Portland Maine Visitors Guide
Tall trees, historic homes, and a relaxing atmosphere – all of this and more combine to make Portland a favorite vacation retreat for many visitors each year. It is Maine’s largest city in spite of having been burned four times in its over 200 year history.
Things to Do in Portland
Maine History Gallery – Displaying over 2,000 works of art and 8,000 artifacts, you will see decorative arts, political items, archaeological material, costumes and textiles. Also offered are lectures and hands on workshops.
Portland Head Lighthouse Museum – Here you can see what is thought to be America’s oldest lighthouse in constant use.
Portland Museum of Art – For American and European art in a variety of mediums, artists include Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and Maine artisan John Whitney Payson.
Portland Observatory – Climb the 102 steps to its top and see surrounding areas from this 19 century Atlantic signal tower.
Tate House – Build in the 1700’s for British Navy mast agent George Tate, you can tour the period decorated home and gardens. Additional period architecture can be seen at the Victorian Mansion.
Wadsworth – Longfellow House – Get to know the man behind some of America’s most loved poetry on the hour long tour of his 3 story home.
Museum of African Tribal Art – Home to 300 + pieces of African art; you can see tribal mask, Benin lost wax bronzes and other important pieces of African art and culture.
Southworth Planetarium – Spend an evening under the stars as you learn about our galaxy and beyond. You will find interactive displays, and astronomy show and other science related displays and objects.
Deering Oaks Park – From paddle boats to horseshoes, tennis to a children’s playground. Ice skating and other outdoor fun, this is the place!
Children’s Museum of Maine – A great morning or afternoon activity where “Don’t Touch” is seldom heard. With numerous interactive displays, exhibits, play areas and more, the museum is a great place to make learning fun.
Smiling Hill Farm – With a petting zoo, pony rides and ice cream this is a favorite summer spot. During the winter enjoy the 20 miles of trails used for cross-country skiing, , snow shoeing and sleigh riding.
Summer Performance Series – During the summer there are a variety of presentations that rotate among downtown locations like Monument Square, Congress Square, Tommy’s Park and Post Office Park. Get a copy of the GO found in the Thursday Edition of the Portland Press Herald.
State Theater – This 1929 theater is the site for an assortment of concerts, plays and performance. Call (207) 780-8265 for current programs.
For Classical music, opera, and orchestra contact these places for current performances – Portland Symphony Orchestra (207) 842-0800, PCA Great Performances (207) 874-8200, the Portland String Quartet (207) 761-1522, or the Portland Opera Reparatory Theater (207) 767-0775).
Portland Breweries
Gritty McDuff’s located on Fore St. – (207) 772-2739
Three Dollar Dewey’s on Commercial St. – (207) 772-3310
Fifties Pub on Commercial St. – (207)-772-6398
Ruskis on Danforth St. – (207)-774-7604
The Great Lost Bear on Forest Ave. (207) 772-0300
Top of the East on Congress Square (207)775-5411
Armory Lounge at the Portland Regency Hotel (207)774-4200
Other night time entertainment can be found at the Comedy Connection and by checking the night clubs that are listed in the Casco Bay Weekly.
Photo Credits: Ban |
