There’s no more charming a place in the world than Maine and at Leyland, we are more grateful than ever for Maine's fresh air, water vistas and endless trails.
Fall is here in Maine! And the global pandemic we've been faced with is still here. We may be past peak foliage, but there is still plenty of the season left to enjoy in a safe way. Fortunately, fall fun hasn't been canceled. Here are some ways to keep your family and loved ones safe, and still have fun during this social distancing fall.
We recommend using Portland as your Maine fall hub, where you enjoy spectacular faded foliage and killer ocean views of Casco Bay, brick buildings paired with cobblestone streets, accessible hiking and orchards for apple picking, and of course, breweries. And also, don't forget that Portland was voted the Bon Appetit Restaurant City of the Year in 2018. Portland has also mastered outdoor, heated seating to keep you safe (and warm) as temps drop!
APPLE PICKING AT ROCKY RIDGE ORCHARD
38 Rocky Ridge Lane, Bowdoin, ME 04287
207-666-5786
This orchard offers apple picking, hay rides, pumpkins and gourds for sale, and be sure to try the apple cider and homemade donuts inside the main shop.
CIDER AT RICKER HILL ORCHARD
295 Buckfield Road (Route 117), Turner ME 04282
207-222-5552
Ricker Hill Orchards has been growing Maine apples for over nine generations in the small town of Turner, Maine. Turner is a small town in the foothills of Maine about an hour's drive from the coast. They offer many activities, including an outdoor area to enjoy their hard cider and homemade donuts, apple picking, a corn maze, disc golf, and more.
WORKOUTS
Rêve Cycling x Halo at the Point!
10 Thompson Pt.
info@revecyclingstudio.com
https://www.revecyclingstudio.com/
Head over to Thompson's Point for a safe and socially distanced spin class with lots of space and great circulation, now offered every day of the week! Great music and smiling faces guaranteed.
Bike to the Islands
Plan a bike route to any (or all!) of our favorite road-accessible Casco Bay islands. Some ideas close to Portland and moving north are Mackworth, Cousins, Little John, Orrs, Bailey and Sebascodegan.
Low-Key Hiking
Choose your distance and enjoy the Maine woods paired with ocean views. You can't go wrong at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport or the Cliff Trail in Harpswell. Dogs are welcome with a leash!
EAT LOBSTER!
Harbor Fish Market
9 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-0251
Downtown Portland fish market with photogenic storefront, astounding variety of seafood available daily, huge tanks brimming with live lobster, clean ocean atmosphere, and friendly faces.
Gurnet Trading Co.
602 Gurnet Road, Route #24, Brunswick, ME 04011
207-719-7300
Fresh seafood trading co. with top-notch curbside appeal.
PLAN A BEACH DAY
Higgins Beach
Scarborough, ME 04074
Nestled in between Prout's Neck and Cape Elizabeth, Higgins is a long, sandy beach perfect for walking, sunbathing, looking for sand dollars and surfing! Be sure to stop by the Higgins Beach Market Roadside Stand (82 Spurwink Rd, Scarborough) for coffee or snacks on your way to the beach!
Popham Beach
Phippsburg, ME 04562
Jaw dropping views, miles of beach, and you can even walk to an off-shore island at low tide! Plus, now that it is off-season, you can enjoy the beach with your dog!
BREWERIES
Allagash
50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
207-878-5385
https://www.allagash.com/?ao_confirm
Bissel Brothers
4 Thompsons Point #108, Portland, ME 04102
(207) 808-8258
https://www.bissellbrothers.com/
Austin Street
115 Fox St, Portland, ME, 04101
207-200-1994
http://www.austinstreetbrewery.com/
Lone Pine
219 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
207-536-4952
Rising Tide
103 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101
207-370-2337
https://risingtidebrewing.com/
Flight Deck
11 Atlantic Ave, Brunswick, ME 04011
207-504-5113
FACE MASKS
Need a face mask for your line-up of Maine summer activities? Check out our collection here!
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I stumbled across this Butternut Squash Pasta with Rosemary Bacon recipe via Carly and had to make it immediately. The photo does this recipe justice... as in... it's amazing! I substituted the bacon for turkey bacon, and the linguine for gluten free linguine and you would never know the difference! (I wouldn't wish a gluten allergy on anyone, so the substitutions are just a back-up option!)
Best for nights when you’re craving Italian, but also craving cozy fall flavors. Seasonal autumn butternut squash, roasted with fresh herbs, and garlic, all pureed into a creamy carbonara sauce that’s vibrant and so delicious! Finish off this pasta with crispy, spicy rosemary bacon for an autumn dinner that’s mouth-wateringly delicious. This is a great fall pasta to serve any night of the week, or for your next Saturday night dinner with friends.
Caroline here - Co-Founder of Leyland! On the blog today, I caught up with Rêve, my favorite local cycling studio in Portland for a fun "What's in my Bag?" series. At Leyland, we love the change of seasons: there is something about the shift in the temperatures that signals the possibility of what lies ahead. Plus, it’s a great chance to spruce up your wardrobe with some critical new staples. I shared what I am toting around in my favorite Alaina Marie Bait Bag, my fall staples, and some favorite Maine fall activities. You should also check out the amazing community and spinning, yoga and sculpting offerings at Rêve here.
First things first, what’s in your bag?
As the owner of a small business, I’m always on the run. Therefore, it’s essential for me to be prepared for whatever I may encounter through my days, so I have a whole bunch of staples in my bag at any one time.
Airpods: Whether I'm taking a call, going for a run, or listening to Spotify's latest perfectly curated playlist, I never leave the house without my Airpods. There's always a perfect soundtrack for every activity on my schedule!
Snacks: Anyone who knows me knows I love a good bar for a quick energy boost when I need it. Recently, the Purely Elizabeth whole food nut + seed chocolate sea salt bar has been my favorite!
H2O: When we are so busy, it's usually when we need to hydrate the most; however, it's also when we are most likely to forget it. Just having my Leyland Glass Water Bottle ready to fill gives me a simple reminder and incentive to drink more of it.
Invisibobble: I keep at least one Invisibobble hair tie on my wrist and in my bag everywhere I go. I never know when I’ll need it!
Mask & Lanyard: These days, I always want to be prepared so I tend to have a couple masks to choose from, that way I can match to my mood—and my outfit! If this isn’t in use, it’s most definitely in my bag! We developed the face mask Lanyard at Leyland after noticing that people don't know where to put their masks when they take them off, whether it be to eat or drink, to breathe out in the open, when they get in their cars, etc. These make wearing a face mask a more convenient experience in every kind of setting. My personal favorite is the green, it adds a fun neon accent! My husband goes back and forth between the yellow and navy. They’re also great for kids who are heading back to school and need to keep track of their masks.
Lobster Hat: I've been carrying around my poppy Lobster Hat for a dose of Maine swag on the go.
Sunscreen: I’ve been a huge fan of Supergoop sunscreen products for a few years now, and haven’t gone anywhere without my Glow Screen all summer!
Alaina Marie Bait Bag: When I'm running around town on the weekends, I'll often throw in my Alaina Marie Bait Bag to take on the run when I’m heading around town. It works great as a wallet or as a clutch!
What is your favorite outfit for an outdoor move?
I’ve been all about sets recently, which have been great for spinning, running, hiking or at home workouts this summer! I love this simple black leggings and crop combination from Crane & Lion.
Do you have a go to piece that you throw on to transition from your workouts to errands around town?
I love throwing on my Freshest Catch Sweater over a workout outfit to stay warm if I’m running errands. It’s super comfy and has some major Maine flair!
As the temperatures drop, what are some of your must have items to keep you cozy?
Definitely my Sh*t That I Knit beanies! They are super soft and warm.
Finally, at Leyland, you always curate the best go to guides for seasonal activities on your blog. What's your favorite fall Maine activity?
Hands down apple picking at Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin, Maine. It’s a very accessible orchard and they always have a wide selection of pumpkins and gourds to shop. The best part is their home made apple cider and donuts though!
Head over to Rêve to check out their socially distancing-friendly spinning, yoga and stength offerings, as well as their amazing community.
]]>There’s no more charming a place in the world than Maine and at Leyland, we are more grateful than ever for Maine's fresh air, water vistas and endless trails.
Summer is here in Maine! And the global pandemic we've been faced with is still here. Fortunately, summer fun hasn't been canceled. Here are some ways to keep your family and loved ones safe, and still have fun during this social distancing summer.
WORKOUTS
Rêve Outdoor Summer Series!
Thompson's Point, Portland, ME 04101
info@revecyclingstudio.com
https://www.revecyclingstudio.com/
Head over to Thompson's Point for a safe and socially distanced spin class, now offered every day of the week! Great music and smiling faces guaranteed.
Bike to the Islands
Plan a bike route to any (or all!) of our favorite road-accessible Casco Bay islands. Some ideas close to Portland and moving north are Mackworth, Cousins, Little John, Orrs, Bailey and Sebascodegan.
Low-Key Hiking
Choose your distance and enjoy the Maine woods paired with ocean views. You can't go wrong at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport or the Cliff Trail in Harpswell. Dogs are welcome with a leash!
EAT LOBSTER!
Harbor Fish Market
9 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-0251
Downtown Portland fish market with photogenic storefront, astounding variety of seafood available daily, huge tanks brimming with live lobster, clean ocean atmosphere, and friendly faces.
Gurnet Trading Co.
602 Gurnet Road, Route #24, Brunswick, ME 04011
207-719-7300
Fresh seafood trading co. with top-notch curbside appeal.
The Dolphin Marina & Restaurant
515 Basin Point, Harpswell, ME 04079
207-833-6000
The Dolphin is the perfect destination for a scenic drive in the mid coast area. Grab your steamed lobster and fries and enjoy the scenic overlook from your car or the surrounding lawns that are social distancing-friendly.
PLAN A BEACH DAY
Higgins Beach
Scarborough, ME 04074
Nestled in between Prout's Neck and Cape Elizabeth, Higgins is a long, sandy beach perfect for walking, sunbathing, looking for sand dollars and surfing! Be sure to stop by the Higgins Beach Market Roadside Stand (82 Spurwink Rd, Scarborough) for coffee or snacks on your way to the beach!
Popham Beach
Phippsburg, ME 04562
Jaw dropping views, miles of beach, and you can even walk to an off-shore island at low tide!
BREWERIES
Allagash
50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
207-878-5385
https://www.allagash.com/?ao_confirm
Bissel Brothers
4 Thompsons Point #108, Portland, ME 04102
(207) 808-8258
https://www.bissellbrothers.com/
Austin Street
115 Fox St, Portland, ME, 04101
207-200-1994
http://www.austinstreetbrewery.com/
Lone Pine
219 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
207-536-4952
Rising Tide
103 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101
207-370-2337
https://risingtidebrewing.com/
Flight Deck
11 Atlantic Ave, Brunswick, ME 04011
207-504-5113
FACE MASKS
Need a face mask for your line-up of Maine summer activities? Check out our collection here!
]]>There’s no more charming a place in the world than Maine and at Leyland, we are more grateful than ever for Maine's fresh air, water vistas and endless trails that allow us to maintain some semblance of normalcy in a social distancing world.
Now that spring weather is here (finally!), we wanted to put together a guide to curbside lobster in the Portland area. Because let's face it, lobster is essential in Maine!
Below are some of our favorite spots that offer curbside pick-up for live lobster, steamed lobster and lobster rolls!
LIVE LOBSTER
Harbor Fish Market
9 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-0251
Downtown Portland fish market with photogenic storefront, astounding variety of seafood available daily, huge tanks brimming with live lobster, clean ocean atmosphere, and friendly faces.
Gurnet Trading Co.
602 Gurnet Road, Route #24, Brunswick, ME 04011
207-719-7300
Fresh seafood trading co. with top-notch curbside appeal.
STEAMED LOBSTER
The Dolphin Marina & Restaurant
515 Basin Point, Harpswell, ME 04079
207-833-6000
The Dolphin is the perfect destination for a scenic drive in the mid coast area. Grab your steamed lobster and fries and enjoy the scenic overlook from your car or the surrounding lawns that are social distancing-friendly.
LOBSTER ROLLS
High Roller Lobster
104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-536-1623
Get a dose of downtown Portland when you pick up your High Roller lobster roll! High Roller does not disappoint with their eclectic flavors and options.
Fat Boy Drive-In
111 Bath Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
207-729-9431
Old-fashioned drive-in with a nostalgic vibe serving up burgers, fries, frappes, and lobster rolls, of course! Just park and turn on your lights for service! Fat Boy opens for the season on Saturday, May 16th.
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“Maine is a joy in the summer. But the soul of Maine is more apparent in the winter.” - Paul Theroux
1) A WEEKEND IN PORTLAND
Friday Night: Enjoy cocktails at Blythe & Burrows. The cozy and inviting atmosphere is perfect for a chilly New England night. Afterwards, head over to Commercial Street for a warm and unique Italian meal at Solo Italiano. This is a delicious family-style restaurant where you can start out sharing a charcuterie board, fresh tuna, or their lightly-fried sage focaccia with Italian buffalo burrata and prosciutto, followed by any of their fresh curated pasta dishes or pizza.
Saturday: If you are an early riser, head over to Standard Baking Co. for the best pastries, coffee and tea in town. If it is not too chilly, take a walk along the Eastern Promenade with views of the many Maine islands off the coast of Portland. After some time outside in the fresh Maine air, you will want to warm up quickly. Check out Health Resonates for an array of wellness services, or The Regency Hotel spa for a massage or facial, followed by a steam and dip in the hot tub. For dinner, walk over to the West End to an Asian style restaurant called Empire to enjoy their amazing cocktails and warm gourmet Chinese dishes that are perfect for sharing.
Sunday: Now that you have eaten your way through Portland, get a sweat in at our favorite workout studio, Orangetheory Portland. With 60 minute classes and awesome music you can get a quick sweat in before heading out of town. If you would prefer a Bloody Mary and more food - go to The Front Room for the best brunch around.
2) A GETAWAY UP NORTH
Skiing or Snowshoeing: Book an airbnb and head up to Sugarloaf or Sunday River for a weekend of skiing or snowshoeing.
Book a cozy Inn: Stay at the Harraseeket Inn, Freeport. This quaint Inn is perfect for a weekend of eating, relaxing and shopping! They have a great restaurant/bar if you want to stay inside or venture out to the many shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Snowmobile: Maine has many miles of snowmobile trails whether you head north to Sugarloaf Mountain, Moosehead Lake, Aroostook County or Rangeley Lakes.
3) CHECK OUT LOCAL BREWERIES & TASTING ROOMS
Brewery Tour: Maine has become a national craft beer destination and winter is the perfect time to enjoy it! If you are into craft beer, make sure to stop by one of the many breweries in and around Portland - Allagash Brewing, Austin Street, Shipyard, Bissell Brothers, Rising Tide and Maine Beer Company just to name a few.
Maine Craft Distilling: If you are not a beer person, check out Maine Craft Distilling located in Portland's East End where they craft unique spirits using locally sourced ingredients.
What are your favorite things to do in Maine to survive the winter? Let us know in the comments below!
There’s no more charming a place in the world during the fall season than Maine. We can all agree that Maine is the unofficial capital of fall foliage. We recommend using Portland as your Maine fall getaway hub, where you enjoy spectacular foliage and killer ocean views of Casco Bay, brick buildings paired with cobblestone streets, accessible hiking and orchards for apple picking, and of course, breweries. And also, don't forget that Portland was voted the Bon Appetit Restaurant City of the Year in 2018.
Below are some of our favorite fall activities, breweries, restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and everything else we can think of to help you plan a trip to this magical place. We're confident these recommendations will have you falling in love with fall in Maine too!
HIKE TUMBLEDOWN MOUNTAIN
West Central Mountain, ME, 04285
Approximately a two hour drive from Portland, this is the perfect half-day activity for leaf peeping and staying active. Take the Brook Trail for the easiest and most direct route to Tumbledown Pond on one of the mountain's summits. It takes 1.5 miles to climb the Brook Trail from the parking lot to the Pond and should take about one hour each way.
APPLE PICKING AT ROCKY RIDGE ORCHARD
38 Rocky Ridge Lane, Bowdoin, ME 04287
207-666-5786
This orchard offers apple picking, hay rides, pumpkins and gourds for sale, and be sure to try the apple cider and homemade donuts inside the main shop.
PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT
12 Captain Strout Cir, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
The most photographed lighthouse in America and the oldest lighthouse in Maine is definitely worth a visit! Just 15 minutes from downtown Portland.
EASTERN PROM.
Eastern Promenade, Portland, ME
Grab a coffee at Hilltop Cafe (100 Congress St) or a bagel at Union Bagel (147 Cumberland Ave) and grab a bench on the Eastern Prom to take in the breathtaking views of Casco Bay!
PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART
7 Congress Square, Portland, ME, 04101 (207) 775-6148
Consider a trip to the oldest art museum in Maine, which curates the work of both local Maine artists and international artists.
BREWERIES
Allagash
50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
207-878-5385
https://www.allagash.com/?ao_confirm
Bissel Brothers
4 Thompsons Point #108, Portland, ME 04102
(207) 808-8258
https://www.bissellbrothers.com/
Austin Street
115 Fox St, Portland, ME, 04101
207-200-1994
http://www.austinstreetbrewery.com/
Lone Pine
219 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
207-536-4952
Rising Tide
103 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101
207-370-2337
https://risingtidebrewing.com/
COFFEE SHOPS
Bard
185 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
207-899-4788
Inviting atmosphere with coffee from all over the world.
Standard Baking Co.
75 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-773-2112
Handcrafted and baked throughout the day in their 12-ton, stone deck oven, you’ll find traditional French baguettes, hearty German Vollkornbrot, fragrant Focaccia, and our all-organic Miche, (and more!) made from 100% Maine grown and milled whole grains.
Arabica (9 Commercial St).
9 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-210-6473
Great coffee and tea selection with spacious, comfortable seating and water views.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH
The Front Room
73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
207-773-3366
https://www.thefrontroomrestaurant.com/
American comfort food.
LB Kitchen
231 York St, Portland, ME 04102
207-775-2695
https://www.lbkitchenportlandme.com/
Delicious health food lunch & breakfast.
Hot Suppa
703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
207-871-5005
Hearty southern fare.
Local 188
685 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
207-761-7909
Classic brunch options with a Spanish flare!
The Corner Room
110 Exchange Street, Portland, ME, 04101
207-879-4747
https://www.thecornerroomkitchenandbar.com/
House made Italian brunch. Try the prosciutto eggs benedict...trust us!
Union Bagel (To-Go Only)
147 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME, 04101
207-747-4400
Bagel goodness!
Maine Squeeze (To-Go Only)
5 1/2 Moulton St, Portland, ME 04101
207-773-7374
http://mainesqueezejuicecafe.com/portland-old-port/
All-natural smoothies, acai bowls & juices.
The Holy Donut (To-Go Only)
7 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-7776
All-natural donuts with creative flavors.
LOBSTER ROLLS
Portland Lobster Company
180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-2112
http://www.portlandlobstercompany.com/
Classic lobster rolls and live music.
Eventide
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
207-774-8538
http://www.eventideoysterco.com/
The brown sugar butter lobster roll is a MUST-try!
High Roller
104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 536-1623
https://highrollerlobster.com/
Eclectic lobster roll and grilled cheese flavors and options.
Luke’s Lobster
60 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 274-6097
Grab a lobster or crab roll in this new waterfront space!
Two Lights Lobster Shack
225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
207-799-1677
http://lobstershacktwolights.com/
A 15 minute drive from downtown Portland. Enjoy a classic lobster roll at a picnic table outside overlooking the ocean!
DINNER
Solo Italiano
100 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-780-0227
http://www.soloitalianorestaurant.com/
Authentic Italian cuisine.
Flatbread Company
72 Commercial St #5, Portland, ME 04101
207-772-8777
https://www.flatbreadcompany.com/portland/
Delicious wood-fired flat bread pizza with locally sourced ingredients.
Eventide
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
207-774-8538
http://www.eventideoysterco.com/
The brown sugar butter lobster roll is a MUST-try! But, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
The Corner Room
110 Exchange Street, Portland, ME, 04101
207-879-4747
https://www.thecornerroomkitchenandbar.com/
House made pastas, pizzas, antipastas and artisal breads.
Boda
671 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
207-347-7557
Thai kitchen.
Petite Jacqeline
46 Market St, Portland, ME 04101
207-553-7044
French bistro.
Fore Street
288 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-2717
Upscale, rustic American fare.
Street & Company
33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-0887
http://www.streetandcompany.net/
Hearty seafood bistro.
BARS
Portland Lobster Company
180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-2112
http://www.portlandlobstercompany.com/
Perfect for day time and early evening drinks on a waterfront deck with live music!
Porthole
20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME, 04101
(207) 773-4653
https://www.portholemaine.com/
Another great spot for day time and early evening drinks on a waterfront deck with live music! This spot is more ideal for larger groups with more space.
Novare Res
4 Canal Plz Ste 1, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 761-2437
The Beer-lover’s bar in Portland. Outdoor courtyard with picnic benches and cornhole!
Hunt & Alpine
75 Market St, Portland, ME, 04101
(207) 747-4754
Specialty hand-crafted cocktails in downtown Portland.
Bonfire
37 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
(877) 653-7678
Portland’s country bar.
Oasis
42 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-0179
www.oasisportlandmaine.com
Outdoor courtyard with live music and games with dancing upstairs.
HOTELS
The Press Hotel
119 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-808-8800
https://www.thepresshotel.com/
4-Star boutique hotel with top-notch restaurant.
Courtyard Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront
321 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-780-6000
3-Star hotel
The Portland Regency
20 Milk St, Portland, ME 04101
207-774-4200
4-Star Hotel
The Westin Portland
157 High St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-5411
4-Star Hotel
The Danforth Inn
163 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04102
207-879-8755
https://www.thedanforthportland.com/
4-Star Boutique Inn
The Black Elephant Hostel
33 Hampshire St, Portland, ME 04101
207-712-7062
https://www.blackelephanthostel.com/
Hostel option for those traveling on a shoestring.
WORK OUT STUDIOS
OrangeTheory Portland
23 Marginal Way #5, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 536-5833
https://portland-me.orangetheoryfitness.com/
This is a must-try workout whether you live in Portland and have never been, or if you are traveling and want try a new studio!
Greener Postures
740 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 210-6525
https://www.greenerposturesyoga.com/yoga-class-schedule-portland-maine
Friendly yoga studio with a range of classes.
Reve Cycling
559 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101
https://www.revecyclingstudio.com/
Boutique spin, yoga and HIIT studio.
Barre Method
1 Dana St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 805-1637
https://barmethod.com/locations/portland-old-port/
Challenging and fun Barre studio.
SHOPPING
Lisa Marie's Made in Maine
35 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-828-1515
https://lisamariesmadeinmaine.com/
You'll find the best Maine art and gifts here!
Sea Bags
25 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME, 04101
888-210-4244
Bags crafted in Maine from recycled sails!
Bliss
58 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-879-7125
https://www.blissboutiques.com/
Upscale Women's Fashion.
Little
42 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-274-2100
https://www.boutiquelittle.com/
Curated clothing and toys for the little one in your life.
Leyland
While we are an online shop and don’t have a brick-and-mortar store front, you can shop our website and follow our social media to stay up to date on pop-ups!
Health Resonates
773 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
(207) 613-9233
https://www.healthresonates.com/
Health Resonates offers a full range of spa services including health, wellness, energy work, massage, skin care, and beauty services.
H & E Paint Bar
15 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
207-536-0698
Friendly, comfortable and clean nail services in downtown Portland.
There’s no more charming a place in the world than Maine. And Portland, its largest city, is a major player in that Maine charm. While you enjoy killer ocean views of Casco Bay from a myriad of vistas around the city, brick buildings paired with cobblestone streets and of course, Mainer kindness, don't forget that Portland was voted the Bon Appetit Restaurant City of the Year in 2018 and is a national craft beer destination. According to data recently released by the Brewers Association, Maine has 7.6 breweries per 100,000 21+ Adults. That means we are ranked 5th in the country for most breweries per capita! In case you were wondering, our neighbors in Vermont are #1 with 10.8 breweries per 100,000 21+ adults.
Below are some of our favorite restaurants, hotels, beaches, boutiques, and everything else we can think of to help you plan a trip to this magical place. We're confident these recommendations will have you falling in love with Portland too!
COFFEE SHOPS
Bard
185 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
207-899-4788
Inviting atmosphere with coffee from all over the world.
Standard Baking Co.
75 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-773-2112
Handcrafted and baked throughout the day in their 12-ton, stone deck oven, you’ll find traditional French baguettes, hearty German Vollkornbrot, fragrant Focaccia, and our all-organic Miche, (and more!) made from 100% Maine grown and milled whole grains.
Arabica (9 Commercial St).
9 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-210-6473
Great coffee and tea selection with spacious, comfortable seating and water views.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH
The Front Room
73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
207-773-3366
https://www.thefrontroomrestaurant.com/
American comfort food.
LB Kitchen
231 York St, Portland, ME 04102
207-775-2695
https://www.lbkitchenportlandme.com/
Delicious health food lunch & breakfast.
Hot Suppa
703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
207-871-5005
Hearty southern fare.
Local 188
685 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
207-761-7909
Classic brunch options with a Spanish flare!
The Corner Room
110 Exchange Street, Portland, ME, 04101
207-879-4747
https://www.thecornerroomkitchenandbar.com/
House made Italian brunch. Try the prosciutto eggs benedict...trust us!
Union Bagel (To-Go Only)
147 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME, 04101
207-747-4400
Bagel goodness!
Maine Squeeze (To-Go Only)
5 1/2 Moulton St, Portland, ME 04101
207-773-7374
http://mainesqueezejuicecafe.com/portland-old-port/
All-natural smoothies, acai bowls & juices.
The Holy Donut (To-Go Only)
7 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-7776
All-natural donuts with creative flavors.
LOBSTER ROLLS
Portland Lobster Company
180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-2112
http://www.portlandlobstercompany.com/
Classic lobster rolls and live music.
Eventide
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
207-774-8538
http://www.eventideoysterco.com/
The brown sugar butter lobster roll is a MUST-try!
High Roller
104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 536-1623
https://highrollerlobster.com/
Eclectic lobster roll and grilled cheese flavors and options.
Luke’s Lobster
60 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 274-6097
Grab a lobster or crab roll in this new waterfront space!
Two Lights Lobster Shack
225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
207-799-1677
http://lobstershacktwolights.com/
A 15 minute drive from downtown Portland. Enjoy a classic lobster roll at a picnic table outside overlooking the ocean!
DINNER
Solo Italiano
100 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-780-0227
http://www.soloitalianorestaurant.com/
Authentic Italian cuisine.
Flatbread Company
72 Commercial St #5, Portland, ME 04101
207-772-8777
https://www.flatbreadcompany.com/portland/
Delicious wood-fired flat bread pizza with locally sourced ingredients.
Eventide
86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
207-774-8538
http://www.eventideoysterco.com/
The brown sugar butter lobster roll is a MUST-try! But, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
The Corner Room
110 Exchange Street, Portland, ME, 04101
207-879-4747
https://www.thecornerroomkitchenandbar.com/
House made pastas, pizzas, antipastas and artisal breads.
Boda
671 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
207-347-7557
Thai kitchen.
Petite Jacqeline
46 Market St, Portland, ME 04101
207-553-7044
French bistro.
Fore Street
288 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-2717
Upscale, rustic American fare.
Street & Company
33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-0887
http://www.streetandcompany.net/
Hearty seafood bistro.
BREWERIES
Allagash
50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
207-878-5385
https://www.allagash.com/?ao_confirm
Bissel Brothers
4 Thompsons Point #108, Portland, ME 04102
(207) 808-8258
https://www.bissellbrothers.com/
Austin Street
115 Fox St, Portland, ME, 04101
207-200-1994
http://www.austinstreetbrewery.com/
Lone Pine
219 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
207-536-4952
Rising Tide
103 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101
207-370-2337
https://risingtidebrewing.com/
BARS
Portland Lobster Company
180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-2112
http://www.portlandlobstercompany.com/
Perfect for day time and early evening drinks on a waterfront deck with live music!
Porthole
20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME, 04101
(207) 773-4653
https://www.portholemaine.com/
Another great spot for day time and early evening drinks on a waterfront deck with live music! This spot is more ideal for larger groups with more space.
Novare Res
4 Canal Plz Ste 1, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 761-2437
The Beer-lover’s bar in Portland. Outdoor courtyard with picnic benches and cornhole!
Hunt & Alpine
75 Market St, Portland, ME, 04101
(207) 747-4754
Specialty hand-crafted cocktails in downtown Portland.
Bonfire
37 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
(877) 653-7678
Portland’s country bar.
Oasis
42 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-0179
www.oasisportlandmaine.com
Outdoor courtyard with live music and games with dancing upstairs.
HOTELS
The Press Hotel
119 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-808-8800
https://www.thepresshotel.com/
4-Star boutique hotel with top-notch restaurant.
Courtyard Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront
321 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
207-780-6000
3-Star hotel
The Portland Regency
20 Milk St, Portland, ME 04101
207-774-4200
4-Star Hotel
The Westin Portland
157 High St, Portland, ME 04101
207-775-5411
4-Star Hotel
The Danforth Inn
163 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04102
207-879-8755
https://www.thedanforthportland.com/
4-Star Boutique Inn
The Black Elephant Hostel
33 Hampshire St, Portland, ME 04101
207-712-7062
https://www.blackelephanthostel.com/
Hostel option for those traveling on a shoestring.
HIGGINS BEACH
Higgins Beach, Scarborough, ME, 04074
Nestled in between Prout's Neck and Cape Elizabeth, Higgins is a long, sandy beach perfect for walking, sunbathing, looking for sand dollars and surfing! Be sure to stop by the Higgins Beach Market Roadside Stand (82 Spurwink Rd, Scarborough) for coffee or snacks on your way to the beach!
PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT
12 Captain Strout Cir, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
The most photographed lighthouse in America and the oldest lighthouse in Maine is definitely worth a visit! Just 15 minutes from downtown Portland.
PEAK'S ISLAND
(Ferry Terminal) 56 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine 04101
207-774-7871
Only a short ferry ride from downtown Portland, Peak's Island is a perfect half day trip. Rent bikes (or a golf cart) available next to the ferry terminal on the island and tour the flat, 4 mile coastline and enjoy beautiful Casco Bay.
EASTERN PROM.
Eastern Promenade, Portland, ME
Grab a coffee at Hilltop Cafe (100 Congress St) or a bagel at Union Bagel (147 Cumberland Ave) and grab a bench on the Eastern Prom to take in the breathtaking views of Casco Bay!
PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART
7 Congress Square, Portland, ME, 04101 (207) 775-6148
Consider a trip to the oldest art museum in Maine, which curates the work of both local Maine artists and international artists.
WORK OUT STUDIOS
OrangeTheory Portland
23 Marginal Way #5, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 536-5833
https://portland-me.orangetheoryfitness.com/
This is a must-try workout whether you live in Portland and have never been, or if you are traveling and want try a new studio!
Greener Postures
740 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 210-6525
https://www.greenerposturesyoga.com/yoga-class-schedule-portland-maine
Friendly yoga studio with a range of classes.
Reve Cycling
559 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101
https://www.revecyclingstudio.com/
Boutique spin, yoga and HIIT studio.
Barre Method
1 Dana St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 805-1637
https://barmethod.com/locations/portland-old-port/
Challenging and fun Barre studio.
SHOPPING
Lisa Marie's Made in Maine
35 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-828-1515
https://lisamariesmadeinmaine.com/
You'll find the best Maine art and gifts here!
Sea Bags
25 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME, 04101
888-210-4244
Bags crafted in Maine from recycled sails!
Bliss
58 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-879-7125
https://www.blissboutiques.com/
Upscale Women's Fashion.
Little
42 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
207-274-2100
https://www.boutiquelittle.com/
Curated clothing and toys for the little one in your life.
Leyland
While we are an online shop and don’t have a brick-and-mortar store front, you can shop our website and follow our social media to stay up to date on pop-ups!
Health Resonates
773 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
(207) 613-9233
https://www.healthresonates.com/
Health Resonates offers a full range of spa services including health, wellness, energy work, massage, skin care, and beauty services.
H & E Paint Bar
15 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101
207-536-0698
Friendly, comfortable and clean nail services in downtown Portland.
The statement you can make with a Leyland Skort can be both loud or subtle, it all depends on your personal preference. With their unique stitches, comfy fit and Maine heritage, Leyland Skorts provide you with the option to add your own pinch of flair to any outfit or activity. The soft, buttery polyester/spandex blend fabrics that make up these skorts show that these skorts have more to offer than just looks-- they have the comfort and versatility to make it through repeat hills on a bike, eighteen holes on the golf course, or any hike or run on your favorite mountain or road.
]]>This is a little different for us because we started out as a wholesale retailer, buying other brands' products at their wholesale price and selling them at designated MSRP. Getting into the e-commerce industry through wholesale has been a great business and also helped to establish a cohesive brand for Leyland. We couldn’t have better things to say about our experience with all of our brands and customers!
So, how did the skort line originate? It happened very organically and outside of the Leyland business. As I’ve personally moved along through my twenties, I’ve become less interested in shorts for warm weather activewear. But, leggings are also too hot in the summer, even in Maine. When my fiancé and I would go on spring trips with our families to Florida and South Carolina, I would search high and low online for skorts in both fun colors and neutrals that had a unique flair, but options were scarce.
We began the search process for skort brands that Leyland could sell wholesale, but the right fit just wasn’t out there. So, we put feelers out for a production project. If we were going to do a private label project at Leyland, we wanted to do it right and in Maine. After all, Leyland (pronounced “Lee-Lind”) is the name of an evergreen tree that grows in Maine. It took a myriad of cold calls and testing with fabric distributors and tailors, seamstresses, factories, designers, graphic designers, screen printers, etc… but we landed on a fabric distributor in New York and set up a production office in Cape Elizabeth with the lovely Adri. It was a seven-month long project to get the first batch of skorts out, and I never could have imagined the amount of work and moving pieces and details that would go into the project, but the first batch of skorts were released on Friday, June 7th, and sold out in 48 hours! Thank you to everyone who bought a skort (xoxo)!! They will be restocked in two weeks!
The statement you can make with a Leyland Skort can be both loud or subtle, it all depends on your personal preference. With their unique stitches, comfy fit and Maine heritage, Leyland Skorts provide you with the option to add your own pinch of flair to any outfit or activity. The soft, buttery polyester/spandex blend fabrics that make up these skorts show that these skorts have more to offer than just looks-- they have the comfort and versatility to make it through repeat hills on a bike, eighteen holes on the golf course, or any hike or run on your favorite mountain or road.
Long live the skort!
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My personal journey with golf began quite a while ago, though you would never know it based on my current skill level. My grandmother, "G-Mum", put my brother and me in golf camp when we were in elementary and junior high school during our summer trips to visit my grandparents in Little Compton, Rhode Island. My G-Mum's love for the sport certainly made me agree to these camps, but my field hockey background lent itself to way too much hip action and a strong confusion about why anyone would find golf fun. It’s a sport of precision and patience, which I didn’t have a lot of as a tween.
My connection to golf started up again when I started dating my fiancé, who has the golf bug. My fiancé, Eric, was a highly ranked tennis player on the national tennis circuit in high school. Tennis was life but when a major injury got in the way of tennis, golf became his competitive outlet.
Our first vacation together was a trip to Hobe Sound, Florida to visit Eric's grandparents. Since Eric’s family has become a golf family, I was very concerned about the golfing aspect of this trip. I scoured golf apparel websites, blogs, and golf Instagram accounts for help shopping for an outfit but the beginner's guide that I was looking for was just nowhere to be found. I needed an all-encompassing guide to golf: what to wear, which clubs to buy, which other accessories I may need and a overview of the rules of the game. As Leyland was only in the works at this point, I knew that based on my personal experience, this would be a great opportunity for Leyland in the future. And here we are!
Leyland’s golf blog will be a recurring blog, with guest features and various subjects. It’s for anyone who is getting into the sport and looking for a guide. In today’s post, we’re going to go very basic. How to equip yourself for warm weather golf: equipment and apparel.
Equipment
Clubs:
I now own my first pair of clubs. I did a lot of research, talked to golfers I know and golf instructors from lessons. The Women’s Cobra Fly-Z was by far the most recommended clubs for an adult beginner. They are forgiving clubs that still have a lot of power. While the price of a complete set can be discouraging, you can start out with individual clubs and work up to the full set. I started out with the majority of this Cobra Fly-Z set, without a driver and putter and have been using hand-me-downs until the budget will allow me to add these to the bag.
Golf Bag
Though it’s a Men’s bag, I went for the Callaway Golf Hyper Lite 3 Stand Bag in White/Titanium/Orange. There is definitely a lack of Women’s Golf Bags that aren’t pink or purple, and I love this cayenne toned orange! It looks sharp on the course, especially on a sunny day.
Apparel
Golf outfits haven’t necessarily been my outlet for being bold or making a statement, like my running, yoga or spinning clothes. I like to not stand out too much in a golf outfit, but definitely enjoy adding some subtle flare. I will definitely continue to share outfit ideas, but will keep it simple with the essentials for one outfit today.
Shirt:
My favorite golf shirts and polos are by far by vineyard vines. They are lightweight and breathable and you can rely on the fit not to be too tight or too baggy. Plus, they always have fun colors and silhouettes. My first polo and the one I still wear the most to this day is the Short-Sleeve Pique Polo in Crystal Blue. It fits true to size and is a stretchy polyester/spandex mix.
Zip Up:
This is an essential part of any golf outfit. You never know when the wind will come in or it could get a little chillier. I also default to Vineyard Vines for pullovers as I find their fit and selection the most consistent. I love this White Pieced Sport ½ Zip since it is a neutral color with super fun accents.
Skirt:
Nike Women’s Dry Golf Skirt. I started out with this simple black Nike golf skirt and it’s a great staple to have that matches everything!
Hat:
A hat is essential for golf. It is a warm weather sport after all. I golf in my Leyland Lobster Hat and always rake in the compliments. The poppy hat with the blue lobster are fun pops of color if the rest of your outfit is more neutral.
Shoes:
Nike Lunar Empress 2 Golf Shoes
These have been my only pair of golf shoes and I have no plans on changing them out until I have to! These are very reliable and comfortable shoes and the pop of color in the White/Anthracite/Cool Grey makes them a very fun option!
Glove:
FootJoy New Improved 2017 StaSof Golf Glove.
Something I didn’t know about golf when I started is that you wear a glove on your non-dominant hand. I wear a medium, left-hand FJ golf glove in white.
You should now be fully equipped to hit the range or the course and start your journey with golf! When you stick with it, it really does become fun and a great form of exercise. Stay tuned for the next installment of our beginner's guide.
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I’m in a love-hate relationship with my foam roller.
On one end, foam rolling can relieve your sore body parts, activate and increase your blood flow, lengthen out your muscles, and allow you to recover faster and come back stronger than before. On the other end, foam rolling can make you cry, it may seem like the biggest chore in the world, and sometimes it can be a bit confusing.
---Find out my favorite foam rollers at the end of this post!
Foam rolling is a bittersweet component to anyone’s health and fitness routine. If you think about it, it’s basically like a cheap massage –it uses deep compressions to roll out the knots and get into your muscle fascia. Foam rolling gets into your muscles in a way that stretching does not. By incorporating both stretching and foam rolling into your fitness routine, you will have a well-rounded recovery and mobility regime.
Foam rolling is a great way to cool-down from a workout by allowing your muscles to be soft and pliable. This lengthens and loosens your muscles, making them more likely to recover faster and get you back into a workout stronger than before. Better yet, using a foam roller before a workout can warm-up and activate your muscles, which will boost your overall performance by getting rid of movement inhibiting spots.
In addition to before and after a workout, it can also be used as a workout itself. Check out one of my favorite bloggers Born To Sweat foam roller workout!
As you can see, foam rolling can be an inexpensive (as cheap as $10) way to round out your exercise routine. But, how do you do it?
I’ve come across a lot of people that don’t know how to use the roam roller correctly. They may know one or two moves, but they don’t know how to make a full, well-rounded routine. So I went to my favorite local studio Reve with good friend and foam rolling pro Anna Ackerman to shoot 5 foam rolling moves that hit your entire body and give you that well-rounded foam rolling routine.
But, before we get to the moves, I wanted to give you some major foam rolling tips before you hop on that roller.
1. Before a workout, foam roll the muscles you plan on using. This will eliminate time wasted on the areas of your body that you won’t be working.
2. After a workout, you want to spend at least 10-15 minutes foam rolling your muscles. This means that whenever you find a tender spot, hold the foam roller there for 30-40 seconds. Take it slow.
3. To warm-up for a workout, foam roll in a faster motion. Spend no more than 10 seconds on each tight area.
4. Depending on your experience with a foam roller, choose a softer one if you’re new to the practice. Choose a harder one or one with bumps if you’re looking to take your practice further.
5. Remember to relax and breathe. Not only does this trigger a relaxation response, but also it allows more oxygen and blood flow for a deeper recovery.
QUADS
As one of the major muscles in your body, I always start with my quads to get my entire body going. Lay on your foam roller as shown below and slowly move from just above your kneecap up to your hip flexors -pausing at any tender areas. You can also experiment with flexing and pointing your toes, as well as turning your feet outward or inward for a different sensation.
IT BAND
Your IT Band is a major connective tissue that attaches the knee to the hip joint. Studies show you have to target the other areas around it in order to loosen this spot. Place the roller on the side of one of your hips and bend the top leg over your bottom leg to stabilize. Slowly roll from above your knee to your hip joint -pausing at any tender areas. Try leaning forward and back or bending and straightening your bottom leg for a different sensation.
GLUTES
Your glutes control almost every part of your body. They are a major muscle mover, and if overlooked, can be quite detrimental to your recovery efforts. Start by placing the roller underneath your butt area, and cross one leg over your knee in a figure-4 shape. Then, lean over towards the leg that's lifted. This opens up your glute area and allows you to get deeper. Experiment with bending and extending your top leg for a different sensation.
ADDUCTOR (Inner Thigh)
This spot is SO tender for me -proving that I need to be focusing on this area every single time I roll, and I'm sure most of you can agree. Lie down on your stomach and bring one of your legs up to a 90-degree angle from your torso. Place the roller underneath your inner thigh, starting at just above the kneecap and moving towards your pelvic area. Keep your foot flexed and experiment with bending and straighting your leg.
BACK/LATS
A lot of people like to start on this area, but I always find I need to be "warmed up" before moving to this area because it's a very tight area for me. I always finish my routine here. Start by lying on your back. Place the foam roller perpendicular to your body underneath your shoulder blades. Bring your arms either straight overhead (for a deeper feeling) or crossed over your chest (for a softer sensation). Slowly roll from your mid-back to your neck -avoiding your lower back.
For your traps, lean your torso to one side, hitting the area just below your rear delts. Pause on any spots that are tender.
So there's a basic foam rolling routine that hits top to bottom. Have you tried any other foam roller moves before? Or do you have any other tips for foam rolling? Comment below and let me know! I love hearing how foam rolling has helped people out in their fitness journey.
For Beginners
For Experts
For the Traveler
For Multitaskers
Huge thanks to Reve Cycling Studio for letting us shoot in their gorgeous space!
Images by the lovely Courtney Elizabeth Media
Eggs
I eat eggs every day after my early morning workout. They’re a good source of protein and simple to prepare. Over easy or scrambled are fastest for weekdays, but if I have more time on the weekends, my favorite cooking method is poaching. Don’t be intimidated, just crack your eggs into gently simmering water, time for 4 - 6 minutes, and remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate with a paper towel to dry. I like to eat them on top of multigrain toast.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is my favorite post workout carb because it keeps you full long after your sweat session is over, and it’s a delicious blank canvas for you to add whatever toppings you like. I like blueberries and toasted almonds for something sweet. Or, if I'm in a savory mood, I add salt, a little dried rosemary, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top.
Cocoa Powder
Dark chocolate is one of my favorite treats, but I also like finding ways to stir cocoa powder into my food. Chocolate contains antioxidants (if you needed more convincing) and is definitely a satisfying pre and post workout food. I like that cocoa powder is unsweetened so I can control the added sugars by stirring in my preferred amount of maple syrup or honey if I want something sweet. I add 1-2 tablespoons to plain Greek yogurt or a cup of plain almond milk for simple chocolate milk or hot chocolate. It’s also my secret ingredient in turkey chili for an interesting Mexican twist.
Farro
Step aside, quinoa. My sister turned me onto this Italian grain after her time abroad in Florence. Farro tastes like a chewier, nuttier brown rice and cooks in half the time. This hearty grain is delicious alone or tossed into salads and soups. I like to stir in cherry tomato halves, kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean variation that is equally tasty served hot or cold.
Green Tea
Ok, green tea is a beverage, but it is also a good source of energy. It offers a gentler caffeine boost than coffee but will still wake you up if you need an extra push. I usually sip hot green tea throughout the day, but when it warms up outside, I put it on ice in a water bottle and take it to the beach or hiking.
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We all say how great it would be for both our bodies and our minds. Yoga for mental clarity. Adventure for energy and creativity. Whole foods for a nourishing cleanse. Then, meeting new people for lifelong friendships and connections.
All of these things happen on retreats and are so beneficial to our health and well-being. So why aren't more of us actually going on them? Well, after embarking on my first ever yoga AND surf retreat, I'm here to give you 5 reasons why your next vacation should absolutely be a yoga/surf retreat.
For the past year, my friend had been eyeing this one retreat in particular- Surf With Amigas. She had tried several times to make one happen, but could never get enough time off of work or find a way to fund this adventure. The stars aligned for a trip in January and she invited me when I expressed interest in the idea. I had heard of these retreats, but didn’t actually know anyone who had gone on one. But, it was January in Maine and with no other warm weather getaways planned, Nicaragua was extremely appealing. I loved yoga and while I had only tried surfing a few times, I had always wanted to get better. So, I signed up!
The retreat was down in northern Nicaragua, at an eco-resort called the Coco Loco. With warm water, super fun surf for all levels, an open-air platform yoga studio, friendly locals, and located a relatively short flight away from the US, it’s the perfect place for a week-long escape.
The Surf With Amigas retreat was founded by pro surfer Holly Beck and Holly leads the retreats, instructing in the water and reviewing video footage with each "amiga" on the retreat during lunch breaks. The other instructors on her team are phenomenal and they have built an extremely supportive community of all yoga and surf levels.
The first day was filled with sweaty vinyasa and yin yoga in 95 degree weather and tons of much needed pool time. We also warmed up for surfing with some beginner surf technique and safety lessons in the pool.
The food is a huge part of the retreat experience. Everything we ate was organic and locally grown. Meals were primarily vegetarian and most dinners were the most delicious local pescatarian dishes. I have honestly never eaten so well, (especially while on vacation)!
Every day, we would wake up before sunrise in our private cabanas, head to the dining area for first breakfast and check out our schedule for the day. The schedule always varied based on high tide for surfing but would look something like this:
I know it sounds like an early day, and I was skeptical at first, especially while on vacation, but by the end of the day you are going to bed by 8pm and it is hard not to wake up with the sun in the morning. I felt so much more refreshed after this schedule than any late morning trip I've ever done! It's so worth it.
Halfway through the week, we spent a day exploring Nicaragua, checking out the nearby city of Colonia, and then heading to a volcano, el Cerro Negro. This day trip, like everything at the retreat, was completely optional, but I wanted to try as many new things as I could, and so signed up for the group volcano boarding excursion. I had never heard of such a thing, and it sounded terrifying, but the best things don’t come from comfort zones, right?
We hiked for about an hour up the volcano and put on full body volcano boarding body suits and one at a time, sat on wooden sleds and shot stratight down the side of the volcano. Based on your positioning, you could go down pretty slowly or as fast as you wanted. The ride down was roughly two minutes and unlike anything I have ever done in my life.
As you can see, yoga + surf retreats don't have to be intimidating and all levels are welcome and encouraged. This group spoke my language when it came to combining adventure, fun and fitness with the healing power of yoga and surf.
So, here are 5 reasons why your next vacation should be a yoga + surf retreat.
1. YOU DON'T NEED TO BE AN EXPERT SURFER OR YOGI
Most surf and yoga retreats cater to people of all levels, and even those who have never surfed or done any yoga before in their lives. The cool thing about both surfing and yoga is that they mean different things for everyone. It's so much more than catching huge waves, poses and movement.
2. YOU'LL FEEL RELAXED AND REJUVENATED
Instead of coming off of vacation with serious anxiety about going back to reality, coming off of a yoga retreat leaves you clear and level headed. This makes the transition back to real life a little bit easier to manage.
3. THE DAYS ARE STRUCTURED, BUT NOT MANDATORY
Surf + Yoga retreats always have a schedule you can follow, but you don't have to do everything. If you feel like skipping out on that workshop to sit by the pool instead, do it. No one will "get you in trouble" or really even care that much. A retreat is there for you to focus on you.
4. YOU DO MORE GOOD THAN HARM TO YOUR BODY
Almost all vacations that I ever go on, there is lots of overindulging involved with little to no exercise. Whereas a retreat is quite the opposite. You fill your body with good food, your mind with positive thoughts and move your body with yoga and exercise, instead of too many margaritas and dinners out.
5. YOU'LL FIND A COMMUNITY
It's true. There is something special about a retreat that allows you to open up to complete strangers about what's going on in your life. Whatever it is, the sense of community you develop with one or all of the attendees is something completely unique and truly gratifying.
Hopefully this post will help you take the leap and go on that yoga + surf retreat you've been eyeing instead of that same ol' vacation. You will come back with an entirely new perspective. I promise you, it will not disappoint.
PHOTOS by: Abbey Moore
]]>I am definitely more of a morning person but trying even harder these days to wake up earlier so that I can get my day started off on the right foot and be relaxed throughout the day. While not every morning goes this smoothly – these 5 things are what put me in the right mindset and keep me energized throughout the day.
I typically begin my day by rolling out of bed around 6:30 am and walking (or dragging) our English Bulldog for a walk (he is not a morning guy). And while there are days when I go right to making a pot of coffee, my ideal mornings include the following steps:
1) Hydration
I heat up a mug of water, and then mix in lemon with a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar. This not only wakes me up, but hydrates my body after hours of dehydration from sleeping for hopefully 8 hours.
2) Meditation & Yoga
One key to keeping me calm and starting my day out right is by doing a few yoga poses followed by meditation. Some people are able to do this on their own, but I use an app called Headspace. It only takes around 10 minutes and I try to meditate 4-5 times a week.
3) Making lunch the night before
This is not always easy on Sunday night, but prepping a salad and a few snacks to bring to work prevents me from ordering something unhealthy at lunch and binging on chocolate by the afternoon! This usually includes some variation of quinoa, avocado, veggies, nuts and eggs.
4) Healthy Breakfast with protein
My favorite this time of year is flax oatmeal from Whole Foods with almonds, raspberries or blueberries and some almond butter or I will make a smoothie with blueberries, kale, almond milk and Vega protein powder.
5) Get a sweat in
I try at least 2 days a week to workout before work by going to a spinning class or hitting the gym but this always depends on how busy the week is.
Shop our outfits below:
]]>BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE:
There is so much to do in Boothbay, between the serene botanical gardens and numerous parks, as well as surrounding islands you can explore the area by land or boat. Play a round of golf at the newly constructed Boothbay Harbor Country Club or play some tennis at public courts nearby.
Portland has become the latest foodie destination. Grab a lobster roll at Eventide and a donut & coffee at the Holy Donut. At night you can check out some live music in the at Portland Lobster Company and grab a nightcap cocktail at The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club. During the day take a quick ferry ride to one of the many islands surrounding Portland to explore beaches, kayaking, biking, etc.
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1) Vineyard Vines: 17 Inch Solid Woven Skirt ($98): This moisture wicking skirt is the perfect length if you're playing at a conservative club and you can't go wrong with this preppy look on the course!
2) Nike Golf Tournament Knit Skort ($75): This relaxed fit skirt is the perfect go-to if you want to be comfortable for a long day on the course.
3) Under Armour Women's Links Knit Golf Skort ($69.99): A super-soft material with lasting comfort and adorable back pleat to add some personality!
4) Vineyard Vines Golf Palm Leaf Skort ($118): Statement-making pattern is a must have!
5) Callaway Women's Performance Knit Golf Skort ($65): Classic look with a pop of color for summer & even better UPF 50 protection to keep you covered.
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