Visitor's Guide 2022-2023

BEACHCOMB Although Maine is renowned for its many miles of rocky coastline, you won’t have to give up beautiful sand beaches when you visit—we’ve got uncrowded seaside playgrounds within a stone’s throw of downtown Portland. You can be sun tanning or surf boarding in the afternoon and enjoying a play or live music by nightfall. And many beaches are dog-friendly, allowing your furry friends full romping privileges from fall through spring. Bring or rent bicycles to explore the islands including beaches and secluded coves. Nearby, Old Orchard Beach’s seven sandy miles are crowned by an historic pier and Palace Playland, New England’s only beachfront amusement park.

TAKE THE LONG VIEW Portland, with a consistent attention to landmark preservation, has kept a down-to earth charm and wears its history openly. Five centuries of historical impact have shaped Portland and its 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. And despite the competing interests of non marine-related development, Portland has kept its working waterfront a functioning port that is an integral and thriving part of the local economy. (More on pages 24-26)

GET CULTURED Performing arts are flourishing in Greater Portland with Broadway-level theatre, two ballet companies, Portland’s own Symphony Orchestra, a Bach Festival, a Chamber Music Festival, Opera Maine, and renowned summer theaters nearby. And Portland Ovations has been bringing innovative artists from around the world to Maine for 90 years. Portland’s Arts District is anchored by the venerable Portland Museum of Art in Congress Square and filled in by dozens of galleries and studios that open their doors in a festive celebration the first Friday of every month. Immigrants frommany countries are infusing the region with new sounds and energy—you’ll be amazed at the vibrant arts scene that’s grown up inMaine. (More on pages 19, 22, 24-26, 28)

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