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Northern Charm: Maine-Inspired Finds

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If your soul belongs on the coast, this list was made for you. Explore Maine-style comfort, calm, and coastal beauty. Some links may be affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you 🤍
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Good Eats

Eat your way through Maine — artisanal, cozy, and oh-so-coastal. From lobster shacks to maple treats, this list is your guide to the state’s most iconic (and Instagram-worthy) bites.

 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
I dream about this place. Every single place we went to recommended visiting Highroller Lobster Co. I feel like you either prefer Highroller or Eventide. The ambience of this retro themed restaurant was the perfect place to pause amidst the hustle an...
The Highroller Lobster Co.
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Your girl likes a good beer and a hotdog for a quick lunch when perusing around the city. Portland's own Thirsty Pig was so beyond delicious. With so many types of beers and dogs to choose from, the options are endless and you could visit here a numb...
The Thirsty Pig
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Loved visiting Sodt! This sweet lil' Swedish candy shop was something we found along the way. I'm so glad we stopped and spent some time looking at the different candies because we found that some of the candy wasn't sold in areas local to us (Syracu...
Home | Sødt
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
My partner and I have the fondest memories of scooping dinner here after a day of wandering and heading to Gooch's Beach for a chilly night of good food and laughs while watching the sunset. Their clam strips are my absolute favorite and the vibes of...
The Clam Shack | Seafood Dining & Market | Kennebunk, ME
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
The best ice cream I have ever had. My partner and I visited KPort for a 4 night, 5 day trip in May 2025 and we literally had ice cream from Rococo all 4 of those nights. So beyond obsessed with the Whoopie Pie and Raspberry Ricotta flavors. The smal...
Rococo Handcrafted Ice Cream
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Eating here felt like I was transported to Greece. The night we arrived in Kennebunkport, we decided to go with the first place we found that seemed to have “rave” reviews on local recommendation pages. Upon arrival we were greeted by the nicest wait...
The Lost Fire - Grill & Bar
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
We stopped here for a quick late night bite after a cold and rainy day spent hunting for shells and seaglass on the various Maine beaches! Although, it was crazy rainy and everyone else seemed to have the same dining plans, the ambience was just righ... fried chicken sandwich and my fiance had a pasta dish. He gave the espresso martini a 10/10 - which I can vouch, it wasn't too dark and was pleasant to sip on. For a local quick fix, this is the place to go.
Batson River Brewing & Distilling | Maine Craft Beer | Maine Spirits
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
GET THE POUTINE FRIES. And yes, all the sauces are necessary so just get the sauce flight option. The fries paired with a Maine blueberry beer, top notch lunch or dinner spot after exploring Portland.
DUCKFAT
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Amazing things to say about Gelato Fiasco in the Old Port area. The flavor options are actually endless and it seems like the small batch creations allow for some rotations. I had a Rocky Road gelato and let me tell you, the amount of gooey marshmall...
Portland, Maine Ice Cream - Gelato Fiasco
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
This was my first experience of Coastal Maine life. I have thought about our afternoon visiting Cape Elizabeth and One Bite of Maine every single day since May of 2025. This lobster roll food truck was hands down top 3 lobster rolls of the trip - and...
Bite into Maine | Lobster Rolls | Portland | Nationwide Shipping on Goldbelly
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
I didn't realize this was like a well known cafe prior to visiting Maine! We stopped at the Kennebunk location and scooped a coffee and some yummy pastries before antiquing one morning and it did not disappoint. There were so many locals who seemed t...
Mornings In Paris
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
I had no idea whoopie pies were a Maine staple! Auntie's Whoopie Pies (home of the original whoopie pie ball) was a highlight of our trip. First, I love whoopie pies, a big fan. Second, the whoopie pie balls that are a staple specifically at Auntie's...
Welcome To Auntie's House! Home of the Original Whoopie Ball
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Transparently, I'm not sure if Island Lobster Co. blew me away or if I was high on life from how cute Peaks Island is. I cannot speak highly enough of the allure of Peaks Island. I do remember we got a lobster roll here while exploring the island via...
Island Lobster Company - Portland, ME
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Heavily influenced by social media to try Standard Baking Co. and I am so so so glad I trusted the Tik Tok girlies on this one. The baked goods and fresh, scratch made bread was actually to die for. I tried one of their raspberry bars and essentially...
Portland, Maine Bread & Baked Goods: Organic, Local & Fresh Bread, Pastries, Rolls, Treats, Coffee & More|Standard Baking Co.
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Perkins Cove is a super cute area. We stopped at the Lobster Shack after walking the cliff walk (which I detail more in another list, check it out!). The wait was kind of long and the lobster roll was good but not my favorite. I really enjoyed sittin...
Perkins Cove Lobster Shack | Ogunquit Maine
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
I am personally not a sandwich or sub girly myself but Bennett's is a must try! They have a few different locations, one being in Kennebunkport, Maine. We stayed right across the street at the “Wanderer” cabins so it was super convenient to go and gr...
Bennett's Sandwich Shop - Fresh Handcrafted Sandwiches + More
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
The other half of the great Highroller vs. Eventide debate! Eventide is famous for its brown-butter lobster roll on a steamed bun and a raw bar stacked with local Maine oysters. This one is at the top of my list for our next Portland trip - I need to...
Eventide Oyster Co.
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Donuts made with Maine potatoes?! Yes please. The Holy Donut is a Portland staple known for super moist potato donuts, and the Maine blueberry flavor is a cult favorite. Go early - the good flavors sell out fast!
The Holy Donut
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
The roadside shack in Wiscasset that claims Maine's #1 lobster roll - and it's been serving them since 1938! The rolls are piled high with claw meat with melted butter on the side, so no fries needed. Be ready for a line in the summer (it's part of t...
Red's Eats
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
If you loved my Cape Elizabeth day as much as I did, this is the next stop on my list. Picnic tables on the rocks right below a lighthouse, with the Atlantic crashing in front of you - it's been a local landmark for decades. Lobster rolls, chowder, a...
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
For my fellow beer girlies! Allagash is one of Maine's most iconic breweries, and Allagash White is a total classic. Their Portland tasting room is the perfect afternoon stop - pair it with a Thirsty Pig hotdog run and you've got yourself a day.
Allagash Brewing Company
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Right in Perkins Cove, Ogunquit - a harbor-view lobster spot that's been a local favorite for generations, famous for its rum punch. It's steps from the end of the Marginal Way, which makes it the perfect post-cliff-walk reward. Next time I'm in Perk...
Barnacle Billy's

Let's Wander - Favorite Coastal Spots to Mosey Around

Drift through Maine’s rugged beauty with this handpicked list of beaches, coastal towns, and can’t-miss scenic stops. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, tide pools, or lobster rolls with a view — this list is your passport to Maine’s coastal magic. 🌊✨

 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Such a beautiful beach and very quiet if you go before the summer crowds roll in. Although, a little chillier at night in May and early June, it really is the perfect time to visit Maine. Imagine walking the beach every single night with minimal foot...
Goose Rocks Beach (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Personally, one of my favorite beaches in the Kennebunkport area. I loved walking along the rock wall area and finding little sea creatures, sea glass and the cutest seashells. I was in awe the entire trip every time we would find ourselves on a new ...
Gooch's Beach (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
I could actually cry thinking about how truly memorable visiting Peaks Island was. We extended our stay in Maine an entire day because we just didn't feel ready to end our trip! The last day in the state we spent taking the Casco Bay Island Ferry ove...
Peaks Island
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
The cliff walk I mention in my Perkins Cove note! The Marginal Way is a paved oceanside path, about 1.25 miles long, winding along the rocky coast from Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove. Benches, crashing waves, and views the whole way. Go early morning...
Marginal Way
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
The most photographed lighthouse in Maine - and for good reason. Portland Head Light sits inside Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, with walking paths along the cliffs, old fort ruins to explore, and plenty of spots to spread out a picnic. Easy to...
Portland Head Light
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
The heart of Kennebunkport! Dock Square is packed with cute boutiques, art galleries, and harbor views - the perfect place to mosey around between beach days. Grab a scoop at Rococo, browse the shops, and stroll across the bridge to Kennebunk. It's w...
Dock Square
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
A lighthouse on its own tiny rocky island, just off the coast in York - it's like a postcard come to life. Park at Sohier Park and watch the waves crash around the Nubble. Go for sunset, or visit around the holidays when the lighthouse gets lit up fo...
Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light)
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
A must for a longer Maine trip! Acadia in Bar Harbor is where rugged coastline meets mountains. Catch sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain (one of the first places in the U.S. to see it for part of the year), drive the Park Loop Road, and walk t...
Acadia National Park
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Camden is the definition of a postcard Maine harbor town - sailboats, schooners, and the cutest little downtown. For the best view, head up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park (you can hike or drive the auto road) for sweeping views over the harb...
Camden & Mount Battie (Camden Hills State Park)
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
The L.L.Bean "compound" I talk about in my jeans rec! The Freeport flagship campus is a whole experience - multiple stores, the giant Bean Boot out front (photo op!), and the main store is famously open 24/7, 365 days a year. Downtown Freeport is ful...
L.L.Bean Flagship

I threw a 'fit in Maine

Naturally, when I travel I embody the style of the locals. Check out what I packed for my latest trip to Maine and inspo. for Maine-inspired coastal styles. 

 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
GAP Cotton Sweaters are a staple in any closet, but I really enjoyed bringing 2 of them with me on my 4 night, 5 day trip because they were easy to drape over my warmer-weather clothes. One thing about Maine is that it is chilly in the morning, warm ...
GAP - Cotton Sweaters
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Birkenstock clogs are my favorite shoes to throw on with truly any outfit. I love how you can dress any outfit down by wearing these - which is perfect for Maine. I was actually kind of shocked at how effortless the style is compared to other places ...
Nordstrom - Birkenstock Clogs
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
May and early June weather in Maine is windy and rainy, at times. It's always a good idea to have a rain jacket on hand in case your plans get hindered by the weather. We made the most of one of our days by going to the local beaches and looking for ...
Columbia - Women's Rain Jackets
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Having a pair of Hunter Rain Boots is worth it for many reasons, but going somewhere that has a tendency to get quite a bit of rain, it makes sense to have a pair of these in your luggage or at the very least in your trunk as a back up option. I love...
Hunter - Tall Rain Boots
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
I have recently become a big fan of LL Bean Straight Leg Jeans. The more you wear them, the more they start to break in and mold to your body. The washes are so easy to pair with sweaters and other tops. I think, naturally given the brand, these jean...
LL Bean - Women's Straight Leg Jeans
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
I really appreciated having a few of these quarter zips packed for my trip. Athleta sweatshirts in general are so soft and do wash very well. I have had 2 of them for many years now, 1 in grey and 1 in a light pale yellow color, and I am so impressed...
Half Zip Pullovers - Athleta
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
The original Maine-made canvas bag - L.L.Bean has been making the Boat and Tote since 1944. It's the ultimate coastal carryall for beach days, farmers markets, and hauling home all your sea glass finds. Get it monogrammed for that classic New England...
The Original Maine-Made Boat and Tote
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
If there's one boot that screams Maine, it's this one. Bean Boots are still handmade in Maine and have been around for over 100 years - rubber bottoms and leather uppers made for rain, slush, and rocky beaches. They pair perfectly with jeans and a ch...
L.L.Bean - Women's Bean Boots
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
Nothing says coastal fisherman style like a classic Breton stripe. Saint James has been making these sturdy cotton striped shirts in Normandy, France since the 1800s, originally for sailors and fishermen. Wear one under a cotton sweater for those chi...
Saint James - Breton Striped Shirt
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Allyson Kuhn profile picture
The boat shoe that started it all - and the unofficial shoe of every New England harbor town. Sperry's Authentic Originals have that classic leather upper, rawhide laces, and non-slip soles made for docks and slick decks. Throw them on with white sho...
Sperry - Women's Authentic Original Boat Shoes
 
Allyson Kuhn profile picture
For those chilly Maine nights by the water (and trust me, they get chilly - even in May and June). The Better Sweater has the cozy warmth of fleece with the look of a knit sweater, so it feels a little more put together than a hoodie. It layers perfe...
Patagonia - Women's Better Sweater Fleece