The 2013 Ice Bar at Portland Harbor Hotel is Thursday to Saturday, January 24-26. Tickets are on sale, order yours now. Ticket prices are $20 (entry) and $26 (entry plus a cocktail). Additional drink tickets will be on sale during each night of the Ice Bar.
Portland Beer Week runs through Sunday, but if you find yourself north of the big city, you have an alternative. The Maine Harvest Festival in Bangor is this weekend, and in addition to culinary events, demonstrations, and seminars, there are plenty of beer and wine vendors to sample.
The drive to Phat Boys includes apple orchards and antiques, and it is a pleasant way to spend a weekend morning. Breakfast is hearty, abundant and exactly as expected, with none of the typical weekend waiting present in many local diners. For those who crave country-fried steak and sausage gravy, go here, because it does not get any better.