Portland Culinary Scene: What to Know for Your Family Vacation

Best Culinary Walking Tour of the Portland Culinary Scene

The best place to partake in a culinary walking tour is the Old Port area of Portland, Maine. There are numerous restaurants and pubs throughout the streets of Old Port. So, you actually never know where you will be stopping during your journey.

Check out this 8-day family vacation itinerary for Maine.

Your tour guide will share all sorts of culinary history as you walk from one destination to the next. They will even point out different eateries you are not stopping at along the way. While they share what each one of those eateries is known for, they will let you know the exact reasons why you should add those locations to your list of places to eat during your family vacation.

A few dishes and drinks you will indulge in during your walking tour of the Portland culinary scene include:

• Temaki
• Lobster
• Nut Mylk Smoothie
• Maine Seafood Chowder
• Local Soups
• Dark Chocolate Truffles
• Maine Honeywine
• Maine Craft Beer

Different Culinary Tour Options

The Old Port walking culinary tour is one of the most popular culinary tours in Portland. However, it is not the only option when you want to explore the Portland culinary scene. There are quite a few other foodie options for you to choose from during your Portland, Maine family vacation.

The Bon Appetite Culinary Walking Tour is one that will have you exploring one of the best foodie neighborhoods in the state.

You can also choose from the Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour, Old Port Afternoon Artisanal Tasting Tour, East End Artisanal Tasting Tour, and the Culinary Palette Food Tour. That last one in the Portland culinary scene includes art and culture.

You may even want to consider dining at The Top, where you can also take a restaurant tour.

If you are really looking for a unique culinary tour option while on a family vacation in Portland, you must check out the Lunch and Aquaculture Cruise in Casco Bay. This cruise food tour is three and a half hours long. You will dine on delicious cuisine, as you see the sights of Portland from the sparkling water of the bay.

Use my travel guide to get started thinking about a delicious family vacation in Maine. 

As you can see, there are so many delicious options when it comes to food in Portland, Maine. If you love food and want to combine delectable bites with your next family vacation, let’s chat. I can reserve your spot on any of these culinary tours in Portland. So, you can enjoy food, the nearby attractions, and your family all at the same time while exploring Portland’s culinary scene.

Are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your culinary trip to Portland, Maine?

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Family Vacation in Vietnam is a Foodie’s Dream

Since there are so many different Vietnamese foods available in Vietnam, you may feel overwhelmed. That feeling may have you wondering exactly what you should be trying first. And of course, it can also cause you to wonder if you are skipping over something delicious. Thankfully, this blog post ensures you know which foods should be at the top of your list to try while you are on your family vacation in Vietnam. 

The Best Foods to Try as Your Family is Eating Their Way Through Vietnam 

Pho – A Favorite for Families on Vacation in Vietnam

Pho is the one Vietnamese dish that no one should turn down when on a family vacation in Vietnam. This Vietnamese dish is a type of soup. Beef stock, noodles, beef or chicken, and spices are used in this soup. You can easily order this dish wherever you are vacationing in Vietnam.  

Check out these beautiful towns to visit in Vietnam with your family! 

Bò Kho 

Bò Kho is a type of stew. This stew dish is served for both breakfast and lunch. The meat, which is usually beef, is simmered in fish sauce. Water, sugar, carrots, onions, and spices are added. I recommend eating it with a chunk of crusty French bread.  

Cha Giò and Nem Rán 

Cha Giò and Nem Rán is the name of Vietnamese spring rolls. The former name is what they are called in the southern part of the country. The latter is what they are called up north.

These spring rolls are delicious and worth trying during your family vacation in Vietnam! The spring rolls are minced pork and veggies mixed together and wrapped in rice paper. They are then fried until golden and crunchy.  

Your family will love them during your vacation in Vietnam. So much so, that you may need to find a Vietnamese restaurant back home to order them from!

Com Tam  

Com Tam means broken rice. You will find this Vietnamese dish in every food stall around the country. Many of the locals order it for lunch because it is cheap and filling. This dish is prepared by placing meat and greens on top of a plate of rice.  

This is one of the street foods you will find yourselves ordering time and time again during your family vacation in Vietnam.

Bún Bò Hue 

Bún Bò Hue is a meal that is popular in Hue, Vietnam. The locals in this city love their foods spicy and this dish does not disappoint. To prepare this meal, the broth is made from beef bones, fermented fish sauce, and lemongrass. Then noodles, vegetables, herbs, and either beef or pork are added. Before the dish is complete, a little chili is added to give it a little kick.  

Bánh Mì – Even Picky Eaters Love This While on Vacation in Vietnam

Bánh Mì is a flaky loaf of bread. While some people will eat slices of bread plain, others will turn them into delicious sandwiches.  

Bánh Xèo 

Bánh Xèo is a Vietnamese pancake It is made from rice flour and turmeric. This pancake is a must-try during your family vacation in Vietnam. These pancakes are served with beansprouts and greens. This is a well-rounded meal.  

Unique river cruise destinations to consider for your next family vacation.

Bot Chien 

This Vietnamese food is mainly served for breakfast. However, some people eat it at any time of the day. It is basically cubes of rice flour fried and served with eggs and green onions. Think of yumminess that will melt in your mouth.  

These are the best foods in Vietnam to try as you are eating your way through the country on your family vacation. Your family may be leery of trying these new foods since they are not familiar with them. But I guarantee that once they take their first bite, they will be begging for more.  

Are you ready to expand your family’s palate with a family vacation in Vietnam? Don’t lose out on precious time with your kids now and face the regrets later. Now is the time to make plans for those memories you will cherish in the future.  

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in Vietnam and try a few new foods?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

And if you are not quite ready to book a vacation in Vietnam, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.  

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Let’s Celebrate National Boston Cream Pie Day

The History of Boston Cream Pie

Before I get to the history of Boston cream pie, you must know that this pie isn’t really a pie. It is a cake that has a creamy filling in between the layers. Don’t worry, it is still yummy and worth eating!

Check out these actual pies for National Pie Day. 

Anyway, Boston cream pie was first made by M. Sanzian in 1856. He was the chef at the Parker House Hotel in Boston, MA. Since he made the pie at a Boston restaurant, it made sense to add the word Boston to the beginning of the pie’s, well, cake’s name.

The original Boston cream pie was layers of cake and pastry cream. Rum was brushed on the top of each layer. The chocolate icing was added to the top. And slivered almonds were placed around the sides.

No one is quite sure why everyone accepted that this was a pie and not a cake. It could be because Boston cream pie is similar to Washington Pie, which was also actually a cake. Boston cream pie was basically an updated version.

Where to Eat Boston Cream Pie

You can find Boston cream pie, and donuts, in many restaurants and bakeries around the country. And yet, if you walk into some bakeries and restaurants in Boston, they won’t have the pies or donuts you are searching for.

Don’t worry! I won’t leave you stranded without Boston cream pie or donuts while you are on a family vacation in Boston!

When it comes to Boston cream donuts, the best place to go is Union Square Donuts. And if you are not in the mood for a Boston cream donut, they have many other kinds. I recommend the caramel pumpkin cheesecake donut, sea salt whiskey caramel donut, or the peanut butter and jelly donut. Or get them all and have a blast eating breakfast all day long!

The Parker House Hotel is now the Omni Parker House. It is still the best place to eat a slice of Boston cream pie while on a family vacation.

Use my handy travel guide while starting to plan your family vacation in Boston. 

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to vacation in Boston and eat a slice of Boston cream pie! I’m not sure if I will get there to celebrate National Boston Cream Pie Day. But I will get there soon. After all, I want to visit some of the best bars in Boston. Until then, I may consider making my own Boston cream pie at home.

I recommend trying this recipe for Boston Cream Pie:

Boston Cream Pie

Oh, and this Boston cream pie martini looks good too!

Check out all the states’ desserts if you don’t want to make Boston Cream Pie. 

Let’s raise our glasses and forks and celebrate National Boston Cream Pie Day in style! Although, that leads me to a question…

Are you ready to plan a family vacation in Boston or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not quite ready to plan a family vacation just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive all the travel information I share.

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Best US Destinations to Visit to Celebrate National Pie Day

Prattville, Alabama

You may not have had any desire to visit Prattville, Alabama in the past, but if you love pecan pie, it is a must! Down at Uncle Mick’s Cajun Market & Café, you can grab a slice or two of the best pecan pie in the south. When your family is not scarfing down pie for National Pie Day, you will discover plenty of exciting activities to do together in Prattville. I recommend beginning by exploring Wilderness Park. From there, you can all check out the Pratt Cotton Gin Mill, The Prattaugan Museum, and finally, Cooter’s Pond Park.

Bantam, Connecticut

Connecticut isn’t a very large state, so it is possible to eat a little pie in Bantam. You can then venture off to areas like Mystic and Hartford. But a stop in Bantam is a must on National Pie Day. This area of the state is where you will be able to pick up a pumpkin custard tart at Bantam Bread. If you choose to spend more time in Bantam after eating your pie, you have a couple family-friendly options. Your family will love the Space Age Museum and Topsmead State Forest.

Lewes, Delaware

Delaware is another small state that is perfect for road trips and family vacations. If you happen to be in the area for National Pie Day, you must make a stop in Lewes. While the entire state of Delaware is known for its peach pies, no one makes them better than Old World Breads. Unfortunately, this bakery bakes according to the season. So, at this time of the year, you may find yourself ordering a pecan pie or another winter option. No worries, you can always choose to take a family vacation in Lewes during the summer when the peaches are ripe for the picking! And when you are not eating pie, your family will love walking the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk or exploring the Zwaanendael Museum.

Key West, Florida

Everyone knows that the best key lime pie can be found down in Key West, Florida. If you are craving some of this creamy pie, you must head over to Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe. And if a family vacation in Key West is not an option for National Pie Day, you can always order a key lime pie from them. They actually ship it to your home. But if you can get down to Key West, make sure the Ernest Hemingway House, Mallory Square, and the Southernmost Point Buoy are on your list of things to do. The kids will love snuggling with Hemingway’s cats. You will love the action within Mallory Square. And everyone will love taking selfies at the buoy!

Island of Oahu, Hawaii

Over on the island of Oahu, you cannot choose just one favorite pie for National Pie Day! With options that include passionfruit pear, pineapple, lilikoi, and guava, your family must simply try them all. Oh, and don’t forget the coconut pies. The ones at the Hawaiian Pie Co. melt in your mouth! I highly recommend taking a family vacation in Hawaii, not only for the pies but the ambiance and thrilling family adventures. If you can keep everyone away from the pie for a few hours, you can all wander through the Dole Pineapple Garden Maze or hike to the summit of Diamond Head. Submarine tours, snorkeling adventures, and of course, luaus will really add a little extra to your family vacation.

Chicago, Illinois

Does your family love French fries? What about chocolate? What would happen if you were to offer your family a chocolate French fry pie? Such a pie exists at Sugargoat Sweets in Chicago, Illinois! But don’t worry if combining chocolate and French fries doesn’t appeal to your family. The owner has you covered with other options like cheesecake pie, pumpkin crunch pie, and choco-lot pie. When you are not indulging in pie, you can walk off a few calories at the Navy Pier or visit the marine life at Shedd Aquarium. Going to the Skydeck of the Willis Tower is another option, but maybe do that before you eat your pie!

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Most families choose to visit New Orleans during a vacation in Louisiana. However, I recommend venturing over to the charming town of Natchitoches when you want a little pie for National Pie Day! A stop at Lasyone’s is a must, but not for sweet, dessert-like pie. This restaurant serves savory meat pies instead. Imagine biting into a pie made with pork and beef, as well as onions, peppers, and Southern seasonings. Once your family has eaten their fill of meat pies, you can continue on your way to New Orleans. But if you choose to stay in the area for a little while longer, make sure the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store is on your list of places to stop. It is the oldest general mercantile in the state. You never know what you may stumble upon during your visit.

These are some of the best US destinations to visit to celebrate National Pie Day. Do you know of any other destinations families should visit for some tasty pie? I would love to hear about them, so I can share them with other travelers. I would also love to plan a family vacation for you, so you can taste some of these fabulous pies.

So, are you ready to plan a family vacation to visit some of the best US destinations to celebrate National Pie Day?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar, where you can schedule a time most convenient for you.

And if you are not quite ready to plan a family vacation to celebrate National Pie Day, you can sign up for my newsletter by clicking here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the wonderful travel information I share throughout the year.

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Celebrate National Virginia Day by Eating These Favorite Local Foods

Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab

As I mentioned above, Chesapeake Bay brings in lots of delectable seafood. One of the local favorites is the blue crab. You must vacation in Virginia between late spring and early fall for soft shell crab. Hardshell crab season goes from April through November. Stick to those times of the year for the freshest crab during your Virginia vacation.

Peanuts

The very first commercial peanut crops were grown in Virginia during the 1840s. You can eat peanuts by the handful or put them in many different recipes. A local favorite dish is peanut soup. Another option for those with a sweet tooth is peanut pie. One bite and I guarantee your family will be hooked! If you want to make it at home, you can find a recipe here.

Oysters

The state of Virginia happens to be the top producer of oysters on the East Coast. Many of the local restaurants serve oysters, so you should have no problem finding them on the menu.

Homemade Apple Butter

If you have never had apple butter before, you don’t know what you are missing! The best apple butter is made down in Winchester, Virginia. You will find other types of apple butter in your travels. But if you want the best, make sure it is marked as being produced in Winchester.

Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew was first made in Brunswick County in Virginia. It is a meat and vegetable stew that is normally served on cold winter nights.

Turkey Casserole

Rockingham County in Virginia is where the commercial turkey industry began. Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised that turkey casserole is at the top of the list of favorite local foods. They needed something to make with all that leftover turkey! Don’t limit yourself to this dish on the day after Thanksgiving though. It is also quite tasty any other day of the year.

Fried Pies

Fried pies are available at many bakeries throughout Virginia. They are hand-held pies that are fried in canola oil. Most of the pies are sweet and savory. However, you may find different variations during your family vacation in Virginia.

These are some of the favorite local foods you should try when you take a family vacation in Virginia. You can choose to visit this fabulous state on National Virginia Day, or you can head there any other time of the year. There is no right or wrong time to visit. Especially since you can make those memories you will cherish with your family at any time.

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in Virginia?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to book a family vacation in Virginia, or anywhere else just yet, you can easily sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the exciting travel information I share.

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Celebrate National New Hampshire Day by Eating These Favorite Local Foods

Lobster Roll

The state of New Hampshire may not have a long ocean coastline. But it does offer some of the best lobster rolls in New England. This is the perfect meal during the summer, whether for lunch or dinner. The locals love their lobster rolls cold with mayonnaise. But you can also order a warm lobster roll served with melted butter.

Maple Sundaes

There are multiple ice cream stands scattered around the state of New Hampshire. When you take a family vacation in New Hampshire, I recommend checking a couple different ones out. At each one, you can order either maple ice cream or a maple sundae. Once you have tried a couple different versions, your family can choose your all-time favorite.

Cider Donuts

A fall tradition in New Hampshire is devouring cider donuts by the dozen. These are best eaten warm, but they taste pretty yummy cold too. A nice glass of cold milk, or a hot cup of coffee works best for a drink while eating these donuts. Or you can sip on apple cider as you eat your cider donut. Might as well enjoy all the apple cider versions you can get while on vacation in New Hampshire!

Mead

Mead is an ancient alcoholic drink made from honey. The Moonlight Meadery is located in Londonderry. They are making this drink once again and you will only find it in New Hampshire for now.

Clam Chowder

One of the favorite soups in New Hampshire is clam chowder. But the version made there the most is always New England clam chowder. If you are looking for a big bowl of chowder on a cold day, head to a local restaurant during your vacation.

Chocolate Mice

One of the best places to get chocolate mice, or any other chocolatey treat, is L A Burdick. Even if you don’t like mice, you will still love devouring more than one of these sweet treats.

These are the favorite local foods you must try while on a family vacation in New Hampshire. You can schedule your family vacation to coincide with National New Hampshire Day or you can go any other day of the year.

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in New Hampshire?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to book a family vacation in New Hampshire, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive the travel information I share.

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The Health Benefits of Macadamia Nuts

There are quite a few health benefits of macadamia nuts. If you love their butter-like favor, as well as the creamy texture, you will be happy to know they are good for you too. Food that tastes good and is good for you doesn’t come around too often!

A few of the health benefits include:

• Rich in nutrients
• Loaded with antioxidants
• Can boost heart health
• Can reduce risk of metabolic syndrome
• Can improve digestive health
• Can help with weight loss
• Can boost brain health

Honestly, it is simple to eat macadamia nuts by the handful. However, if you are looking for a delicious recipe this National Macadamian Nut Day to use these nuts in, I recommend trying Coconut Macadamia Nut Waffles or Macadamia Nut Hummus. And you can never go wrong when you make Freezer Fudge with Macadamia Nuts!

Make one of these recipes today for your family and start talking about the possibility of visiting the state that made macadamia nuts a household name. Imagine the memories you can make while on a family vacation in Hawaii and how it wouldn’t be possible if you find these macadamia nut recipes for your family to enjoy. I guarantee everyone will be more than ready to eat a few macadamia nuts while exploring the Hawaiian Islands during your next family vacation.

So, are you ready to celebrate National Macadamia Nut Day by planning a family vacation in Hawaii?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. You’ll then be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan a family vacation in Hawaii to celebrate National Macadamia Nut Day, you can always sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you will continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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