Get Away From It All in Portland ME

You won't have a problem finding things to do for adults or children in Portland. You can visit the Southworth Planetarium, the Children's Museum, the Seashore Trolley Museum, the Maine Maritime Museum and much more.

When the kids need to strech their legs the beaches, parks and playgrounds in the area will provide hours of enjoyment.

Be sure to stop at one of the many local restaurants and experience the culinary delight of a fresh Maine lobster.

Quick Tips:

Be sure to plan time just to explore the rugged coastline and beautiful sandy beaches. Plan side trips to visit the unique lighthouses located nearby.

Portland is well known as a haven for artists. The cultural opportunities in this area are almost limitless.

Best Way To Get Around:

While there are many sights to see within walking distance in Downtown Portland, you will miss much of what makes Portland so wonderful if you do not have an automobile.

This centrally located hotel has 119 rooms. All the rooms are 2-room suites which is wonderful when traveling with children, especially since children under 18 stay free. You also have a choice of one king size or two double beds in the bedroom. The younger children were able to go to sleep in the bedroom while the older children and adults were able to stay up and watch television and play games in the living area. The pull out couch actually comfortable and my kids loved being able to 'sleep in the living room'. There is also a microwave, refridgerator and coffee pot int he kitchen area. Another nice feature was that we had a VCR so we were able to bring favorite videos from home to entertain the youngest members of our family.

Included in the price was full American breakfast each morning, use of the health club, shuttle service, complimentary newpaper, use of the indoor pool, a free beverage at the evening manager's reception, and free local phone calls. When making reservations be sure to inquire about their package deals. There are many different options, all of which save you money, and most include at least one dinner.

This wonderful restaurant is tucked away in a small store front on Cottage Road. The building used to house a drugstore many years ago. It is quaint, wonderfully cozy and the food is spectacular. Everything is made to order, from the specialty omlets to the wonderfully creative seafood dinners; we had nothing that we didn't enjoy immensely. Even the kids polished off their 'special omlets' with gusto.

Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner, I highly recommend this as one of the best kept secrets of Portland.

The mansion is 20 room, 3 story villa erected 1858-60. It was a private home until 1940 when it was turned into a museum devoted to Queen Victoria. Currently, 10 rooms and the main hall are open to the public. The carriage barn also has been restored.

Exhibited in the Mansion are over 300 objects that date back to the peroid from 1850-60 when the original owners still lived in the home. These include: furniture, lighting devices, carpets, paintings, sculptures, glass, ceramics and books.

The holiday season is a time not to be missed at the mansion. See the Mansion dressed up for the holidays from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Call ahead to see if any special programs are being offered. From the Victorian Doll Party to the special lecture programs, they offer special events for all ages.

Stop in the museum shop and browse through their wonderful selection of victorian treasures.

Allow at least an hour to fully enjoy what this mansion has to offer.

The Children’s Museum of Maine offers interactive exhibits for children and adults alike.

The Town Exhibit lets young kids visit the Bank (with working ATM machine), put out pretend fires at the Fire Truck, pull in traps on the Lobster Boat and restock shelves at Hank's Market. In November 2000, new exhbits will be added including the Animal Hospital, a renovated Farm, and the Toddler Park, a play area designed specially for childre under 3.

For older children, the Museum offers a Star Lab and Space Shuttle, TV Studio, Science Exhibits and Computer Lab. Hands-on art projects are hosted every day in the 'Oh Zone.'

Don’t miss the Camera Obscura. It is one of only three such cameras open to the public in the country. Located on the Museum’s third floor and gives a panoramic view of the entire city.

This is a definate must see for the whole family. Even the teenagers will have fun at this wonderful interactive museum.