Destination Relocation Services
Greater Portland has 245,000+ residents where it is a safe and healthy environment to live and raise your family. The United Health Foundation ranked Maine #1 with the least violent crime and #9 overall healthiest state in 2009. The links on this page will help you drill down for information within the greater Portland region of Maine.
Maine Day Trip is positioned to help you with your evaluation and overview of the area without pressure or commitment. As an independent consultant, guide and advocate, we will provide you with an unbiased orientation and evaluation tour that focuses on your interests. Having experienced three corporate relocations, the last being the Portland region 10 years ago, I understand the subtleties and stress that this process causes. I look forward to being able to help you jump start your move to the beautiful state of Maine.
Best regards, Norm Forgey
(207) 838-5275
Personal observations and comments:
Restaurants and Pubs in the Portland area:
- Fore Street - Possibly the best and my favorite restaurant in the State. Voted 2009 Best Restaurant in Portland. Street and Co is my favorite seafood only restaurant. Both in the Old Port area downtown. Dinner only beginning at 5:30 p.m. Reservations generally needed.
- Sebago Brewing Co - brew pub with 3 locations, great beer and food. Very family friendly.
- J's Oyster (5 Portland Pier) - best value boiled lobster dinner, no fried foods, local bar clientele of fishermen, lawyers and other fun people.
- DiMillo's Floating Restaurant - best baked stuffed lobster around. Bar and deck area especially nice. Children's menu. Free parking for restaurant, $5 hour parking for everyone else.
- $3 Dewey's - many local beers, good home style cooking and service. Open atmosphere with most seating at picnic style tables and booths.
- The Dogfish Cafe - good food, eclectic atmosphere, great place to kill some time and enjoy.
- David's - great place for lunch or dinner. Sophisticated but comfortable.
- Walter's Cafe - upscale for lunch and dinner. Always good.
- The Grill Room - best beef around and excellent service.
- Saltwater Grille (So Portland) - excellent food and best view of Portland from across the bay. Huge windows and deck for summer dining (bring your hat and sunglasses). Indoor fish tank for the kids.
- Lobster Shack (Cape Elizabeth) - voted 2009 best lobster roll and it has the best ocean view
- Pat's Cafe - wicked good - fresh, high quality and a great atmosphere in the Deering neighborhood.
- Portland Food Map Locator/Blog
Shopping:
- Maine Mall - It's a mall - located in So Portland.
- Freeport - Home to LL Bean and Freeport Village Station, 20 minute drive North from Portland.
- Kittery - Many outlet stores, 1 hour drive South from Portland.
Portland Old Port Events, Arts, News
- Portland Downtown District - Everything from First Friday Art Walks, free concerts at Monument Square, and Wednesday Farmer's Market.
- Longfellow Books - Voted best bookstore in Portland
Additional Driving Tips/Laws in Maine:
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks
- Seatbelts required along with appropriate child restraints based on age, weight and height
- Lights on in fog and rain
- No smoking in car with passengers under 16
- No cell phone use for drivers under 18
- Effective 9/12/09 Driving Distracted - Any activity while driving - targeting the behavior, not the devices
- Right turn on red ok unless marked otherwise
- Many one way streets in downtown Portland
- Maintain 3 foot distance from bicycle riders, ok to pass crossing the double yellow lines when safe to do so
