No matter what the weather or the season, the staff of The Press Hotel is used to making recommendations for guests to have a great time in Portland. We asked a group of these hospitality professionals: How do you chase away the winter doldrums?
The way I beat cabin fever is by taking trips to Freeport. I love to shop at the outlet stores—L.L. Bean being my favorite—and I like to end at Maine Beer Company.”
– Crystal Ingerson, sales manager
“When there’s lots of snow outside and you get snowed in, I love cooking and going back to those old recipes that my grandmother taught me. But I also love skiing, so as many chances as I get I head up to Sugarloaf and hit the mountain.”
– Josh Berry, executive chef
“My favorite thing to do is to venture over to Thompson’s Point. At this time of year they have the rink, which is wonderful for ice skating. I also like to warm up by tasting spirits at Stroudwater Distillery, wine at Cellardoor Winery, and beer at Bissell Brothers.”
– A.J. Walsh, guest services manager
“I like a good mix of getting outdoors and warming up afterwards. I’m a big snowshoer, and I live on the Fore River Trail, so it’s easy to head out for a hike on snowshoes. My new favorite thing is Float Harder, it’s nice and warm, and it’s a great way to decompress in the wintertime and forget that it’s dark and cold outside.”
– Katie Strycharz, revenue manager
“My husband and I like to go out in Portland and explore the restaurants. We’re always looking for new happy hours, where we order a glass of wine or beer, try the snacks and see what new offerings there are on the menu. There’s always someplace new to try.”
– Ashley Costa, rooms coordinator
“I go on daddy-daughter dates with my 10-year-old daughter, Gia. One of our favorites is to go to brunch at Hot Suppa. We also like to hit up Urban Air and Get Air trampoline parks, and Maine Academy of Gymnastics.”
– Albert Thayer, sales manager
