10 Things to do in Portland Maine for First Time Visitors
The Portland that can be found in the state of Maine is much older than the Portland that can be found in the state of Oregon. In fact, it is interesting to note that the latter is named for the former because that is where one of its two founders had come from. Regardless, the Portland in Maine can claim a booming tourism sector in the present, which has been helped by its location as well as its historical legacies.
1. Catch Lobsters
Maine has a reputation for lobsters. As a result, it should come as no surprise to learn that people who visit Portland can head out onto Casco Bay on a lobster boat for the chance to catch their own lobsters under the guidance of a local lobster-man or lobster-woman.
2. Portland Head Light
Lighthouses used to perform an important function by preventing ships from sailing into dangerous obstacles. They are less important in modern times, but they remain sites of interest for a lot of people out there. One excellent example of the lighthouses that can be found on the Maine coast is the Portland Head Light, which sits at the entrance of the main shipping channel that leads to the Port of Portland.
3. Portland Museum of Art
The Portland Museum of Art has the honor of being the biggest institution of its kind that can be found in the state of Maine. As a result, whether people are interested in either contemporary art or something older, they should check it out when they have the chance.
4. Winslow Homer’s Restored Studio
Speaking of which, it is interesting to note that the Portland Museum of Art holds Winslow Homer’s restored studio as well. For those who are unfamiliar with that particular name, Homer was a well-known painter in the United States of the 19th century, who happened to specialize in marine subjects of various sorts.
5. Southworth Planetarium
Situated in the Science Building of the local campus of the University of South Maine, Southworth Planetarium should prove interesting for people who are fascinated by the stars as well as other celestial objects. This is particularly true because it offers both classes and lectures, which should come as welcome news to those who are interested in something more in-depth.
6. Maine Historical Society Museum
For people who are interested in the experiences of the state of Maine as a whole from the past to the present, there is the Maine Historical Society Museum. Interested individuals can expect artifacts, documents, and exhibits that should shed light on a wide range of historical topics in relation to the state.
7. Old Port District
The Old Port District was once more or less what it sounds like. However, it has since been converted into a shopping district, meaning that it is a popular destination for tourists interested in buying a wide range of products. With that said, the retailers that can be found in the Old Port District often have either a Maine theme or a marine theme to them, thus living up to the name of the district.
8. Portland Fire Engine Co.
Guided tours are a good method for interested individuals to visit a wide range of places in unfamiliar cities while benefiting from the experience of a local. As a result, people who are visiting Portland might want to check out Portland Fire Engine Co., which offers guided tours for people while they ride in old-fashioned fire trucks.
9. Casco Bay Lines
There are a lot of islands situated out in Casco Bay. In previous times, they would’ve been a navigational hazard, but in the present, they can be sites of interest for first-time visitors. Casco Bay Lines offers passage to most of the major islands, but it is interesting to note that it offers island cruises as well, which can offer interested individuals a way to see them from a whole new perspective.
10. Historic Homes
Portland is sometimes represented by a phoenix, which is meant to symbolize its rise from the ashes in spite of the devastating fires that torn into it once upon a time. With that said, there are still plenty of historic homes that can be found in the city, which can make for a fascinating experience for those with an appreciation for historical architecture.
