Our usual Boxing Day routine consists of getting up, showering, putting our pajamas back on, sitting our asses on the couch in the basement and binge watching some TV series or movies while eating junk food until. Typically, this is an epic day. This year, however, we opted to go a different route. We again took advantage of our DINKitude and decided that we would just take a little extended weekend getaway.
We debated between a few options, but in the end settled on Portland, ME. We had not been to Portland since May ’14, so were overdue for a visit. Plus, with the Canadian dollar being in the crapper right now, we definitely were not going to be doing a lot of shopping. This would force us to relax a bit and try different things.
Nice and early on Saturday morning, December 26th, we hit the road. The beauty of traveling on a holiday is that the roads were deserted. We enjoyed almost entirely barren roads most of the way until we crossed into Maine. It also didn’t hurt that it was a beautiful day for a drive. As we were passing Bangor, we decided to stop by Dysart’s for lunch. We had only been once previously, while on a bus trip to NYC a few years back, but remembered that the food was good. Memories did not deceive us. The food was delicious and the service was friendly and efficient. A great way to start your vacation.
A couple of hours later, we arrived in South Portland at the hotel. My darling wife had managed to get a good deal on a King Suite, so we had ample space for our little weekend away. A bit of shopping at our usual haunts ensued (Target, Marshalls, Walmart, Bull Moose) and ended with supper at Cracker Barrel. Damn that’s good eating. And cheap!
My family has been going to South Portland to shop for as long as I can recall. In all of my many (many) trips, I had never actually visited Portland itself, particularly the waterfront. All I can say is – how have I never been here before now?! Such a beautiful spot. Cobblestone streets, shops and pubs lining the streets. So charming and quaint. It reminds me of Old Montreal. Although the weather was grey and drizzly, we walked around for a good while.
There were a couple of bakeries that Isabelle had wanted to check out, so we did that, along with a chocolatier. We bought a cupcake from each of the bakeries and a couple of chocolates as well.
The rest of the weekend was a delight as well. Took the time to relax and go for a swim at the hotel. Ate some yummy food and watched the final few episodes of Haven. All in all, it was a very pleasant way to spend Boxing Day and the rest of the long weekend.
Musings of A Boxhead 