Consider a Two Day Vacation in Portland, Maine

Many weekenders will find Portland, Maine an ideal spot for cultural activities as well as shopping, dining and recreation. Explore the many options the city offers visitors who wish to experience great seafood and eclectic shopping.
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Portland Main offers an exciting waterfront setting and an interesting cultural arts scene, ideal for the weekend visitor. The city also offers a nice variety of cuisine, boasting over 400 restaurants.

Further, there is an area for Portland's inhabitants who prefer Portland to be a city of general domesticity.

In conclusion, Portland provides an area of tourist “haunts” and recreational opportunities, as well as another section for its residents.

The city is small and very traditional in its makeup. Residents seem to like it that way. Portland is home to many cultures as well as a city “steeped” in tradition. Within Portland's school system alone, there are thirty-four languages spoken.

You may find Portland on a peninsula, along the states' southern coastal area. The city is approximately two hours from the city of Boston. It may also be accessed by way of Amtrak's Downeaster.

The Old Port Exchange area is where you will find great places to shop and eat. The area is located near the city's harbor.

Portland provides many sites and interesting things to do. Some of the places you will want to visit follow:

The Portland Observatory dates back to 1807. From its upper deck, the visitor is afforded absolutely spectacular views of the city and the water.

If you are a sports fan, you may want to “take in” a baseball game, when in season: the Portland Sea Dogs play at Hadlock Field Ballpark.

Individuals who are inclined to take lengthy “romantic” strolls will want to visit beautiful Two Lights State park. The state park is located in Cape Elizabeth. Here the visitor will find magnificent ocean views and a path adjacent to the ocean where one may stroll. The park's lighthouse was made well-known by the artist Edward Hopper. Hopper is featured along with other Maine painters such as Winslow Homer at the Portland Museum of Art.

If you enjoy sampling a variety of “fun” food, you will not want to miss Portland's Public Market. The market offers fresh fish, cheese, bread plus more. Additionally, you may pick up fresh flowers: take them back to enjoy at your two-day base.

You will also want to visit Portland's Harbor Fish Market: “fresh catch” is served up to “hungry” patrons.

If you enjoy walking try the Eastern Promenade of the Harbor Trail. Here you will find splendid views of the Casco Bay area. The Western Promenade promises a walk through one of the nicest Victorian era neighborhoods in the nation. The neighborhood is located close to Portland's “Victoria Mansion.” The mansion “boasts” a gorgeous skylight made of stained glass.

Moms and Dads vacationing with children will want to check out the Children's Museum of Maine. The museum is interactive and offers many fun activities.

Portland provides a myriad of authentic ethnic cuisines. There are approximately four-hundred restaurants in the compact Portland area.

Clinque Terre is an excellent choice for visitors seeking Italian fare.

If you enjoy an “artsy, funky” dining experience then drop in to Local 188 in Longfellow Square. Here you will find Spanish tapas seasoned in garlic. Local artists present their talents by way of their work. The art graces the walls of the establishment.

Remember to visit The Commissary located in Portland's “Public Market” and Street & Co. found in Old Port. Both “eateries” take advantage of the city's harbor and offer oysters, scallops, swordfish, lobster and other “tasty” fish dishes. You will not be disappointed visiting either location.

Gilbert's Chowder House is a great place to go for soup made from “scratch.” If you like pizza, then you will want to visit the Flatbread Company. The establishment offers pizza that is out of the ordinary. Find them near the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal.

Becky's Diner is a “local's haunt” and is an ideal place to visit for breakfast. Remember to get there early.

Additionally, Portland provides a number of unique places to shop. Saturday, a good many Bostonians “troop” through the streets of Portland-the reason being: the fabulously eclectic shops. Here is a sampling of some of these interesting retailers:

If you are a lady who enjoys fashion, then visit the Amaryllis Clothing Co. The boutique is the perfect place to find “trendy” and creative attire. Abacus provides the shopper with a nice variety of (American) crafts, furniture, and jewelry items.

Take the children to Treehouse Toys. Adults and children alike will enjoy the variety of toys useful for children's learning and playtime enjoyment.

Fibula is known for its elegant offering of rings. Additionally, the establishment showcases other wares crafted by Maine's jewelers.