2017 Visitor's Guide

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VISIT PORTLAND / 9
Useful information while visiting
Greater Portland
IN THE KNOW. . . INFO
PHOTO: CHRIS LAWRENCE
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Table of Contents [p. 3] helps you locate
what you’re after. In each section find a
description of businesses listed by category
and an index to streamline your search.
WELCOME CENTER
Call or visit our hospitality specialists—
locals who can help you with your trip [p. 5].
POPULATION
Portland: 66,300
Maine's largest and most diverse city, with
over 40 languages spoken.
Greater Portland: population of 270,000
(one-fifth of Maine’s total population).
CLIMATE
Greater Portland's coastal climate provides
milder temperatures in winter and summer
than inland regions.
Spring: Average 45° - 60° F.
Summer: Average temp is 68° - 82° F, but
can reach into the 90s F.
Autumn: Average 60°- 70° F, but can get
cooler—be sure to pack a fleece.
Winter: Average 20°- 30° F but can get below
0° and into the 60s.
SNOW
Total average snowfall ranges between 60-90
inches per year, with only 18 days a winter
when snowfall is more than 1 inch.
WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK
Summer: Lightweight clothes are comfort-
able, but bring your favorite bathing suit for
the sunny days and a sweater for cooler
evenings and refreshing ocean breezes.
Spring + Autumn: Rain jackets and sweaters/
fleeces are advisable.
Winter: Boots (especially L.L. Bean!), flannel
shirts, ski + snowboard winter jackets are always
in style. While casual dress is prevalent through-
out the region, top coats and cocktail dresses
are also not uncommon for a night on the town.
SMOKING
TOBACCO: In Maine, public settings indoor
and outdoor are smoke-free, including Portland-
owned parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, trails,
beaches, and open spaces. While 18 is the legal
smoking age, patrons in many towns, including
Portland, must be 21 to purchase tobacco
products. Throwing tobacco litter on the
ground is prohibited and results in a $100 fine.
[smokefree.portlandmaine.gov]
MARIJUANA: In 2017, recreational use of
marijuana became legal, however, smokers
have to be at least 21 years old and it is
prohibited to smoke in public.
NOTE: Marijuana cannot be purchased at a
store or club until February 2018, at the earliest.
ALCOHOL
Persons must be 21 years old to buy or
consume alcoholic beverages. Hours of legal
service are 6am-1am. Photo ID required.
OUI laws are strictly enforced.
DIETARY NEEDS
The DINE grids [p. 39-43] identify
restaurants that accommodate dietary
preferences, including vegetarian and
gluten-free meals as well as those with
children’s menus.
PETS
For pet friendly accommodations, refer to
STAY grids. [p. 71, 75-81]
AREA CODE
The entire state of Maine is (207).
FOLLOW @VISITPORTLAND
Find, friend, and follow us on our website
and social media!
@VisitPortland | #VisitPortland
Stay connected for event updates and
information—you've got Greater Portland
in the palm of your hand!