Portland, Maine

So I was finally able to visit my brother Jesse in Maine!! Fun fact about my brother and I, we're super close - close to the point where we've been mistakenly asked if we were dating lol. Awkwardddd. Anyways, I can't remember a time in my life when we weren't best friends! He's older than me by 16 months, but people say I actually act like the older sibling ;)

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He has truly been there for me when I needed him the most, and he has always encouraged my adventurous heart to explore and get out more! So having to say goodbye to my brother back in August was one of the hardest things I've had to do. We've never really spent more than a month apart - we even went to the same University and hung out with many of the same friends. But as the proud sister that I am, I have to brag on him and inform you that he worked his butt off to get accepted to the University of New England's dental school up in Portland, Maine!

So though we're now separated, I am so proud of all he has accomplished to get to where he is today! And umm... ladies, isn't he handsome?! Hahaha okay okay, enough sister bragging and back to the travels!

On the way up from Virginia, my parents and I were able to first stop in NYC! I had never been before and had an incredible first experience!!! We were able to see the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line & Times Square!

And then on our way back we actually were able to stop at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens (blog on that coming soon!).

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We certainly tried to squeeze as many picturesque spots out of our road trip that we could! Anyways, when we finally arrived in Portland it was already dark, so we ended up just going out to eat downtown at an incredible Indian restaurant called Tandoor. The service and food were both amazing. Definitely a 10/10 experience if you're into Indian food!

Then the next day we went exploring at Two Lights State Park. The view was absolutely gorgeous. Check out this place!!

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The next adventure we went on was to the lighthouse that I've been dying to go to ever since my brother posted a pic on his Instagram. The iconic Portland Head Light, informally known as the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, is one of the key destinations of Portland, if not the most popular. The history of the lighthouse is quite fascinating - originally built to warn Cape Town of potential British incoming attacks and was originally lit by whale oil lamps, first lit back in 1791! They do have a little museum there where you can learn more about its history, or you can read more on their website here! And if you're ever visiting, no need to worry about parking.. there's plenty of room! Also, the park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset!

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And then on Black Friday we actually stopped in Freeport and checked out the super cute outlets there! We actually were just driving by and saw the HUGE L.L. Bean headquarters and I asked to stop. We hadn't actually planned on shopping at all but were pleasantly surprised. This whole area, especially right outside L.L. Bean was super cute and festive!

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I highly recommend making a trip before Christmas to experience their Christmas setup! They had free hot chocolate and even had a reindeer station!!! 📷

Also, kinda random but I absolutely loved the local Trader Joe's there. The art was unlike any grocery store I've ever experienced. The cashier actually told me that at their branch they have some of the best artists compared to any other Trader Joe's.

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All that to say, my family had an incredible time exploring Maine! I already miss my brother quite terribly though and can't wait till I can visit again.