Spending a night in Portland

We drove to Portland today to see our son Fritz and his girlfriend Meg, and our son Robin and his fiancée Stephanie, who flew up from Baltimore on Thursday night. We had a fantastic dinner at Caiola’s with our sons, their girls, and Bruce’s sister Kelly and her partner Allison. Along with the delicious food,  we had a dining room all to ourselves.

“Ask about our best kept secret, thewine cellar.  Its brick lined walls, intimate lighting and rows of wine that host a long handmade harvest table seating up to 12 guests would be perfect for any occasion. For more booking information and menu options, please contact Lisa at (207) 772- 1110.”

And check out this cute sommelier!

Bruce and I are staying over night at the luxurious Portland Harbor Hotel.  Usually we stay on the garden side, which is quiet, with a view of their pretty little interior courtyard. Spring is here (on it’s way) which means the rates have gone up, so we reserved a room on the “city side” of the hotel, figuring we would save some money.  (The rooms are $30 to $40 less than the rooms on the garden side.)

The hotel’s Web site features these rooms with the words: “Views of Portland’s popular bars and nightclubs.”  Note that the operative word is views not sounds.  Today was especially cold and rainy and we figured, “How noisy can it be?” We were thinking of the noise of  Saturday night revelers. Street noise. What we did not think about was the steady bass coming through the walls of the night clubs and up to our room on the fourth floor. Right about now we’re thinking that paying the extra $30 would have been smart. Live and learn. (and pass the Ambien please!)

Tomorrow morning, Sunday brunch with the same group at Fritz and Meg’s apartment. I love my family.