Visitor's Guide 2018

HISTORY LIVES Portland has kept its working waterfront, one of the oldest established seaports in the nation, a functioning port that welcomes visitors to witness one of the integral and thriving parts of the local economy. Five centuries of historical impact have shaped the city and surrounding towns into a vibrant destination with deep-planted roots, from the Colonial-era through the wealth and opulence of the Industrial Age. Museum homes and maritime museums chronicle the emergence of the region from a trading and fishing settlement into one of the nation’s most active seaports. Yet Portland, with a consistent attention to landmark preservation, has kept a down-to- earth charm and wears its history openly. (More on pages 22-23, 26-27, 41)

AFTER DARK Maine’s largest metro area offers many exciting activities to get the party started— or keep one going. Fine dining amid the region’s celebrated culinary scene is a great way to begin any evening, especially during Maine Restaurant Week in March. Then move on to a variety of venues, from small performing arts spaces to venerable concert halls to theaters offering arts experiences spanning the traditional to the avant- garde. Those craving a specialty cocktail, a pounding night on the dance floor, or quiet, romantic banter can choose from dozens of area nightclubs, bars, and music halls. An overnight stay in downtown Portland will position you for a quick and safe walk home

ARTS ABOUND Creativity in Greater Portland is bolstered by a thriving artistic economy and active patrons-of-the-arts, supporting Broadway- level theatre, two ballet companies, Opera Maine, Portland Symphony Orchestra, a Bach Festival, and dozens of acting and performing arts companies—even the aerial-silk elegance of Circus Maine’s acrobatics. Fine arts also dominate the land- scape. Portland’s Arts District is bookended

by the popular One Longfellow Square performance space in the West End, and the venerable Portland Museum of Art in Congress Square. Dozens of galleries and studios fill out the robust Arts District and open their doors in a festive celebration of the arts the first Friday of every month. (More on pages 18-20, 26-27) 12 / visitportland.com / @visitportland / #visitportland

when it’s time for lights out. (More on pages 35-40, 42-48)