Probably the most charming areas of america is New England, a sprawl of picturesque coastlines and quaint villages.
Apart from Invoice Belichick’s Ring cam footage, New England’s magnificence is difficult to knock, whether or not or not it’s Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine or past.

However National Geographic believes there is a little-known Maine city calling your identify this summer season.
Whereas it is common for East Coasters to enterprise off to Portland for an indulgent weekend getaway, Maine’s largest metropolis has misplaced its “hidden gem” membership because it’s change into rather more mainstream in recent times.
You most likely will not really feel overly jam-packed in Portland, however Nat Geo nonetheless believes one coastal city is the final word different that is equally charming with no scarcity of lobster concoctions.
Welcome To Biddeford!
Straddling Maine’s southern shores lies a pass-through city on the way in which to Portland that is worthy of being a lot greater than a street journey rest room break.

If it is something wanting being your subsequent trip spot, it is a cease on the way in which to Portland to get a style of Maine’s most underrated meals scene, after all anchored by quite a lot of lobster dishes.
Nevertheless it’s greater than only a foodie cease too. Biddeford boasts lovely shores alongside each the Saco River and the Atlantic, most notably what’s often known as the Biddeford Pool for among the most photo-worthy surroundings south of Portland.
Close by, you will discover Fortune Rocks Seaside, Hills Seaside, or go for an excursion to centuries-old Wooden Island.

The charismatic row of downtown Biddeford buildings is a must-visit too, lined with down-home eats and native boutiques, and main into one other island in Saco with a way more city really feel, Manufacturing facility Island, the place you will discover locals’ favourite hangout, The Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery with scenic waterfront views.
Maine’s ‘Quickest Rising’ Metropolis
Portland is surprisingly an costly metropolis. Whether or not or not it’s hire, meals, this, that, and the opposite, it would not belong within the price range class.

Given its shut (23-minute) proximity, it is simple to see why Nat Geo considers Biddeford to be the very best different.
It is solely Nat Geo, although. The individuals have spoken — Biddeford is Maine’s fastest-growing metropolis.
Whether or not or not it’s extra reasonably priced housing, much less crowded eating places and seashores, or just the magic of unveiling a hidden gem, Biddeford is surging not just for newfound residents but in addition for vacationers.
There’s extra to do right here than you would possibly suppose. In fact, stuffing your face with lobster is one among many actions.

Although it does appear a standard consensus is that Biddeford makes for a fantastic day journey or weekend getaway, very similar to Portland.
Nature fans can spend numerous hours exploring Ferry Seaside State Park or sifting via the tide swimming pools of the aforementioned Biddeford Pool.
In the meantime, beachgoers engaged on their tan can go to quite a few seashores dotting the area. Outdated Orchard Seaside is arguably the preferred, in line with TripAdvisor.
Lobster Galore!
The hype is actual for Biddeford, however most notably, the insanely scrumptious meals scene.

There are quite a few seafood eating places speckled all through Biddeford that maintain near-perfect Google rankings.
Nowadays of whiners who kind up a novel for one thing so simple as an order lacking a flake of cilantro, you gotta admit that is fairly spectacular.
James Beard finalist Fish & Whistle holds a 4.8 Google ranking, the place one current patron boasted, ‘should you’re anyplace near Fish & Whistle, critically, make a detour’.
No, they do not serve lobster, however Johnny Shucks positive does. As somebody who has visited Portland, discovering any lobster meal underneath $20 looks like freeway theft.

Right here, you possibly can order Lobster Poutine for $19 or a piping sizzling bowl of Lobster Bisque for $12.
The meals scene (particularly lobster) is the primary facet that Nat Geo puffed up about Biddeford as Portland’s high dupe.
The truth is, Meals & Wine named Biddeford one among America’s “small cities with massive meals scenes” with locals shunning vacationers who go to with out ‘consuming their approach via the town’.
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