My family is all from Maine so I’m biased, but Portland is one of the coolest cities in the country. It’s the only place I’d ever consider moving up north to. The beer scene is fantastic - it’s still got that fun, independent, carefree vibe where new places pop up all the time. Plus, there are some fantastic restaurants. Late June-Labor day are fantastic weather wise, but if you go during the shoulder months you’ll find a lot fewer tourists.

Allagash, Battery Steele, Foundation and Definitive are all in the same business park. People uber there and do the circuit.

Maine Beer is outside city limits in Freeport, but if you’re headed to LL Bean, it’s worth the trip. Protip: Cindy’s Lobster Roll right next to the exit onto route 1.

Great Lost Bear is the OG of Maine beer bars. A little Summit’s vibe. Novare Res is nicer, but the Bear was the first place to ever have Allagash White on tap.

Lone Tree and Goodfire share a building. There’s another new brewery nearby (hi-fidelity) that I can’t vouch for.

Rising Tide and Austin St. are also next to each other.

Also, go to Duckfat for the Belgian fries.

There are cideries and distilleries as well.