So You Want to Visit Portland Maine

This pier is less than a quarter mile from the spot where the Five Year Lie cover photo was taken. Photo from Unsplash.

One of the unexpected joys of writing fiction is hearing from readers who decide to visit the places I write about. It happens more than you’d think. After all those books in Vermont, I get pictures from covered bridges and maple syrup shacks. The Bruisers are responsible for a bunch of photos of bridges in DUMBO, especially a certain cookie shop!

So now I’ve picked Portland, Maine—a salty, history-rich gem on the Atlantic—as the backdrop for The Five Year Lie and Dying to Meet You. And I’m ready for your photos of lobster rolls and little brick streets! Portland features charming old buildings, great food, and haunted historic mansions that belong on a postcard. It’s basically begging to be the setting of a twisty, romantic mystery.

So if by chance you’re planning a trip, here are all my favorite touristy spots in Portland!

Commercial Street and the waterfront:
This is the heart of Portland’s working waterfront, where fishing boats and ferries come and go all day long. It’s the best place to grab a lobster roll, spot some salty dogs (literal and figurative), and watch the harbor sparkle in the sun. There are lots of seafood restaurants on the pier, like the ones where Rowan worked in Dying to Meet You. Thirsty? Try the Luna rooftop bar for the views.

Sarina’s books set in Portland

Exchange Street:
Cobblestones, cute shops, and old brick buildings—Exchange Street is where you wander aimlessly and end up with a new candle, a Maine-themed tea towel, and a fresh-baked cookie you didn’t mean to buy. It’s also a great spot for people-watching and window shopping. If you need a snack, Gelato Fiasco is tasty.

The Eastern Promenade:
If you like a view, this one’s hard to beat. The trail winds along the edge of Casco Bay, with sailboats bobbing below and picnic spots tucked into the grass. It’s the kind of place where you can clear your head—or imagine what secrets might be buried just out of sight.

The Western Promenade:
This is the neighborhood where Ariel grew up! Pretty historic homes abound here. And there’s another scenic sidewalk path to walk.

The Victoria Mansion:
This is the real-life model for the mansion in Dying to Meet You. In the novel, I moved the house a couple blocks toward the water, and I changed the subject of the wall paintings to suit my whim. But the design and materials are all pretty accurate. The house is a museum now, and you can visit.

In case you wondered why I set books in Portland, Maine. Photo from Unsplash.

Food from the Books

Becky’s Diner is real.

The Holey Donut is real.

Standard Baking Company is real.

Honey Paw is real.

Black Cow is real.

Also Recommended

My other favorites include The Lucky Cheetah for Chinese fusion, Bar Futo for hip Japanese yakitori, Terlingua for BBQ, Ocotillo for Mexican fusion, Nura for hummus and falafel.