For Autumn Romantic Getaways in Maine, Look to Portland

Need a romantic, New England getaway?

New England is an idyllic destination for anyone who loves fall colors. Autumn in New England is something every nature lover should experience at least once in their life. But where should you go for a couples escape? Connecticut is crowded. Vermont? Perhaps too clichéd for getting “swept away.” But you’ll find unforgettable romantic getaways in Maine.

More specifically, for a destination worthy of a romance novel experience, I would like to suggest Portland, Maine. Portland may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the mot romantic places in Maine. But a romantic getaway in Portland, Maine has some surprises to offer for couples in need of a getaway for two.

Why a Portland Maine Romantic Getaway?

Not too far off the beaten track to take you off the grid, Portland is a small and friendly coastal city surrounded by Maine’s natural beauty. Founded as a fishing village, Portland is now a city of about 66,000 residents. Today it is very much a tourist destination but one that epitomizes all that Americans love about New England.

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Romantic Hotels in Portland Maine

Portland’s small but easily negotiable airport makes it a destination accessible to anyone. And that may be why Portland offers so many accommodation options.

For couples looking to experience modern romance, The Francis is a historic hotel with recently renovated rooms. There is an on-site spa and a restaurant featuring New England-influenced cuisine. If exploring nature is more your style, there’s the Wolf Cove Inn. It is outside of town but offers lake views. Other choices winning high marks with couples include:

• The Press Hotel
• Blind Tiger Guest House
• Portland Harbor Hotel (less intimate but offers waterfront views)

Search for the best prices on Portland, Maine romantic hotels

Discover Cape Elizabeth

If you’re seeking romancing in Portland in the fall and leafing is your goal, a day trip to Cape Elizabeth should be on your itinerary. Allow yourselves a moment of role play as the hero and heroine of a historical romance, kissing at the foot of iconic Two Lights lighthouse. Pack a picnic to enjoy at Crescent Beach State Park for a true autumn in New England experience. (Or, in season, head to Lobster Shack Two Lights for casual seafood with an ocean view.)

More romantic things to do in Portland Maine

Or if you’re more of a lazy leafer, plan a stroll at Portland’s Eastern Promanade. This sixty-eight acre waterfront park offers plenty of quiet nooks for sneaking a kiss and snapping a selfie with a background of glowing autumnal reds and golds.

Hit a Maine clam shack

You cannot leave Maine without a visit to a New England clam shack. Salty Bay Seafood offers a walk up window and picnic tables with a marsh view. There are at least a dozen other good clam shacks around Portland but depending on the time of year, they may be overrun with tourists.

TO TRY: Recipe for the Perfect Lobster Sandwich

More Portland Maine seafood

Some of the big names (read popular) in Portland, Maine clam shacks include:

Susan’s Fish & Chips

DiMillo’s on the Water

Romantic restaurants in Portland Maine

The aforementioned restaurant in the Francis Hotel, Bolster, Snow and Co. is considered one of Portland, Maine’s best restaurants. Other restaurants that get the nod from couples include Hugo’s and for francophiles, Petite Jacquenline.

Shop for Maine Tourmaline

And if you’re heart desires a keepsake to remember your Autumn in New England forever, consider a stop at Cross Jewelers, a local shop specializing in pieces made with Maine Tourmaline. True, this stone generally features shades of pink or green, not the burnt sienna and crimson of fall foliage. But there is no other way to seal this perfect vacation than with a kiss–and a glittering chunk of this local rock.

TO TRY: Hot Apple Cider Cocktail with a New England Flare

For more information on planning romantic getaways to Portland Maine

There truly is so much to discover on a romantic getaway in Portland and along the southern Maine coast. For more help in planning your autumnal getaway in Portland, Maine, check out VisitPortland.com.

Photo of The Francis Hotel by Irvin Serrano