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Two Lights, where those looking for
lighthouses will be bowled over
by the views. Fort Williams boasts
beautiful, historic ruins, and one of the
best-known lighthouses in Maine and
America: Portland Head Light. Walking
trails are in abundance at both loca-
tions, and offer sweeping views of the
sea (and a bevy of photo ops!). Out-
doorsy types will also enjoy a visit to
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center,
where you can watch seabirds swoop
and dive through their natural habitats.
Of course, the sea air does tend to make
one hungry, so it’s fortunate that some
of the region’s best dining can be found
conveniently close to the shore.
Whether you’re looking for traditional
beach fare or more traditional fine
dining, you won’t be disappointed. Bite
into Maine and the Lobster Shack can
fill your lobster roll cravings, and Sea
Glass at Inn by the Sea is the perfect
place to enjoy a romanticmeal. The Black
Point Inn out on Prout’s Neck, where
Winslow Homer painted, features fine
dining and cocktails on the porch.
Whether you’re looking for equestrian
activities or a trip to the apple orchard,
Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth have
everything you might want. This is, as
they say, “the way life should be.”
Our most diverse town,
S
OUTH
P
ORTLAND
encompasses two
distinct aspects. On one side of town, a
transportation and shopping hub
vibrates with energy, while on the other
side, lighthouses and beaches offer
peaceful relaxation. Visitors who come
to Maine by air will inevitably get their
first glimpse of the Pine Tree State in
South Portland and there are many
fantastic attractions on this side of the
Casco Bay Bridge, starting with the
Portland International Jetport’s striking
collection of outdoor sculpture art. Yes,
just outside this state-of-the-art airport
is a series of beautiful pieces made by
Maine artists like Jay Sawyer and
Wendy Klemperer.
On the off-chance your luggage didn’t
make it through with you—or maybe
you just want to snag a new suit before
sunning yourself at the beach—you’ll
find everything you need nearby at the
Maine Mall. Conveniently located near
a number of hotels, this is the largest
shopping mall in the state of Maine.
Filled with national retailers and
specialty stores, vacationers will find
everything they need under one roof.
After you’ve stocked up on swimsuits
and outdoor gear, put your purchases to
work in one of South Portland’s lovely
parks—or just check out the beautiful
campus at Southern Maine Community
College. While you’re there, be sure
to stop for a picture at Fort Preble
and another at Spring Point Ledge
Lighthouse. A 900-foot breakwater
leads up to this historic structure,
creating a truly majestic bulwark
against the sea. Take a stroll (or better
yet, bring your bike) on the historic
Greenbelt Walkway, a three-mile paved
trail that provides views of the bustling
harbor. Another great green space is
Mill Creek Park where fragrant roses
burst into life come summer, and in the
winter, ice skaters can be found making
frozen tracks on the pond.
Salt-water junkies can slip into the
Atlantic at Willard Beach, one of the
city’s few free public beaches located in
one of Maine’s hippest neighborhoods.
After enjoying the sand and surf, take a
short drive to Bug Light Park. Those
unfamiliar with Portland Breakwater
Lighthouse—or as it’s more commonly
Photos from top: Spring Point Light in South Portland–the
only Caisson-style lighthouse in which visitors can walk,
Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld; Saltwater Grille restaurant has a
commanding view of the city skyline from across the
harbor, Chris Lawrence
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