Portland Maine Travel Guide

Portland Maine is a tiny coastal city nestled beautifully on the peninsula in Casco Bay in the Southern Maine region and is celebrated for its sea-side splendor, museums, art galleries, old harbor and specialty shops. This travel guide offers visitors information on the characteristics, attractions and accommodation options of this summertime tourist hub.

Orientation

Portland Maine is a tourist’s delight since the town is a brilliant hodgepodge of things to do and places to see. The crowd puller here is the Old Port district and the breathtakingly gorgeous bays that embellish the streets of Portland Maine. The destination is also a burgeoning center for contemporary local art that has spawned tremendously over the past few years. The port town was earlier called Machigonne by Native Americans and the first European settler to inhabit the region was Captain Christopher Levett, a naval officer who was handed over 6,0000 acres of land by King Charles I of England. Thus the settlement Casco Bay came into being which eventually became a trading and fishing hub in the early 17 th century. Casco Bay was re-christened Falmouth when it was taken over by Massachusetts and in the late 18 th century it was bombarded in the Royal Navy Revolution to be rebuilt into a modern day coastal wonder.

Attractions and Activities

Portland Museum of Art is a splendid cache of the most exquisite pieces of art and aesthetic genius in Maine. It has been layered into several galleries and ancient houses, where the masterpieces have been meticulously catalogued. Watch an exhaustive collection of Winslow Homer works and a plethora of sculptures, paintings, artifacts and relics from the Portland’s artistically gifted heritage.

The children’s Museum is a three storied destination  for interactive learning exhibits and educational activities to nurture a learn through fun spirit in young children.

Another good visit is the Portland Observatory, (located on Congress St.) for viewing the fantastic original maritime signal station  and taking the education tours. Visitors can get a super view of the waterfront from the top of the tower. Victoria Mansion is a perfect illustration of finely preserved Victorian architecture and elegant interiors.

The Old Port is one of the most frequented tourist regions for its super line-up of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops apart from its old narrow cobblestone streets and brick houses. A great place to go on an ancient walking trail through the charming by lanes of a harbor. Get an insider’s preview of the captivating beauty of Portland Maine by taking a day trip offered by several private tours. Visit the enchanting promenades and the old Stroudwater Village along with East End beach and Fore River Gallery.

Food and accommodation

Portland Maine is a sea-food lover’s paradise. Get fresh locally sourced lobsters, scallops, haddocks prepared in the choicest of flavors. The cuisine ranges from Oriental and Middle Eastern to Polish and Greek. One of the best places to eat in the town is Walter’s, which serves an international menu that largely focuses on a fusion of Asian and Caribbean fare. Other good options are Becky’s Diner, Fore Street Restaurant, Ribollita, Fuji and Arabica. For accommodation Portland Regency Hotel and Spa is a great bet for a luxury stay along with the Portland Harbor Hotel. Other more practical picks are Eastland Park Hotel and Fairfield Inn Portland Airport. The Chadwick is a nice Bed and Breakfast property.

Portland Maine is a postcard of an old harbor town that oozes with ancient, natural and artistic beauty.