Visitor's Guide 2018

IN NATURE Go 10 or 15 minutes in any direction and you’ll doubt you’re anywhere near Maine’s largest metro area. Both surrounding and within Portland, parks and preserves allow access to the tranquil natural beauty Maine is renowned for. Pristine country and forest landscapes lie within striking distance of the city. Cross-country ski alongside the ocean. Discover native wildlife and plants as you canoe through the state’s largest salt marsh. Tee off at a variety of courses open to visiting golfers, and pick apples, pumpkins, and berries at local farms. When you’re out for a day of shopping, visiting museums and galleries, or touring historic sites, you’re never far from places of pure, scenic beauty. Portland, Maine—Authentic By Nature.

GO COASTAL Whether you are drawn to crashing surf on dramatic cliffs, lured by the lapping waves of expansive beaches, or hypnotized by the quiet tides of salt marshes, getting on or around the sea is de rigueur in Greater Portland. Enjoy the ocean from land while dining at waterfront lobster shacks and restaurants, swimming in a cove, strolling along scenic oceanside trails, even reading a book from the comfort of a hotel balcony, beach, or deck with a moaning fog horn in the background. For a sea change in excitement, get out on the water for sailing, fishing, kayaking, whale watching, or island hopping. Special waterside festivities include tug boat races, tall-ship regattas, and a holiday parade of lights. (More on pages 20-22, 41)

SHOP AROUND Nationally renowned designers, gourmet chocolatiers, local artisans, and farm-to- table purveyors share downtown store- fronts with national retailers in this eclectic city. Poke through shops and galleries lining the cobblestone streets of the Old Port. Maine’s largest mall in South Portland is surrounded by well-known chains, and the shopping opportunities extend into neighboring Scarborough. Just 15 minutes north of Portland, a charming New England village belies the many upscale outlets that line Freeport’s picturesque streets, including the flagship store of world-famous outdoor outfitter L.L.Bean, open 24 hours every day, 365 days a year. (More on pages 50-55)

PHOTOS, FROM LEFT: JONATHAN REECE; AMY TOLK; CFW PHOTOGRAPHY; TIM GREENWAY/VISIT FREEPORT; COREY TEMPLETON

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