24 hours in Greater Portland
So much to see and do and so little time. Start your day right with sunrise at the iconic Portland Headlight. This is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and possibly the most photographed lighthouse in America. After the final rays of light rise over the horizon take a short walk around the rest of Fort Williams Park for an up close look at late 1800’s military structures. Ram Island Ledge Light can be seen from the park as well.
About 5 minutes down the road is Bug Light. This lighthouse is much more accessible and has a spectacular view of Portland Harbor. This is a great spot to sit and watch ships come in and out of the harbor, from sailboats to giant cruise ships.
If you are looking to cool your heels on a southern Maine beach, you have a few options:
If you are driving or renting a car remember that most places in the greater Portland area require you to pay for parking. If you are able to use a smaller vehicle that may make it easier to parallel park or get in and out of parking lots in downtown Portland.
When you head back into Portland you will find an abundance of food stands, restaurants, and breweries located in the Old Port. The Old Port is a historic district with cobblestone streets and brick buildings. There are clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries, and of course restaurants and other gourmet food stores. This area is the nightlife capital of the state as there are multiple pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, and nightclubs.
With so many food options I am going to share some of my favorites:
Make sure to take a stroll up and down those cobblestone streets to the different shops and galleries that span the entire downtown area. You are bound to find something that piques your interest to take home to your family.
If you really want to experience a view of the city, you should take a trip up the Portland Observatory. The eighty-six foot observatory was constructed as a communications station for the Portland Harbor in 1807. The observatory is the only remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States.
There are multiple civic centers in the area that are worth checking the schedules for including:
Book a sunset sail on the Eleanor Hawkes with Captain Ian Glass and ‘Sail Portland Maine’. I did this sail a few weeks ago and it was a great experience. I have lived on the Casco Bay for over seven years but have never experienced it like this. Captain Ian is professional and gives you an intimate tour of the bay. He only takes six people out at a time, so it is bound to be a personal experience that you are not going to forget. Not only are the views incredible but he prepares fresh oysters and wine on for the sunset excursions. If it happens to get a little chilly out on the water wool blankets are provided for you. If you’re lucky, he might even let you take the wheel. Keep a watchful eye on the bay or you might miss the playing seals! Sit back, relax, eat, drink, and feel the wind on your face as you take in the beautiful sights. There’s no better way to watch the sun go down.
After returning from the sunset tour you could check out one of the many night clubs in town including Oasis, Aura, or Pearl and dance the night away.
There is so much to do here, but this should be plenty to get you through your first twenty four hours. If you go to bed exhausted and wanting more, I have done my job. If you have any questions or want more information, don’t hesitate to ask! Enjoy your stay in Portland Maine!
Safe Travels and Happy Adventuring! -KT (globetrotter_kt) https://www.globetrotterkt.com/
Comments
Gayle Kosches(non-registered)
Your work is beautiful. Your writing is cohesive and fluid while enabling the reader to dream along. Please don’t ever doubt your talent or second guess your creativity. There will always be an audience of “lovers” and whatever the opposite may be. Be true to your vision. As an additional comment, my daughter is also KT- Katie for years; as well as Kit Kat by the family.
We were in southern Maine earlier this month and will certainly visit Portland very soon. Best regards, Gayle
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