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Portland (General)

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ladyanne47a
ladyanne47a
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4 out of 5
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Portland Town (City)

  • January 16, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by ladyanne47a from Stamford, New York
Portland Town (City)

Portland is the largest city in Maine, on the southern end of the state. It may be a city, but don't let that keep you away. It is a treasure trove of Maine history, beauty, and culture.

Probably my most favorite small city in the United States, it is built on a slight hill that goes down to the waterfront, with a shipping and fishing industry that keeps it alive and well. The city is full of life, with great architecture, history, cultural events, wonderful sculptures through the streets and squares, old hotels, and two great museums.

Not only that, but the waterfront area, called the "Old Port," has been revitalized with renovations of the original old stone and brick buildings, many smart shops, and cafes and restaurants. It's fun just to walk along both sides of Commercial Street, with its many quaint cobblestone streets that shoot off it with narrow, charming places and nooks and crannies to explore.

The tourism and fishing industries abide side by side in this wonderful, quaint environment. Seagulls, ocean air, fish, hot sun, cool breeze, boats, and ships--so much to do and see. Portland has become the new young professional city, an overflow from the Boston area.

You must also go to the Casco Bay Ferry Lines on Commercial Street and take a ferry ride all around the beautiful islands of Casco Bay. You can also catch whale-watching trips. Prepare to spend a couple of days in Portland, as this will give you a mixture of both worlds, city and coast.

From journal Maine: The Pine Tree State and Vacationland

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