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TEAM UP Professional sports feature prominently with three minor league teams blazing a trail on their way to the majors. Anytime you visit Greater Portland you’re likely to catch some action on our home turf. The Portland Sea Dogs (AA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox) dish out family-friendly entertainment April to September at Hadlock Field. Then the Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics) take the court from November to March at Cross Insurance Areana. The Maine Mariners take their sticks to the ice October through April. The Professional Bowlers Association takes over Bayside Bowl’s state-of-the-art lanes for playoffs and two international tournaments in April, June, and July. (More on page 28)

BE BUOYANT Let the breeze set you free, as you explore Casco Bay by sea. Guided tours venture out to explore the islands and forts in Portland Harbor on kayaks or paddle boards. You can charter a sailboat or head out on a whale watching adventure with an experienced naturalist. Tour boats leave Portland’s waterfront to behold lighthouses from a sailor’s perspective, glide alongside seals relaxing on sun- soaked rocks, or dance on a festive party boat under the evening stars. Experience a working boat and haul sails or lobster traps with the crew. Or relax and take in the surrounding sea while enjoying food and wine pairings, or island hopping on America’s longest operating mailboat. (More on pages 22-24, 41)

GET CULTURED Arts in Greater Portland is bolstered by a thriving creative economy, supporting Broadway-level theatre, Opera Maine, two ballet companies, Portland Symphony Orchestra, a Bach Festival, a Chamber Music Festival, and several theater and improv companies. Dozens of galleries and studios fill out Portland’s robust Arts District, bookended by the popular One Longfellow Square performance space in the West End, and anchored by the Portland Museum of Art in Congress Square. Newcomers from many countries have brought their own music and dance to town. Even the most sophisticated travelers will be amazed at the vibrant arts scene that’s grown up in Maine. (More on pages 18-22, 27, 31)

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