Portland (Maine) : The Greatest Fish Port in East Coast of USA

Portland is a small but vibrant city in the State of Maine. Located on the waterfront, it started out as a fishing village in the 17th Century before developing into a major port on the east coast of the United States of America. It is the economic capital of Maine evidenced by the presence of several headquarters of major institutions. The city has a population of around 70,000 residents excluding tourists and part-time residents. From the Old Port district awash with stunning 19th Century architecture to the modern cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars that dot the city, every minute spent exploring Portland is a treasure. Portland’s proximity to major cities like Boston, New York, and the East coast of Canada is another factor that has enabled it to remain a popular destination among tourists.

1. Portland Museum of Art

The Portland Museum of Art founded in 1882 is the cultural heart of Portland, Maine making it the best start-point for any tourist embarking on a tour of this beautiful city. It boasts of a vast collection of over 18,000 pieces of art spread over three separate buildings. Iconic works by famous local artists like Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, and Louise Nevelson are on display highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state. Celebrated works by international artists such as Degas, Monet, Renoir, and Picasso are also on display adding to its appeal. The museum stages specialized shows and exhibitions throughout the year tailored for different visiting groups and age groups.

2. Wadsworth-Longfellow House

The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is an iconic historical landmark in the city of Portland that has been well-preserved and restored becoming a house museum famous world-over. It is also the city’s oldest structure having survived the transformation of downtown Congress Street from a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood into the urban business district it is today. General Peleg Wadsworth built the house in 1786, and together with his wife Elizabeth Wadsworth, they raised their ten children in the house before relocating to their family farm in Hiram in 1807. It was initially a two-story house before they added a third story in 1815. The fact that it was the first wholly brick dwelling in Portland coupled with its fantastic architecture and furnishing has placed it among the most visited house museums in the country for over a century.

3. Portland Observatory

The Portland Observatory was commissioned by Captain Lenuel Moody in 1807 as a communication station for the busy Portland harbor. At the time of its construction, it was impossible for ship owners to tell the impending arrival of their vessels until they were close to the port. Through an annual subscription fee, ship owners would be notified of the arrival of their vessels while they were up to 30 miles from port courtesy of a powerful telescope mounted at the top of the tower giving them a competitive edge over their counterparts. However, this technology became redundant with the invention of the two-way radio in the 1920s leading to the observatory falling into disrepair. It was donated to the City of Portland reopening after restorations to become a popular destination among tourists as it offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Casco Bay.

4. Victoria Mansion

The Victoria Mansion in the West end of the City of Portland was built by Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife Olive as a summer home. It was designed by Henry Austin, an architect hailing from New Haven, Connecticut whose creation remains one of the best examples of the Italian Villa style in America. It boasted of several amenities uncommon at the time making it stand out as a model of elegance and convenience. J.R. Libby bought the house from Olive Morse after the death of her husband in 1893 and preserved the original décor with minimal alterations on the property until he vacated it in 1929. The house has been a museum since 1941 welcoming scores of visitors who praise its beautiful architecture, interior décor, paintings, and other lavish items on a palatial scale.

5. Deering Oaks Park

Deering Oaks Park was developed in 1879 by William Goodwin, the city’s engineer on a part of the estate of the Deering family. It has remained mostly unchanged except for the loss of a small section on the North side during the construction of Interstate 295. It is a popular public park with expansive spaces ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. There are up to eight public tennis courts, a baseball area, and several other spaces suitable for a variety of sports. There is also a café and bakery, and a farmer’s market in the park. During winter, the pond within the park becomes frozen turning into a popular ice-skating venue for locals and visitors alike. The park is accessible through Deering Avenue, Park Avenue, State Street, and Forest Avenue.

6. Old Port District

The Old Port district in downtown Portland is the historic heartland of Maine known for its wonderful cobblestone streets, 19th Century buildings, and fishing piers. First settled in the 17th Century, the area developed economically courtesy of a thriving lumber trade in the 18th Century. It later became a commercial district as the city developed buoyed by increased population and trading activities in the late 19th Century. The 1970s saw increased investment primarily in the real estate sector whereby old buildings were refurbished into modern living and working spaces. The Old Port Association formed in the same decade lobbied successfully for the preservation of some historical buildings and improvements in the district’s infrastructure. Apart from its unparalleled beauty, The Old Port district is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, and the annual Old Port Festival held on the second Sunday of June.

7. Casco Bay

Casco Bay is a hub of entertainment, trade, arts, and fine dining. It encompasses many islands including Portland, Long Island, Chebeague Island and many more bringing together over ten coastal communities. It is also a working waterfront and a popular port of call among cruise ship liners. Visitors enjoy easy access to the many islands that dot the bay courtesy of the traditional mail boat and ferry services both run by the state. Magnificent lighthouses and historic buildings add to the natural beauty of the bay making it a treasured recreation spot among locals and tourists alike.

9. Eastern Promenade

At the East End Beach on the Portland coast lies Eastern Promenade, a waterfront trail maintained by the City of Portland. It consists of parallel paved and stone dust trails built along an old rail corridor and a fabulous picnic area with a spectacular view of the Harbor and the Ocean. Apart from the magnificent scenery, the area is popular for the variety of activities one can engage in including swimming, cycling, skating, kayaking, and canoeing. There are benches, playgrounds, picnic tables, public toilets as well as a public boat launch. During the summer months, changing areas are set up as scores of visitors flock to enjoy the clear waters. Whether travelling alone or in a group, a visit to Eastern Promenade is one that remains etched in one’s memory.

9. Maine Narrow Gauge Railway Company and Museum

A unique system of railroads running only two feet apart was developed in Maine in the late 19th Century, linking many areas until the 1940s and therefore playing a considerable role in the economic development of the region. These railroads were among the smallest ever built in the United States making them a treasured relic in the area. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railway Company and Museum is tasked with its preservation for the education and entertainment of the public. Exhibits in the museum include passenger coaches, locomotives, cabooses, boxcars, combines, and other equipment. The museum also offers visitors a chance to enjoy a scenic waterfront train ride adding to its allure. There is also a unique gift shop where visitors can purchase a variety of items as a memento of their visit. The museum also has a variety of activities for children making it an ideal spot for a family outing.

◎ Closing

Portland, Maine is lovely region full of artistic and outdoor adventures, where the old and new blend in perfect harmony creating a broad sense of continuity. The city is also known for its culinary scene, fashion scene, and for its age-long brewing culture with many traditional breweries based in the town. Other notable attractions include the Palace Playland (New England’s only beach waterfront amusement park), the Portland Headlight (an 18th Century lighthouse still in operation), Fort Gorges (a 19th Century military fort on an island), and countless recreational parks. With a variety of attractions to suit any taste, Portland is a city that ought to be on any tourist’s itinerary.

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Portland (Maine) : The Greatest Fish Port in East Coast of USA