2016 Visitor's Guide

Greater Portland is comprised of more than the state’s major urban center. The metropolitan area is surrounded with vibrant communities that accent and complement Maine’s largest city. HUB + SPOKES: Going AroundGreater Portland

Classic Maine –Cape Elizabeth & Scarborough There are few places better suited to enjoy the pleasures of lobsters and lighthouses. Cliché? No way. In Scarborough, gentle marshes turn slowly into sandy beaches, and board- walks provide a place to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Scarborough Beach and Crescent Beach State Parks are both great places to spend an afternoon, and unlike much of Maine’s coastline, these beaches are covered in soft, comfortable sand. Outdoorsy types will also enjoy a visit to Scarborough Marsh, where you can canoe and watch seabirds swoop and dive through their natural habitats. Cape Elizabeth is an affluent area filled with rich history and striking scenery. Take a horseback riding lesson, pick your own strawberries, or just spend a day at the beach. Several state parks adorn the coastline, including Two Lights, where those looking for light- houses will be bowled over by the views. Fort Williams Park boasts beautiful, historic ruins, and one of the best- known lighthouses in Maine and America—Portland Head Light.

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 shore. Whether you’re looking for traditional beach fare or fine dining, you won’t be disappoint- ed. 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 romantic meal. The Black Point Inn out on Prout’s Neck, where Winslow Homer painted, features fine dining and cocktails on the porch. Best of All Worlds –South Portland Portland’s neighbor to the south encom- passes two distinct aspects: on one side of town, a 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. After disembarking at the Portland International Jetport you can pick up anything you’ve forgotten at the Maine Mall. Conveniently located near a number of hotels, the largest shopping mall in Maine is filled with national retailers and specialty stores.

Photos, from top: Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Thomas Mitchell; Shoppers strolling, FreeportUSA; Opposite page: Falmouth Landing, John Bald

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