The city of Portland is famous for three things: lighthouses, lobster and craft beer.
With more than 60 lighthouses in an around Portland, you will never be too far from taking a snap in one’s base. The most popular one would be the Portland Head Lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth at Fort Williams Park. This is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and it was completed in 1791. There is a small museum on site and the park is open all year from sunrise to sunset. Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (or the Bug Light as locals like to call it because of its size) is the city’s second favourite, built in 1875 and is believed to be the only lighthouse in the world, shaped like a 4th century Greek monument. Spring Point Ledge Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, Halfway Rock Light Station and the Twin Lighthouses of Two Lights State Park are some of the 60 lighthouses in and around the State of Maine.
If you are looking to get to know more about the history and culture of this quirky and arty seaside city, head off to the Portland Museum of Art. A home to an extensive art collection of American, European and modern art, as well as signature artworks from Maine artists. There are works from big names in art – Andy Warhol, Claude Monet and Winslow Homer, as well as photographs, sketches, pottery, furniture, silverware, sculptures and more. Every first Friday of the month there is the First Friday Art Walk – an art and cultural event, centred primarily in the Art District of Portland, that brings over 3,000 people who flood the city to visit galleries, museums and visit art performances.
Go and see the Victoria Mansion (also known as the Morse-Libby House) – a masterpiece in American residential architecture from the pre-Civil War era, once belonged to hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse. The home is not only famous for its amazingly preserved asymmetric exterior, but also by its lavish original interior, including some revolutionary luxuries of this time such as central heating, wall to wall carpets and a 25-foot long stained-glass skylight.
Learn about the narrow-gauge railways that ran in Maine in 19th century, by taking one! The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum operates a 1.5 miles railroad, taking you through the scenic Casco Bay and parallel to the Eastern Promenade by historic steam and diesel locomotives and restored coaches.
Learn about what causes the natural phenomenon aurora borealis, meteor showers and other extraordinary space weather events at Southworth Planetarium Portland through fun and educational shows. See the panoramic vistas views and listen to the intriguing story of the last standing maritime signal tower of America – The Portland Observatory, built in 1807.
Explore some of the fascinating nature in and around Portland. Take a stroll at the Old Port (near to your ship) and continue to the Eastern promenade – the locals favourite place for an afternoon walk. Venture a bit further to Willard Beach or Fort Williams Park. Or even further to Fort Gorges, Peaks Island and Crescent Beach State Park.
Don’t leave Portland without having tried some of the city’s culinary staples, such as the Portland lobster – served everywhere in any shape and form, clam chowder, blueberries and craft beer.