The Day Trip Diaries: Portland, ME via Amtrak Downeaster

Last fall, MJF and I headed to Portland, Maine for the [very fabulous, might I add] wedding of his two cousins. We made a stop for Portland Head Light [shocking], but beyond that didn’t have much in the way of time to explore the little city. So when Amtrak Downeaster offered to send me up there for the day, I cleared our schedule and booked those tickets faster than you can say lobstah with buttah.

It is stupid easy to get to Portland from Boston– just a two-hour ride from North Station on the Amtrak Downeaster train. And to quckly interject, those collective 4 or so ours spent on a train in one day? Most relaxing 4 hours I’ve had in the last two months. Considering booking another trip up there STAT for the ride alone. This is also probably a sign that I’m having stress and workaholic issues but we’ll just give the credit to the train’s comfy seating arrangements instead.

One of my best galfriends from college is a Maineiac and played tour guide for the day, so I’m giving you only the most local-approved suggestions.

#likeaboss














We were crazy spoiled with good weather this day, not even a need for an overcoat. But, being the season, it was a perfect day to put this new J.Jill forest green buttoned back pullover to use. In hindsight, I’m rocking a bordering extremely unflattering farm boy look with these boyfriend jeans, but at least I’ve got that cozy chic top business working for me.



[ destination:: portland, maine ]

who:: Husband continues to put up with my gimmicks, but this time with the addition of Tasha!
what:: Enjoy the views + foliage aboard the Amtrak Downeaster. Shop, eat, & stroll in this small but full-of-character city. And if you’re willing to take a quick walk Uber ride, visit the lighthouse.
when:: I’m pretty sure there isn’t a bad time of year to visit Portland, but if you take the train just a stop further to Freeport, you’ll be in Christmas shopping heaven, so there’s an argument for visiting in November or December!
where:: Brunch at The Corner Room [brunch meets Italian food = God’s gift to me] | Gluten-free salted chocolate doughnuts at The Holy Donut | Shop at The Merchant Co, Folly 101, and The Paper Patch | Dinner at Duckfat | Wine/cappuccino at Portland Patisserie | Apertifs at Vena’s Fizz House [thank you K-Tab via Kristin for the rec]
wear:: J.Jill Buttoned Back Pullover Sweater [25% off today!] | Old Navy Quilted Vest | Onecklace Gold Monogram Necklace c/o | Primark Tartan Plaid Scarf [similar] | DL1961 Boyfriend Jeans |  Madewell Glasgow Satchel [on sale + 20% off today!] | Steve Madden Leopard Loafers [similar]

[ G I V E A W A Y ]
I’m giving away two tickets for an Amtrak Downeaster ride over on Twitter! Follow me @emilygeaman + RT the pinned tweet by Monday 12/14 for your chance to win! xx

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Full Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Amtrak Downeaster; all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support shell chic’d!