Find the Best Things to Do in East Bayside
By Mark Pechenik
Portland Local Expert
About East Bayside
East Bayside was long regarded as the overlooked step sister among Portland’s neighborhood. In some ways, this is true. In the 1800s, East Bayside’s Back Cove ship channel was regarded as a back-up to Portland’s much busier main seaport. Later, it seemed forgotten when compared to the dazzle and energy of the city’s Old Port and Downtown districts. However, in recent years, this quiet community has become a haven for hipsters and artists seeking to claim their own turf in Maine’s largest city.
See & Do
East Bayside is a great place to tour one of Portland’s legendary blue collar neighborhoods. It’s clapboard structures, once the domiciles of local dockworkers, are definitely worth viewing. Meanwhile, there are opportunities to tour today’s galleries – or even participate in creating your own art. For instance, at Earth & Soul Pottery (www.earthandsoulpottery.com, 207-775-1089), located at 34 Washington Avenue, it is possible to explore your inner artist with pottery classes in a fun, supportive environment.
Meanwhile, Cyclemania at 59 Federal Street (www.cyclemania.com, 207-774-2933) has great deals on both touring and hybrid bikes to discover the main streets and backroads of East Bayside and beyond in Portland. This retailer also features complete lines of bike merchandise – everything from helmets to jerseys – and an inventory of top bike manufacturers. While it may seem unusual to be writing about nature in an urban environment, East Bayside is a great location for enjoying Portland’s lesser known pastoral treasures. For example, portions of the Back Cove Trail, managed by the non-profit urban land preservation group Portland Trails (www.trails.org), crosses through East Bayside. Bordering Portland’s Back Cove, this trail offers stunning views of the city’s skyline Meanwhile, the Bayside Trail takes hikers through the heart of this revitalized community along a flat, wide and paved walkway. Access to the 3.5 mile Back Cove Trail is possible via Payson Park at Baxter Boulevard. The Bayside Trail can be entered at Elm Street at the end of Marginal Way (which borders Back Cove).
Eat
East Bayside’s eateries specialize in fun, casual, affordable and delicious fare. Silly’s at 40 Washington Avenue (www.sillys.com, 207-772-0360) is a Portland classic, much beloved for its expansive menu featuring everything from vegan-friendly dishes to craft beers and huge, stuffed sandwiches. Meanwhile, Duck Fat at 43 Middle Street (www.duckfat.com, 207-774-8080) has developed a strong following among those with adventurous tastes. Their offerings include everything from classic Belgian fries (cooked in duck fat, of course) to paninis, soups, milkshakes and salads.
Party
Evenings are decidedly laid back in Portland's East Bayside neighborhood. This is especially true during the summer. During this choice season, couples and families alike linger in the many small cafes and eateries which can be found on the main thoroughfares and quiet, neighborhood streets. Places like Silly's and Duck Fat occasionally feature local artists - guitarists and small combos – that perform for attentive audiences. And, of course, the nearby shoreline of Back Cove is a huge draw for hikers, bikers, or those who wish to take in the brilliant lights and commanding skyline of Portland. Visitors will enjoy the calm, restful atmosphere of this quaint district which is gradually winning fans – and residents – as one of Portland's best neighborhoods.
Shop
Discovering East Bayside can take some doing – but it is worth the effort. While it does not have stand out landmarks such as the Portland Museum of Art, East Bayside is home to several funky artist studios and galleries worth visiting. The Ember Grove Gallery, located at 247 Congress Street (www.embergrove.com, 207-761-0408) is home to 25 of Maine’s leading lights in functional art. Here you can view – and purchase – one of a kind pieces in jewelry, lighting, and clothing. Nearby, at 54 Cove Street, the Running With Scissors gallery (www.runningwithscissorsartstudios.com, 207-699-4242) consistently lives up to its avant garde reputation with its community of 16 very diverse artisans specializing in everything from sculpture, painting, and even beach stone jewelry