2014 Visitor's Guide

transportation and shopping hub vibrates with energy, while on the other side, lighthouses and beaches offer peaceful relaxation. Visitors who come to Maine by air will inevitably get their first glimpse of the Pine Tree State in South Portland and there are many fantastic attractions on this side of the Casco Bay Bridge, starting with the Portland International Jetport’s striking collection of outdoor sculpture art. Yes, just outside this state-of-the-art airport is a series of beautiful pieces made by Maine artists like Jay Sawyer and Wendy Klemperer. On the off-chance your luggage didn’t make it through with you—or maybe you just want to snag a new suit before sunning yourself at the beach—you’ll find everything you need nearby at the Maine Mall. Conveniently located near a number of hotels, this is the largest shopping mall in the state of Maine. Filled with national retailers and specialty stores, vacationers will find everything they need under one roof. After you’ve stocked up on swimsuits and outdoor gear, put your purchases to work in one of South Portland’s lovely parks—or just check out the beautiful campus at Southern Maine Community College. While you’re there, be sure to stop for a picture at Fort Preble and another at Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. A 900-foot breakwater leads up to this historic structure, creating a truly majestic bulwark against the sea. Take a stroll (or better yet, bring your bike) on the historic Greenbelt Walkway, a three-mile paved trail that provides views of the bustling harbor. Another great green space is Mill Creek Park where fragrant roses burst into life come summer, and in the winter, ice skaters can be found making frozen tracks on the pond. Salt-water junkies can slip into the Atlantic at Willard Beach, one of the city’s few free public beaches located in one of Maine’s hippest neighborhoods. After enjoying the sand and surf, take a short drive to Bug Light Park. Those unfamiliar with Portland Breakwater Lighthouse—or as it’s more commonly

Two Lights, where those looking for lighthouses will be bowled over by the views. Fort Williams boasts beautiful, historic ruins, and one of the best-known lighthouses in Maine and America: Portland Head Light. Walking trails are in abundance at both loca- tions, and offer sweeping views of the sea (and a bevy of photo ops!). Out- doorsy types will also enjoy a visit to Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, where you can watch seabirds swoop and dive through their natural habitats. Of course, the sea air does tend to make one hungry, so it’s fortunate that some of the region’s best dining can be found conveniently close to the shore. Whether you’re looking for traditional beach fare or more traditional fine dining, you won’t be disappointed. Bite into Maine and the Lobster Shack can fill your lobster roll cravings, and Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea is the perfect place to enjoy a romanticmeal. The Black Point Inn out on Prout’s Neck, where Winslow Homer painted, features fine dining and cocktails on the porch. Whether you’re looking for equestrian activities or a trip to the apple orchard, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth have everything you might want. This is, as they say, “the way life should be.” Our most diverse town, S OUTH P ORTLAND encompasses two distinct aspects. On one side of town, a • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Photos from top: Spring Point Light in South Portland–the only Caisson-style lighthouse in which visitors can walk, Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld; Saltwater Grille restaurant has a commanding view of the city skyline from across the harbor, Chris Lawrence

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