Lobster and donuts?

Question

Hi there! My Mom and I are coming in on a cruise ship in October (the 25th). Mom is 81 years old and while she has a walker, it's easier for her to get around in a wheelchair (which I have rented). Most of the food tours I am seeing say they are not wheelchair accessible. I just want my Mom to have a fantastic lobster roll and one (or two) donuts.

Would a private tour accomplish this? It would need to include pick up at the cruise port, a driving tour, a lobster roll, donuts and then return to the cruise port. Is there a company you would recommend that could customize a tour for the two of us? I don't yet have the times we will be in port. I appreciate any help you can give us! TIA!

Answer

Visiting Portland, Maine, with a focus on accessible food experiences is very doable, and a private tour is likely the best option given your mom’s mobility needs. October weather is usually crisp but not too cold, so driving between stops is comfortable.

For your lobster roll and donut experience, a private, wheelchair-accessible tour allows you to:

Be picked up and dropped off at the cruise port, avoiding any long walks or inaccessible areas.
Have a flexible schedule, so you can spend as much time as needed at each stop.
Include multiple stops, such as a classic Maine lobster shack and a local bakery for donuts.
Enjoy a scenic driving tour of Portland without worrying about accessibility limitations on regular walking food tours.

Some options to consider:

Private tour companies based in Portland often customize itineraries. You can request stops like Eventide Oyster Co. or Bite into Maine for lobster rolls, and local bakeries like The Holy Donut for their famous potato donuts.
Transportation can be arranged in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, ensuring comfort for your mom.
Depending on the tour company, you may also include a scenic drive along the waterfront or a short stop at an accessible viewpoint without leaving the vehicle too long.

To find the right tour:

Contact Portland-based private tour operators ahead of time, explain your accessibility needs, and outline your desired stops (lobster roll and donuts).
Request confirmation that the restaurant entrances are wheelchair accessible and that staff can accommodate your mom’s needs.
Book in advance for October, as cruise ships bring many visitors, and private accessible tours can fill quickly.

With a private, customized tour, your mom can have a stress-free, enjoyable experience tasting Portland’s lobster rolls and donuts while seeing the city comfortably from a wheelchair.

Lobster and donuts?

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