Only an hour and a half drive north from the hustle and bustle of Boston, Massachusetts lays a quaint seaside city in the nearby state of Maine. There you will find a successfully revitalized warehouse district, a museum dedicated to a famous poet and numerous bayside cruises for you to enjoy.
Portland, Maine is its largest city with an array of activities, sights and shopping for you to experience. During the summer is when tourists from all over New England and Canada converge on Maine’s South Coast region. This is the time to visit, because there is so much to see and do. Here are 10 things to do in Portland, Maine that is categorized by sights, events, shopping/dining and lodging.
Sights Around Portland
1.) Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours
Offering either the land tour of Portland by way of a trolley car or a scenic cruise of the harbor and its outlying islands. Each tour features a 90-minute narration filled with fascinating information.
2.) Odyssey Whale Watch
Experience going 20 miles out into the ocean to a whale feeding ground in their natural habitat. This four-hour excursion features a naturalist on board who gives information on all the sea creatures. You will be not only informed, but entertained by this unforgettable adventure.
3.) Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House – Maine Historical Society
Born and raised in Portland is this childhood home of the famous 19th century poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It was built by the poet’s grandfather in 1785. Opened all year round for guided tours the home is one of the oldest brick structures in Portland.
4.) Portland Museum of Art
Maine’s oldest and largest art museum features paintings and photography from contemporary to American and European masterpieces. You can see famous Maine artists’ works by Winslow Homer, N.C. Wyeth and Marsden Hartley. Monet, Degas and Picasso are also on display
Seasonal Events
5.) First Friday Art Walk
Every month on the first Friday you can enjoy a free, self-guided tour of Portland’s art galleries, artist studios, museums and other art venues from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is an excellent way to get to know the art community.
6.) The Portland Music & Arts Festival
August 20, 2011 is when this 2nd annual local music and arts festival takes place. It begins at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Here is an opportunity to become familiar with the music scene in and around Portland.
Shopping & Dining in and around Old Port
7.) Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine
Check out the many items made by hand such as pottery, soaps, candles, jewelry and many more from this family owned business. These are made by artists and craftsmen from Maine. Another Maine business owner I know runs the Ireland’s Crystal & Crafts. Her shop features the Irish wool sweaters, Waterford and Galway crystal and many other authentic Irish gifts.
8.) Old Port Candy Co.
Old Port is a fashionable warehouse district along the waterfront for many specialty stores like this one. If you have a sweet tooth while in Portland look no further then to this candy shop. Be sure to try their award-winning fudge and other Maine treats.
9.) Portland Lobster Co.
Speaking of Maine treats, you cannot leave the city without trying their famous lobster rolls and other lobster dishes. Enjoy some beer or wine at the bar deck overlooking the Portland Harbor.
Lodging
10.) Portland Harbor Hotel
Located in the heart of the Old Port historical district is Portland’s newest luxury hotel. Come experience their old world charm along with impeccable service.
SOURCES:
Welcome to Portland, Maine, Maine Guide.com
Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours – See the best of Portland with us, Portland Discovery.com
Odyssey Whale Watch – Whale Watching, Portland, Maine, Odyssey Whale Watch.com
Visit Portland Maine, Portland.com
Portland’s Downtown District, Portland Maine.com
Portland Lobster Co. – The Best of Portland ’11, Portland Lobster Company.com
