Tour Maine's most beautiful lighthouses along the coast from Kittery and York's Nubble Light to Portland's most famous iconic lighthouse, Portland Head Light. In Maine, you’ll find all the adventure and amusement you need for some genuine family bonding. ", followed by 193 people on Pinterest. Get a flavor for the decorations at Dutch’s from this wall view, below. Kayaking and canoeing tours are popular on the water, as are hiking and biking the numerous scenic trails on land, including a trek to the top of Cadillac Mountain that offers jaw-dropping vistas. That said, there was one between-meals activity that stood out as our favorite: The Escape Room. The town reports a vibrant community where citizens take a strong and active role in improving the quality of life for all. Today, The Cumberland Fair remains a true county fair and features harness racing, livestock and agriculture competitions, horticultural exhibits, pumpkin contests, and plenty of food. Maine's biggest city (by population) is the state's cultural hub, offering plenty in the way of art, history and food. On Pinterest? Just 20 minutes north of Portland, visitors will encounter world-class shopping and plenty of picture-perfect outdoor adventure. Portland, Maine is a perfect New England trip, a short drive from Boston. Everything you need to know about Maine lobster, how its locally sourced and where to get it, from award winning lobster rolls to classic Maine lobsterbakes. New England Getaways Skiing on a blanket of fresh snow is any Mainer’s idea of a perfect day. The official site for the Greater Portland region of Maine. Epitomizing the small rural Maine town. Less than two hours from Boston, Portland, Maine is a city filled with history, culture, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and truly great food. Where there’s an ocean there are beaches. It had never been on my radar before but having read your article I'm thinking I should plan a visit (and yes, the food is definitely one of the main reasons I want to go! I pondered this aloud, zooming out the map. Book tours of Marginal Way Walkway, The Maine Brew Bus + The Real Portland Tour Travel Destinations. See more ideas about maine vacation, maine, portland maine. Portland, Maine, located a little more than 2 hours north of Boston, is known for its beautiful waterfront views and delicious food. In Maine, you’ll find all the adventure and amusement you need for some genuine family bonding. We ask visitors to please follow businesses’ safety standards and wear masks wherever possible. Full as heck and need a stroll and some culture? Book tours of Marginal Way Walkway, The Maine Brew Bus + The Real Portland Tour Get information on Portland Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. The Official Site for the Greater Portland Region of Maine. It’s a hoot, but I didn’t want to photograph it because it just felt creepy bringing my giant camera into the bathroom. If your aim in Portland, as ours was, is to eat all day, do not eat 100% of Dutch’s potatoes on your plate, delicious as they are. Portland, Maine is having quite a moment.Over the past decade, it's transitioned from dreamy Northeastern hamlet to a mainstay in the national … How good was the food? Due to COVID-19 some events may be adapted or canceled this year. It is part of the city of Portland, Maine. For the next activity, ’tis always a thrill to ogle the city one is visiting from a high-up vantage point. The Portland Museum of Art is right by the Holiday Inn. As an English teacher, I see hidden meanings all over the universe, but most don’t actually exist. I will follow the chef to find out where he ends up. The “light” part of the equation was slapped in the face when we opted for the $2 Brussels sprouts side dish add-on to our ramen (“How big can a $2 side dish be?”)… and ended up with our table packed to its edges with all the food pictured below. A family vacation and classic family fun go hand in hand. We don’t let snow slow us down. See more ideas about maine vacation, maine, maine travel. Conveniently located approximately six miles outside the city of Portland and just three miles of the Portland Airport, Westbrook combines business, culture, and outdoor fun in a very special community. Find reviews for Portland, ME family vacations. Due to COVID-19, some businesses and attractions featured on our Trip Ideas are temporarily closed. I thought it would be hum-drum standard bread and butter, but turns out there’s caviar in it! Use the header menu and search bar to explore and enjoy! Travelers favorites include #1 Casco Bay Islands, #2 Old Port and more. Laurel Highlands, PA Today, visitors will find a working waterfront where fishing boats arrive and depart, mingling with a sophisticated urban center. Travel. Want to glimpse Greater Portland’s rocky coast and sandy shores without leaving your living room? It is part of the city of Portland, Maine. Located approximately 7 miles south of the City of Portland, Scarborough offers the lovely rocky coastline made famous by local artist, Winslow Homer. We didn’t honor that those hash browns are SERIOUS business. We loved our Portland getaway, and think you will too! Skip the zoom cocktail hours and get the girls together for a real vacation this summer in New England. Located within the town of Harpswell, it is part of 216 miles of coastline that make up Harpswell Neck. Where there’s an ocean there are beaches. State parks and resorts welcome skiers, sledders, and snowboarders. Dining while on your Maine vacation is an enlightening experience. Less than two hours from Boston, Portland, Maine is a city filled with history, culture, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and truly great food. Powerful potatoes! Discover 610 vacation rentals to book online for your Portland, Cumberland County trip. 4 tastes into my cup. VisitMaine.com has a whole section about vacationing with pets, listing everything from hotels to restaurants that are pet-friendly. Cliff Island is the smallest year-round island in Casco Bay and the last stop "down the bay” on the Casco Bay Lines ferry. Now, no matter how short your visit to Portland, you MUST visit the Portland Head Light. Looks like you had a fabulous trip. It is also recognized for its commitment to the preservation of open space and abundance of trails: it’s Greenbelt Plan has become an integral component of the community's character. 26. Find special deals on tours and attractions to maximize your visit. Turns out that even in a size Small, you still can put in as many flavors as you want! Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Maine with a breathtaking coastline, picturesque lighthouse, and even soaring mountains. But the city also offers a variety of indoor activities for families to enjoy. Pack up the car or take the train, and … Save up to 50% on hotels. Ever the indecisive Libra, I squeezed (squoze?) See Beautiful Food Photos of one in Portland, Maine! While there may be some minimum height requirements, the fun, thrills and memories are always off the chart. Maine is one of the most pet-friendly states in the country, so it’s no surprise that it’s also pet-vacation friendly. Folly Beach, SC Convinced a trip to Portland is for you? The crowds come to Maine and New England in the summertime. "On the very last island stop, the ferry stops for 20 minutes vice just the touch and go at other islands, and that enabled us to take a short scenic island walk." The restaurant was the famed casual eatery, Dutch’s. Visit Portland, Maine to sample the talents of five-star chefs in eateries with a water-view. “Where can we get a great New England vacation with less than 2 hours of driving?”, Ah! Old Port, Portland is charming to stroll through. Spring Break Ideas: Maine Edition Look out your window — with snow beginning to thaw and temperatures creeping up, all signs point to the jubilant florals of spring. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It makes me want to fly to Portland this weekend. Its name means "isle of many springs.”. So what was the tactical mistake we made there? The island is the only year-round island in Casco Bay that has all unpaved roads and, while cars are allowed, most people walk, bicycle or use golf carts for transportation. Sniffle! For if you do, you will not be hungry again for hours, despite yearning to consume more food. Needless to say, after that meal, our bellies could fit no more before sleep. Though the busy, pretty waterfront on Casco Bay gets the most tourist love in Portland, there's a lot of fun to be had just a little farther afield, making it a perfect spot for a weekend trip with the kids. [Learn More…], The Berkshires, MA I’m Lillie Marshall, a 6-foot tall Teacher, Traveler, Boston mama, and educational cartoon artist who has created over 700 articles on Around the World “L” Travel & Life Blog since 2009, which have been read more than 3.7 million times over the past decade. Second, every person in your team has something to offer. Accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland, Peak’s Island is part of the city of Portland, but its character is a rare combination of distinctive and welcoming. Take in the view from above Portland at the Top of the East. VisitTheUSA.com is the USA’s official travel website. Sorry — my photos of it just look obscene, so you’ll have to visualize what a raw beef salad looks like and be content with a pretty BEET salad instead. Save and share this article! Now, we couldn’t leave Portland without dessert for the road, right? Portland, Maine, is a popular spot for adults and kids to explore: Discover Maine’s oldest lighthouse, ride the ferry to Peaks Island, and, in the winter, snowshoe along nearby trails. (Oh, how much changes with a single letter.). Shaped like an "H,” the island has extensive property in conservation land, permanently protecting its rural atmosphere. See family vacation photos and get tips from other families to plan your Maine trip. Start planning your lodging and activities here! Delightful storefronts abound in Portland. Town Landing Market in Falmouth Foreside is a must while you’re in town (it showcases one of the oldest Coca Cola signs in America), and the walk down the hill to Falmouth Town Landing offers spectacular views of the harbor. Cue the tips below, which can even help cut the price of elegant bed and breakfasts in Portland, Maine. ", followed by 193 people on Pinterest. What follows is a chronicle of our 2.5-day getaway to give YOU ideas on…. No matter what budget or level of comfort, there's surely a great local vacation home rental available. At almost five miles long and 1½ miles wide,Chebeague Island is the largest island in Casco Bay and is home to over 360 year-round people and more than 1,600 summer residents. Looking for other New England Getaways? Even though coastal Maine is not a prime leaf-peeping destination, the seaside city of Portland is still an ideal starting point for not-so-faraway fall foliage adventures. Just click on over to that link if you want to see it. What is a Tasting Menu? See family vacation photos and get tips from other families to plan your Portland, ME trip. Located just two hours from Boston, this New England city is a great place to visit with your family — especially during the warm months. Earlier this summer, we visited Portland Maine for the first time. This jewel features picnic areas and hiking trails that allow for taking in the island beauty as well as an inn, a 5-star restaurant, and marina. This restaurant earned rave recommendations from all our Portland-loving friends, and indeed was scrumptious — and gorgeous. And it's when Portland's B&Bs pack out to bursting. Keep sharing such beautiful places. Our favorite dish was the tuna crudo, and speaking of raw, we also tried the famed raw beef salad, which made me feel like a powerful caveman. In The Escape Room, however, everything has a true hidden meaning. Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway, and escape from your city to discover nearby places. Short-term visitors will notice its charming main street first, particularly picturesque in the fall. All Rights Reserved. Portland, Maine’s architecture is a good as its food. Plus, It’s never too early to start planning your next trip to Greater Portland, Maine. 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