I T’S A MAD GIRL WORLD
Portland’s shops and boutiques showcase the city’s unique
fashion sense. And inside The Madhouse, that fashion sense
becomes wonderfully more unique and unexpected. Passersby
are lured in by the lively and curious window display, and
locals go to check out the custom items, accessories, and
up-cycled vintage — and to let their ears do some perusing
in the local listening lounge.
THE BEST BANDI T IN TOWN
Downtown Portland is showered with love every Valentine’s
Day (since 1976) when the mysterious Valentine’s Day Bandit
posts red hearts on store fronts and restaurant windows
around the city under the cover of night. Even the Fire Station
flagpole flies a heart flag. Who’s behind all the hearts? That’s
a secret no one’s sharing. And Portland doesn’t mind having
a secret admirer.
HOPS ON BOARD
Ride the bus to Maine’s beer scene. The Maine Brew Bus —
painted green and lovingly named Lenny — chauffeurs guests
to an array of local breweries and distilleries for tours, chats
with brewers, and plenty of tasting. The Local Pour Tour even
includes libations beyond beer, including stops at Maine
Mead Works and Urban Farm Fermentory.
A CLAUS TO PAUSE
There’s no shortage of holiday spirit during Santacon,
Portland’s annual barcrawling Santa convention. During one
night in early December, hundreds of locals decked in red
suits and faux beards descend on downtown, caroling from
bar to bar, drinking in good cheer, and perplexing passersby.
COFFEE CONTEST ISTAS
Locals may be serious about their coffee, but the monthly
Thursday Night Throwdown at Bard Coffee offers area coffee
slingers some friendly competition for a good cause. Baristas
compete in caffeinated art, creating designs in latte foam and
aiming to impress the judges. Winners earn bragging rights
and proceeds support Coffee Kids.
TERMINAL T IDES
At low tide, the Mood Tide Garden adjacent to Ocean Gate-
way Terminal appears to be a simple rock garden. There are
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The Quirky Side
of PORTLAND
