Maine is known as “Vacationland” and is home to almost 6,000 sparkling lakes and 3,478 miles of ocean coastline. From sailing and camping to hiking and skiing, the state has become a four season draw for visitors from around the globe. Portland, Maine’s largest city, boasts a population of around 69,000 people who live both on the main land as well as on the seven inhabited islands that are reachable by ferry service from the city’s working seaport. LLBean is just 18 miles north of Portland in Freeport and the iconic Portland Head Light is just five miles south of the city in Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth. On a nice day, there is no better place to experience the incredible beauty of the rocky coast of Maine. The panoramic oceanfront scenery on the Eastern Promenade of Portland is another spectacular setting and a great spot to eat lunch from one of the food trucks that have a home here. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk down Commercial Street and see (and smell) the working waterfront with a “must see” visit to Harbor Fish Market on Custom House Wharf. The array of freshly caught fish, clams and lobster that is for sale here will make you understand how important fishing is to the economy of the state. For art lovers, The Portland Museum of Art is at the hub of Portland’s art district and houses works by many of the state’s most beloved artists, including Winslow Homer and the Wyeth family. Down the street from the museum, make sure to stop and linger in the tranquil garden behind Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home. For a more in-depth look at the history and offerings of the city, visit www.visitportland.com.

Portland is renowned for its vibrant and diverse food scene. It consistently ranks as one of the best places to eat in the entire country, With its increasingly diverse population, it is no longer just a city famous for its local seafood. The city also hosts James Beard award winning ethnic restaurants and world class bakeries as well as a wide variety of breweries serving local craft beers and ciders. Here are a few suggestions for those staying in the Portland downtown area. Evening meals in Portland can require advanced planning at some of the more popular sites. If there is a place you’d love to try, please know that reservations usually open a month in advance and fill up quickly.

Breakfast (many hotels include breakfast with their stays so make sure to ask when you book a room.)

- Becky’s Diner

- Standard Bakery

- Tandem Coffee and Bakery

- The Friendly Toast

- The Front Room

- Union Restaurant in the Press Hotel

Lunch:

-Eventide Oyster Co.

- Duck Fat

- Highroller Lobster Co

- J’s Oyster Bar

- Lenora

Dinner:

-Fore Street

-Scales

-Leeward

-Evo

-Dimillos On the Water

-Solo Italiano

-Twelve

-Wayside Tavern