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If you’re one of those people who hears Maine and thinks, “Do they have running water?” you’re in for a treat. Besides being home to RedMonk HQ, Portland is a tremendous town of around 60,000 people. We’re becoming famous for our food; Bon Appetit dubbed us the “Foodiest Small Town” back in 2009, and the New York Times had nice things to say as well. Here’s what they recommend for 36 hours in town, by the way.
In most other ways, Portland’s a lot like Boston. Not big, streets occasionally cobbled and right on the water. Here’s what you need to know about getting there, getting around and getting out.
Airports
Portland (PWM) is by far the easiest, if you can manage it. It’s fifteen minutes from downtown. Direct flights are available from Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, NY LaGuardia, NY JFK, NY LaGuardia, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Washington, DC (Dulles).
If you’re coming from the West Coast and prefer direct, Boston’s your best bet. Google Maps says it’s a two hour drive; in reality, it’s more like an hour and a half. Don’t feel like driving? Take the train: the Downeaster runs from North Station to the Portland Amtrak station, from where you’re a ten minute cab ride from the venue and hotels.
Getting Around
All of the hotels are an easy walk to and from the venue. And because we want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves at our beer tasting and dinner, we will be busing attendees to and from. So you in all likelihood do not need to rent a car.
Hotels / Lodging
We have two discounted rate packages available. The Eastland Hotel (207.775.5411) is $149 and the Portland Harbor Hotel (207.775.9090) is $229. You’ll have to call for reservations; the discounts are not available online. In addition, The Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront just came online and is accepting reservations starting in August for $179 and up. Other convenient hotels include the Portland Regency, the Hilton Garden Inn, and – a bit further out – the Marriott Residence Inn.
A word on lodging: you may want to book soon. The Regency, for example, is already full for Wednesday night. And once these venues are full, the next hotels are a cab ride away.
Taxis
You won’t have to worry about getting to and from the tasting venue, as mentioned, but for those of you looking to schedule transport back to the airport we recommend either Airport Taxi or Alliance Cab.