Maine’s largest city with over 66,000 full-time residents, Portland swells to two million with the addition of its seasonal visitors and part-time residents. The city is located on a peninsula in Casco Bay with access to many islands. Portland stands as one of the few working waterfronts left in the United States, acting as New England’s largest tonnage seaport and second largest fishing port. There are many things to do here; Portland is a historic seacoast town, a funky city filled with galleries, one-of-kind shops, boutiques, and award-winning restaurants that serve everything from New England clam chowder and lobster rolls to exotic nouvelle cuisine.

ARTS + FUN

Portland Museum of Art

Here you can discover three centuries of art and architecture, as the largest and oldest art museum in the state of Maine, the Portland Museum of Art serves as a vital cultural resource for all who visit. The Museum’s collection of more than 17,000 objects is housed in a complex of historic and remarkable buildings showcasing three centuries of art and architecture.
The Museum has an extensive collection of fine and decorative arts dating from the 18th century to the present.

The Arts District

The Arts District of Portland, Maine covers a large part of upper Congress Street towards the West End. There are many art galleries, a theater company, museums, and schools in the general area. It is near the Maine College of Art. An event that occurs in the district is the First Friday Art Walk, a self-guided tour that takes place on the first Friday of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. All of the galleries, museums, and local businesses open their doors to the public for a view of everything that is going on in the art community. Most galleries host the event with food and drink. The Portland Museum of Art opens its doors to the public free of charge. The Arts District is home to two television stations (WCSH and WMTW) and several radio stations.

CITY ICONS

The Old Port

The Old Port is a district of Portland, Maine, known for its cobblestone streets, 19th century brick buildings and fishing piers. The district is filled with boutiques, restaurants and bars. Because of its reputation for nightlife, the Old Port overflows each weekend with revelers.

EAT + DRINK

DiMillo’s On the Water

DiMillo’s is a converted car ferry that rises and falls with the tide twice a day, and because it’s surrounded by water, every table offers spectacular views of Portland Harbor. Opened in 1954, over the years, DiMillo’s has become famous for the fresh seafood and lobster dinners as well as serving Certified Angus beef and traditional Italian fare. When you’re visiting Portland, be sure to visit DiMillo’s and experience the romance of Maine’s waterfront.

Rosemont Market & Bakery

Rosemont is a premier source in southern Maine for the freshest local produce and other foods, as well as for artisanal breads and pastries, soups, sandwiches and prepared foods; fine wine and beer; local meats; gourmet products and more. You can also enjoy a full deli with terrific meats and cheeses from near and far. Here you can find some of the best stuff, from baguettes to olive oil, figs, rices, Parmaggiano Reggiano, sausages or wild mushrooms; bringing products to market in an ethical and sustainable manner. They have established, and continually develop, a vast network of local growers, farmers, and producers upon whom they rely for the majority of the sales.

SHOP

Encore

Encore is a locally owned and operated vintage consignment shop located in the heart of Portland’s historic downtown district. Where you can find vintage clothing circa 1800 – 1980’s, resale and consignments, women’s and men’s vintage, designer, contemporary, retro clothing and accessories.

Holly Stone

You’ll find exclusive collections from around the world at this classic women’s boutique on upper Exchange Street.

The Maine Mall

The Maine Mall is the State of Maine’s biggest shopping experience featuring over one million square feet of retail space, and more than 140 stores, restaurants and attractions. Along with the state’s largest Macy’s department store, Best Buy, JCPenney and Sears, the mall has several first to market and/or state-exclusive fashion and specialty retailers such as: Apple, Sephora, H&M, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic, Coach and Swarovski.

Simply Scandinavian

Simply Scandinavian, Maine’s Full Service Scandinavian Importer, has been Portland’s best kept secret and a destination to many a Scandinavians and non-Scandinavians since the late 90’s, showcasing products from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. They include the traditional and the unique, being each and every item hand selected. Simply Scandinavian offers fresh products, traditional & unique items, all with a nice service and fair prices.

STAY

Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront

The all-suite Downtown Waterfront Residence Inn hotel is suited for business trips, family vacations, relocation, corporate housing and small meetings. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, find all the comforts of home and more while staying at a downtown waterfront property. Situated near many area attractions and local businesses, the all-suite extended-stay hotel offers everything from a convenient location and affordable rates, to comfortable accommodations and luxurious amenities.

SOUNDS LIKE

Ray LaMontagne

By Leonel Souto