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/ visitportland.com
When it comes to outdoor exploring,
there are ample choices. There are
multiple parks in the area, from the
well-groomed and popular Bicentennial
Park & Skate Park to the more isolated
trails that run along the river. In the
winter, ice-skating is a popular pastime,
as is cross-country skiing. In the
summer, you can take a dip at the
public pool in Westbrook, or bring
your fishing rods up to Highland Lake.
You can also rent kayaks and stand-up
paddleboards from the City of
Westbrook and enjoy a beautiful stretch
of the Presumpscot River between
Saccarappa Falls and the historic
Elms on your own or on a guided tour.
Snowmobiling is also a popular activity,
thanks to the wooded trails and gently
rolling topography.
After all that skating and skiing, you’re
bound to work up an appetite. Despite
the old-fashioned architecture of
downtown Westbrook, the area is
buzzing with great places to eat and
shop. You can get anything from spicy
Indian to comforting Italian cuisine
at the local eateries. But if you want
cold beer, head to Gorham, where the
nationally acclaimed Sebago Brewing
Company can be found. Order a
Maine-made brew and hearty pub
food before heading out for your
next adventure.
Drive along Route 1
a few minutes north from Portland and
you’ll soon find yourself in the pretty
coastal town of
F
ALMOUTH
. Just a
short jaunt north of that is
Y
ARMOUTH
,
and even farther along away up the
coast is the little slice of Maine known
as
C
UMBERLAND
. With salt-water
views, acres of forest, and easy access to
islands, this region is popular among
vacationers and locals alike.
Somewhat hidden gems, these towns
offer many unique recreational
opportunities. Follow road signs
for Falmouth Foreside just north of
Portland on I295 and enjoy a walk
around Mackworth Island just beyond
the bridge. You’ll find a surprising
settlement: fairy houses, built by
children out of found natural materials.
Continue north on Route 1 in Falmouth
and turn onto Route 88, one of the most
beautiful drives in America. Stop into
Town Landing Market in Falmouth
Foreside and walk down the hill to
Falmouth Town Landing, offering
spectacular views of the harbor.
Continue up Route 88 to explore
Cousins Island, easily accessible by
car. From here, you can hop a ferry to
Chebeague Island, or stay to wander
around the state parks and public beaches.
With this much coastline, it’s only
logical to have top-notch seafood spots,
but if you really want to sample the best
of the ocean’s bounty, visit Yarmouth
during the third week in July, when the
annual Clam Festival takes over the
town center. The family-friendly event
features plenty of clams and chowders,
as well as amusement rides for the kids.
While we’re on the subject of events,
there is also a great town fair in
Cumberland. One of Maine’s largest
agricultural fairs, it’s a very cool way to
learn about the farmland culture, which
played a huge part in the formation of
this community, as you chow down on
some delicious fairground food.
Missed the fest? No worries, there are
plenty of places to eat and shop open
year-round. Antiques are particularly
Photos, from top: Falmouth Town Landing in Casco Bay,
courtesy Liberty Bell Furniture; Yarmouth Clam Festival
celebrates Maine’s molluscs and more July 18-20,
Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld
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