One Day in Portland, Maine

Combine a small town atmosphere with lodging, dining, entertainment, and shopping options that rival many larger cities, then put it all on in a historic shipping port with access to the planet's freshest seafood, and you have Portland, Maine. Portland is my vacation destination of choice, and a place that I keep going back to year after year. I've spent weeks there and experienced something new every day. However, if you have only one day to spend in this historic town, allow me to offer the following options.

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Portland Regency Hotel
The Portland Regency Hotel is in the heart of the Old Port district, close to shopping, dining, entertainment, and the waterfront. The accommodations are extremely stylish and comfortable, the staff is superb, and the two on-site restaurants dish up home cooking or fancy cuisine according to your tastes.
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J's Oyster
In any given trip to Portland, I end up eating at J's at least three or four times. The atmosphere can only be described as "authentic". Seafood doesn't get any fresher - crab, lobster, and clams are loaded directly off the pier and into J's kitchens. Be prepared to be elbow-to-elbow with the other patrons!
Artwork from every conceivable genre is featured, and the museum includes collections from the 1800's to the present.
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Casco Bay Lines
Casco Bay Lines offers private charters and scenic cruises around Portland Harbor and Casco Bay. Be sure to indulge in an authentic Maine Lobster Bake on Peaks Island - I guarantee you've never had so much fun!
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Museum at Portland Head Light
Absolutely no visit to Portland is complete without heading over to the Portland Head Light in nearby Cape Elizabeth. Visitors from all over the world flock to this picturesque and most-photographed lighthouse on the East Coast. Check out the museum for an interesting history lesson about the light and the surrounding area.
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Bull Feeney's
Bull Feeney's is one of my favorite destinations in the Old Port. Offering the largest menu of Scotch Whiskey available outside of Scotland, the atmosphere is traditional, the staff is friendly, and the entertainment is lively. Try their lobster stew!
Offering the largest menu of Scotch Whiskey available outside of Scotland, the atmosphere is traditional, the staff is friendly, and the entertainment is lively.
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Portland Museum of Art
Add a bit of culture to your day by visiting the Portland Museum of Art. Artwork from every conceivable genre is featured, and the museum includes collections from the 1800's to the present. More
Add a bit of culture to your day by visiting the Portland Museum of Art. Artwork from every conceivable genre is featured, and the museum includes collections from the 1800's to the present.
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About the Author

Tiffany Joyce
Tiffany Joyce
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end. -- Author Unknown Buyer, married to the only person on the entire planet that really gets me, step-mom to two grown kids, living in Arizona but longing for Maine. I'm a freelance writer and photographer, contributing to a photography website and a travel e-zine. I'm heavily present on the internet and have several personal websites and blogs. I'll share the URL if you e-mail me and ask nice!
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