Folks from outside of New England may not know much about Portland, Maine, but cruise visitors will quickly realize that the town has a lot to offer. Established in 1633 as a shipping village, Portland is now one of the most vibrant small cities in America. Its cobblestone streets are lined with hip restaurants, world-class museums and interesting shops.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Portland from the staff at CruiseExperts.com:
Located four miles southeast of Portland in the town of Cape Elizabeth, Fort Williams is a 90-acre area that houses the ruins of a 19th-century artillery base. The park is a great place to picnic or get a panoramic view of Casco Bay. You can also explore the fort or take a stroll on one of the park’s well-manicured trails.
At the top of one of the park’s many rolling hills, you’ll find the Portland Head Light, one of the most recognizable symbols of the area. Commissioned by George Washington in 1791, the Portland Head Light is the oldest of Maine’s 52 lighthouses currently in use. It was staffed until 1989, when maintenance became automated. The keeper’s house is now a museum about the maritime and military history of Northern New England.
Founded in 1882, Portland’s art museum is the oldest public art institution in the United States. Artists who have focused on Maine like Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Louise Nevelson and Andrew Wyeth are well represented, but you’ll also find works from the European masters.
The collection is separated into adjacent buildings: the Charles Shipman Payson building designed by I.M. Pei, the L.D.M Sweat Memorial Gallery and the McLellan House. The Portland Museum of Art also owns the studio of artist Winslow Homer. The museum will shuttle visitors to the building located in the nearby town of Scarborough. Reservations must be made in advance.
Photo courtesy of Craig Becker
Unlike many observatories, the seven-story tower that sits atop Munjoy Hill is not for stargazing. Built in 1807, the observatory served as a maritime signal tower that notified Portland residents of incoming fishing, military and shipping vessels.
Photo courtesy of Portland Observatory
The building was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and now offers visitors stunning views of Portland and the harbor after a 45-minute guided tour.
Photo courtesy of Portland Observatory
If you’re interested in embarking on an Atlantic Coast cruise, let the professionals at CruiseExperts.com do all of the planning for you. Contact us by calling 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visiting our website www.CruiseExperts.com.
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