), stirred, shaken and carbonatedthe latter of which also comes bottled for at-home enjoyment. 25.To honor the city's long history of overcoming adversity, its flag and city seal show a Phoenix rising from the ashes. According to The Portland Press Herald, there are more than 60 breweries in the Greater Portland area. 25 Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine - VacationIdea.com At nearly 67,000 residents, Maines largest city holds claim to about one-quarter of the states population. Things To Do in Portland Maine | Activities | Visit Portland PMA displays its collection throughout these interconnected galleries and hosts a range of educational and cultural activities as well. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Drive north on Route 1 in Falmouth and turn onto Route 88, and youll witness one of the most beautiful drives in America. Portland is home to world-class restaurants with James Beard award-winning chefs and chopped champions scattered across the 300+ foodie opportunities in downtown Portland alone. 4.In 1675, whats now the Portland area was set ablaze during a Native American raid. 5. for the first time, if you are a seafood lover, you shouldnt miss trying out their lobster rolls. A favorite destination among travelers of all types, Maine offers up a world of both man-made innovation and natural wonder to explore all year round. For those seeking more diverse lobster experiences, however, they also have lobster mac and cheese, grilled cheese, BLT and the Surf and Turf: a burger topped with lobster. True to its name, Portland is a port city with a long history of commercial fishing, as well as being the second most active port by tonnage on the eastern seaboard. The Old Port is a historic district of Portland, Maine, known for its cobblestone streets, 19th century brick buildings, and fishing piers. The State of Maine has over 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, including many in the Portland area. Museum homes invite you to step back in time and gain a greater perspective and respect for the historic forces that continue to influence our lives. From Lobster to Lighthouses: 10 Things To Do in Portland, Maine - MSN Even if you think you know everything there is to know about the city's history in the industry, fishing, and agriculture. Know Before You Go: Portland, Maine Facts. Gorham is the home of University of Southern Maine, where thousands of students pursue their education each year. For a stay that sits somewhere between the two, check out Cambria Hotel, which opened in 2021. 1. Maines storied history in shipbuilding and boating is still alive today. Naturally, the Old Port neighborhood is one of its biggest draws, though not because of its catch. 14.Every year, downtown Portland salutes the beginning of summer with the annual Old Port Festival. [4] The Greater Portland metropolitan area is home to over half a million people, the 104th-largest metropolitan area in the United States. If youre going with a group of three or four individuals, youll save money by splitting the cost of plane tickets and hotel accommodations. Portland, Maine, is about 180 square km or 69 square miles in size. Theres no reason to stop after just two, however, and. Maine is the single largest producer of blueberries in the country - over 90% of the nations blueberry crop, in fact! Yet in true New England fashion, its always bounced right back. Portland is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: Old Port; Casco Bay; Allagash Brewery; Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal; Take a family vacation fun for everyone! We have newly priced properties available for weekly, monthly, and seasonal stays. A large part of it burned down in the Great Fire of 1866. Visitors will uncover the mysteries when they get here. Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Whether you go for a tasting tour or grab a craft beer at a local brewery, be sure to explore Portlands prolific brews, spirits, and wines. Third to only Florida and Louisiana, Maine has 3,478 miles of coastline (more than 5,000 miles when considering island shores). Located approximately 7 miles south of the City of Portland, Scarborough offers the lovely rocky coastline made famous by local artist, Winslow Homer. Winter sports and cross-country skiing in the winter months. Extending 12 miles into open ocean, rimmed by craggy shores and sandy beaches, Cape Elizabeth marks the entrance to spectacular Casco Bay. Maine is known for fresh seafood, pine trees, rocky coastline, and cozy fishing towns. Portland as we know it started out as part of a bigger metropolis. Browse the newest Portland, Maine, news stories and stay in the know. Its worth it to stop by here just for the cocktails, though theres a number of other great watering holes in Portland worth a visit as well. Dow ordered the militia to shoot, killing one protester and injuring seven more. In the meantime, here are a few you can savor. 2.Roughly 40 percent of all Maine residents live in the greater Portland metropolitan area. An a la carte menu is also available, featuring entrees as well as snack items like chips and dip (trout roe optional), but whichever menu experience you choose, make sure to get the fresh baked rolls, which are as savory and craveable as anything else on the menu. You can't miss the Portland Head Light. Everything went downhill from there. Read was forced to surrender and imprisoned. ), though the best way to start your day is with a sweet and indulgent donut. Must See & Do | Reasons to Visit Maine | Visit Portland Since 1868, the Cumberland Fairgrounds has been home to the Cumberland Fair during the last week in September each year. For those seeking more of an active outdoors experience, head to Fort Williams Park, just a 15-minute drive southeast of downtown Portland. Portland is the closest U.S. transatlantic port to Europe, and the 20th-largest fishing port in the nation. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family. Portland is the most bike-friendly city in America With more than 350+ miles of bike lanes, Portland is considered the most bike-friendly city in the country. 2023 Visit Portland. A heated ammunition exchange ensued, with Uncle Sam ultimately coming out on top. Scarborough, once known as "Owascoag," or the "place of much grass," is as appealing as the name implies. Reliable public transit, easy access to services, and well-developed infrastructure all contribute to a high quality of life in Maine that rivals a lobster meal straight from the coast of Maine. Thick forests cover 75-percent of the state. The East End Beach on the Promenade offers swimming and a public boat launch, as well as public toilets and changing areas during the summer months. Hover over the town for more info or click to read more. Going to Peaks Island is not just a junket to find sandy beaches and striking views. Is Portland, Maine, a good place for couples? The legislature would use the Portland-based statehouse until 1832, when the one in Augusta was completed. Other island activities include golf on Chebeague Island and bicycling on many of the smaller, less populated locations on Cliff island. Whether you are an adult or a child, the selection of gadgets that DeLorme has to offer will bring out the kid in you anyway. 15 Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine - Cond Nast Traveler With beautiful views of the rugged Maine coastline and the lighthouse as the centerpiece, the Portland Head Light area is a great place to enjoy the fresh air, crashing waves, and a little piece of Maines history. The brewery also hosts seasonal events, locally and in other U.S. states, that can be found on their website. So, they settled this matter the right wayvia coin toss. , which opened in 2021. This historic lighthouse, located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is one of the most famous landmarks in the entire state. What food (and drinks) is Portland, Maine, known for? Four years later, it was discovered that hed quietly allowed the city to buy $1600 worth of medical and mechanical alcohol. Angry protesters surrounded City Hall on June 2, 1855. This jewel features picnic areas and hiking trails that allow for taking in the island beauty as well as an inn, a 5-star restaurant, and marina. Portland enjoys an average of 5F-10F warm up over these averages - ideal for popular recreation activities! Its situated on the Portland peninsula near Maines southernmost border. The Eastern Promenade is a historic 68.2-acre public park and recreation area in Portland, Maine. Were always happy to provide some local insight if you need recommendations or tips as well. 25 Things You Should Know About Portland, Maine | Mental Floss Simply stated, Bailey Island is a mecca for visitors with a yen for the ocean. They can also take in summer music concerts and family-centered festivals. Reasons to visit Portland, Maine at least once in your lifetime The rooms are spacious and quiet, and depending on which side of the building youre staying on, offer city or bay views. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine. 23 Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine | U.S. News Travel All Rights Reserved, True to its name, Portland is a port city with a long history of commercial fishing, as well as being the second most active port by tonnage on the eastern seaboard. Maine is known for lobster, picturesque harbors and for horror and suspense author Stephen King. The official site for the Greater Portland region of Maine. Located at the heart of the downtown arts district in Portland, Maine, the Portland Museum of Art features a collection of more than 18,000 objects with decorative and fine arts dating from the 18th century to the present. Famous people from Maine include Bette Davis, John Ford, and Stephen King. Home North America USA Maine Portland Reasons to visit Portland, Maine at least once in your lifetime, Posted on Published: August 7, 2022- Last updated: November 12, 2022. A gift shop located at the base of the Observatory has a collection of postcards, books on area architecture and local history, posters, childrens toys, and other gifts related to Portlands history. 2023 Visit Portland. Today, The Cumberland Fair remains a true county fair and features harness racing, livestock and agriculture competitions, horticultural exhibits, pumpkin contests, and plenty of food. Ron Cephas Jones, 'This Is Us' actor who won 2 Emmys, dies at 66 But many know the town for the worldwide reputation it has gained as a shopping destination and for its scores of international brand outlets, independently-owned boutiques and galleries featuring local artists and artisans. With two locations, including a truck at Fort Williams Park to sate the appetite of coastal hikers, Bite Into Maine draws long lines for its many varieties of lobster rolls, including wasabi, chipotle, curry and Maine style (mayo and chives). Dubbed Old Falmouth by historians,it was created in the aftermath of the 1690 raid. In fact, it proudly stands as the largest foreign inbound transit tonnage port in the entire country. Its also a kid-friendly city, featuring museums, waterfront activities, and other attractions that will appeal to children. A 90-acre park overlooking Casco Bay, the landmark is a mixture of green space and historic ruins, featuring batteries formerly in use by the U.S. Army in the early 1900s and the Goddard Mansion, former home to Civil War Colonel John Goddard. To see the weirder side of Maine, duck into the International Cryptozoology Museum, which chronicles the strange and mysterious world of cryptids. The smell of the sea air, the sound of the foghorn on a distant lobster boat, and the chatter of seagulls flying above all add to the quaint charm of the coastal atmosphere of the Old Port. offers full-sized rolls or a flight of three smaller rolls with your choice from 15 different sauces, including jalapeo mayo, curried ketchup, lobster ghee and Old Bay. Often packed with a younger crowd on weekends, its quirky decorbig on taxidermyis immediately charming. What is Maine Known For? (22 Famous Things, People & Places) Is Portland, Maine, a good place to visit for a family with kids? Rated as a top thing to do on TripAdvisor, the Promenade offers great views of the harbors activities overlooking Casco Bay and a variety trails for walking, running, or biking. What is Portland Maine known for? Formerly a food truck, Highroller offers full-sized rolls or a flight of three smaller rolls with your choice from 15 different sauces, including jalapeo mayo, curried ketchup, lobster ghee and Old Bay. This coastal area is a popular summer spot for tourists all over the Eastern Seaboard because it has access to beaches, forests, and many other landscapes in Southern Maine. Portland was Maines first state capital. The best music, movies, TV, books, comedy and more. Jeff Terich is a Richmond, Virginia-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in SPIN, Bandcamp Daily, uDiscover Music, Grammy.com and San Diego Magazine. Hear the name Portland, and you probably think about a certain city out in Oregon. 23.In 2013, Portland became the first East Coast city in the U.S. to legalize recreational marijuanaat least nominally. Portland, Maine, is famous for its economy, tourism, and growing core. Its also a kid-friendly city, featuring museums, waterfront activities, and other attractions that will appeal to children. Portland is a fun, quirky little city, known for its super fun attractions and its innovative art scene. 11.The suburb of South Portland is home to the famous Maine Mallthe largest American commercial, retail, and office complex north of Boston. From history and landmarks to craft brews and bites, there are so many reasons spend your vacation in Greater Portland, Maine. The 3,000 miles of rocky coast as well as our sandy beaches are never far away. 1. , tourism, and growing core. The island is the only year-round island in Casco Bay that has all unpaved roads and, while cars are allowed, most people walk, bicycle or use golf carts for transportation. Lobsters and Lighthouses. Former President George H. W. Bush and Former First Lady Barbara Bush summer at Walkers Point in Kennebunkport. When in Maine, lobster rolls are a must, and Portland has ample options for those who crave buttery fresh catch in a fluffy baked roll. 15 Best Restaurants in Portland, Maine. Here, guests can see stuffed jackalopes, yeti footprint casts, a fully-furred Bigfoot model, and more, gathered by one of the worlds leading Sasquatch experts! Hear the name "Portland," and you probably think about a certain city out in Oregon. 7.No transatlantic port in the U.S. is closer to Europe than Portland. Plan your trip to Greater Portland Maine. The city has a rich history in industry, fishing, agriculture, and Americana - and you probably dont know the half of it! No question about that. Visitors can walk along the cliffside, cool off at the rocky beach, visit the childrens garden or pick up a snack at one of its handful of food vendors. Portland's population was 68,408 in April 2020. A 20-25 minute trip from Portland by ferry, Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay is one of the most picturesque in Maine. How many days do you need to see Portland, Maine? No matter which island you choose, the variety that Casco Bay has to offer will satisfy the adventurers as well as those looking for a more leisurely pace. Its easy to day trip to surrounding towns and parks with a rich landscape of attractions and landmarks of their own. The primarily private island was known as Little Hog Island during colonial times. Originally built in 1791, it's a fully-functioning lighthouse that overlooks the Gulf of Maine, and it's been helping sailors, soldiers and settlers reach New England since the days of yore. Portland Head Light Visiting the Portland Head Light is easily one of the best things to do in Portland, ME. With two locations, including a truck at Fort Williams Park to sate the appetite of coastal hikers, draws long lines for its many varieties of lobster rolls, including wasabi, chipotle, curry and Maine style (mayo and chives). Accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland, Peaks Island is part of the city of Portland, but its character is a rare combination of distinctive and welcoming. Kayaks and canoes can also be stored on rental racks and launched from the beach or the boat ramp. When it comes to weather, summer is a hard season to top. Or, they may hear of its history as a military base during the 19th century, and note the attention to preserving the architectural integrity of the time. Housed in a 150-year-old brick storehouse on the waterfront (moved from a prior location and rebuilt brick by brick), Twelve is an aesthetically exquisite dinner destination with a prix fixe menu of fine-dining offerings including Atlantic cod in carrot bisque, or a tender ribeye with black garlic. 16.The Civil War came to Maines doorstep in 1863. Interesting Facts & History about Maine FAQs What Is Maine Famous For? But Peaks is a place where visitors get a taste of island living. How to save money when visiting Portland, Maine? When traveling solo, you must visit the Portland Museum of Art to appreciate more the beauty of Portlands history and culture. Just 20 minutes north of Portland, visitors will encounter world-class shopping and plenty of picture-perfect outdoor adventure. The Scarborough shoreline is a nice place to take a refreshing dip on hot summer days, and area beaches provide the perfect access. For those seeking more of an active outdoors experience, head to Fort Williams Park, just a 15-minute drive southeast of downtown Portland. Originally, this outcrop was peopled by the Wabanaki, who called it Machigonne, or Great Neck. English settlers would later rechristen it Casco in 1633 and then Falmouth Neck in 1658 [PDF]. You must also visit various restaurants to eat their local delicacies, and you must eat as a local to fully enjoy your trip. Located in the Old Port part of the city, its also conveniently located just blocks from city attractions, and the lobby is usually stocked with fresh baked cookies for guests. One of the most iconic sights in Portland is the Portland Head Light. For seven years, it retained the title; a two-story building on the corner of Myrtle and Congress streets served as the statehouse.But in 1827, the more centrally-located Augusta was officially designated the new capital. Before long, people began referring to all of Portland as Forest City and the name stuck. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. The worlds largest independently owned bookstore can be found in Portlands historic Pioneer Square. To be safe, avoid walking alone at night, stay alert, and use good judgment when navigating the city are all recommendations. No matter what budget or level of comfort, there's surely a great local vacation home rental available. They also serve cupcakes, if youre seeking something sweet with your suds. It's casual, yet trendy. However, just last year, the record was shattered by two groups out of Canada, who both constructed rolls that were more than 70 feet in length. Today, Maine is home to many of the best boat builders in the world, while Portland plays host to the annual Maine Boatbuilders Show. Certainly the coastal spot of your dreams is meant to be experienced in person. As of the 2020 census, the population was 303,069, [1] making it the most populous county in Maine. Founded in 1912, L.L. The best areas for shopping when visiting. Or seek out the quiet life of Maines coastfrom sandy beaches to the rugged, rocky coastline. Whether you prefer to sit on a bench and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or feel a need to get out and enjoy the waterfront trail, the Eastern Promenade offers a breath of fresh air away from the city. It is the biggest New England state and it shares a border with Canada. Drop on by for some live music, street performers, and local cuisine. The funky vibes of this downtown area emanate from the collection of museums and art galleries mingled with numerous contemporary music and performance venues, plus some fine and ethnic dining choices. Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. DID YOU KNOW? 20+ Interesting & Useful FACTS About Portland Where to Go in Maine: 11 Places You Should See in Your Lifetime Portland Maine Bucket List: 15 of the Best Things to Do From mouth-watering restaurants to epic lighthouses to a booming craft brew scene, Maine's main coastal city of Portland just may have it all. Although not as popular as the Great Smoky Mountains or the Grand Canyon, Acadia National Park (located near Bar Harbor) is one of the most-visited national parks in the United . On a daily basis, fishermen present their latest catch and entertain offers from seafood wholesalers and processors. To see the weirder side of Maine, duck into the. 1. The Arts District also houses the Maine College of Art (MECA) as well as attractions like the Salt Institute of Documentary Studies, Cross Insurance Arena, the renovated State Theatre, Portland Stage Company, the Maine Historical Society, Museum of African Culture, and the historic Merrill Auditorium for performing arts.

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