Portland, Maine

• What is Commercial Street in Portland, Maine like?
  • Commercial Street runs along the edge of the city's downtown district along the water. It is home to an array of busy restaurants, cafés, bars, and boutiques, offering visitors a lively atmosphere.
  • Resting right on the water’s edge, Commercial Street provides sea breezes, beautiful maritime scenes of ships coming and going, and fishermen hauling in the catch.
  • The area features cobblestone streets lined with charming buildings from the late 19th and 20th centuries, giving it an old-world European look. There are shops selling succulent seafood and other Maine treats, providing a quintessential New England feel.
  • Architectural gems, like the Customs House, offer a glimpse into the area's history with its unique fusion of Renaissance Revival and Second Empire architectural styles.
• Is Commercial Street a good place to visit in Portland?
  • Yes, Commercial Street is a great place to visit, with its combination of scenic views, local shops, and rich history. It’s perfect for those wondering what to see in Portland.

• What is The Portland Observatory?
  • The Portland Observatory is a historic tower located on Munjoy Hill, offering spectacular views over the harbor. It was built in 1807 and is a beloved symbol of Portland’s rich maritime heritage.
  • The observatory was originally used for communication between ships and the shore with signal flags and a telescope. The telescope was positioned in the observatory's cupola (lantern) and could identify ships miles out to sea.
  • Unfortunately, the telescope disappeared from the tower in 1939, but the observatory remains a National Historic Landmark (designated in 2006). The 86-foot (26 m) tall tower is now a museum open to the public to explore.
• What can visitors expect at The Portland Observatory?
  • Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the tower that focus on the importance of the structure to maritime history and the changes in Portland's seafaring port over the last two hundred years.
  • If you are looking for family-friendly activities in Portland, this is a great stop to learn more about the city's maritime past.

138 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, Phone: 207-774-5561, Map

• What is the Portland Museum of Art?
  • Founded as the Portland Society of Art in 1882, the Portland Museum of Art is the oldest and largest public art institution in Maine.
  • Located in the downtown district known as The Arts District, the museum houses a collection of over 17,000 fine and decorative art objects dating from the 18th century to the present.
• What collections does the museum feature?
  • The museum’s collections are separated into various genres, including the State of Maine Collection, the European Collection, and the Elizabeth B. Noyce Collection, which includes works by notable artists such as Homer, Rodin, Degas, Bellows, and Wyeth.
• What makes the museum architecturally significant?
  • The Portland Museum of Art boasts three architecturally significant buildings, with the Charles Shipman Payson Building standing as the face of the museum since its opening in 1983.
• What educational programs does the museum offer?
  • The museum hosts a variety of educational programs throughout the year, including gallery talks, PMA movies, and special exhibitions.
• Why should I visit the Portland Museum of Art?
  • If you're looking for great things to do in Maine, this unique museum is a must-see for anyone interested in American and European art, culture, and architecture.

Portland Museum of Art, Seven Congress Square, Portland, Maine 04101, Phone: 207-775-6148, Map

• What is Maine Day Ventures?
  • Maine Day Ventures offers a variety of foodie tours showcasing Portland's culinary scene.
• What do the tours highlight?
  • The tours focus on the delicious fare produced from local dairy products, fresh fish, seafood, and organic fruit and vegetables farmed in the region.
  • Maine’s chefs, artisans, brew masters, and bakers come together to create imaginative and flavorful local dishes, which you will taste and enjoy on one of the tours.
• Who leads the tours?
  • The award-winning tours are led by local aficionados who are passionate about food and their city, and they will share their knowledge with you as you visit various neighborhoods, including the Old Port.
• Are there special tour options?
  • Maine Day Ventures also offers private tours for special occasions and events.

• What is the 5th Maine Museum?
  • Located near Portland on Peak Island, the 5th Maine Museum is a small museum dedicated to the history of the Fifth Maine regiment and Peak Island.
• How do I get to the 5th Maine Museum?
  • The museum is a 20-minute ferry ride from Portland, with boats leaving nearly every hour. After arriving, it's a 10-minute walk to the museum, with golf cart rentals and an island taxi available from the boat landing.
• What can I find at the museum?
  • The first floor of the museum is devoted entirely to the history of the Fifth Maine regiment, with pictures and artifacts displayed on the walls.
  • The second floor focuses on the history of Peak Island, from the 1800s to the present day.

5th Maine Museum, 45 Seashore Ave, Peaks Island, ME 04108, 207-766-3330, Map

• What is Victoria Mansion?
  • Also known as the Morse-Libby House, Victoria Mansion is one of America’s best examples of pre-Civil War opulence and glamour. Built between 1858 and 1860 as a summer home for Ruggles Sylvester Morse, a Maine-born proprietor of luxury hotels.
• What architectural style is Victoria Mansion built in?
  • Victoria Mansion was constructed in the Italian villa style that was fashionable in the mid-nineteenth century.
• What can I expect to see during a visit to Victoria Mansion?
  • The mansion’s beautifully preserved interiors were designed by Gustave Herter and still boast over 90% of the furnishings he designed for the original owner.
• When is Victoria Mansion open to the public?
  • Guided tours are offered from May through October, along with tailor-made group tours for particular interests.
• What educational programs does Victoria Mansion offer?
  • The mansion offers an active roster of educational programs for both students and adults interested in studying life during the nineteenth century.

Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St, Portland, Maine 04101, Phone: 207-772-4841

• What is Central Provisions known for?
  • Central Provisions in Portland’s Old Port has been one of the city’s hotspots for years, known for its tightly packed tables, a buzzing subterranean bar, and a seasonal menu specializing in small plates.
• How is the menu structured at Central Provisions?
  • The menu is broken into categories of raw, cold, hot, and hearty, with dishes ordered a few at a time and arriving at the table as they are prepared, offering simple, easy eating in a comfortable environment.
• What are some dessert options at Central Provisions?
  • Desserts include sweet treats like local strawberry shortcake and salted caramel mousse with cocoa and coffee.
• What is the dining experience like at Central Provisions?
  • Friendly, efficient staff collaborate with diners to interpret the menu and offer advice on both the dishes and wines to accompany them.
• Do I need a reservation at Central Provisions?
  • Due to its extreme popularity, the restaurant does not take reservations. Visitors are encouraged to order a drink at the elegant bar while they wait for a table.

Central Provisions, 414 Fore Street, Portland, Maine 04101, Phone: 207-805-1085

• When was the Portland Symphony Orchestra established?
  • Established in 1923, the Portland Symphony Orchestra is recognized as one of the top orchestras of its size in the country.
• Where does the Portland Symphony Orchestra perform?
  • The orchestra performs a wide variety of concerts at the Merrill Auditorium throughout the year.
• Who is the current conductor of the Portland Symphony Orchestra?
  • Directed by Robert Moody, the orchestra frequently features renowned guest artists.
• What special tradition does the Portland Symphony Orchestra host every year?
  • The orchestra hosts the “Magic of Christmas,” a much-loved tradition for over 25 years.
• What educational programs does the Portland Symphony Orchestra offer?
  • The PSO offers a range of educational programs and workshops for students to engage with symphonic music and explore the beauty of classical music.
• How does the Portland Symphony Orchestra engage with the local community?
  • The PSO contributes to the local community through events such as “Make Music Lovers” Luncheons, where guests can enjoy an in-depth look at musical topics from the PSO concert season and converse with Robert Moody and other special guests.
• Is the Portland Symphony Orchestra a good option for a romantic night out?
  • If you are looking for romantic things to do in Portland at night, watching a performance by the Portland Symphony Orchestra is a great choice.

Portland Symphony Orchestra, 85 Exchange Street 4th Floor, Portland, ME 04101, Phone: 207-773-6128, Map

• What is the International Cryptozoology Museum?
  • The International Cryptozoology Museum is the world’s only cryptozoology museum, celebrating the quest to discover hidden creatures, from elusive cougars to the famously mysterious Bigfoot.
• What exhibits can be found at the International Cryptozoology Museum?
  • Exhibits at the museum include an 8-foot tall Bigfoot made of musk ox hair, the Jersey Devil, the Mothman, various lake monsters, and the Abominable Yeti.
  • The museum also has displays of unusual animals known as “cryptids,” such as the Komodo dragon, the panda, and the coelacanth, which were only recently recognized as being “real.”
• Where is the International Cryptozoology Museum located?
  • The museum is located in downtown Portland.
• When is the International Cryptozoology Museum open?
  • The museum is open every day, except Tuesdays.

International Cryptozoology Museum, 32 Resurgam Pl, Portland, ME 04102, Phone: , Map

• What is Allagash Brewery known for?
  • Allagash Brewery is known for its Belgian-style Allagash White wheat beer and also produces spontaneously fermented beers, barrel-aged beers, sours, and more.
• Who founded Allagash Brewery?
  • Allagash Brewery was founded by Rob Tod, a 2019 James Beard Award winner for “Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional.”
• What recognitions has Allagash Brewery received?
  • Allagash Brewing has been consistently recognized as one of the best places to work in Maine for many years.
  • The brewery is also recognized as one of the country’s fifty largest craft breweries.
• How does Allagash Brewery contribute to the community?
  • Allagash Brewing loves to give back to the local community that has supported the brewery since its founding in 1995.

Allagash Brewery, 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103, 207-878-5385