Greater Portland & Casco Bay Practically everything in the Greater Portland & Casco Bay region is within sight, sound or scent of the sea. Portland, Maine's largest city, is built on a promontory with water on three sides, and no visit here is complete without a boat trip—around the harbor or out to the Casco Bay Islands. Ferries, excursion vessels and fishing charters depart daily from the waterfront; sea kayak tours leave from Peaks Island and Freeport. The brick and cobblestone streets of the Old Port are lined with artisans' shops and art galleries, boutiques, fine restaurants and coffee bars. Take a walking tour or climb the Observatory to get your bearings. A vibrant cultural scene includes the symphony, opera, theater and museums. The city is also home to the Sea Dogs, the Red Sox's AA baseball team, and the Portland Pirates hockey team. The surrounding towns provide more pleasures. Don't miss Portland Head Light (commissioned by George Washington) in Cape Elizabeth, and Bug Light and Portland Harbor Museum in South Portland. Both towns have public beaches, as well. Scarborough offers more beaches, a state park, Winslow Homer's studio and Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, where bird watchers can canoe the marsh. In Falmouth, stroll the easy trails through Maine Audubon's Gilsland Farm or jog around Mackworth Island. Hike Bradbury Mountain, in Pownal, or bike a route mapped by Portland Trails. At Maine Wildlife Park, in Gray, visit with moose and other orphaned or injured wildlife. And in Yarmouth, don't miss the annual townwide Clam Festival. Shopping opportunities are endless at South Portland's Maine Mall and surrounding stores, and in Freeport, home of the legendary L.L. Bean along with more than 170 outlets. For more information, visit www.visitportland.com

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