The Maine Brews Cruise and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to resurrect our collaboration for three very special outings in 2024.
These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with visits to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite local breweries. These tours are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to travel with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). Seasonal birding hotspots and great local beer – a perfect combination, and we’ll even do all of the driving!
Shorebirds and Steins
Sunday, August 11, 2023
10:00am – 4:00pm
The original BoT Roadtrip! in 2015, our most popular tour returns to Scarborough Marsh at prime time for a good variety of migrant shorebirds. We’ll learn how to identify our common species, and search for the rare. Up to 20 species of shorebirds are possible! We’ll practice identifying our “peeps” (Least, Semipalmated, and White-rumped Sandpipers) and attempt to tease out a rare Western or even a Baird’s among the masses. We’ll look for local breeding American Oystercatchers and Willets, while searching for migrants such as Red Knots on their way from the high Arctic to the southern tip of Argentina.
And not to worry, we’ll take a look at everything else, such as Common, Roseate, and Least Terns; herons and egrets, and who knows what else? We may even get a chance to see Nelson’s and Saltmarsh Sparrows depending on time, wind, and tide.
After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local breweries to sample their offerings and learn their styles.
The samples are included in the tour price, and The Maine Brews Cruise will supply a light snack and water. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. We also recommend bringing a lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Sunscreen, a light jacket in case the wind turns onshore, and sturdy comfortable walking shoes are also recommended – we will be out in the sun for the duration of the birding portion of the tour.
We’ll be doing all of the driving, so you can relax!
Meeting Location
- Meeting time: 10am
- Meeting location: Marginal Way Park & Ride
- opposite the intersection of Diamond St & Marginal Way
- just East of Franklin Ave.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
We’ll return to Marginal Way Park & Ride (Portland) at 4:00pm
Boat Tour + Rum Tasting w/ Three of Strong Spirits
Embark on a one-of-a-kind rum tasting adventure with Sea Portland and Three of Strong Spirits. Cruise Casco Bay to House Island aboard the Elizabeth Grace for a 90-min journey through Portland Maine’s candid history with prohibition and rum. Expert Rum guides reveal their local distilling secrets as you taste both their rum in its raw form, and the spirit as the focal point of their canned cocktails.
This is a 21+ booze cruise around Casco Bay with rum tasting on Fortland’s wharf. You’ll enjoy your rum tasting among the stunning panoramic views of the Portland waterfront, skyline, and surrounding lighthouses.
Limited Dates – Thursday’s this Summer:
- June 27 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
- July 18 | 5:00 – 6:30 pm
- August 15 | 4:30 – 6:00 pm
- September 12 | 6:00 – 7:30 pm (Sunset Cruise)
Quick Tour Details
- 21+ Only
- Duration: About 90 minutes
- Cost: $90 per adult
- Experience: Start with a refreshing canned rum cocktail aboard the Elizabeth Grace as we head to House Island. Enjoy an intimate rum tasting session featuring Three of Strong’s locally distilled favorites, set against the backdrop of Fort Scammel and the picturesque Casco Bay.
A Journey Through Time and Taste
Depart from Portland’s vibrant harbor and soak in panoramic views of iconic landmarks like Portland Headlight and the city skyline. Your expert guide will weave tales of Portland’s rum-soaked history, from the turbulent Rum Riots to the secretive days of Prohibition. Sample superb rums and their crafted cocktail counterparts, diving into the distillation secrets that make each flavor unique.
Our exclusive rum tour may focus on the wharf, but the historic Fort Scammel provides a magnificent historical canvas, enhancing your experience with its centuries-old stories and breathtaking views. This spot is a hidden gem in Maine, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and intriguing history.
For deeper exploration of the fort, check out our Private Island Fort Tour of Fort Scammel.
Rum Tasting Flavors and Cocktails
Brightwater Rum & Maine Mojito – Experience the clean, bright spark of Brightwater silver rum, featured in the Maine Mojito canned cocktail.
Nightwater Dark Rum & Stormy Night – Savor the rich notes of coffee and molasses in the Nightwater Dark Rum, and enjoy sipping on it’s featured canned cocktail the Stormy Night.
Stone Pier Rum & Pineapple Maté Punch – Stone Pier Rum is a vibrant blend of Brightwater and Colombian rum. Blended perfectly with exotic notes of pineapple and yerba maté, you’ll savor the Pineapple Maté canned cocktail.
Reserve Your Spot Now!
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the best of Maine’s coastline while tasting locally distilled rum. This is a limited-time tour with exclusive access to Fort Scammel on Fortland.