Salty: A Wellness Weekend in Portland, Maine
I'm a Maine-iac. A few years ago I spent a long weekend in a tiny A-frame cabin on the coast of Penobscot Bay most of the way up the coast of Maine, and it did me in. Maine is rough perfection. So when the team at Rêve Cycling (and yoga!) Studio asked if I'd teach some Warrior Rides, ALTER yoga, and an instructor training workshop, I was all in. I'd driven past Portland on my way north and heard the rumors it's a Northeast hipster-foodie-yogi paradise. The report: they're true! And then some. This 3-day escape was the best kind of weekend getaway that leaves you wanting a deeper dive. Here are the spots I can't wait to get back to.
Rêve Cycling Studio has all the good vibes. I love walking into a studio with such authentic community and momentum that you can feel it in the air. That's Rêve. The owner Stephanie, studio staff, and team of instructors are committed to spreading joy and empowering the Portland community. And the space is gorgeous. All the details...great sound system, bikes, and the light in that yoga room! (ps: 'Rêve is French for dreaming...get in on that goodness!)
I taught a couple Warrior Rides and debuted ALTER, an intentionally weird, soul-expanding mashup of cardio-dance-trance-yoga-mediation. The rêvelers were more than game.
Good sweat. Creative eats. Fresh views. I recommend:
Tandem Coffee: Portland is serious about coffee (and beer!). This reimagined gas station has an entirely worth it breakfast biscuit and light-drenched corner seats made for cold grey days.
LB Kitchen: I wanted to pitch at tent at this place. Nourishing indulgence.
Blake Orchard Juicery: Literally underground juice revolution. Adaptogen-spiked smoothies, nitro coffee, home-made nut milks and butters. Uh huh.
B. Good: Fast slow food. Bowls and avocados toast and everything you're craving for a quick farm to table lunch.
Boda: I didn't get here. Which means I need to go back. Reliable sources raved.
Lila Yoga & Rooted Collective: Local soul.
There's mucho energy in downtown Portland, but the magic of this town is along its rough edges, on storm-sculpted granite drops into the waves, deserted white sand beaches, and breaks hard-core locals ride year round. If you aim for one beach, make it the Cliff Walk at Prout's Neck. Breaths to match.
