Portland: Donut and Craft Drink Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a fun, laid-back way to explore Portland, Maine, this Donut and Craft Drink Walking Tour might just be your answer. It’s designed for those who love good food, local stories, and a bit of scenic strolling. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty tempting picture.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines tasty treats with local lore. You get to sample artisan donuts from Portland’s most beloved spots and wash them down with tasting-sized pours of beer, cider, cocktails, or mocktails. Plus, the scenic backdrop of Portland’s working waterfront and cobblestone streets makes it feel like a real taste of the city. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short experience (just two hours), so if you’re craving a full-on culinary adventure, you might want to supplement this tour with other activities. Still, it’s a great fit for anyone curious about Portland’s food scene or looking for a relaxed, social outing.

This tour is especially suited for adults who enjoy food and drink, and it’s perfect for pre-happy hour fun, girls’ weekends, couples, or anyone wanting to get a flavorful introduction to Portland’s local flavor. If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a more family-friendly outing, this might not be the best pick, given the age restrictions and focus on alcohol tastings.

Key Points

• Taste Portland’s artisan donuts from local shops, with four flavors to enjoy.
• Sample local craft drinks, including beer, cider, cocktails, or mocktails, in tasting sizes.
• Learn about Portland’s history, including its maritime roots and stories from the city’s fiery “Inferno Years.”
• Enjoy scenic views along the waterfront and through historic streets.
• Start and end at the Maine Souvenir Shop, a hub for local artists and quirky souvenirs.
• Small group setting (limited to 10 people) ensures a personalized experience.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Perfect for an afternoon outing—laid-back, social, and flavorful.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The experience kicks off at the Maine Souvenir Shop, a lively spot brimming with local art and souvenirs. From here, your guide leads the group through Portland’s charming downtown streets and along its working waterfront. The walk itself is a leisurely two hours, making it accessible for most visitors and allowing ample time to savor each stop.

The Donut Stops

You’ll visit two of Portland’s most celebrated donut shops, where you can indulge in four tasting-size donuts. Expect a variety of flavors, from classic glazed to more inventive options like Maine Potato Donuts—yes, those made with local potatoes. One review mentioned how “the donuts were warm, bite-sized, and made to order,” which sounds pretty inviting. The variety ensures there’s something for all, and the size of the portions means you can sample without feeling overwhelmed.

The Drink Tastings

Complementing the sweets, the tour offers tasting-size pours of local beer, cider, cocktails, or mocktails. This means you can enjoy a small sip of Portland’s craft beverage scene without committing to a full glass. The stops are thoughtfully chosen to showcase local producers, giving you a glimpse into what makes Portland’s culinary scene special.

The Local Lore and Stories

What makes this tour stand out is the narrative woven into the experience. Your guide shares fascinating stories about Portland’s history, especially the city’s maritime beginnings and the Inferno Years, a period marked by resilience and fiery rebuilds. According to reviews, travelers appreciated how “the history was woven seamlessly into the tasting experience,” giving context to each stop and adding depth to an otherwise sweet outing.

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The Scenery and Atmosphere

Aside from the food and drinks, the route offers views of Portland’s working waterfront, cobblestone streets, and historic squares. This setting makes for some great photo ops—Instagram-worthy moments are abundant, especially around the waterfront and at the Maine Souvenir Shop at the start and finish. It’s a relaxed way to see a bit of Portland’s historic charm without the hustle of a big tour.

The Group Size and Guide

Limited to only 10 participants, the tour feels intimate and friendly. Our impression from the reviews is that the guides are knowledgeable, engaging, and keen to share local tidbits. This small-group format ensures you get personalized attention and can ask plenty of questions.

Is It Good Value for Money?

At $74 per person, the tour offers a solid package of food, drink, and local insight. Considering you get four donut tastings and multiple drink samples, it’s a pretty fair deal—especially if you’re looking for a relaxed, social afternoon. Keep in mind, full-sized drinks are not included, so if you’re craving a larger pour or a full meal afterwards, you’ll need to budget accordingly.

Some reviews mentioned that the experience “felt like good value for the money,” highlighting the quality of the donuts and the friendliness of the guides. The fact that it’s a guided tour also means you can relax, knowing you won’t need to plan the route yourself or worry about missing out on the best spots.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start at the Maine Souvenir Shop
The tour begins at a colorful shop where over 100 local Maine artists are showcased. This quirky spot sets the tone for a fun, artsy exploration of Portland. The group is usually small, which makes for a cozy, personalized experience.

Walking through downtown streets and the waterfront
The guide leads you through scenic, historic areas, sharing stories about Portland’s past. The waterfront views are a highlight, offering glimpses of working boats, docks, and the city’s maritime roots.

Donut stops at local shops
At each donut shop, you’ll sample a different flavor, likely enjoying fresh, warm donuts that are made on-site. Reviewers mention how these treats are “bite-sized” and “made to order,” making them a perfect snack while strolling.

Craft drink sampling
At two separate locations, you’ll taste a small pour of beer, cider, cocktails, or mocktails. These tastings are designed to highlight local producers and give you a taste of Portland’s vibrant beverage scene.

Learning about local history
Throughout the tour, the guide shares stories about Portland’s evolution, including insights into the city’s resilience during the Inferno Years. The storytelling adds a layer of appreciation for the city’s character.

Closing back at the Maine Souvenir Shop
The tour wraps up where it started, giving you a chance to browse the shop and pick up a souvenir or two.

What Really Sets This Tour Apart

Beyond the food, the local storytelling provides context and makes the experience more meaningful. Knowing about Portland’s maritime history and the fiery past lends a sense of connection to the city’s spirit.

The scenic setting along the waterfront is a real plus, offering beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere. The small group size ensures that everyone can engage with the guide and get personalized attention.

The value for the price is another highlight. Four donut tastings and multiple drink samples, combined with a knowledgeable guide and scenic route, make it a well-rounded experience.

The Downsides and Considerations

While the tour is excellent for adults, it’s not suitable for children under 18, or those with specific dietary restrictions like vegans. Also, since the focus is on alcohol tastings, it may not be ideal for those avoiding alcohol or looking for a family-friendly outing.

The experience is relatively short—just about two hours—so if you’re craving a comprehensive foodie tour or more extensive drinking sessions, you may want to look for additional options in Portland.

And, if you’re hoping for a full-size drink or a sit-down meal, you’ll need to plan separately, as those are not included.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults who enjoy food, drink, and storytelling. It’s perfect for a pre-happy hour activity, a fun outing with friends, or a couple’s adventure. If you appreciate small-group experiences and local charm, you’ll likely find this tour to be a delightful way to spend a couple of hours.

If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a family-friendly activity, this probably isn’t the best fit. It’s also worth noting that the tour is about tasting and learning, not a deep dive into Portland’s historic sites, so if history or sightseeing is your main goal, consider supplementing this with other tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 due to the alcohol tastings and age restrictions.

How long does the tour last?
It’s about 2 hours, making it a manageable and relaxed afternoon activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at the Maine Souvenir Shop, on the corners of Fore and Exchange Streets.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided walking tour, four donut tastings, and tasting-size pours of local beer, cider, cocktails, or mocktails.

Are full-sized drinks included?
No, only tasting-size pours are included; full-sized drinks must be purchased separately.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour good for a romantic date?
Absolutely—its relaxed vibe, scenic views, and tasty offerings make it a charming date idea.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at $74 per person, which offers good value considering the food, drinks, and experience.

To sum it up, this Portland Donut and Craft Drink Walking Tour offers a laid-back, flavorful way to explore the city’s local scene. With its small-group charm, scenic route, and fun storytelling, it’s a solid choice for curious foodies and beverage lovers. While it isn’t a deep historical dive or suitable for kids, it does deliver a memorable, tasty experience that showcases Portland’s sweet and spirited side—perfect for an afternoon outing or a relaxed pre-happy hour activity.

You can check availability for your dates here: