Visitor's Guide 2023-2024

BATHE IN NATURE Go 10 or 15 minutes in any direction from Portland and you’ll doubt you’re anywhere near Maine’s largest metro area. Both surrounding and right within Portland, parks and preserves—places of pure natural beauty—let you find tranquility and inspiration. In all seasons you can enjoy Maine’s great outdoors, from beachcombing to mountain biking, cross-country skiing to kayaking and paddle-boarding. With the ocean in our front yard and lakes, rivers, and mountains in easy reach, Greater Portland is a destination with as ready access to nature and wildlife as to the cultural

amenities of a vibrant urban center.

MEET THE MAKERS Maine has rich craft traditions and an inclusive craft community that make for a strong creative economy. At many annual festivals and street fairs you’ll find potters, fabric artists, knitters, wood workers, furniture makers, clothing designers and so many more creators of unique, hand-crafted goods. During summer and fall, local artisans often display their crafts along Portland’s Commercial Street and indoor craft fairs abound during the holidays. The Maker’s Market, offered on select Sundays at Thompson’s Point, is an ode to local Maine artisans, craftspeople, artists, creators and farmers. For year-round access to locally made artisan goods check out The Makers Galley and Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine shops.

PURSUE THE ARTS

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. 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 from many countries have brought their own music and dance to town, infusing the region with new sounds and energy—even the most urbane travelers will be amazed at the vibrant arts scene that’s grown up in Maine. (More on pages 16-18, 22-24)

PHOTOS, FROM TOP: COURTNEY TUTTLE; JAKE BELVIN PHOTOGRAPHY; BRIGITTA JENNER

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