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Portland and Casco Bay offers all types of travelers the perfect New England Getaway . If you enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, fine dining, shopping, and anything in between, then Portland and Casco Bay has something special in store for your next vacation.
Portland, Maine is one of the most historic of all American cities and a must-see destination for every traveler. A small city, surrounded by ocean coves, marshlands, beautiful forests and sandy beaches, Portland has as outdoor activity for any age and skill level. Come here (Scarborough beach, etc) in winter and you can see some of the bravest surfers to ever wax down a board suffer for every ride in 12-millimiter thick, full-body wetsuits. Try it out if you like, but we warn you---cold and salty gets old quick.
As soon as your bones thaw out, you will need to eat. Eating is one thing Portland, ME can look down its nose at fancy-pants Boston and New York. With more 4-star restaurants per capita than any other city in North America, fine dining with a strong basis for healthy and local dining experiences is alive and thriving in Portland and Casco Bay.
Downtown Portland offers three 4-star restaurants within walking distance of one another. Don't want to spend quite that much? You can choose from one of the many eateries lining the Old Port and Downtown Portland, ranging from Pan Asian, traditional pub fare, authentic Italian and Northern Italian cuisine, the freshest sushi available on the East Coast or a raw bar overlooking the harbor.
Lodging and accommodations in Portland and Casco Bay range from the basic campground and RV rental location to some of the world's most famous bed and breakfasts and inns. Hotels of the highest caliber, catering to the guest used to service levels provided for in New York, London and Tokyo and motels by the sea accommodating children and pets are not uncommon in Portland and Casco Bay.
So, you have hiked, surfed, snowboarded, rested in luxury and refueled at a local eatery. You need some culture, some history, and some intellectual capital to take home with you. Explore the home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, go see the world renowned Portland Symphony, stop in at the Maine Museum of Art, tour some of America's oldest and most unique lighthouses, see a real lobster boat unloading their day's haul at the pier, or take a ferry out to one of hundreds of islands dotting the Coast.
The list is truly endless when thinking of things to do in Portland and the Casco Bay. We are Vacationland, pure and simple. Come and get some.
Portland and Casco Bay Directory: Find Services and Activities:
Portland Schooner Company
Sail with us on an authentic sailing vessel steeped in history - and have the experience of a lifetime. Bagheera and Wendameen provide the perfect vantage point to enjoy some of Maine's most beautiful sights and sounds - from the deck of a storied wooden schooner built in the early 20th century. For an afternoon, a day, or an overnight windjammer adventure, from Portland Harbor through the pristine waters of Casco Bay and beyond, refresh your spirit and excite your soul with an unforgettable sail reminiscent of a simpler time.
207-766-2500
40 Commercial Street
Portland Museum of Art
As the largest art museum in the state of Maine, the Portland Museum of Art serves as a vital cultural resource for all who visit. The Museum's collection of more than 18,000 objects is housed in three historic and remarkable buildings showcasing three centuries of art and architecture. With our constantly changing exhibitions and permanent collection, a diverse selection of fine and decorative arts is always on view.
Portland Head Light
This lighthouse has a white conical tower, a charming Victorian keeper's house with a rambling red roof and eyebrow eves on the porch, a commanding setting at the southwest entrance to Portland harbor, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Commissioned by George Washington and dedicated by the Marquis de Lafayette, it is the state's oldest lighthouse and one of its most beloved, with a well-appointed museum in the former keeper's house. It sits in Fort Williams Park, off Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth. Parking is free although there's a small charge for the museum. Many Casco Bay boat tours pass this light; there is also a bus tour to the lighthouse. Portland Head Lighthouse was built in 1791.
Fort Williams Park Cape Elizabeth, ME
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
Take a trip back in time at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum! Enjoy magnificent views of Portland's working waterfront aboard antique rail cars pulled by hard-working steam and diesel locomotives. Discover the unique two-foot gauge trains that linked rural Maine to the rest of the world.
58 Fore Street
207-828-0814
Maine Day Trips
Maine Day Trip creates personalized and memorable sightseeing tours for small groups. Many scenic driving tours are easily planned within 100 miles of Portland. This is the ideal experience for those who will enjoy a relaxing day trip while leaving all of the driving to others. Maine is spectacularly beautiful anytime of the year. This is your opportunity to explore and photograph many of Maine's unique coastal views, lighthouses, and other scenic byways up close and personal.
207-838-5275
Children's Museum
The Children's Museum of Maine was ranked 14th in the country by Child Magazine. It uses a hands on approach to teach children of all ages. Activites such as going to the post office, painting, and watching children's theater. It's a very manageable museum - not huge, but plenty to do: balls and ramps, a fire truck, gas station, grocery store, barn, vet's office, touch tank, to name a few areas. It's like a huge indoor educational playspace, very hands on. During nice weather there's a great outdoor area with a ship to climb on and a music area that's kind of like a big percussion station.
There's no cafe, only vending machines, but there are tables and chairs if you want to bring your own food. You can also get your hand stamped and return later that day if you want to take a lunch break somewhere else.
If you have younger children, you should really plan a visit. It will be a couple of hours very well spent.
142 Free Street
207-828-1234
DiMillo's Floating Restaurant: An old ferry boat converted into a beautiful dining establishment. If you haven't had enough time on-board ship, you can enjoy fresh Maine lobster at DiMillo's Both Sue and I have been there and recommend it highly.
>more to come<
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