2013 Visitor's Guide

Weekend MAGIC Where else can you swim in a pristine lake, dine in a nationally-recognized restaurant, and experience the ocean’s breathtaking beauty—all in one easy weekend getaway? Welcome to the Greater Portland Casco Bay Region. Photo: Chris Lawrence

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Although Maine is a large state with varied landscapes, Portland is ideally located for a taste of it all — for jaunts into the countryside, to the nearby Lakes and Mountains region, and for forays out on Casco Bay and its many islands. The following itinerary packs an amazing diversity of attractions into a memorable weekend getaway based in Maine’s port city. NEARBY LAKES AND MOUNTAINS Start your visit at a cozy bed & breakfast or one of our welcoming hotels and head out to dine on seafood, steak, and local greens. Begin your first full day driving an hour inland to Range Pond or Sebago Lake State Park for an afternoon swim in warm water on undeveloped lakefront. Or meander up picturesque Route 26, visiting the unique attractions rich in culture, ecology, and history that make up the Gems of 26. Or try your luck at the region’s newest

hot spot, Oxford Casino.

bike on the unspoiled island roads, break- ing for lunch at the Inn on Peaks Island. SWEET F INISH Once back on the mainland, complete your weekend getaway with a lobster dinner and music served dockside at Portland Lobster Company or DiMillo’s On the Water, or at a number of casual and elegant city restaurants. You’ll head home with so many sights and flavors to savor — imagine staying longer on your next visit.

SOPHIST ICATED NIGHTL I FE Come back to an exceptional dining experience; the region’s vibe and availability of abundant fresh seafood, meat, and produce have been attracting top-notch chefs who are creating a national culinary stir. Enjoy a cocktail or coffee in a local tavern then head to the theater or spend an evening with Portland Symphony Orchestra or Portland Ovations. You’ll find the variety of food and arts in Portland to be unsurpassed for a city our size. HIKE AND BIKE ON CASCO BAY ISLANDS After a good night’s rest, grab a coffee at one of the comfy cafés nestled along the Old Port’s cobblestone streets. Bring your bike or rent one in town and catch the Casco Bay Lines ferry, enjoying salty breezes and beautiful ocean waters on the short ride to Peaks Island. Hike or

LOCAL TIP In downtown Portland, it’s an easy stroll between hotel, restaurant, and nightspot. Visit a local brew pub or wine bar, feeling free to indulge, and enjoy a safe walk home afterwards.

CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU / 11