Portland, Maine, is an anomaly-an urban destination in one of America's most outdoorsy states. That doesn't prevent it from being a memorable weekend hiatus, however, with superb old homes, an enticing port area and some of the East Coast's best seafood.
Get to the art of the city by spending some time at the Portland Museum of Art, hosted in a dramatic modern structure and featuring both American legends and European masters. Church, Hopper, Degas and Picasso are just a sampling of the famous artists on display here.
Stop by the iconic Portland Head Light, a lighthouse at the Portland Harbor entrance in neighboring Cape Elizabeth. The still-operational light is closed to the public, but the site offers wonderful sightseeing and the adjoining Fort Williams park provides 90 acres of old military structures and the archaic remains of the Goddard Mansion.
Families with children will particularly relish the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum on Fore Street. A living museum of engineering history, here you can ride aboard an old steam or diesel locomotive with special themed rides for holidays like Christmas and Halloween.
Spend an afternoon at the Old Port shopping district, which has been restored to its look from the 1800s. Breweries and boutiques await, as do some handsome vistas of Casco Bay.
See if there's a special event taking place at the nearby Cumberland County Civic Center. From rock 'n' roll headliners to pro hockey to business conventions, this is a hub of activity all year long.
Take to the sea! Casco Bay Lines provides ferries to several nearby islands, and scenic cruises enhanced by lobster bakes are another real treat.
Enjoy a tour of the Victoria Mansion, a staggeringly lavish and lovely Italian villa-style structure with an interior embellished with elaborate wall paintings, priceless antiques and extensive stained glass works.
