Greater Portland

The Greater Portland area is home to many of the state’s larger towns and cities, which are as diverse as their people, but the one thing they have in common is that they all share Casco Bay.

Perhaps the biggest challenge when visiting the Greater Portland area is deciding what to do first. Should you take a delightful harbor cruise to see the lighthouses dotting Casco Bay? Or maybe just relax by the fireplace at one of dozens of cozy inns and guesthouses? As the Pine Tree State’s premier vacation destination, Greater Portland offers a cornucopia of things to do, see and enjoy. As for where to stay, if you prefer to lodge somewhat outside of Portland proper—home to several luxury hotels—the surrounding towns of Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Falmouth, Freeport, Yarmouth, Westbrook and Scarborough all boast an assortment of comfortable accommodations. There are small B&Bs, medium-sized inns, and larger hotels. Many now welcome pets so you don’t want to leave Fido at home!

FidoFriendly Magazine selected PORTLAND as one of the “50 Best of the Best in the Dog World.” Portland’s major artery, Congress Street, will bring you to museums, art galleries, antique shops, studios and theaters. You’ll find that walking around Portland is leisurely leading you from the downtown area to the lure of the waterfront and to nearby parks. There are at least a dozen restaurants in Portland and the surrounding areas that allow dogs at sidewalk café settings, outside decks, and on porches. Many area hotels are known for providing extra special services for your pet family member. Some quaint retail shops are known to allow pets if you ask before you enter. If it’s entertainment and attractions you crave, be sure to start with a stroll through Portland’s delightful Old Port. The Old Port, with its brick laden streets and eclectic selection of shops and specialty retailers, is just waiting to be explored. Both historic and hip, the Port is where you can admire Maine’s largest working waterfront, enjoy live entertainment at popular pubs, or browse through shopping boutiques for everything from organic dog biscuits to imported spices to fine apparel.