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MAKER’S MARK Part of the pleasure of traveling is discovering unique products with a local stamp and hearing the success stories of thriving local businesses.

O n aMaine Foodie Tour you’ll get up-close and personal withmany of the Portland artisans who have propelled this region into the culinary lime- light. Maine Food for Thought tours let you explore the story behind the plate as you discover the connections toMaine’s farms, fisheries, and forests of the tastings you enjoy. The interior brick walls, arched entry- ways, and cozy copper bar at Vena’s Fizz House evoke the nostalgia of days gone by. Vena’s offers a variety of drinks for the whole family, from botanical-infused fizzes to mocktails and cocktails, and they’ve created their own line of infusion kits, freeze-dried fruits and herbs in mason jars that are ready to drink by simply adding liquor. The aroma of fresh roasted coffee often permeates Portland’s streets; get a tour of the roastery and learn about the sourcing and prepara- tion of their blends at Coffee By Design’s Diamond Street location. The local microbrewery, winery, and distillery scene also calls out to be sampled, either on your own or with the help of The

Maine Brew Bus, which has curated some of the best local beverages

into one tour with behind the scenes looks at the brewing process. No time for a tour?

Maine’s Pantry gathers the wares of over 200 Maine-based producers into their lovely specialty food shop on the waterfront; it’s the perfect place to pick up a gift for a food lover. In addition to edible creations, Maine artisans make treasures of lasting beauty. Edgecomb Potters produces wares inspired by the sea and mountains around us. Sea Bags makes fashionable totes from recycled sails. Cross Jewelers designs time- less jewelry, much of which is inspired by the extraordinary pull of the sea. Lisa-Marie’s Made inMaine offers oodles of one-of-a-kind Maine-made products, andMaine Craft Portland’s retail gallery exhibits and sells the works of Maine craft artists andmakers from a beautiful space located in historic Mechanic’s Hall. It’s easy to bring home a piece of Maine to enjoy at home!

PHOTOS, FROM TOP: ROBERT WITKOWSKI; SEA BAGS

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