This weekend, I took a half day trip to Portland, Maine to visit my son, who is temporarily residing there for the summer, and to watch the show he was playing in.
We ended up with a bit less time than planned since I forgot about the traffic that ensues with half the Massachusetts population fleeing north to vacation homes every weekend (whilst the other half is heading to the cape!)
It was a gorgeous sunny, albeit HOT and humid day, but fortunately ocean breezes are fairly constant on the Maine coast.
Jamie took us on a whirlwind walking tour of Portland which has plenty of old world charming architecture, a thriving restaurant and art scene, and an enviable coastal location.
Apparently, even the seagulls in Portland participate in the restaurant scene…not sure if this one is doing take out or on delivery service…
Jamie took us on a quick trip through the city past charming shops and restaurants and, while waiting for our table at the venerable Highroller Lobster Restaurant, down to the harbor where we saw these two art installations.
This segment of chainlink fence is covered in locks. Originally larger, this abbreviated version Love Locks fence in Portland Harbor remains. According to The Maine Mag , it is both “a tribute to Maine and a visual catalogue of individual love stories. Locks are printed with names, decorated with paint, and attached to the fence. Custom dictates that you should throw the key into a nearby body of water, and it seems highly likely that many couples have done just that.”
Right next to the love locks fence, my worlds collide. I’m visiting my son in Portland and looking at a piece of the wall from Berlin, where my daughter now lives! A striking piece of European history inexplicably planted on the coast of Maine.
We had a late lunch of delicious lobster rolls - ordering via QR code and dining on the patio on a quaint cobblestone street. I got this mini one - is that not the cutest?
It was served on a toasted brioche bun and slathered in the sauce(s) of my choice. I chose the lime mayo. VERY tasty - fresh Maine lobster is the best! The Old Bay seasoned shoestring fries were tasty too 😁
Here are some shots of the shop lined cobblestone streets, a really clever 3D sign for an Italian restaurant, and a picture of the “Time and Temperature Building” apparently named for a large 3 sided sign on the roof flashing — yes, the local time and the temperature!
After lunch we climbed into the car for a quick to trip to what I wanted to see most (next to my son performing, of course), Beckett Castle on Cape Elizabeth, headquarters for the art program Jamie was working for.
The trip from Portland to Cape Elizabeth is short, but striking as it quickly switches from city to tony suburb to oceanfront luxury.
Jamie had leave to come here anytime and to use the piano studio to practice - which is a separate building, also overlooking the garden and ocean. Imagine having a gorgeous steinway grand to practice on while overlooking a spectacular ocean view?!
Beckett Castle is a stone structure perched on a cliff above the Atlantic and straight out of a fairy tale. Built in 1871 i the Neo gothic style, it began as a summer retreat for writers and artists.
I don’t think anyone could HELP but be inspired in these gorgeous surroundings!
The icing on the cake are the meticulously maintained gardens surrounding the castle and studio. The rose gardens, designed and planted more than 40 years ago, boast over 70 varieties of roses. Other wildflower gardens line the lawns and grassy paths that lead to breathtaking vistas.
June/July is generally peak blooming season for roses, so the rose gardens were past their prime when I visited, but a few varieties were holding out for me.
I did NOT want to leave this glorious spot. I’ve been daydreaming about living there ever since…the beauty I would create inside to reflect and take advantage of the gorgeousness outside. And of course, the parties I would throw! Alas, maybe in my next life LOL!
Finally, back in Portland, we attended the show we were there to see - a Poulenc comic opera. Here is a snippet of Jamie playing in the opening act.
There is much to see and do (and eat!) in Portland and I only barely scratched the surface. I’m definitely planning a return visit! And maybe the owners of Beckett’s Castle will hire me as their designer…a girl can dream!
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