2020-2021 Visitor's Guide

Top things to do in Greater Portland that won’t break the bank. POCKET FRIENDLY

TO DO

FREE FAVES ART ATTACK On the first Friday of each month, Portland art galleries open their doors for free (under-21 patrons are always free) and Congress Street is lined with perform- ers and artists. Admission to Maine College of Art’s Institute of Contemporary Art is always free. SEAS THE DAY Take a dip or bring your kayak to East End Beach or Willard Beach. Make a day trip to Old Orchard Beach and chomp on Pier Fries.

10 UNDER $10 Enjoy some all-American fun at Portland’s Hadlock Stadium as you cheer for the Sea Dogs, home team AA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Space out at an astronomy show at Southworth Planetarium and geek out at other nature shows about the human body, dinosaurs, and more. Climb the Portland Observatory, the last remaining maritime signal tower in the US, for spectacular views across the city and Casco Bay. Open for guided tours late May–early October. Travel 3 miles roundtrip along Portland’s Eastern Promenade aboard the historic Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. Open daily mid-April through October and weekends February through mid-April.

Take a self-directed window tour of the candy-making operation at Haven’s Candies’ Westbrook factory. Then indulge in some mouth-watering chocolate goodness.

Join Greater Portland Landmarks for a walking tour of one of Portland’s historic neighborhoods or learn about the prominent figures buried in Eastern Cemetery with a tour conducted by Spirits Alive. From late December through February, skate on the outdoor rink at Thompson’s Point and stay toasty in their warming room and heated lounge. Snack and drink bars on-site. Sample a flyte of craft beverages at Brewery Extrava, Urban Farm Fermentory, or another of Portland’s hopping breweries. See the grid on pg. 33 for tasting room locations. Delight in the velvety texture and intense flavor of Gorgeous Gelato’s authentic Italian gelato, made with all natural ingredients, sourced locally when possible.

TAKE A HIKE Over 70 miles of trails in Greater Portland offer a variety of settings from woodland escapes to waterfront walks. trails.org

Hop the Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island, a 20-minute jaunt that will bring you to Portland’s commuter island where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage at the Inn on Peaks Island.

LEAD YOURSELF Immerse yourself in architecture and history with self-guided walking tours. Download maps at greaterportlandlandmarks.org . GO FLY A KITE Scarborough’s Pine Point, South Portland’s Bug Light Park, and Cape Elizabeth’s Fort Williams Park are ideal for soaring good times. A WALK IN THE PARK Deering Oaks and Payson Park both feature play- grounds. Deering Oaks also boasts rose gardens and a duck pond. SKY’S THE LIMIT Take in unparalleled views of Casco Bay and Portland Harbor from the 68-acre historic Eastern Promenade at the top of Munjoy Hill. GO UNDERGROUND Find all 16 markers of the Portland FreedomTrail’s Underground Railroad to learn about Maine’s abolitionist movement. Self-guided walking tour maps: mainehistory.org.

Sea breezes send kites soaring at South Portland’s Bug Light Park.

PHOTO: GARRICK HOFFMAN

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