2014 Visitor's Guide

known, Bug Light—will be charmed by this small lighthouse which sits at the end of a pink granite breakwater. First constructed in 1855, the graceful design has been guiding ships to port for decades. On a sunny day, you’ll see plenty of kite-flyers enjoying the ocean winds. Take a moment to contemplate themonument to theWorldWar II Liberty Ships whichwere built on the current park’s site between 1941 and 1945. Finally, before heading out of town, be sure to check out the coffee shops, cafes, and stores in Knightville; business is booming in this lesser-known neighborhood. Or enjoy a fabulous meal just around the corner at Saltwater Grille where the quality of dining is matched by the unobstructed view of the dramatic city skyline. It’s all just a hop, skip, and a bridge away from the City of Portland. Travel a bit west of Portland and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the sea-soaked air turns cool and green. Touched with the tranquil beauty of inner Maine, yet still within shouting distance of the sea, the towns of G ORHAM and W ESTBROOK are thriving, backed by rich history and packed with character. If you’re looking for quaint New Eng- land charm, you couldn’t have picked a better region. Historic buildings abound in these sleepy towns, from lovely old churches to stately libraries. Mills once stood along the rivers— Westbrook can count both the Presumpscot River and the smaller Stroudwater River within its bound- aries—turning the flowing water into a source of energy and a fuel for industry. Agriculture was always important in these inland towns, and it remains so to this day. Just stop in at a local orchard to pick some apples or grab a pumpkin and you’ll see what we mean. If Portland is the metropolitan hub of the area, Gorham is the cute little college town. There may not be much nightlife, but those seeking higher education need look no further than the University of Southern Maine, an institution that helps thousands of • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

students advance their careers and pursue their dreams every year. And, as with any college town, the school also enhances the intellectual life of the community. Fromcoffee shop discussions to gallery openings, the influence of the university is felt throughout the town. If classrooms and lecture halls aren’t on your itinerary, you can still feed your mind at the GorhamHistorical Society & Museum. Visitors will enjoy the University of Southern Maine Art Galleries, and theater fans can stop in at Acorn Productions, where they offer acting classes for children and adults, or catch a theatrical, dance or musical act at the intimate Westbrook Performing Arts Center.

Photos, clockwise from top left: University of Southern Maine campus in Gorham offers a pastoral quad for students and visitors to meet, courtesy USM; Kayaks brave the rapids at Saccarappa Falls, courtesy City of Westbrook; Charming Cape Cod-style homes and stately farms accent the autumn beauty west of Portland, Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld

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