Portland

Portland is one of the most popular destinations in all of Maine.

There’s fine dining, outstanding art, New England architecture, live theater, lush parks, great shopping experiences, professional sports teams, and a working waterfront. Yes, Portland has it all.

Eating well is easy in Portland. Bon Appétit named Portland “America’s foodiest small town,” and the New York Times calls it “one of the best places to eat in the Northeast.” It is among the top towns in the US for most restaurants per capita. Award- winning chefs direct kitchens that turn out meals to rival any you’ll find in larger urban centers. The food industry thrives for excellence with diverse food offerings and a commitment to organic and locally grown produce.

The city’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 that guides you from the downtown area to the lure of the waterfront. For the history buff, Portland is bursting with places of interest and tours of such landmarks as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s childhood home and the Maine Historical Society.

Fine views of Portland and surrounding areas can be had from the restored 1807 Portland Observatory maritime signal tower at the top of Munjoy Hill on Congress Street. As Maine’s major port for shipping goods worldwide, Portland has a vital waterfront with commercial fishing enterprises, sightseeing boat tours, and seaside restaurants specializing in seafood delights. Don’t be surprised if you see massive cruise ships docked in the harbor. Recent years have seen an increase in the number of cruise lines docking at Portland Harbor. Must See: Hop on a Portland Discovery Tour where they treat you like guests, not just another passenger. Enjoy getting to know Portland and Casco Bay with friendly and experienced guides – all aboard premium trolleys and fully-equipped boats outfitted for maximum comfort and unobstructed views. Tours include: Portland City and Lighthouse Tour; Sunset Lighthouse Tours; Harbor Lights and Sights Tour; Land and Sea Combo Tours and so many more!

Most Unusual: The world’s only International Cryptozoology Museum is located in Portland, Maine. Cryptozoology is the study of hidden or unknown animals. The museum has a wide range of exhibitions from “rare, one-of-a-kind scientific, zoological specimens to popular cultural homages to the relevant anthropological and psychological acknowledgements of the sightings and folk traditions to be found within hominology and cryptozoology.” (source: cryptozoologymuseum.com)