{"id":64826,"date":"2023-03-09T09:25:24","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T14:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/?p=64826"},"modified":"2023-03-09T09:25:26","modified_gmt":"2023-03-09T14:25:26","slug":"48-hours-in-cape-elizabeth-south-portland-scarborough-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/48-hours-in-cape-elizabeth-south-portland-scarborough-2\/","title":{"rendered":"48 Hours in Cape Elizabeth, South Portland + Scarborough"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Friday
<\/strong>Checking in<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kick off the weekend with appetizers and beers at Foulmouthed Brewing<\/a><\/strong>, a former auto garage turned into a brewpub in South Portland. Start with an order of crispy fries and a flight of dipping sauces\u2014the malt vinegar mayo is a customer favorite. Nachos always pair well with beer, so scoop some corn tortilla chips with spicy queso, cumin lime crema, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, lettuce, tomato, and black beans. And leave some room for the General Tso\u2019s wings; they\u2019re tangy with just a hint of spice and wash down perfectly with the Sir Squirrel brown ale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a well-deserved splurge, book a room at Inn by the Sea<\/a><\/strong>, located on Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth. Just seven miles from Portland, you\u2019ll feel worlds away when you catch a glimpse of the expansive coastal landscape, the inspiration behind the inn\u2019s architecture and design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Walking the grounds of Inn by the Sea in the evening brings a sense of calm and appreciation for the property\u2019s design.
2 Bug Light is one of the smallest lighthouses in the state and a perfect spot to set up an afternoon picnic.
3. Nonesuch Books in South Portland has a selection of titles to keep visitors of every age engaged.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The two-bedroom suites are perfect for families or groups of friends. Stock your full-size fridge with essentials for the weekend and stay in and cook if you\u2019re in the mood. Four-legged guests are supplied with their own bed, blanket, placemat, bowls, and a gigantic homemade biscuit. If your furry friend needs some extra pampering, you can preorder dinner from the gourmet pet menu. All the suites have incredible views from the living room, gas-burning fireplaces, and private decks or balconies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inn\u2019s on-site restaurant, Sea Glass<\/a><\/strong>, is a destination of its own and is frequented by locals, so make a reservation. Executive chef David Brown recently revamped the menus with a primary focus on quality seasonal ingredients. Start with one of the specialty cocktails, like the Sea Glass Spritzer, and an order of mussels in bouillabaisse sauce paired with the house bread for dipping. Don\u2019t overlook the unassuming Farmer\u2019s Salad, which features shaved veggies, whipped ricotta, herb crumble, and a smooth champagne vinaigrette. The cavatelli with clams is an excellent entr\u00e9e choice, but if you\u2019re not into seafood, try the braised short ribs with a merlot reduction. Finish with the cr\u00e8me br\u00fbl\u00e9e, and then stop by the lobby bar to enjoy a fireside nightcap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday
<\/strong>Antiques and eats<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roll out of bed, make yourself a Nespresso, and take an early-morning walk through Crescent Beach State Park<\/a><\/strong>. From October 1 through March 31, you can run with your leashed dog along the mile of white sand. The whole family will enjoy discovering saltwater coves and wooded pathways. When you return to the inn, order the apple French toast for breakfast, which will give you a good base for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cape Elizabeth has the longest growing season in Maine and hosts over 20 farms. If you\u2019re there during the summer, make sure to stop by Maxwell\u2019s Farm<\/a><\/strong> on Two Lights Road for strawberry picking. Cape Elizabeth also has one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, the Portland Head Light<\/a><\/strong> at Fort Williams Park<\/strong>. Commissioned by George Washington and completed in 1791, the oldest lighthouse in Maine is managed by the town and includes a museum within the former keepers\u2019 quarters. It might look especially familiar since artist Edward Hopper captured it in one of his most renowned watercolors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Cape Woopies never disappoints. The menu changes frequently, but if Maple Sunday is available, order it!
5. Gems like this Arne Jacobsen Swan chair can be scored at the Artful Collector in Cape Elizabeth.
6. The Cookie Jar is the place to pick up doughnuts and the bakery\u2019s famous raspberry Bismark to take back home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Time to get in a little stress-free shopping on Shore Road. Make your first stop The Artful Collector<\/a><\/strong>, where you can find Weller and Roseville pottery, along with well-preserved issues of the Saturday Evening Post dating back to the early 1920s. Modern gems might include a vintage Iittala Aalto Vase or an Arne Jacobsen Swan chair. Go next door to Fiddleheads Fine Flowers and Maine Gifts<\/a><\/strong>; this magical little shop creates sustainably sourced custom arrangements. Their small bouquets make great hostess gifts for the friend who has everything. If you walk just a few blocks down the road after, you can experience the delight of The Cookie Jar<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s famous raspberry Bismarck pastry. And then why not decompress for a bit back at the inn with lunch? You can grab sandwiches and salads at C Salt Gourmet Market<\/a><\/strong> and enjoy them on your private deck while soaking up the ocean air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A favorite destination in Scarborough is Higgins Beach<\/strong>. When the surf is up, surfers can be seen catching waves no matter the season. Enjoy walking the beach and admiring the classic New England cottages that date back to the 1800s. If you have kids, go farther south along the Scarborough coastline to Ferry Beach<\/strong>. It\u2019s the perfect place for parents to relax because the water there is calm and shallow. Enjoy the sunset before heading to dinner at the Pine Point Grill<\/a><\/strong>. This cozy restaurant is just one mile from Pine Point Beach<\/strong>. You\u2019ll want to order the French onion soup and wild haddock with rosemary potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday
<\/strong>Beaches and Bug Light<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Begin the morning with one last walk around the inn\u2019s grounds. After that, head to Bonny Read<\/a><\/strong> in South Portland, where locals know you can score some fantastic midcentury and antique pieces for your home. After you finish perusing the shop, grab a coffee down the road at Cia Cafe<\/a><\/strong> and check out the jewelry by Maine makers. Now that you\u2019re caffeinated, make your way over to Nonesuch Books and More<\/a><\/strong>, where they have new and gently used books for adults and children as well as a nice selection of Stonewall Kitchen soaps and jams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get back in the car and take a short drive to one of the smallest lighthouses in the state, Portland Breakwater Lighthouse<\/a><\/strong>, also referred to as Bug Light<\/strong>. Originally built of wood in the 1800s, the lighthouse was later rebuilt using cast-iron plates. Standing just 26 feet tall, it\u2019s located on the eastern end of the Greenbelt Walkway<\/a><\/strong> with a view of the entrance to Portland Harbor. If it\u2019s a windy day, take a kite with you. And make sure you allow yourself some time to explore the nearby Liberty Ship Memorial<\/a><\/strong> to learn about the ships built there during World War II.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. The breakfast at Inn by the Sea\u2019s on-site restaurant Sea Glass is not to be missed.
8. Grab a seat outside and order a flight of delicious beers at Foulmouthed Brewing.
9. Fiddleheads in Cape Elizabeth is a great spot for a dreamy bouquet and locally made goods.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before you head out of town, grab snacks at the new Buena Vista Filipino Food Market<\/a><\/strong>. If you\u2019re lucky, they\u2019ll have a fresh batch of pancit noodles. For more take-home food, check out two Italian markets: Solo Cucina Market<\/a><\/strong>, where you\u2019ll find Solo\u2019s acclaimed pesto sauce, the same recipe served in their restaurant in downtown Portland, and Terra Cotta Pasta Co.<\/a><\/strong>, whose delicious homemade ravioli with mushroom sauce also happens to freeze well. Last, stop over at Cape Whoopies<\/a><\/strong> for a final sweet treat. There\u2019s an extensive menu, but well-known favorites include Maple Sunday and Birthday Suit\u2014and don\u2019t worry, they even have a gluten-free option.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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