Portland ME – The Perfect Place For a Summer Getaway
Perched where Maine fractures into countless islands and inlets, Portland tucks a cosmopolitan clutch of cocktail bars and restaurants into a compact peninsula. Historic schooners swan across Casco Bay to the Calendar Islands, celebrated in Edward Hopper’s wistful paintings.
While lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell are staples, this foodie city pays tribute to every corner of America. From a pork belly bao to a Puerto Rican-inspired restaurant, here are some must-visits.
History
The city has a long history of fishing, shipping and commercial trade. Today, tourism is a big industry. It also has a strong arts scene and numerous historic landmarks. And if you love beer, you’ll find lots of local microbreweries.
Originally called Machigonne, the Portland ME peninsula was settled by the British in 1632 as a trading and fishing settlement. The town grew rapidly as its waterfront became a hub for shipping companies. In 1786, local citizens renamed the town Portland. In 1820, Maine became a state and Portland served as its first capital.
Despite being ravaged by the Great Fire of 1866—sparked by fireworks during a 4th of July celebration—Portland was rebuilt with brick Victorian architecture that is still seen throughout the city today. You can learn more about the city’s history by visiting the Maine Historical Society Library at 489 Congress Street, the Portland Room of the Portland Public Library on Monument Square and Cumberland County Registry of Deeds at 142 Federal Street in Portland.
Beaches
Miles of surf and sand, funky beach towns with a foot in yesteryear, pockets of unspoiled splendor, and more oddball family attractions than you can shake a souvenir lobster-claw at – Maine’s southern coast offers a summer vacation at its beach-blanket best.
Whether you prefer paddling around on a board or lazing in a sun-drenched chair, the southern Maine coastline has something for everyone.
A short drive south from downtown Portland reveals a series of beaches that rival some of the state’s most scenic and well-known. At Crescent Beach State Park along Cape Elizabeth, a mile-long stretch of pristine sand is bounded by evergreens and rocky ledges for swimming, surfing, or sunbathing. At Ship Cove, round stones the size of tennis balls make it tricky but entertaining to clamber down to the water’s edge, where gentle waves ebb and flow on flat sand. Be sure to arrive early, especially on weekends during the summer, as parking is limited.
Things to Do
Maine thrives on outdoor adventures, from ocean fun in summer to skiing and ice fishing in winter. But this pristine state also offers lots of fun indoor activities, too!
Whether you love to shop, learn or eat, this city has it all. Check out the Maine Museum of Art, which boasts a mission called “Art for All” to ensure its collection is diverse and inclusive.
Walk around the quaint historic district of Old Port to admire uneven cobblestone streets, red-bricked buildings, adorable boutiques and trendy restaurants. Or visit the quirky Umbrella Cover Museum to see a collection of umbrellas in a variety of themes, including one that’s pretty X-rated!
Get creative at Factory3 makerspace where you can sign up for classes in woodworking, paper marbling, welding, weaving and 3D printing. Or try making your own fermented beverage like kombucha at the Urban Farm Fermentory, which uses locally-sourced ingredients.
Restaurants
You’ll find the best restaurants in Portland in just about every imaginable category. Luscious barbecue and pillowy umami pizzas, straight-from-the-water sushi and unforgettable dumplings, a wide array of burgers (even one named after the town’s two grandmothers), and of course lobster rolls all have their place.
Fore Street Restaurant partners with local fishermen, farmers, and foragers to create a menu that changes daily based on what’s in season. Try the smoked trout mousse on house-made potato chips and the icy seafood plateau with pickled crudite for appetizers, then order larger plates like Parisian gnocchi, spicy shrimp and grits, or a hearty burger and don’t forget to leave room for dessert.
Izakaya Minato serves a unique fusion of Japanese and Maine ingredients at this compact, family-style eatery. Choose small plates like fried tofu, kelp-cured white fish, and bacon-topped okonomiyaki or let chef Thomas Takashi Cooke be your guide with a family-style omakase. Pair your meal with junmai sake or a glass of saki, served in a hand-crafted sake cup made locally by Portland Pottery.
