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.

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Old Orchard Beach is located in Southern Maine and is one of the most popular destination for local “stay-cationers”. It’s also a great vacation destination for people visiting the Pine Tree State.

Old Orchard Beach, pic by jennratonmort

Miles of white sandy beaches along the cool Atlantic ocean are lined with bed and breakfasts, motels, inns, bars, restaurants, and shopping. The focal point of the area is the OOB Pier (you’ve gotta get the pier fries!), and the beachfront Palace Playland amusement park.

Palace Playland, photo by chris knight

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