When I qualified for the Boston Marathon, Craig and I planned to fly out for a total of 10 days and explore the Northeast (particularly Boston and Maine) since neither of us had been to this part of the country. Craig has always wanted to go to Maine since he was a kid. He always saw it as being very similar to Alaska, so it was natural that he wanted to visit the area. For the past few days, we have been busying exploring Maine and all it has to offer. Before we left for our trip to Maine, Craig declared he was going to have lobster at ever meal—and by golly he succeeded.
Our first meal (breakfast) was at The Porthole in Portland, ME. It got good reviews online, so we thought we’d check it out.
We walked from where we are staying to the restaurant which was situated on the wharf. After every marathon I run, I always end up craving protein—particularly meat—so I chose the breakfast sandwich with egg, sausage, and cheese. It was very good. 
Craig had lobster and eggs benedict. He said it was one of his favorite meals. 
Afterwards we walked over to The Standard Baking Co. and grabbed a coffee and pastry. I was still hungry and pretty much have been since Tuesday. You could tell this was a very popular place to go. 
Next it was off to see the ocean at Crescent Beach State Park. 
It was cold and chilly but still pretty. 
Craig and I had a nice walk down the beach. We saw all sorts of shells: lobster, crab, clam, and snail. We also saw a lobster pot and a guy using his metal detector to find treasures. 
For lunch, we headed to The Lobster Shack Restaurant. Most lobster shacks are not open until later in the spring, but luckily we found one that was already open for business. 
Naturally it was filled with all beach-related things. 
Craig was excited about his lobster sandwich. I promise, he really was excited. 
Lobster meal #2.
I just had a salad and some clam chowder, so I didn’t even bother taking a picture. 
Then it was off the Baxter Brewing Co.
Getting a tour of the brewery.
Craig couldn’t pass up visiting a brewery with his last name. 
I felt like I was on an all-day progressive dinner. Good thing we did so much walking!
Our third a final lobster meal was down a back alley in Portland.
Eventually we arrived at our destination: Street & Co.
We strted with bread + butter + salt and pepper. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar seem to be fading out and other dips like this seem to be taking their place. 
This meal was highly recommended to us by multiple people: Lobster Diavolo. The saucepan was filled with linguine and a sauce that was topped with lobster, calamari, clams, and a couple other types of shellfish. 
This was supposed to feed two, but I’m pretty sure it could have fed at least three people. The meal was good, but I wasn’t overly impressed. I like lobster, but I am not a fan of clams or the calamari. 
I was also a little creeped out by some of the seafood items such as this guy. But Craig really like the dish. I just don’t think I’m much of a pasta-person. 
I am full and sleepy, so it is time to go to bed. I might even try running in the morning!
Looks like a really cool city. I love the old buildings. 🙂
Looks like you’re having fun! Have to leave my $.02, though – you should really consider a week completely off. Heal that glute/hamstring/etc so you can attack the next training cycle!
Eek! Now I feel bad for running this morning. I only did one mile, so hopefully I’ll be okay. But you are right, I probably need to lay low for a while–but as you know, it is so hard when you love it so much!
I lived in Portland for a little over 3 years, and I must say, in a few days, you hit nearly all of my favorites! I got a little envious reading your post about all my favorite haunts. It’s also an amazing town for runners–beautiful trails around the bay or along the coast and lots of fun races. And where else would you find Joan Benoit Samuelson hopping into a local 10k? We moved away a couple of years ago (to Ohio), and now we’re headed to Anchorage this summer (which is how I found your blog!). One of the reasons we wanted to try living in Alaska is that it reminded us a little bit of Maine. But perhaps with a teeeensy bit more snow. 🙂 Anyway, glad you enjoyed your visit to my favorite state!
Awesome! Yes, there is probably quite a bit more snow in Alaska. :/
Looks like so much fun! I’m glad that you are able to enjoy it, I tend to crash and hibernate after a marathon. I not sure what it is by Mr. Dawn is totally obsessed with visiting Maine someday. Its a total guy state!
Yes, definitely more of a guy’s state. I wonder if the percentage of males is higher in ME like it is in AK.
We’re going up to Maine this fall because that’s where my husband’s family is from and I’m so excited! We’ll be staying in Beals, but I’m bookmarking the Porthole and Baxter Brewing so maybe we can visit on our way up since we’re flying into Boston. Anyway, all that just to say I’m appreciating these posts!
Someone said they weren’t impressed with the food at Porthole–but then again they had lived in New York for a while, so their standards might be higher. However, we were not disappointed.
I’m from Kansas, so I’m pretty sure I’d be impressed with any seafood from the coast.
so glad that you were able to explore Boston and Maine after all the craziness of last week. Portland’s such a fun place, with great running too! If you ever get back, fall in Maine is absolutely gorgeous (ps you could run the Maine Marathon!) and Red’s Eats has so pretty darn good lobster rolls…
My husband was commenting we really didn’t travel to this area during the right time of the year. Where is Red’s Eats?
Wiscasset! wish I could have told you that before you went up to Fort Edgecomb – you were so close! But yes, fall is definitely Maine’s best season…I guess you’ll just have to come back soon!
I think my husband might have pointed the place out. Bummer we didn’t stop.
I was born and raised in Portland Maine before moving to North Carolina….. and I must say that you have visited some of my all time favorite places! I lost a shoe in the fish pond at LL Bean when I was 5! We used to visit my dad at work and eat breakfast on the wharf! And the Lobster Shack is the ONLY place I will go to get my lobster when I go home to visit family! I am so happy that you enjoyed your time in Maine, especially after the stress and trauma of the Boston marathon!
Awesome! I’ll have to check out the Lobster Shack if I ever go back!
Okay, I’m dumb. I just realized the Lobster Shack is where we went. Oops.