Portland, Maine's largest city, is abuzz, providing its residents and visitors alike with endless delicious food and drink, countless shops to explore, and enough art and music to satisfy anyone.
You could easily spend a day wandering along the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic Old Port. There are so many interesting shops nestled along the streets selling everything, from independent bookstores to Maine-made clothing and pottery. If you start to feel chilled in the cool spring air during your exploring, pop into one of the Old Port’s amazing coffee shops.
The city offers so much more than great shopping. The Children’s Museum and Theatrehas interactive exhibits and programs that explore the arts and sciences: Visitors might watch a multi-generational improv comedy show one day and Vietnamese shadow puppets another, explore Indian sand art in celebration of Diwali, or learn financial literacy basics in a make-believe farmers’ market.
The Portland Museum of Art is a must see. The museum offers impressive masterworks, a newly opened outdoor sculpture park, and a permanent collection that includes Winslow Homer and his seaside studio.
As the sun starts to set over the city’s Western Promenade, it’s time to start thinking about dinner. Lucky for you, there is no shortage of good places to eat in Portland. In fact, the city has more than 230 eateries, putting Portland among the nation’s top five in restaurants per capita. Whether you’re after gastro pubs, oyster bars, seafood-focused fine dining, thoughtful wine bars, or delicious food truck delights, the city has something for you. Try DiMillos on the Water, Maine's famous floating restaurant. Silly’s, in the East end is another amazing spot, with a diverse and delicious menu.
If you want to grab a drink before dinner, spend a few hours at a communal table at Cellardoor at the Point Winery, Rising Tide Brewing Company, and the venerable Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub tasting rooms for a delicious locally made wine or beer.
Portland is home to the Sea Dogs, the AA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Watch Slugger the Sea Dog, the best mascot in minor league baseball, entertain the crowds as future Red Sox stars earn a win for the home team. Or enjoy an evening of theater with one of Portland Stage’s enthralling shows.
If you are in the mood for a drink, head to the Westin’s Top of the East bar. As the name suggests, the bar is located on the top floor of the hotel, offering breathtaking views of the city.
Portland is near perfect: small enough that everything is walkable, yet bursting at the seams with things to do, see, eat, and drink. Which is why Portland has cemented itself as one of the best small cities in America.
