10 Reasons To Head To Portland, Maine

With Boston, Hartford and Providence nearby, New Englanders often forget that there is another up-and-coming city to our north. Portland, Maine has all the charms of a small, coastal village plus all the conveniences we love about city living!

Here are 10 reasons to make Portland your next weekend getaway destination!

1. It’s Beautiful

Gorgeous views of Casco Bay, fresh sea air, and pristine beaches.

 

2. It’s Walkable

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No need to rent a car or spend a fortune calling Uber. With many wonderful accommodations right downtown, you can stay within walking distance of everything you want to do and see.

 

It’s Got Small Town Charm, With Big City Benefits

Portland #southportland #portland #portlandmaine #portlandoldport

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The adorable little shops are authentically quaint, not falsified for the sake of the tourists! Portland is quiet and friendly, but still boasts some amazing art, theater and cuisine! New restaurants are popping up all the time – we’re talking 5-star dining and award-winning chefs!

The Seafood Is To Die For

Okay, so we just covered the amazing restaurants and chefs that have been drawn to Portland, but how about the fresh seafood? Maine is known for lobster, and in Portland, you can find this delicacy done in so many different ways, you could have lobster 3 meals a day for your entire stay and never get sick of it!

 

You Can’t Beat The Shopping

Just loving this display. #sevendeimports #sevende #hagarsatat #portlandmaineshopping

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Aside from those quaint, local shops, there are some fabulous, one-of-a-kind finds to be had! There are very few chain stores or tacky souvenir shops. It’s mostly upscale boutique shopping, antiques, and, of course, the LL Bean campus in nearby Freeport open 24/7!

 

6. The Locals Are Cool & Casual

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No gruff, stressed out city folk here! You’ll be treated with respect and you’ll love the welcome sense of free-spirited acceptance.

 

7. It’s Romantic

I'm a sucker for cute romantic stuff. #PortlandLoveLocks

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Affordable hotels and Bed & Breakfasts dot the shore and downtown. What could be more idyllic than a moonlit stroll on one of the most pristine beaches in the world? There’s even a mini version of Paris’ Love Locks Bridge on a fence on Commercial Street right next to the Portland Lobster Co.

 

8. Cheap Cocktails! – Need I Say More?

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Drinks are several dollars cheaper than your favorite big-city bars, not to mention some awesome Happy Hour deals.

 

9. The Art Scene Is On Point

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Local Maine artists abound in the shops and galleries, but there are also works by some of the biggest global artists like Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, Jasper Johns, Robert Indiana and Alexander Calder to be viewed at the Portland Museum of Art.

 

10. It Boasts The Most Photographed Lighthouse In The US

Flashback to Summer #portlandlighthouse #natgeotravel #lighthouse

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Built in the 1700s, this beautiful, iconic lighthouse once protected the harbor and surrounding areas from British attacks. Fort Williams park is still a sought-after attraction and the structure has been photographed more than any other American lighthouse.

 

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