Both are “coastal” cities (one on a river, one on the ocean), both are enjoying sweater weather at this time of year, and both are relaxed and lively with culture but without pretense. The two cities are on opposite sides of the country, a whopping 3,215 miles apart. If you have the chance, check out Portland Maine and Portland Oregon and compare your experiences!

The view from our table at McCormick and Schmicks, Portland Oregon.

Portland Oregon

Best place to eat: McCormick & Schmicks Harborside at the Marina. The shot above was taken directly to my right as we sat at our table on a lovely summer day. I had the steamed clams and the rare Ahi nicoise salad, and both were excellent.

Best place to sleep: The Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland is such a neat, atypical place to stay. It’s downright cozy, yet has a young and upbeat atmosphere. It’s certainly one of the more stylish hotels I’ve ever seen. Since you’re within walking distance of so much you probably won’t want to eat in, but their on-site restaurant/bar is great for a quick cocktail or full-menu room service.

Best thing to see: Washington Park sits high atop a hill above the city and offers spectacular views. Visit the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum all in one lovely day.

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Home brewing — the fine art of making your own beer in your garage or basement — has been gaining in popularity in suburbs across America over the last several years. Also gaining ground? Family vacations focused on finding the best beer, or at least the best brewery. Make the rounds of the samplers at local breweries in these three destinations.

Portland, Maine – your grandparents might have come for the leaf-peeping, but today Portland is making a name for itself as a hotbed of fermentation. Half a dozen craft breweries are found in this New England town, including the Peak Organic Brewing Company. Book your visit for February and you can catch the Bartenders Bash.

Portland, Oregon – same name, different coast, an equally impressive collection of microbreweries to tour. The beer scene is hopping in the Pacific Northwest and wannabe brew masters can often find local events centered around tastings and competitions. Check out PortladBeer.org before your trip to get current updates.

Denver, Colorado - home of the Great American Beer Festival each fall, Denver is the domestic holy land for beer lovers. Take the Denver Microbrew Tour to take in all the sights with a designated driver. Reward the kids for good behavior (and patience) by taking them on an epic bike ride along Denver’s miles of gorgeous trails before heading home.

Photo Credit

This Public Art was a gift to the city by the local Rotary Club. The club issued the piece in commemoration of its 85th anniversary (the club’s, not the city).

Now you get to guess where it is. I’ll give you some hints. The answer is at the bottom.

This city is famous for a certain fare, which would be too obvious to mention. However, the beer is also excellent and you can enjoy a pint or three at the Great Lost Bear and Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company.

Things to do include counting islands with Casco Bay Lines, getting your learn on at the Museum of African Culture or seeing the things that make the city famous on a Lucky Catch Cruise.

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In my old stomping grounds of Seattle the food truck rage is still catching up to the awesomeness of Portland and New York, but what it lacks in quantity it certainly makes up for in quality. Meet Maximus Minimus, the traveling purveyor of pulled-pork and veggie sandwiches. They used to park every Saturday at a local market, and my kids and I would ride our bikes over (assuming it wasn’t raining) and have a sandwich with the sweet sauce. Sweet, indeed. Also, Coke from Mexico, which, as you probably know, is the best kind — real sugar!

Finding local food trucks on your summer vacation is a great way to venture off the beaten path, meet the locals and get a taste of the area. Go hungry. Take the kids.

This post is part of our Friday Family Series.

Photo: Brian Jala via Flickr