2014 Visitor's Guide

Once you’ve sated your hunger, it’s time to feed the mind. Historic buildings abound on the cobblestone streets. In the summer, live music never seems to stop in Monument Square, and you can always enjoy a concert at one of Portland’s many music venues. First- time visitors to the Portland Museum of Art will be blown away by the collection of American and European art. To truly soak in the cultural offerings, be sure to check out a First Friday Art Walk, where artists line the streets and galleries open for business. You can chat with a local artist, buy paintings straight from the source, or just enjoy the carnival-like scene. For the serious shopper, there are many places to fill your closet. Fashion in Maine is a funny thing, often defined by L.L. Bean boots and nautical wear. But there’s more to it than that—just stroll through the Arts District and the Old Port to visit a myriad of local boutiques offering sophisticated modern designs and fun lifestyle products. Much of what you’ll find inMaine is locally-made: from pottery to jewelry to clever T-shirts displaying that famous Maine sense of humor. Finally, no visit to Portland would be complete without a day spent outdoors. Hop a ferry from the Old Port for the short ride to Peaks Island, or just stroll along the breathtaking Eastern

Promenade with summer views straight out of a Seurat painting. The authentic working waterfront is worth a visit; grab a seat at one of the many outdoor restaurants and watch as boats arrive and depart or wend your way down the wharfs to see fishermen unloading their catch. A truly bike-friendly city, cyclists will find that trails stretch all the way from downtown up onto the mainland and feature sweeping views of the harbor. Or if you would rather take it slow, grab a coffee from one of our expert roasters (Portlanders love their local coffee) and join the locals at the Saturday morning farmers’ market in Deering Oaks Park, where the people- watching is excellent and the fountains truly lovely. Island life. It’s a phrase that holds an almost mystical amount of power. Who among us hasn’t wished for our own private island? While you may not be able to buy a plot of aquatic land, you can find your own paradise on Maine’s beautiful, serene, and pristine islands. Scattered throughout the Atlantic Ocean is a seemingly limitless number of islands, running all the way from southern Maine to the northernmost tip. While devoted sailors can spend years exploring our islands, many tourists prefer the lovely archipelago in Casco Bay for its accessibility and natural beauty. Serviced by the Casco Bay Ferry Lines, it’s easy to visit the C ALENDAR I SLANDS , as this smattering of sea-surrounded lands is called. From the small wonders on L ITTLE D IAMOND I SLAND to the sprawling community on 25-square-mile C HEBEAGUE I SLAND , this region encompasses a wide variety of beaches, towns, scenic vistas, and charming seaside homes. With literally hundreds of islands to choose from, it’s not always easy to pick your destination. Fortunately, ferry services narrow down the options significantly. P EAKS I SLAND , Little Diamond Island, G REAT D IAMOND I SLAND , L ONG I SLAND , Chebeague Island, C LIFF I SLAND , and B AILEY I SLAND are all • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Photos from top: The streets of Portland’s historic Old Port district are lined with shops and restaurants, Amy Tolk; Casco Bay Lines’ ferry–the oldest continually operating mail boat service of its kind, Corey Templeton

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