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ships to port for decades. On a sunny
day, you’ll see plenty of kite-flyers
enjoying the ocean winds. Take a
moment to contemplate the monument
to the World War II Liberty Ships which
were built on the current park’s site
between 1941 and 1945. Finally, before
heading out of town, be sure to check
out the coffee shops, cafes, and stores in
Knightville; business is booming in this
lesser-known neighborhood. Or enjoy a
fabulous meal just around the corner at
Saltwater Grille where the quality of
dining is matched by the unobstructed
view of the dramatic city skyline. It’s all
just a hop, skip, and a bridge away from
the City of Portland.
Travel a bit west
of Portland and you’ll be surprised at
how quickly the sea-soaked air turns
cool and green. Touched with the tranquil
beauty of inner Maine, yet still within
shouting distance of the sea, the towns of
GORHAM and WESTBROOK are thriving,
backed by rich history and packed with
character.
If you’re looking for quaint New England
charm, you couldn’t have picked a better
region. Historic buildings abound in
these sleepy towns, from lovely old
churches to stately libraries. Mills once
stood along the rivers—Westbrook can
count both the Presumpscot River and
the smaller Stroudwater River within its
boundaries—turning the flowing water
into a source of energy and a fuel for
industry. Agriculture was always important
in these inland towns, and it remains so
to this day. Just stop in at a local orchard
to pick some apples or grab a pumpkin
and you’ll see what we mean.
If Portland is the metropolitan hub of the
area, Gorham is the cute little college
town. There may not be much nightlife,
but those seeking higher education need
look no further than the University of
Southern Maine, an institution that helps
thousands of students advance their
careers and pursue their dreams every
year. And, as with any college town, the
school also enhances the intellectual life
of the community. From coffee shop
discussions to gallery openings, the
influence of the university is felt through-
out the town.
If classrooms and lecture halls aren’t
on your itinerary, you can still feed your
mind at the Gorham Historical Society &
Museum. Visitors will enjoy the University
of Southern Maine Art Galleries, and
theater fans can stop inat AcornProductions,
where they offer acting classes for chil-
dren and adults, or catch a theatrical,
dance or musical act at the intimate
Westbrook Performing Arts Center.
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 paddle-
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