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Back in August I was itching to go away for a bit and I came across an ig post on the green book page about Portland Maine. I decided to go on a solo trip based on how great that post was and I can say it was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. I felt so safe and there was so much to see and do within walking distance. The boat tour was phenomenal and I’m still daydreaming about the lobster rolls. 10/10
Portland Maine was such a hidden gem for us! I traveled to Portland for the first time this summer and was completely blown away by everything there was to do and how many great food options there were. We traveled with our 4 year old daughter and 2 month infant and found that it was an extremely family friendly destination from the lake and ocean beaches to the children’s museum and even a winery that was super family friendly with different board games that you could play while sampling the wine. While I grew up going to Martha’s Vineyard for a few weeks each summer and have had plenty of lobster rolls- the lobster rolls in Maine blew the Martha’s Vineyard lobster rolls out of the water! What was most surprising to me about Portland is that there were actually a few black owned businesses.
Since Maine is predominately white, I wasn’t expecting to see many black people at all and definitely was not expecting it to have a few black owned businesses including a Jamaican restaurant called YARDIE TING. While there I would definitely recommend checking it out- it’s a very authentic Jamaican restaurant ran by a husband and wife team and they have everything from oxtails to stewed chicken to patties.
And if you’re looking for a good late night option check out Oga Suya- it’s a Nigerian bbq spot at the Portland Zoo (an outdoor beer garden type of vibe with DJ’s, etc.)
I can’t really say that I had anything remarkable happen.
I was in Peabody Mass for a couple of days and stayed at the Homewood Suites with my son and his girlfriend.
Wandered around Salem and the Village during that time (it was the week leading up to Halloween so it was mostly festive), at a beautiful restaurant (Sea Level Oyster Bar) outside of the main areas of Salem on the water, then drove to Maine.
Stayed at my son’s place in Brunswick. Went to Portland and ate lobster on the waterfront, drank local beers at the lobster place and also in Bath at Bath Brewing, but we mostly just stayed close as his girlfriend worked early mornings and my son had to drive and pick her up.
It’s an odd area as it’s not unusual to see a house with both a “don’t tread on me” flag along with a rainbow flag flying (or similar displays along those lines).
Everywhere we went, I didn’t feel any “tension” and was encouraged enough to want to return but my son has moved from the area so I don’t see it happening now.
I traveled to Portland, Maine solo as a black female. I had a wonderful experience. I was in Portland for three days and two nights. All of the people I encountered (workers, locals, other travelers) were very friendly. I went to Scales, Blyth & Borrows, Commercial Street Pub, The Holy Donut, Eventide, Luke’s Lobster, Cocktail Mary and a few other places. There were a lot of nice shops around the area. I felt safe my entire trip, even when walking home from bars at night. A stayed at the Aloft Hotel, my only complaint is that the walls were super thin.
I visited Maine with no clue what to expect. While I knew that the state had much to see and do, I had no idea how receptive locals were to Black travelers. From the time I landed in Portland I was welcomed with open arms and well wishes. Each city I traveled to felt comfortable and safe. It was also great to connect with other Black locals and travelers to enjoy the experience and activities with. Maine is full of great restaurants, deep history and great experiences such as sailing. I would definitely revisit and encourage others to visit as well.