Five Fun Finds in Greater Portland for Maine Camps Families

By Laurie, the Maine Campcierge™ As I always say, one of the best parts about sending your kids to camp in Maine is getting to spend time in Maine.  Whether I’m there for Visiting Day or traveling to Maine for work, I always make time to visit my favorite spots AND make new discoveries in Portland.  On a recent trip, I had the good fortune to enjoy some Main(e)stays, and learn about some new fun finds at a get together hosted by Visit Portland.  Check these out on your next visit to Portland: Holy Donut – This hotspot hits the sweet spot.  I kid you not.  My text to my family was … “Don’t eat dessert.  I have good treats!!  My flight lands at 8.”  And did I deliver!  The donuts faired fairly well in transit and we taste-tested many good flavors including: Chai, Fresh Lemon, Maine Apple, Pomegranate, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Maple, and Holy Cannoli.  Located at 7 Exchange Street and with additional locations.  www.theholydonut.com Craft Breweries – Portland’s craft brew scene is thriving with over 20 local breweries.  Many feature tasting rooms, live music, food trucks, pub snacks, games, and merchandise. Some breweries are located right in downtown Portland and some are just a short ride away.  Rising Tide Brewing Company, for example, is a family-owned brewery that is guided by creative flavors, quality, consistency, and community, and it supports Maine farmers by using local ingredients in every beer (www.risingtidebrewing.com).  And … if you’d like to visit a few different breweries and get a great education along the way, I’d recommend The Maine Brew Bus, which offers public and private tours. www.themainebrewbus.com Sebago Sailing – Amateur and expert seafarers alike can rent boats, enjoy sunset cruises or even take a private sailing lesson on Sebago Lake in the Greater Portland area.  Also fun to try … people can take out a Hobie Eclipse Board, which is like an elliptical on the water!  www.sebagosailing.com Float Harder Relaxation Center – Visitors come to relax, clear the mind, and ease pain with a float in salt water.  Floating helps people relax muscles, strengthen the immune system, and ease insomnia, depression, and jet lag.  www.floatharder.com RiRa – I was in RiRa’s upstairs for a private function and was very taken with the charm of the space and the water view.  There are many great areas upstairs for rental (for bridal showers, rehearsal/group dinners, meetings and other events).  The main level is an Irish pub & restaurant enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, and you can’t beat the location (72 Commercial Street)! www.rira.com/portland/ A couple other notable mentions … Kudos to the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront(located at 65 Commercial Street).  The refurbished lobby looks gorgeous!  Decorated in blues, greys, and beige it feels modern and chic. Cheers for the hotels’ shuttles!  A lot of downtown Portland is very walkable and it’s easy to get from place to place.  However, there are times you need to get somewhere a little quicker, or when places are a little farther away, or if it’s raining or nighttime and car transport is better.  Many of the hotels in Portland provide complimentary shuttle transportation for their hotel guests.  Hotels including: The Press, The Westin, and A/C Marriott can help with rides around town, to/from the airport, and anywhere local you need to go. You may have to wait a minute or two for them to get back from a run but for the most part – they’re there, they’re comfortable, and they’re free! — Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our  website.

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child?  Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks).  It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates.  Then you can research these camps in more depth.

Next, be sure to  to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.