Portland is the largest city in Maine and one of the
most pleasant, attractive and interesting cities in New England. From
its stately old West End homes to its charming shops and boutiques and
1rst class dinning opportunities, Portland is a wonderful place to spend
a long weekend.
Soaking up the history and culture of Portland is easy enough. The Old
Port Walking Tour only takes about 90 minutes and takes you to many
of the city’s prominent landmarks. The Portland Museum of Art
is small, but contains a fine collection of works by Maine painters
like Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth. The Morse-Libby
House Victorian Mansion is a restored 1850’s manor with stunning
pre-Civil War architecture and jaw-dropping interiors. Equally impressive
and picturesque is the Portland Head Light, the oldest of Maine’s
61 lighthouses.
Outdoor adventure can be found in Portland by both sea and land. Kayaking
around Portland’s many islands is a popular activity, but some
prefer to take to the open ocean for deep-sea fishing or whale watching.
The Olde Port Mariner Fleet departs form Long Wharf on just such voyages,
and offers hour long cruises as well. Maine’s Western Mountains
are only 45 minutes away from Portland by car, and are a perfect spot
for hiking and skiing. If nothing else, bicyclers can ride along the
beautiful coastline.
The brilliant colors of the changing leaves
in Maine are worth a trip in themselves.
There is limited air service into Portland
via the Portland International Jetport.
It bears repeating: eat out in Portland
Maine, especially if you love seafood.
