Greater Portland & Casco Bay

Portland, Maine's largest city, lies on a promontory with water on three sides where visitors will find a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Portland is large enough to support an exciting cultural scene, yet is small enough to navigate by foot. The city is reputed to have the greatest number of restaurants per capita, second only to San Francisco. The region is host to numerous museums, historic sites, old-fashioned streetlights, brick sidewalks, boutiques, and restaurants. A combination of outdoor and indoor recreation for the entire family. Things to See and Do Historic Sites Main Street Historic District in Freeport comprised of nine architecturally significant 18th, 19th, and 20th century buildings. Observatory, in Portland, is the last maritime signal tower in the U.S. Built in 1807 as a communications tower for the harbor. The 102-step climb to the orb deck provides a 360-degree view of the city, countryside, and Casco Bay. Wadsworth-Longfellow House in Portland - Childhood home of the poet. Locations Old Port Exchange in Portland - Quaint section of the city near the waterfront. Boutiques, taverns, restaurants and art galleries. Portland, Maine's largest city, called "the jewel by the sea" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Museums Children's Museum of Maine in Portland - Provides hands-on exhibits in the arts, sciences, and natural history--a must trip for children. Outdoor Activities Casco Bay Lines established in 1845 provides ferry service to islands, and is the oldest continuously operating ferry company in the U.S. Parks & Trails Desert of Maine in Freeport is 40-acres of sand where once lay a 19th-century tract of farmland; gems, hunting, nature trails, and sand art. Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth - Built in 1791, one of the most scenic lighthouses in the U.S. World-Class Outlets in Freeport - Over 170 outlet stores, including the home of L.L.Bean, world famous mail-order company; retail store open 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. Scenic Drives Freeport Foliage Tour at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport. Enjoy the fall colors on this fantastic drive. Pownal Foliage Tour at the Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal. This drive provides views of surrounding forests and Casco Bay's Calendar Islands. Saco Foliage Tour at Ferry Beach State Park in Saco. Check out the park's tupelo or blackgum trees (display a bright crimson in fall) which are uncommon in Maine. Science & Nature Related Gilsland Farm in Falmouth Foreside - Headquarters of the Maine Audubon Society with natural history displays and nature walks. Maine Wildlife Park in Gray - Home of America's first woolen mill, now, orphaned and injured wildlife live here. See moose, deer, bears, eagles, owls and more. Prouts Neck Cliff Path and Wildlife Sanctuary in Scarsborough - Includes the art studio of Winslow Homer. Smilling Hill Farm in Westbrook - Petting zoo with about 300 animals, snack bar and activities.

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