Portland ME 2023-24

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

Fore Street Restaurant

This rustic spot’s open wood-fire grill, oven & spit lend smoky flavors to upscale American fare.

288 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Phone: (207) 775-2717 | Web: forestreet.biz

Street & Co

Simple, upscale preparations of local fish in a rustic & snug bistro on a cobblestone alley.

33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101

Phone: (207) 775-0887 | Web: streetandcompany.net

ViA VECCHiA

Chic Italian eatery offering brunch staples, small plates, seafood & steak, plus wine & cocktails.

10 Dana St, Portland, ME 04101

Phone: (207) 407-7070 | Web: vvoldport.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Boda

Late-night eatery & bar specializes in Thai street food, including meat & veggie skewers.

671 Congress St, Portland, ME

Central Provisions

Eclectic restaurant serving small plates & cocktails in a rustic, brick-walled setting.

414 Fore St, Portland, ME

The Corner Room Italian

Kitchen & Bar

Warm, welcoming setting for inspired, upscale Italian cuisine plus wine & cocktails.

110 Exchange St, Portland, ME

Mami

Food truck turned brick-&-mortar serving Japanese-style street food in a lively, comfortable space.

339 Fore St, Portland, ME

The Grill Room & Bar

Upscale wood-fired chops, seafood & pizza in a welcoming corner spot with outdoor parkside seating.

84 Exchange St, Portland, ME

Mi Sen Noodle Bar

Family-owned spot offering Thai soups, noodles & rice dishes in airy, wood-hued venue with beer.

630 Congress St, Portland, ME

Isa Bistro

Seasonal New American fare is served in this brick-walled bistro with tile floors & tin ceilings.

79 Portland St, Portland, ME

Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant

Warm, convivial destination offering a long draft & cider list, plus traditional Irish eats.

72 Commercial St, Portland, ME

Green Elephant

Bistro for pan-Asian vegetarian fare, from panang curry with tempeh to noodles with vegan soy meat.

608 Congress St, Portland, ME

DiMillo’s On the Water

Popular marina mainstay in a huge former car ferry offers seafood, nautical decor & harbor views.

25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME

SEP 10

Deering Center Porchfest 2023

Porchfest is an annual event in the Deering Center neighborhood that hosts musical performances and celebrates community in a simple joyful way. The event is free and all are welcome. Learn more at deeringcenter.me.

SEP 16

Maine Brew Fest

What’s on tap? Our annual Maine Brew Fest September Session with as many as 100 craft beer and cider sampling from over 30 Maine breweries. Brand new for this year, we’ll be adding a Sunday session in addition to the normal Saturday tasting. Learn more at visitportland.com.

SEP 23

Stomp Fest II

Underground Indie and Psych festival hosted by Mushroom Stomp Records in Portland, Maine! As with last year we will have an array of local bands and artists with some added touring acts to really bring the heat. Tickets on sale now so go ahead and pre-order your set today! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

OCT 6

Freeport Fall Festival

Each year on the first weekend in October, Visit Freeport brings together over 175 of the best New England artists, makers and local food producers for a three-day festival on the L.L.Bean campus, Key Bank lawn, and Freeport Village Station courtyard in Freeport, Maine. Learn more at visitportland.com.

OCT 25

Harvest on the Harbor™

Harvest on the Harbor™ is Portland, Maine’s annual food & spirits festival featuring a delicious, diverse and engaging line up of events. The event curates experiences and partnerships that hope to appeal to foodies of

all kinds, offering a taste (and sip) for every appetite. Learn more at harvestontheharbor.com.

NOV 18

Annual Portland Fireside Inn, Christmas Arts & Craft Show

It’s the perfect time to start your holiday gift purchases from our talented artisans selling their one-of-a-kind gifts from wood items, quilt work, knits & crochet, jams & jellies, dolls, jewelry, and much more all at prices you can afford. From food to knits to lamps and everything in between. Stop by and have a lunch while shopping. Learn more at ewenglandcraftfairs.com.

DEC 1

Sparkle Celebration & Parade

Each year, Visit Freeport presents one of Maine’s most popular holiday celebrations, Sparkle Celebration. The 2023 festival kicks off in Freeport on Friday, December 1, 2023 with the Sparkle Celebration Parade of Lights, which ends with Santa arriving to bring our famous talking Christmas Tree to life! And as always, visitors will enjoy great dining and shopping throughout Freeport. Learn more at visitfreeport.com.

JAN 1 2024

Polar Plunge

The Annual Atlantic Plunge – Freezin’ For A Reason takes place typically to ring in the New Year at Gooch’s Beach Kennebunk. This chilly Polar Plunge event is typically held New Year’s Day, or the first Saturday of the year! What better way to ring in the New Year than a chilly swim in the Atlantic?! It’s called the Polar Plunge and its a refreshing way to start the New Year. Learn more at kennebunkportmainelodging.com.

MAR 17 2024

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

Join us for a spirited celebration at the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Portland, Maine, presented by the Irish American Club! Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and vibrant culture of Ireland as our lively procession

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

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SILVERSEA OCEANIA REGENT SEVEN SEAS SEABOURN

EVENTS 2024

winds through the heart of the city. Delight in the sea of green as colorful floats, festive music, and enthusiastic marchers create an unforgettable experience for all ages. Learn more at irishofmaine.org.

MAY 18

Bug Light Kite Festival

On the third weekend of May the sky above Bug Light Park is lit-up with kites of all shapes and colors. Bring your own or buy a kite while there and take advantage of their BBQ lunch fundraiser. Hosted by South Portland Historical Society and Nor’Easters Kite Club and Kites Over New England. Learn more at visitportland.com.

JUL 19

Yarmouth Clam Festival

Always the third Friday in July, the Yarmouth Clam Festival attracts visitors from all over Maine and beyond, as well as locals who line up their beach chairs on the side of the main drag a few days before the parade for the best possible seat. Learn more at visitportland.com.

JUN 15

Pride Portland ME

Pride Portland brings people in Greater Portland, Maine, together for an annual parade and festival to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ movement, to raise awareness of the community’s ongoing struggles, and to foster an environment of inclusivity, accessibility, and solidarity. Learn more at prideportland.org.

AUG 3

Maine Lobster Festival

The Maine Lobster Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Rockland, Maine, each year with the promise of fresh, local lobster dinners, nationally renowned entertainers, cooking contests, activities for all ages, Maine craftsmen and artists. Learn more online at mainelobsterfestival.com.

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control

weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when

suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

PFLAG PORTLAND ME

PFLAG Portland, Maine offers compassionate peer support to the parents, families and friends of, and including, LGBTQ individuals through group discussion, education, advocacy and creating connections to community resources.

PFLAGPORTLANDMAINE.ORG

MAINE FAMILY PLANNING

Maine Family Planning staff provide compassionate, confidential health services, regardless of your gender identity or expression. Whatever decisions you make about your health, we listen and provide support without judgment.

MAINEFAMILYPLANNING.ORG | (207) 922-3222

EQUALITYMAINE

Our mission is to protect and advance full equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers by creating an inclusive and intersectional movement through political action, community building, education, engagement and collaboration. EQUALITYMAINE.ORG

HEAL

Health Equity Alliance is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization that provides HIV+ care, sexual health and wellness services, and harm reduction programs. Our commitment to people in Maine living with HIV, people who use drugs, and our LGBTQ+ community members has been at the core of our story, 35 years in the making.

MAINEHEALTHEQUITY.ORG | (207) 990-3626