Month: September 2025

As the warm days of summer give way to crisp air and golden leaves, Portland, Maine takes on a new kind of magic. Fall here isn’t just a season-it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the local flavors, and soak in the city’s creative energy. Guests of The Press Hotel, located in the heart of the Old Port, are perfectly positioned to experience all that autumn brings to the coast of Maine. From art walks and festivals to seasonal menus and coastal adventures, here’s what to look forward to this fall in Portland.

Celebrate the Arts This Season

Portland has always been a city of makers, and autumn is one of the best times to see that spirit on display. The city’s First Friday Art Walk draws locals and visitors alike to explore galleries, studios, and street performances. Inside The Press Hotel itself, guests can explore a permanent art gallery that highlights the work of Maine-based artists-perfect for a rainy fall afternoon. Combine this with a visit to the Portland Museum of Art, where seasonal exhibitions showcase everything from contemporary works to Maine’s storied artistic past.

Savor Fall Flavors at UNION

The bounty of Maine shines brightest in autumn, when local farms and fisheries deliver their harvest. At UNION Restaurant, located inside The Press Hotel, fall menus feature the freshest seasonal ingredients-from hearty root vegetables to just-harvested apples and crisp coastal seafood. The restaurant’s open kitchen and warm energy make it a destination in itself, while the culinary team works with local purveyors to keep every dish “altogether local.” Pair your meal with a seasonal cocktail at Inkwell, the hotel’s lobby bar, and toast to the perfect fall evening.

Festivals and Community Gatherings

Fall in Portland means festival season. The Harvest on the Harbor Festival is a highlight, bringing together chefs, mixologists, and brewers to showcase the very best of Maine’s food and drink scene. Wine tastings, oyster shucking competitions, and chef demos make this a can’t-miss event for culinary travelers. Shoppers and explorers will also love wandering through the Old Port Festival and smaller neighborhood markets, where local artisans offer everything from handmade crafts to cozy autumn knits.

Coastal Adventures in Cooler Weather

Maine’s coast takes on a different kind of beauty in the fall. Fewer crowds mean quieter walks along the waterfront, where the salty air feels fresh against the crisp seasonal breeze. Scenic drives up the coast to see the foliage, or day trips to Casco Bay islands, are especially breathtaking this time of year. Guests of The Press Hotel can take advantage of the hotel’s central location to access both the city and the surrounding natural escapes with ease.

Cozy Comforts at The Press Hotel

Of course, sometimes the best part of fall is simply leaning into the coziness of the season. At The Press Hotel, guests can retreat to their rooms-each inspired by 1920s writer’s offices with vintage desks, warm wood floors, and oversized windows that frame the autumn light. Frette™ linens, Cuddledown® comforters, and thoughtful amenities make it easy to relax after a day of exploring. Whether you’re soaking in a deep tub in an Executive King or taking in sweeping city views from the Penthouse Suite, every room feels like the perfect fall hideaway.

Make the Most of Autumn in Portland

Whether you’re visiting for the art, the flavors, or the coastal beauty, fall in Portland offers something truly special. And at The Press Hotel, you’ll find yourself at the crossroads of history, creativity, and comfort-steps from the city’s cultural highlights and dining gems. This autumn, discover Portland beyond words, and let The Press Hotel be your home base for an unforgettable seasonal escape.

As autumn deepens in Portland, Maine, the city’s culinary scene turns its focus to the flavors of the late harvest. Farmers bring in the last of the season’s produce, fishermen deliver the freshest coastal catches, and chefs craft menus that highlight the richness of the season. For guests of The Press Hotel, located in the heart of the Old Port, fall is one of the most delicious times to experience Portland’s vibrant food culture. From cozy dinners to innovative seasonal plates, here’s where to savor the season.

UNION: Altogether Local Dining

Right inside The Press Hotel, UNION Restaurant is the perfect place to begin your late harvest dining journey. The restaurant is guided by a simple yet powerful philosophy: “altogether local.” Every dish celebrates Maine’s farmers, fishermen, and foragers, with menus that shift to embrace the freshest seasonal ingredients. In the late harvest season, that means root vegetables, squash, apples, mushrooms, and hearty greens paired with coastal seafood and locally raised meats.

Guests can expect plates that balance creativity with comfort, all in an open kitchen environment that adds warmth and energy to the dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a multi-course dinner or sharing a bottle of wine with friends, UNION delivers flavors that are both distinctly Maine and delightfully modern.

Seasonal Sips at Inkwell

The season isn’t just about food-it’s about the drinks that complement it. In the hotel’s stylish lobby bar, Inkwell, mixologists create seasonal cocktails inspired by the flavors of fall. Think smoked bourbon with hints of maple, spiced ciders, and wines that pair beautifully with hearty harvest meals. After a day of exploring Portland’s cobblestone streets, Inkwell is the perfect spot to relax, sip, and reflect on the flavors of the season.

Portland’s Farm-to-Table Scene

Step outside The Press Hotel, and you’ll find yourself in a city that lives and breathes farm-to-table dining. Restaurants throughout Portland take advantage of the late harvest to craft menus that celebrate the region’s bounty. Local favorites often feature dishes centered on roasted root vegetables, farmstead cheeses, and seafood fresh from Casco Bay. Guests can explore nearby dining spots, but having UNION as a home base ensures that one of the city’s top restaurants is always just downstairs.

Harvest Festivals and Culinary Events

Fall is also festival season in Maine, and food takes center stage. The Harvest on the Harbor Festival brings together chefs, brewers, and vintners for tastings, demonstrations, and competitions that showcase Maine’s culinary excellence. For visitors in October and November, this is a chance to meet the makers behind the meals and enjoy dishes that highlight the very best of the late harvest. Pair your festival experience with a stay at The Press Hotel, and you’ll enjoy both the city’s public celebrations and its private dining gems.

Cozy Dining Experiences

Late harvest dining isn’t only about bold flavors-it’s also about atmosphere. At The Press Hotel, UNION’s contemporary design, natural wood accents, and buzzing open kitchen create a welcoming setting for autumn evenings. Around the city, many restaurants add seasonal décor and menu specials that make each meal feel like a celebration of the season. For travelers, it’s a chance to embrace both the flavors and the spirit of fall in Portland.

A Seasonal Stay Worth Savoring

As Portland shifts into late autumn, dining becomes a true reflection of Maine’s heritage and creativity. Staying at The Press Hotel means you’re at the center of it all-steps away from the city’s best restaurants, and home to UNION, one of the region’s most celebrated dining experiences. This fall, let Portland’s late harvest guide your culinary journey, and savor every moment of the season.