small and dark inside, but packed with people, all competing for a place to sit and chow. When we finally got a chance to sit down, we started with fresh, raw oysters and a cup of New England clam chowder. The oysters were succulent and the chowder was chunky and delicious. Next, we ordered a bucket of steamers. The man sitting next to us recommended we do so. A local and loyal J’s customer for some fifty years, he said the steamers were the best. So we felt we just had to have them too. I’ve never been so content. They were incredible! Not only was the seafood the very best I’ve ever had, so was the service. In fact, when Paul and I mentioned to the bartender that we’d never been to Portland before, she drew us a map and told us the best places to go. Next, the oyster man (the one whose only job was to shuck the oysters, it seemed) came over and drew us another map, this time directing us to the secret location that the locals go to get away from the tourists. It was perfect and just what we needed. By the time we left, we felt like we were locals too.

Along the waterfront near the downtown Old Port district, the family-owned Harbor Fish Market is a 40-year-old shop prized by locals for its reliable excellence. Pristine scallops glisten in cases, and the air smells of ocean brine. Order a lobster to go (the staff will cook it for you), and then stroll up Commercial Street to picnic-perfect Eastern Promenade Park, a grassy bayside expanse. —Meeghan Truelove 9 Custom House Wharf, (207) 775-0251, harborfish.com. Image by Peter Ptschelinzew/Lonely Planet Images.

After successful stints at Ralph Lauren Polo and Abercrombie & Fitch, designer Alex Carleton opened Rogues Gallery (41 Wharf St., (207) 553-1999), a nautical-inspired clothing store in Portland. When he’s not hand-printing whale flukes on T-shirts, Carleton spends time at these nearby spots. —Meeghan Truelove “The Portland Observatory (138 Congress St., (207) 774-5561) is my favorite structure in the city. It’s an octagonal clapboard tower built in 1807 to signal when ships arrived in port. Inside is the best antique graffiti in town—names in curlicue letters carved into the wood during the 19th century.” “On any given night at the Space Gallery (538 Congress St., (207) 828-5600), you can catch a concert, an art opening, or an indie film.” “I love the collection at the Portland Museum of Art (7 Congress Sq., (207) 775-6148), especially the works by American painters Winslow Homer, Rockwell Kent, and Andrew Wyeth.” Image courtesy of Rogues Gallery. This appeared in the July/August 2011 issue. 

This is what a coffee shop should be. Well crafted drinks that are swift, but not rushed. Plenty of seating for locals to chat, read, and caffeinate for the day. Because they offer soups it can get crowded at the lunch hour!

Local is the operative word in the Portland, Maine food scene. Ask a waiter what Atlantic Day-Boat halibut is exactly, and he'll spin a story about the local captain who pulls in with the day's catch. At the height of summer, it seems that every ingredient is caught, raised, foraged, or grown in the vicinity. So it's no surprise that Maine oysters take pride of place at Eventide Oyster Co. Sure, there are some bivalves from New York and the West Coast, but my advice is to quiz the waitress about the ones from West Bath, Casco Bay, and the Damariscotta River. A hit of frozen Tabasco came on the house, but these plump beauties are best with just a squeeze of lemon.

Portland, Maine is one of the oldest cities in the United States and the Old Port is where it shows. The waterfront in the Old Port continues to be a working waterfront with ferries, fishing boats, and lobster boats coming and going daily. This part of the city still boasts a few cobblestone streets and is made up primarily of old brick buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s. The area is known for its shops, restaurants, museums and nightlife. Sure, Freeport is where the deals are and where you can find all of the brands you know and love. But the Old Port is the best place to go if you are looking for a gift that is uniquely Maine. Make sure to stop by GrittyMcDuff's for the local brew, Becky's for a fisherman's feast, and Exchange Street for lots of shops.

For a fun night out in Portland there is no better place than Bull Feeney's. Quality live music (multiple stages), great local beer, and lots of room make this a great place to take in the Portland nightlife. Friday's and Saturday's during the summer and St. Patrick's Day are the most popular nights at Bull Feeney's but almost any weekend night is bound to be fun. The bar is a favorite with locals but is devoid of the pretentiousness and exclusion of many local favorites in other cities. Just show up and get ready for a good time. The bar's location is also very central for the Old Port. So if you don't like what you find, go across the street and try something else out. If you do stay the night don't try the same beer twice! They have a great variety of local beers and since they don't sell pitchers, there are no cost savings anyway.

Silly's is one of the most unique restaurants in the world. It is hard to describe exactly what makes it different, it's just silly. In the summer make sure to get out and enjoy the beautiful back patio. Silly's has managed to fit more options on a one page menu than any restaurant I've ever been to and every option is absolutely delicious. The restaurant has an extensive selection of burritos, pizzas, burgers, salads, milkshakes, desserts, local beers, finger foods, and breakfast foods. I can honestly say I've never had a meal I didn't love here! From Silly's you're a short drive to Portland's Old Port and a walk from the Eastern Prom - a great place to catch a sunset and a smoothie - as well as other local bars and restaurants. Bumper stickers throughout the city urge you to "Buy Local" and "Keep Portland Weird." At Silly's you will be doing both and having a great meal (probably with leftovers) to boot!

While jogging, walking, or racing around Back Bay be sure to take a moments break to embrace the skyline of Portland, Maine. Although it's not a city full of skyscrapers -- the small New England city has some great little hidden gems.

You really can't experience Portland without experiencing the islands of Casco Bay. The bay is everything to the city. It drives the fishing industry, the tourism industry, and most of the local fun. A ferry service leaving off Commercial Street in Portland will take you out to most of the major islands at any time of year. The most popular island to visit is Peaks Island. A quick ferry ride drops you off right down the hill from a locally made ice cream shop as well as a bike rental shop. Bring your own bike or rent one from the shop. Biking is the best way to see all of the island in a day. A loop road goes all the way around the island - it's around 4 miles - with lots of other side streets to explore. You'll want to schedule in time to eat at one of the restaurants on Peaks or pack a lunch to eat on the beach. On Sundays during the summer get out early (first thing in the morning!) to make sure you can get into Reggae Sunday at Jones Landing. It's the biggest party in Portland. Peaks Island is a great day long get away for people of any age or physical ability. You can bike, walk, eat, lounge, explore. For the quirkier traveler the island also boasts the world largest umbrella cover museum.

We often refer to this trip as our “doomed trip to Maine” because if anything could have gone wrong, it did. However, now, we think our “doom” was quite delicious, and, in the end, one of our most memorable trips. As teachers, we decided to spend our last weekend of summer freedom in Portland, Maine. Living in NJ, we knew Portland was going to be quite a drive, but we were looking forward to seeing a part of the country we had yet to explore. Unfortunately, the drive turned out to be longer than expected. We got stuck in the traffic of the annual summer air show in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and, in our attempt to circumnavigate, got lost on the back roads of Kennebunkport. We learned that Kennebunkport is a lovely place to get lost, especially since the locals are very helpful in steering you to the closest and most popular place to get a decent lobster roll. After filling up, with fresh lobster, we made our way into Portland, several hours behind schedule and beyond exhausted. Once in Portland, we discovered J’s Oyster, a small and intimate seafood restaurant on the water. While conversing with the regulars, we were so kindly given two hand drawn maps on napkins, leading us to places that “only the locals” go. The next day we decided to utilize the maps from our new friends and, while we made several wrong turns, we wound up here, at the marking of the shipwreck of the Annie C. Maguire. It really put the word LOST into perspective.

The 19th-century landscape painter Winslow Homer produced some of his best-known works at this house on the coast of Maine, recently restored by the Portland Museum of Art.

Spurwink Country Kitchen is a favorite for our visits to Maine and qulaifies for DART status as far as I am concerned. Friendly service, home made pies and great comfort food. Put the address in GPS and head on over.

You can't fully appreciate coastal Maine without getting on a boat and exploring the islands. Sure, the beaches are great. Downtown Portland is great. But until you've gotten out onto the islands there is an entire world you're missing out on. Of all the islands you can visit, Jewell Island gives the most bang for your buck. Unfortunately, no public transportation exists to take you to Jewell. However, you can hire a water taxi or find a friendly local (your best bet is the water taxi). Once you're on the island, the first thing to do is set up camp. Campsites on Jewell are first come first serve but there is usually only a problem on holiday weekends in the summer. Any day of the week you still want to get your pick of campsites. Most campsites are beautifully located overlooking the ocean and provide flat smooth areas to set up tent as well as a firepit and eating area. All camping is carry-in carry-out. Also on the island are two WWII lookout towers. Climb up these towers and you're treated to a panoramic view of Casco Bay and a great sunrise/sunset. You'll find other WWII ruins as well as "The Punch Bowl", hiking trails, and a beach where every rock seems to be perfect for skipping. This island is a true local treat! And much more fun than any hotel room.

Explore nearby Goose Rocks Beach by cruiser bike or in the hotel’s 1956 Ford station wagon. Mixology classes, treehouse spa treatments, and hammock lounging are other good bets. After dark, settle next to the bonfire—marshmallow stick in hand. From $798 for two nights, May through October. Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, Maine, (207) 967- 9050, hiddenpondmaine.comPhoto courtesy of Hidden Pond. This appeared in the July/August 2012 issue.

A great find in Southern Maine, a beautiful five mile beach with spectacular views & white sand. No place can compare to the beauty that this beach embraces that families have come to summer for many generations. A perfect day to relax, take advantage of the many water activities out in Goose Rocks Bay overlooking Timber Island. There's something for everyone around every corner of Goose Rocks. Be sure to check it out while your in Southern Maine. Just bear in mind during the summer months you will need a parking sticker, which can be purchased directly from the Kennebunkport Police Department or Kennebunkport Town Hall. For accommodations in the area, please check out: www.gooserocksbeach.net.

Cape Porpoise is quite the charming small village in the Town of Kennebunkport. The harbor is a safe haven for the many lobster boats & dingy's that call this place their home & office. The islands can be a great escape for camping or exploration. Goat Island, one of the many islands that make up the neighboring islands of the harbor offers visitors a working lighthouse & gate keepers house for exploration. There's a few good local restaurants specializing in Maine fare that are a great find too. An outing in Cape Porpoise really can't be missed while visiting Kennebunkport. There's always something going on & you can find a story threw the lens or chat with a local to find more about this charming spot.

We call them DART (Disappearing America Road Trip) and the whole point is to find the things that are disappearing before you can no longer find them at all. Here an eight lane alley with the counter service for burgers and grilled cheese still has old equipment and self scoring. Boothbay Harbor offers the usual Maine seaside experience of ice cream, beer, fried food and gift shops but this small gem makes it worth stopping by when in the area.

Spring time in Goose Rocks Beach is charming. Nested in on this spectacular 5 mile long beach beach. It's the perfect place to pull up an Adirondack chair to relax, soak up the view & read a good book.