Weekend MAGIC
Where else can you swim in a pristine lake, dine in a nationally-recognized restaurant,
and experience the ocean’s breathtaking beauty—all in one easy weekend getaway?
Welcome to the Greater Portland Casco Bay Region.
Photo: Chris Lawrence
CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU /
11
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LOCAL TIP
In downtown Portland, it’s an easy
stroll between hotel, restaurant,
and nightspot. Visit a local brew
pub or wine bar, feeling free
to indulge, and enjoy a
safe walk home afterwards.
Although Maine is a large state with
varied landscapes, Portland is ideally
located for a taste of it all — for jaunts
into the countryside, to the nearby
Lakes and Mountains region, and for
forays out on Casco Bay and its many
islands. The following itinerary packs
an amazing diversity of attractions
into a memorable weekend getaway
based in Maine’s port city.
NEARBY LAKES AND
MOUNTAINS
Start your visit at a cozy bed & breakfast
or one of our welcoming hotels and
head out to dine on seafood, steak, and
local greens. Begin your first full day
driving an hour inland to Range Pond
or Sebago Lake State Park for an
afternoon swim in warm water on
undeveloped lakefront. Or meander up
picturesque Route 26, visiting the unique
attractions rich in culture, ecology, and
history that make up the Gems of 26.
Or try your luck at the region’s newest
hot spot, Oxford Casino.
SOPHIST ICATED NIGHTL I FE
Come back to an exceptional dining
experience; the region’s vibe and
availability of abundant fresh seafood,
meat, and produce have been attracting
top-notch chefs who are creating a
national culinary stir. Enjoy a cocktail
or coffee in a local tavern then head
to the theater or spend an evening
with Portland Symphony Orchestra
or Portland Ovations. You’ll find the
variety of food and arts in Portland to
be unsurpassed for a city our size.
HIKE AND BIKE ON
CASCO BAY ISLANDS
After a good night’s rest, grab a coffee at
one of the comfy cafés nestled along the
Old Port’s cobblestone streets. Bring your
bike or rent one in town and catch the
Casco Bay Lines ferry, enjoying salty
breezes and beautiful ocean waters on
the short ride to Peaks Island. Hike or
bike on the unspoiled island roads, break-
ing for lunch at the Inn on Peaks Island.
SWEET F INISH
Once back on the mainland, complete
your weekend getaway with a lobster
dinner and music served dockside at
Portland Lobster Company or DiMillo’s
On the Water, or at a number of casual
and elegant city restaurants. You’ll head
home with so many sights and flavors
to savor — imagine staying longer on
your next visit.
