I paid $900 a night to stay at a Victorian-era hotel with a former speakeasy in the basement and lots of classic charm — take a look

Tech Insider : Travel
the author outside blind tiger and the front sitting room
Blind Tiger in Portland, Maine, has fascinating connections to the Prohibition era and tons of classic charm.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I'm a New Yorker who visited Portland, Maine, for the first time. Here are 7 things that surprised me.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
the author in front of port head light and a lobster roll from cousins maine
I recently visited Portland, Maine, for the first time and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the local food scene and touristy activities.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I tried popular flavors at one of the most famous doughnut shops in Maine. I'd travel miles just for the blueberry glazed.

Tech Insider : Travel
blueberry donut from the holy donut in portland maine
I tried four of the most popular flavors at The Holy Donut in Portland, Maine, including a seasonal blueberry doughnut.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I toured 3 one-bedroom apartments in Portland, Maine. It made me want to give up my NYC apartment.

Tech Insider : Travel
the casco exterior and a staged bedroom with a green bedspread
I toured three one-bedroom apartments at different price points in Portland, Maine.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I tried a famous fried chicken sandwich at Maine's oldest diner. It was worth the trouble to actually get it.

Tech Insider : Travel
the palace diner biddeford maine fried chicken sandwich and wedge salad
I tried the fried chicken sandwich at Palace Diner in Biddeford, Maine, and understood why it's known to sell out early.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

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