2017 Visitor's Guide

ITINERARY

DAY 1

ARRIVE BE WELCOMED at our Visitor Center at Ocean Gateway, get your bearings, and gather information about your interests in the area. Relax after your travels by soaking up the ocean air at the waterside Moongarden. Stroll along the shore enjoying the vistas from the East End Trail, maybe even taking a dip in the cool Atlantic water at East End beach. [p. 5] GET ACCLIMATED! Food, beer, wine, history, art, coffee, architecture, light houses, and more—no matter your interest, there is a tour to experience. [p. 21-22] EAT A LOBSTER! It seems every pub, restaurant, seaside shack, food truck, and cart has a succulant take on our most famous of seafood. Boiled, baked, on a roll or in mac & cheese, there are no bad choices. Pack one to go or ship it to have when you get home. [p. 35, 39-43] EVENING INDULGE—Luxuriate with a James Beard Award-winning meal, pub hop through the city, taste various desserts, or enjoy a late-night breakfast. The culinary scene’s reputation is fairly earned. [p. 39-43] CATCH A LIVE SHOW! See a Broadway show, local theatre, symphony, ballet, opera or dance to musical legends. Regional faves headline outdoor concerts, intimate venues, and local pubs. [p. 20-21, 44-47] AFTERNOON GET TO A LIGHTHOUSE! The six lighthouses here all have unique aspects that make themmust-sees. [p. 52]

ONLY HAVE THREE HOURS What to do if it's your first—and possibly only—time in Greater Portland. While there are six distinctive lighthouses guarding Portland Harbor, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is the one to see. Beyond its iconic status, it also has the distinction of being the oldest lighthouse Guided tours give you the flavor of the region. Choose a tour based on your interests—from historical sites to breweries Lobster is not hard to find in Greater Portland, but when on a tight timeline, it’s fastest to grab a lobster roll. The quintessential Maine on-the-go meal is easily located at a nearby eatery.

there are knowledgeable leaders who share your enthusiasm for the subject. To create your own self-guided tour, pick up brochures and talk to specialists at the Visitor Information Center, and use the business listings in this guide. But in case you have more time for your visit, guided tours tend to be more informative.

in Maine, commissioned by George Washington in 1787. Located in Fort Williams Park, it also has an accessible museum, and is surrounded by extensive walkways and sweeping views that make this an enjoyable visit. [p. 52] Traditionally served on a hot dog bun, it’s generally comprised of a couple of claws and tails of lobster meat, a dollop of mayonnaise or drawn butter, with a dash of paprika. But also try some contemporary versions of this classic Maine staple. PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: AMY TOLK/VISIT PORTLAND; BITE INTO MAINE; CFW PHOTOGRAPHY

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