out and about town with soulemama's amanda soule

Many of you may already be familiar with my fellow Portlander + friend Amanda Soule, author of the popular parenting and crafty blog Soulemama, and author of the forthcoming book The Creative Family - How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections. Maybe it was just the kind of day I had when I chatted with her about doing an interview for the guest blog, or maybe it was the kind of day she had (it is January in Maine, after all) - but I thought it would be fun to ask her what she likes to do on those rare occasions that she is out and about in Portland without her three sweet children. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries sometimes, right? Here's what she had to say:

When I'm not playing dress up, reading books, doing laundry, making peanut butter and jelly, or otherwise being "Mama", these are the places around town you'll find me seeking rejuvenation & fun:

On my own:

1. Scratch - This neighborhood bakery in South Portland makes bagels that I literally dream about. So good. Located right in my childhood neighborhood and on the ocean, it's a favorite place of mine for walking too.

2. Maples Organics Gelateria - Where I satisfy my sweet tooth. Toasted Coconut, mnn....

3. Longfellow Books or Books Etc - We're so lucky in Portland to have more than one independent bookstore. They're both favorite spots of mine for getting 'lost' for a little while.

4. Central Yarn Store - Yes, of course the yarn is lovely, but in the back of the shop is the most wonderful button selection in town - an entire wall full of buttony goodness.

With my love:

1. Higgins Beach in Scarborough - I find no place more rejuvinating than the beach. This one is a favorite of ours for walking and talking along it's shoreline.

2. Ferry & Pub - A favorite date night of ours is a ferry ride to Peaks Island, and a visit to The Shipyard Pub. It's a short ferry ride, but somehow travelling that little bit of ocean makes it feel like we're really getting away.

3. Local 188 - my favorite Portland restaurant right now. Recently moved to a beautiful, new location, I love the unique atmosphere and yummy food in here.

4. The Movies on Exchange - Portland's independent and foreign film theater, in an old-fashioned atmosphere.

With the girls:

1. Arabica Coffee House on Free Street - a favorite meeting spot for coffee and the yummiest toast in town.

2. Arundel Antiques & Flea Market, Route One in Arundel - There are few better ways to spend a Saturday than wandering the aisles of a flea market with my dearest friends who are equally as enamoured with 'old things' as I am. I like this spot for it's variety and affordability.

3.  Downtown - I do love our waterfront shops and cobblestone streets. No visit to the Old Port is complete without a visit to Edith & Edna* and Ferdinand for handmade goodness. And Material Objects on Congress Street for funky vintage clothing finds.

3. Mardens Surplus in Lewiston - A surprisingly wonderful place to find designer fabrics (usually a season or two behind) at affordable prices. $2.99 a yard? Perfect.

(*stay tuned tomorrow when I share a visit to Edith and Edna here!)

Thanks so much, Amanda! These are many of my favorites, too - perhaps I will see you next time I get out on a grown up adventure.

Comments

[jean]

Hey! Sounds delightful. We are very lucky to have so many wonderful places to hang, gab, sip, nibble, and relax.

[meg]

good stuff. because of amanda, i can't go to arabica without getting their toast. yum.

[Tonya]

LOVE those bagels at Scratch! And pretty much everything else they make. Delish.

[Lisabeth]

Thanks to both of you for that post. My husband and I are headed to Portland from NH tomorrow (come snow, ice or rain) for a long-awaited weekend together. As we know very little about Portland, it's perfect timing.

[Kristy]

At the risk of repeating myself. I wish I was in your circle of friends! How amazing it must be when you all get together.Does that happen?

[crimson]

I knew I recognized the view out Arabica's front window... Thank you for a lovely walk down memory lane.
~ a Portland gal in southern exile

[cate]

sounds like a lovely part of the world. but now i know your secret... any fabric at $2.99 (£1.50) would be a miracle in the UK, let alone wonderful, or even nice, or designed in the last 10 years!!

[mary]

oh my...I can't see the words "Peaks Island" without getting all happy inside.

We were engaged there, on the beach right by the Ferry. Stayed at the Inn across the way, and had our first beer as an engaged couple at the Shipyard Pub.

Thanks for a great guide for the next time we travel up 95 to Portland! :)

[jess]

it is so nice to read about other local creators, and bloggers. thank you for a fun week, reminding me how lucky i am to live here (despite the cold and snow!)

[meredith]

wow, this makes me want to make the trek to portland (from salem, ma). i haven't been in years.

i have a question: what do you think is the best mardens for fabric: sanford, gray, lewiston, or are they all about the same?

[amanda]

Hi Meredith!

Not all of the Marden's locations have fabric, so you should be sure to check that first. And their inventory changes so much (with the different locations having entirely different stock) that it's really hard to say which has the best selection. Is it fair to say that they're all worth the journey? ;)

Best,
Amanda