As I’ve been in Maine for about two weeks now, I’ve really been able to tune into myself and remember the little things that make me happy here. While being away for awhile, it becomes more and more difficult to remember the most important parts of where you’re from—and I definitely saw that happen upon return home.

I know there are parts of Maine I love, especially as I grew up here, but I’ve had to spend some time uncovering those parts.

I’ve done a lot of traveling this week while in Maine.

After ending up at Old Orchard Beach about three times, spending an evening at Higgins Beach, traveling to South Portland nearly every day for some shopping and my favorite smoothies from B.GOOD, and venturing to many spots in-between, I found myself back in the Old Port—happy as could be.

Portland is constantly one of my favorite spots in Maine, and even after a year away at Syracuse University, it’s still my favorite place at heart.

Due to this, my friend Maria who is literally the epitome of Portland, ME, took a little road trip with me yesterday to this favorite spot of ours. Maria and I constantly joke about this, as her aesthetic is that of a Portland magazine, which is likely why we click so well.

After wandering a few shops in our hometown, the question “Portland?” was answered almost immediately, and we were suddenly on our way. After a few amazing attempted singing sessions and about 40 minutes, we ended up on the water in the Old Port with faces full of Flatbread Company pizza (the absolute best pizza ever) and lemonade.

I then knew after a few weeks of finding my favorite things again in Maine, that the city I was in was in-fact my favorite, and that this was my happy place.

I am definitely the person who could be content doing just about anything, as long as I am with my favorite people. After feeling extremely full with no set schedule, Maria and I both decided to explore.

As we come to Portland together a lot, we have a few favorite spots that we always make it to, but we rarely ever just wander—so that’s exactly what we wanted to do. We found ourselves in a few cute clothing stores, and while in one, we were told of an art walk that was happening in the city.

We had to try to make it.

We made it to Monument Square, and after realizing the art show was over at this point, we were able to just sit, people watch, and chat. It was so nice to see the nightlife in Portland once again and be able to just people watch while there.

After seeing many familiar faces and lots of unfamiliar ones, we continued to walk. This is when our sense of Portland became greater, as a few miles of walking led us to find the cutest shops, restaurants, and the coolest streets.

I truly missed the streets of Portland and was so shocked to see so many streets that I didn’t even know existed. Our legs did begin to ache but neither of us cared, as exploring Portland is always worth it.

After a few hours of chatting and distancing from the heart of the city, our exhausted selves knew it was then time to head back. It was amazing to find so many things in Portland I’ve missed while living here, and to familiarize ourselves with our favorite part of Maine was the best use of our time.

After making way to the car and heading on our way home, we embarked on another few singing sessions and were soon back home.