Portland, Maine
Description
View cruises with Portland, MainePortland was founded in 1632 by the British as a fishing and trading post and named Casco. In 1658 the name was changed to Falmouth and Portland was put on the map in 1786. While Portland's name has changed over the years the essence of the area has not changed. Today, Portland still remains a vibrant fishing and commercial port, Maine's largest city, and its cultural, social and economic capital.
From the renovated Old Port with its brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets to the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport, the summer home of President George H. Bush, Portland and the surrounding area have something for everyone. Photographers are sure to delight at the photo opportunities including the Portland Head Lighthouse and the picturesque White Mountains on the Cog Railway. Shoppers will enjoy the Old Port and downtown area that feature many unique boutiques, shops, galleries and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiast will surely want to visit the world-renowned outdoor outfitter L.L. Bean® and the many other brand name outlets in nearby Freeport, Maine.
Points of Interest
- Old Port
- Kennebunkport
- Fort Williams Park
- Portland Head Light
- Eastern Promenade Pathway
- Victoria Mansion
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House
- Lobster Bake
More about Portland, Maine Points of Interest
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Old Port -
Just steps from Casco Bay, this area was known as the city's warehouse district but today is full of chic shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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Kennebunkport -
This beautiful coastal village is home to pristine beaches, rolling green hills and mansions of the rich and famous including Walker's Point, the summer home of former President George H.W. Bush.
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Fort Williams Park -
Situated in the town of Cape Elizabeth, this former Army outpost, commissioned in 1899, is now a popular park and home of Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse.
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Portland Head Light -
Commissioned by President Washington in 1797, its white conical tower, charming Victorian buildings with rambling red roofs makes Portland Head Light not only Portland's most recognizable landmark but the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S.
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Eastern Promenade Pathway -
This two-mile trail along Casco Bay is Portland's finest stroll featuring spectacular views of the harbor and the Calendar Islands.
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Victoria Mansion -
A Portland landmark, it's considered the finest surviving Italian villa-style house in America. Completed in 1860, 90% of the paintings, carpets, gas lighting fixtures, stained glass, porcelain, silver and glassware are still intact.
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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House -
Built by Wadsworth's grandfather in 1786, the home once served as George Washington's headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Willed to The Maine Historical Society in 1901, it became one of the state's first museums.
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Lobster Bake -
Plucked fresh from the coastal waters of Maine, lobster is the star and undisputed king of lobster dinners and known as a "downeast" meal including corn on the cob, potatoes, and all the trimmings.
