Vacations Blog

Wharf St. in the Historic Waterfront District in Portland, Maine

I know, I know, it doesn’t go as well with the tune as leaving my heart in San Francisco. I am telling the absolute truth, though, when I say that my heart lies in Portland, Maine.

I grew up in the teeny, tiny farming community of New Gloucester, Maine (population of people, 5,461; population of cows, at least three times that many), which is about 40 minutes due north of Portland. If you were looking for something “to do”, you went to Portland. If you had a job, it was probably in Portland. Even if you lived three hours away, you went “out Portland way” for a myriad of things – grocery shopping, the mall, the movies, dinner. It may not be the capital of the state (which is Augusta, by the way), but it’s the social, industrial, and economic hub of the state.

A street in the Old Port - Portland, Maine

And it is, in my most humble (but expert) opinion, one of the best towns on the PLANET. I’m not kidding. You need to go. And here’s why.

A cobblestone street in Portland, Maine

Portland is located in southern Maine, right on the coast, and has an international airport, so you CAN “get there (theyah) from here (heyah)”.  The Historic Waterfront District (called the “Old Port”) is “one of the most successful revitalized warehouse districts in the country.”  If shopping along cobblestone streets and within historic brick buildings appeals to you, the Old Port is your dream destination. If you want a variety of dining and drinking experiences – from the basement bar of the Old Port Tavern to the unbelievable crab legs at J’s Oyster (right on the wharf!) to the fine dining of Five Fifty-Five, your next vacation destination is settled.

A street in the Old Port - Portland, Maine

The Portland Regency Hotel is one of the best hotels my husband and I have every stayed in (the service and attention to detail is staggering), and we go back to them every time we go back “home” (if we’re not staying with relatives). It’s situated right in the heart of the Old Port, so you can park for a week and never need to take your car out – you’re within walking distance of a huge variety of entertainment.

Fishing boats along the wharf.

What makes this little area of Portland so great is the ambiance. The history of the location, combined with the smell of the salt air, the shush of the ocean, and the call of the seagulls, is guaranteed to, well, just make your heart happy. At least, it makes my heart happy. I could be biased. I certainly am homesick.

Converted commercial buildings remodeled for modern use.

Plus, you’ll never find friendlier people. Everyone has a smile and a nod for you, and quite often folks will stop and chat with you right on the sidewalk, or next to you in a bar. Once they find out you’re “from away” they’ll want to hear all about “what’s that like.” They’ll have opinions on where to get the best lobster or steamers or Italian sandwich, which can erupt into quite a heated debate as more folks join in the conversation. If you’re lucky, you might even get invited to a clam bake or lobster cookout.

Waiting to be put to use on the wharf.

There’s more to Portland than just the Waterfront District, of course. The Arts District is the cultural heart of Portland and features art walks, galleries, museums, and theater performances. The Eastern Promenade has paths and grassy slopes overlooking Casco Bay. It’s great to sit back and watch the activities of the busy seaport and harbor. The Downtown District always has something going on – concerts, festivals, gatherings around Monument Square, live music, street performers, crafts… the list is endless.  Cruises depart daily from the harbor to tour the coast and Casco Bay. If poetry is your thing, you can tour the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow house and gardens. Plus, Portland is situated mere minutes from Cape Elizabeth – home of the famous Portland Head Light.  Freeport – home of LL Bean – is just a few minutes north up the interstate, and the resort town of Old Orchard Beach is just a few minutes south.

Easy to take a postcard-perfect shot of the Portland Head Light.

Just… go. I can’t say it more plainly than that. Visit my beloved state, the home town of my heart. And send me pictures. And a postcard. So I can drool. And be even more homesick. And maybe a little bit jealous.

Photo Credits (all): Laura Charon, who REALLY wants you to go to Maine.