Layout 1

has it all. Several state parks adorn the

coastline, including 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

locations, and offer sweeping views of

the sea (and a bevy of photo ops!).

Outdoorsy 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 romantic

meal. 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.”

CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU /

Our most diverse town

OUTH

ORTLAND

encompasses two

distinct aspects. On one side of town, a

transportation and shopping hub vibrates

with energy, while on the other side, light-

houses and beaches offer peaceful relax-

ation. 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 sun-

ning 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 Walk-

way, 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 foundmaking 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 known, Bug

Light—will be charmed by this small

lighthouse which sits at the end of a pink

granite breakwater. First constructed in

1855, the graceful design has been guiding

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Photo: courtsey The Lobster Shack at Two Lights

Photo: Tim Greenway

Continued on page 76