2017 Visitor's Guide

CUISINE PHOTOS, FROM LEFT: BETHANY + DAN PHOTOGRAPHY; JONATHAN REECE/PORTLAND BALLET; TIM GREENWAY; CHRIS LAWARENCE; CFW PHOTOGRAPHY; COREY TEMPLETON (2); ROBERT WIT KOWSKI/VI SIT PORTLAND With its farmers, fishermen, and five-star chefs, cutting- edge culinary artistry is now Maine’s calling card and food- ies are flocking here. You can’t walk down the street without bumping into several ways to treat your taste buds! Whether you come to Maine primarily for the beautiful scenery or for the fabulous food, you’ll enjoy both, often at the same time. Visit the third week in October for Harvest on the Harbor, Portland’s celebration of all things culinary. COMMEMORATIVE Like most cities, Portland is sprinkled with statues that honor the accomplishments of its forebears. The prolific film director, John Ford, is so recognized as is poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. For those that like to know a destination from its roots up, historical references are everywhere, such as the 16 markers that comprise the Portland Freedom Trail, a self-guided tour about the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement.

CHILDREN

CRUISE

Don’t leave the kids at home! They’ll love the hands-on exhibits at the Children’s Museum or riding a historic streetcar, steam train, or Model-T at one of the region’s transportation museums. Catch a home game of the Portland Sea Dogs (baseball) or Maine Red Claws (basket- ball) teams. See a moose at the Maine Wildlife Park and let your kids vent their energy running along the beach or playing laser tag. Make family memories in Maine.

Portland has become a popular cruise destination, especially in the fall. If you arrive here via cruise ship you’ll likely have several tour options to sign up for before disembarking. But it’s easy to spend a half day downtown on your own. Sightseeing tours leave from Commercial Street, and the bustling Old Port is a few blocks away with cafes and boutiques that beckon. For an authentic experience, explore one of the few remaining work- ing waterfronts in the country.

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