Portland, Maine is a beautiful city to visit for a quick getaway, where you can enjoy the quintessential New England landscape. My husband and I first stumbled upon Portland while chasing food cities, and visited for the first time during New Years. The second time was during the summer to run the Shipyard Half Marathon, and ever since we've made it a point to visit at least once a year. 

The city is filled with good eats, local brews, shops, lighthouses and art galleries – whatever suits your fancy. Whether you are there to enjoy a luxe romantic winter escape, during the peak of summer, or for the fall foliage, you can’t go wrong with which time of year you choose to visit. Below is a 48-hour guide to your stay in Portland, Maine.

WHAT TO DO
From just walking the streets, visiting the tasting rooms of local breweries, to enjoying some outdoor adventures during the winter time, Portland offers a variety of activities for all.

• Visit microbreweries such as Maine Beer Company, Allagash, Liquid Riot, Bissell Brothers, Foundation and Austin Street Brewery

• Walk and shop the streets of Portland visiting Fore Street, Commercial Street and Old Port

• Try a shot of fire cider, an herbal concoction, elixir or craft cocktail at Vena's Fizz House

• Go cross country skiing or snow shoeing at Pineland Farms

• Visit Freeport Maine for the L.L.Bean Flagship Store and outlet shops

• Visit the Portland Museum of Art, Space Gallery or First Friday Art Walk

• Run the Old Port half marathon or 5k which offers a scenic, relatively flat route

• Visit the local farmers market to pick up some fresh Maine made products before you head home

WHERE TO EAT
Let’s just say that the good eats and brews in Portland are one of the main things that keep us coming back for more. There are so many good options – many of which support the locally sourced, farm-to-table concept.

• Eventide Oyster Co – Fresh seafood such as local oysters, chowder and a lobster roll (the best)

• Fore Street – Watch your food be made in the open concept kitchen. The menu is constantly changing with the season and what is fresh. If you can, do try their mussels, short ribs, and whole fish.

• Duckfat – Great lunch nook for a tasty sandwich, fries or brussel sprouts, topped off with a milkshake.

• Portland Hunt + Alpine club - Scandinavian fare and craft cocktails. Do try their deviled eggs, pretzel, popcorn and dumplings.

• Hot Suppa - Serving Southern comfort breakfast dishes. Do try their biscuit, hash, waffles and homemade kombucha.

• Central Provisions – Tapas like vibe with eclectic small plates and cocktails.

• Street & Co - Fresh seafood creations supporting local and seasonal flavors.

• Flatbread Company – You can never go wrong with a wood-fired pizza and beer.

• Holy Donut - Nothing like a donut made from sweet potatoes. The chocolate sea salt and chocolate coconut are delish.

WHERE TO STAY
The two hotels below are highly recommended if you’re into a boutique hotel vibe versus chain hotels. To me, they are worth the few extra bucks to get a more authentic feel for the city along with great recommendations from the staff members who are experts on the area. The Danforth Inn has been our stomping ground for many visits, but the Pomegranate Inn is high up on the list as well from the most recent trip.

• The Danforth Inn - a stately 1823 mansion boutique inn located in Portland’s West End. If you're there during the winter, get a cozy room with a fireplace.

• Pomegranate Inn – “shabby chic” and whimsical boutique bed and breakfast, part of the Lark Hotels (they are all over New England - great ones in Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket).