📬 Plus: You’re Invited to ERI’s Historic Happy Hour at the U.S. Custom House
As a proud Portland-based firm, we couldn’t be more excited that eduWeb Digital Summit 2025 is coming to our hometown this July. There’s simply nothing like summertime in Maine—and if you’re lucky enough to be headed to the Pine Tree State from July 15–17, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of your trip.
🌊 Welcome to Vacationland
Portland is a coastal gem known for its cobblestone streets, world-class food scene, working waterfront, and historic charm. We’re headquartered right here in the heart of the Old Port, inside the U.S. Custom House—a stunning granite landmark that dates back to 1872. (Fun fact: we’re the first and only non-federal tenant in its storied history!)
To celebrate, we hosted a Happy Hour you couldn’t miss.
🍻 Cheers with ERI: A Historic Happy Hour Experience
📍 Where: The U.S. Custom House, 312 Fore Street, Portland, ME
📅 When: Tuesday, July 15 | 6:30–9:00 PM
🎟️ RSVP: [Closed]
We’re turning the Custom House into a Maine-flavored soirée featuring:
- A curated beer & wine tasting from local favorites like Allagash, Bissell Brothers, Orono Brewing, Orange Bike Brewing, Cellardoor Winery & more.
- Live classical music by Portland-based musicians to set the tone.
- Optional historic tours of the Custom House’s secret corners and architectural wonders.
- Tasting cards, custom coasters, and a Maine-themed giveaway to top it all off.
Step into Portland’s history, raise a glass to innovation, and connect with fellow EDU professionals in a setting unlike any other. ERI is lucky enough to have our Portland, Maine headquarters in this incredible historic building (312 Fore Street).
🧭 Your Portland Must-Do List
(From people who actually live here)
Whether this is your first visit to Maine or your tenth, Portland’s walkable downtown and working harbor offer an unforgettable backdrop. Here’s what to explore between conference sessions:
🍽️ Dining at its Finest ($$$)
- Scales – Savor fresh-caught seafood and harbor views in a sleek, industrial-chic setting on the wharf.
- Fore Street –Experience elevated wood-fired cooking with seasonal Maine flavors and an ever-changing menu.
- Twelve – Indulge in artfully plated, modern Maine cuisine inside a restored 19th-century cannery on the waterfront.
- Street & Co. – Venture down cobblestoned Wharf Street for locally sourced seafood in a warm, rustic bistro.
- Central Provisions – Share inventive small plates and craft cocktails in a lively, historic brick-and-beam space.
🦞 Craving a Lobster Roll?
- Eventide Oyster Co. – Don’t let the line scare you. Their brown butter lobster roll is worth it.
- Portland Lobster Co. – Enjoy dockside dining and local live music with a lobster roll in hand.
- Bite Into Maine – Check the schedule of their food truck parked on the Eastern Prom.
🥪 Casual, Yet Killer Eats
- Gilbert’s Chowder House – Dig into hearty chowders and classic comfort food in a laid-back spot.
- Mami – Bold, Japanese street food flavors—think okonomiyaki, donburi, and more—can be found here.
- Duckfat – Belgian duck fat fries with poutine paired with a local gelato milkshake is a combo you won’t want to miss.
- Yosaku – Japanese eatery & lounge with a tranquil vibe known for its sushi rolls & lunchtime bento box.
- Isakō Minato – Cozy, understated spot for izakaya-style Japanese small plates, creative cocktails, beer & sake.
🥐 Bakeries Worth Waking Up For
- Tandem Coffee – Great beans, even better biscuits.
- Standard Baking Co. – Fresh croissants, right off Commercial Street.
- The Holy Donut – Famous for their potato-based dough, these are unlike any donut you’ve had. Go for the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt or Maple Bacon.
- Zu Bakery – Naturally leavened breads and seasonal pastries crafted with care.
🍻 Breweries & Beyond
- Bissell Brothers – A local favorite.
- Belleflower – Stylish pours.
- Allagash – Belgians done right.
- Rising Tide – Balanced brilliance in beer.
- Goodfire – Juicy IPAs.
- Austin Street – Chill neighborhood vibes.
- Orange Bike – 100% gluten-free.
- Après – Boozy seltzers, rotating artisanal slushies, cool vibes
⏱️ If You Have Time…
(…or want to bookmark this for next time!)
- ERI’s Morning Run –Wed, July 16 at 6:15 AM, departing Holiday Inn by the Bay.
- Explore the Old Port – Cobblestones, local boutiques, sea breeze.
- Casco Bay Mail Boat Sunset Cruise – Ride with the locals. Mid-July departs ~6:00 PM, ~$18 round trip.
- Peaks Island – $8 ferry from Casco Bay Lines. Try Peaks Lobster Co., The Cockeyed Gull, or wood-fired pizza. Sunsets here = unforgettable.
- Narrow Gauge Railway + Eastern Trail – Biking & walking route along the water.
- Sail Maine Schooner Tours – See Casco Bay the old-fashioned way.
- Eastern Promenade – Sweeping views, food trucks, picnic heaven.
- Western Promenade – Mansions + golden hour magic.
- Thompson’s Point – Summer concerts, Bissell Brothers, Children’s Museum, Cryptozoology, and more.
💡 Final Note
There are far too many amazing places to include here — but these are handpicked to help you make the most of your visit. Plan ahead (some spots have 2+ hour waits) or let spontaneity lead the way. Either way, you’re in for something special.
Check out our expertly curated custom Google map.
🎯 Catch ERI in Action: Featured Programming at eduWeb ’25
Before diving into Portland’s many delights, mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 16 at 9:45am when ERI’s own Raffi Der Simonian takes the main stage with:
“Before You Redesign: Top 10 Essentials for Your Digital Doorstep to the World” Digital and Web Experience Track | 60-minute session
Whether you’re planning a complete website overhaul or fine-tuning your digital presence, this session will arm you with the strategic framework every higher ed institution needs before touching a single pixel. It’s the kind of practical, actionable content that makes eduWeb essential—and we’re honored to contribute to the programming.
🏃♀️ Start Your Day with an Unforgettable Jog Around Portland
Want to experience Portland like a local before diving into conference sessions? Join us for Morning Jogs along the Ocean that showcase the city’s most charming neighborhoods, the historic Narrow Gauge Railway, and stunning coastal views through the Old Port.
Meet in the Holiday Inn Lobby at 6:15am for a refreshing start to your conference day. Whether you’re an avid runner or prefer a scenic walk-jog, this is the perfect way to see Portland’s working waterfront, Victorian architecture, and maybe even catch a sunrise over Casco Bay before immersing yourself in the 60+ presentations and panels featured at eduWeb ’25.
Meet outside the Holiday Inn at 6:15am for a guided run around Portland.
👋 See You at the Booth + Let’s Toast Together
Stop by the ERI booth (#10) during the conference to say hi, learn more about our work in higher ed digital strategy and design—and grab your official drink ticket for Tuesday night’s happy hour. You might even win our Maine Gift Basket Giveaway just for RSVPing.
And trust us: there’s nothing like sipping a locally brewed beer under the ornate ceilings of one of Maine’s most iconic buildings.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our city, raise a glass with you, and celebrate the future of education together.
