The City of Paradise
So we're in Portland, ME. Our friends are getting married tomorrow on Peaks Island tomorrow and we decided to hang out up here a few days early.
Yesterday, we spent our afternoon at Freeport, which is mecca is you are an LL Bean fan. Freeport is also loaded with outlets.
Sadly, while the LL Bean stores (there are three) were pretty much the same stores you'd get at home, the other outlets treated us much better including getting 11 pieces of kid's clothing at the Children's Place for $24. The LL Bean outlet was an utter rip off.
I mean who wants a knapsack for $40...with the wrong monogram. Granted it was 35% off but come on.
Today we went south and explore the towns of Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Ocean Park, and Kennebunk. Most of the drive was just unbelievable views of the coast, with your average views of beach towns. We drove and explored, all the while listening to this amazing radio station.
That is until we got to Kennebunk. All of a sudden, after hours of seeing run-down cabins and motels, we turned down the street that had compound after compound (yes, including that compound). We pulled off to the side and enjoyed both views, that of nature and that of mankind's architecture.
It was just a magic moment.
"I love the way the music compliments the view," I said.
Larry listened intently for a moment.
And Axl sang...Take Me Down to the Paradise City.....
Yesterday, we spent our afternoon at Freeport, which is mecca is you are an LL Bean fan. Freeport is also loaded with outlets.Sadly, while the LL Bean stores (there are three) were pretty much the same stores you'd get at home, the other outlets treated us much better including getting 11 pieces of kid's clothing at the Children's Place for $24. The LL Bean outlet was an utter rip off.
I mean who wants a knapsack for $40...with the wrong monogram. Granted it was 35% off but come on.
Today we went south and explore the towns of Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Ocean Park, and Kennebunk. Most of the drive was just unbelievable views of the coast, with your average views of beach towns. We drove and explored, all the while listening to this amazing radio station.
That is until we got to Kennebunk. All of a sudden, after hours of seeing run-down cabins and motels, we turned down the street that had compound after compound (yes, including that compound). We pulled off to the side and enjoyed both views, that of nature and that of mankind's architecture.
It was just a magic moment.
"I love the way the music compliments the view," I said.
Larry listened intently for a moment.
And Axl sang...Take Me Down to the Paradise City.....
posted by Anonymous at
4:50:00 PM
7 Comments:
We've driven through there, it's fantastic. Although I think we were listening to Warrant.
Mmmm. Maine. That's one of those "places I must visit" and "in the Fall" that is on my list.
We have some LA outlets that kind of blow, too. You get the stuff nobody wants and you're lucky to find it 10% off...
The northeast does have some great views. When I lived in Kittery, we used to get a meal to go at the Weather Vane, and then drive over to the beach and eat it on the rocks while enjoying the last rays of the day. There is a lot of good hiking and stuff up that way too.
~Mike
See, the problem is that you picked the wrong time to visit Freeport. LL Bean is open 24/7 for a reason -- so that when you visit it in the proper context (at, say, 3am in the middle of February) you're so grateful to find any place open and warm that you're not bothered by minor issues like "those aren't my initials" and "do I really need a toboggan cushion?"
This is my stomping grounds. My family has a tiny shack about a mile and a half from dubya. If you go down ocean drive, leaving the water on your right and the 'compound' on your right.... keep going til your first right onto Turbats creek road. It dead ends onto stunning cove view. Take a left onto dirt road. Our shack is first on left with wooden doors. Come sit on our desk for a bit.
And since you're in the neighborhood, you must stop by Cape Porpoise... next town past Kennebunkport. Cape Porpoise Point has got a great fresh seafood joint. And breathtaking views.
Molly, who left her heart in Maine
Ah, if you get further north (although it sounds like you are heading south from Portland) go to Wiscassett, the cutest town in Maine. (it says something like that on the sign when you enter). And eat at "Red Eats". Also, in Portland, near the Harbor Fish Market (in an ally on the docks) is a great little breakfast place called The Porthole. Fun place to go. (next to a comedy club).
LLBean is a rip off unless you hit a sale.
Horny Toad is a great shop for outdoor wear...cozy stuff...and the prices are more bearable.
I love Maine. I wish I was there right now and not working.
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