Visitor's Guide 2015

{ ACT IVI T I ES }

From quiet coves to amusement park rides overlooking the waves, you’re never far from the sea in southern Maine.

Photo: courtesy Palace Playland, WaveSinger in Old Orchard Beach

P L AY ING Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or traveling with friends, we’ve got abundant options for creating fun-filled days and nights. You may run out of time but never things to do.

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The Portland art scene rivals that of cities much larger in size and features the world-renowned Portland Museum of Art, a resident symphony orchestra, numerous art galleries, and professional theatre. Portland also boasts an impres- sive selection of venues in which to enjoy local and internationally- acclaimed musicians and performers. Greater Portland is also steeped in history and offers many ways to explore the past such as trolley tours, guided walking tours, and lovingly restored museum homes. Maine Maritime Museum in Bath is devoted to the state’s rich maritime history, and the only active Shaker community in the world welcomes visitors to its New Gloucester farm, founded in 1783.

With our region’s proximity to the sea, there are naturally plenty of things to do on and around the water, from narrated cruises to sunset schooner sails, exciting kayak excursions to lazy beach afternoons. But don’t miss the mountains with superb downhill skiing, plentiful wildlife, thrilling whitewater rafting, and fishing and swimming in crystal clear lakes. Golf enthusiasts will find numerous beautifully situated courses, either beside the ocean or amid the mountains. Maine is “The Great Outdoors,” so get out and enjoy it! There’s also plenty to keep the kids busy, from a new science center to wildlife and amusement parks to the alluring world of antique trains, planes,

and trolleys, even their own Children’s Museum & Theatre. You’ll score great indoor adventure at Bayside Bowl and Easy Day Bowling, and experience the fastest go-kart racing in the state at Maine Indoor Karting, where adrenaline is always in season. And Portland is home to three professional sports teams so there will likely be a hockey, basketball, or baseball game that will hit a home run with the family when you visit. The excitement peaks at fairs and festivals throughout the summer and fall; be sure to check the calendar istings on pages 50-52 for special events for you and your family to enjoy.

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