It has been years since I last visited the L.L. Bean headquarter in Freeport, Maine. Earlier this year, I signed up for one of the outdoor discovery course through the L.L Bean Outdoor Discovery Program. I had previously participated in a kayaking course at a different location, and I generally find that their programs to be well-organized. Since I was in the area, it made sense to visit the nearby L.L. Bean Flagship store.
![a sign in front of a building](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/llbean-shoe-300x174.jpeg)
Famous LL Bean Boots
![a stuffed deer in a room](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/llbean-animal1-300x225.jpeg)
Life-like deer at the store
![a stuffed bear standing on its hind legs](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/llbean-animal-225x300.jpeg)
I don’t know about this…this guy looks a little TOO happy to me.
Is it obvious that I may have been a little distracted when it comes to retail shopping?
Holiday Inn Portland-by-the-Bay
Then, I had a stay at the Holiday Inn Portland- by the Bay, thanks in part to an IHG anniversary certificate.
The hotel is located in Portland, which is just a short drive from Freeport, Maine.
Check in was uneventful and the front desk staff was friendly. On-site parking available for a $15 fee. Off-site parking is also available, though I have no idea where it’s at. If I had gotten there very late at night, I’m not sure I’d necessarily feel safe wandering the neighborhood. Valet parking is available.
I got a room on a high floor. It was a comfortable room and a comfortable stay.
![a lobby with a couch and doors](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hotel5-300x225.jpeg)
Hotel lobby and elevators.
![a bathroom counter with a tray of toiletries and other items](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hotel1-300x225.jpeg)
Bathroom Amenities.
![a tv on a desk in a room](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hotel3-300x225.jpeg)
Basic Room
![a city at night with lights and water](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hotel6-night-view-300x225.jpeg)
Pretty night view.
The hotel is of walk-able distance to downtown Portland too.
![a street with cars and buildings](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/downtown-300x225.jpeg)
Downtown.
![a heart shaped sign in a store window](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/downtown2-300x225.jpeg)
Art display at storefront.
It was a relaxing day. Of course, it’s not quite the trip without making a stop to the beach.
![a sign on a beach](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/old-orchard-beach-300x225.jpeg)
Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
![a sand and a roller coaster](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/old-orchard-beach2-300x225.jpeg)
Not sure if the promenade is still active.
And of course, the day trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop to picturesque Portland Head Light.
![a lighthouse on a rocky hill](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lighthouse3-300x225.jpeg)
Famed Lighthouse
![a plaque on a wall](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lighthouse2-300x225.jpeg)
Signage
![a house with a lighthouse on the roof](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/fort-williams-park-1-300x225.jpeg)
Fort Williams Park
![a mailbox with a house on top of it](https://travelupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/fort-williams-park-225x300.jpeg)
Close enough to pic on the left.
The famous lighthouse is located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. I still remembered my first visit to Cape Elizabeth. My family and I dined at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights. I remembered climbing on the rocks after the casual outdoor lobster meal and looking over the waters. The restaurant was closed during this visit, though I have no doubt that it is still a popular day trip /vacation spot during the warmer months.
If you are in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit in my book.
Any other highlights you might recommend to other readers traveling to Freeport or Portland, Maine?