Exploring Portland, Maine
Ask anyone who’s been there, and you’ll find Portland, Maine, is on everyone’s short list of favorite small cities. And for good reason.
Ideally located on the southern Maine coast, Portland has a long maritime history. Today, the historic charms of its waterfront and the Old Port’s brick buildings and cobblestone streets blend seamlessly with the modern delights of 5-star restaurants, craft breweries, art galleries and interesting shops. Together, it all makes Portland a wonderful city in which to spend a day . . . and preferably more.
For boaters, navigating to Portland is easy to navigate to, thanks to it being a major shipping port. The harbor is dredged to 35 feet, so even if you’re lucky enough to have a mega-yacht, you’ll have no problems. DiMillo’s Old Port Marina; 207-773-7632; VHF 9 or 71 is the only major marina that offers transient dockage in downtown Portland. It has fuel, electric service, pump out, WiFi and water. It’s also home to a popular restaurant. More dockage is available north of downtown Portland at the Maine Yacht Center; 207-842-9000, which also has WiFi, electric, gas and diesel, pump out and more. You can find more marinas in nearby South Portland. You can also find good anchorage beyond the Casco Bay Bridge inside the Fore River. But stay out of the channel. To contact the harbormaster, CLICK HERE or call 207-772-8121.
Once on land, you’ll enjoy exploring the streets of Portland. Strolling through the Old Port, with its buildings and walkways from another century, you’ll feel like you’re in a novel by Dickens or Melville. But the area’s shops and restaurants will appeal to your modern tastes. You’ll weave in and out of stores selling everything from creative sculptures and high-class home furnishings to marine salvage and lobster-themed T-shirts and trinkets.
Along the way, make sure to take a Portland Lighthouse Tour; 207-774-0808. This narrated 90-minute scenic cruise will take you through the harbor and inner islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats and seals. Also, be sure to visit the Portland Museum of Art; 207) 775-6148), which is home to more than 17,000 fine and decorative works of art.
When visiting Portland, make sure to bring your appetite because the city is a food-lover’s paradise. You can’t swing a stick (or a lobster) in the city without hitting a high-caliber, interesting eatery. Among the best is dimple’s; 207-772-2216), which boasts spectacular views of the harbor to go along with its great menu. Offerings at the Portland Lobster Company; 207-775-2112 include lobster, steamers and fish and chips. Twenty Milk Street; 800-727-3436) features upscale dining at the Portland Regency Hotel. And Sapparo; 207-772-1233 offers sushi and sashimi near the harbor.
For more information on visiting Portland, CLICK HERE
