Lighthouses and Lobster

We left Newport behind and drove north, greeted by the first rain of our New England adventure. By the time we rolled into Kennebunkport, a steaming bowl of lobster bisque was the perfect cure for the gray skies. From there, Portland awaited. We checked in, then headed straight to the wharf where lobster, naturally, was on the menu once again.

The days that followed were full of exploring, lighthouse after lighthouse standing guard over the rugged coast, and time spent wandering Portland’s cobblestone streets, ducking into little shops along the way. But the true highlight came with my husband’s 60th birthday. We celebrated with a whale-watching excursion that couldn’t have been more perfect: sunny skies, calm seas, seals and blue sharks gliding by, and the unforgettable sight of a whale surfacing before us.

That evening, dinner for the birthday boy was at Via Vecchia. Nestled in the Old Port, this Italian-inspired small plates restaurant is set in a brick-and-ivy covered building with old-world charm. Inside, the 20-seat bar curves dramatically through the space, framed by velvet booths and a lively, welcoming energy. It was the perfect way to cap off our time in Portland.

Though I enjoyed discovering what Portland had to offer, there were a few things that didn’t win me over…….so for us, it’s a “one and done.” Still, it gave us unforgettable moments, especially celebrating such a special milestone by the sea.

Now we are off to Salem, where I can officially kick start Halloween and my favorite season on the year, autumn.

Pumpkin everything please!