Longfellow’s Boyhood Home
Take a step back into American literary history with the childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, author of the American classic “Paul Revere’s Ride”. Finished in 1786, this National Historic Landmark is the first Portland home constructed entirely of brick and the area’s oldest existing structure. Longfellow’s literary beginnings flourished in this three-story home as he went on to become the most famous poet of the mid-nineteenth century.
Sea Captain Houses
Along the historic neighborhoods of Portland, you will see architecture rich in centuries of seaport history. At the helm of those voyages were the storied “sea captains”. Grizzled from the wayward voyage, captains would venture back home to Portland after being away at sea for months, even years at a time. Nestled amongst the city’s neighborhoods are homes harkening back to the late eighteenth century. Featuring high vantage points and “widows’ walks”, sea captains’ homes often romanticized the idea of a captain’s lady waiting along the top rails of their home searching the seashore in vain for her mariner’s sail. Strife with Victorian-era style, the neighborhoods of Portland take you back to a time when much of the area’s commerce was birthed in the sea and the men who commandeered the waves lived in opulence.
Casco Bay
Littered with jutting shorelines and historic lighthouses, Casco Bay is the origin of Portland. Settled as a port city, the bay has been the area’s lifeline to the international trade and commerce market. You can still see the influence the sea has locally with the numerous commercial shipyards and massive vessels flowing through the Port of Portland. Outside of the Port, Casco Bay features seven lighthouses, twelve major islands and six historical forts. Throughout the area, you will see some of the 850 different species that call Casco Bay home. Gazing out into the bay, you will likely view Humpback Whales splashing atop the tranquil New England harbor or sea turtles swimming just below the surface. Casco is known for its abundance of lobster, who are attracted to the estuary’s naturally high salt content. The rich marine life is what has made Maine internationally famous and a top destination for travelers.
Portland Head Lighthouse
As one of six historical military forts situated throughout the Casco Bay area, Fort Williams once acted as a barrier for approaching troops by protecting Cape Elizabeth. Encompassing 90 acres of picturesque seashore, the park is home to the Portland Head Lighthouse. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Portland Head Lighthouse has been lighting the way for mariners since 1791. Originally standing 72 feet tall and lit by 16 whale oil lamps, the lighthouse and keeper’s quarters have been updated numerous times over the years. Today, the lighthouse towers over 100 feet above the splashing water below and you will be impressed with the breathtaking views from this iconic piece of maritime history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its rich history will be nothing short of impressive. Enjoy the park’s unabridged seaside view as the mighty Atlantic lays out before your eyes. As the most photographed lighthouse in the world, the Portland Head Lighthouse will be sure to give you a lasting memento of your trip to Maine.
Seashore Trolley Museum
The Seashore Trolley Museum is the largest and oldest museum of mass transit vehicles. In 1939, the Biddeford and Saco Railroad began purchasing motor buses to replace their trolley cars, and the formation of the museum was born. Led by Harvard Graduate Theodore Santarelli, a group of railfans purchased a single trolley to preserve for posterity. The group merged with another group of railfans who purchased a trolley from the Manchester and Nashua Street Railway.
As of 2010, the museum houses over 260 vehicles from all over the United States as well as trolleys from as far away as Japan and Australia. The collection has expanded to include locomotives, buses, and even state of the art rapid transit railcars.
Dock Square in Kennebunkport
This public square is the perfect place for Shopaholicss and treasure seekers! Minka, Compliments, Abacus, Daytrip Society, Candy Man, Coastal Jewelers, Dock Square Clothiers, Shoot The Moon, Beach Grass, Abacus, Maine-ly Drizzle, Sea Love Candles, Benoits, Best of Everything, PJ’s Unique Boutique, Pink and Green Tangerine, Zen, are just a few of the unique Dock Square shops. Whether you’re looking for chic boutiques with the latest fashion, jewelry, art, handcrafted gifts, or books, Dock Square has it all. Additionally all pieces are unique Maine treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
Walker's Point Estate (Bush Family Estate)
This estate has been a summer retreat for the Bush family for over a century. Walker’s Point Estate was built by the president's grandfather. While George H. W. Bush was serving as president, the estate served as the Summer White House. The estate includes the main house with nine bedrooms, along with about five other homes around the property.
The estate is not open to the public since it’s a private residence, but visitors can drive by or take photos from a scenic parking overlook.
The Fransiscan Monastery
Originally farmland in the 1700s, the Fransiscan Monastery is now home to acres of breathtaking, undeveloped, uninterrupted shore lands. The beautiful grounds have walking paths that are open to the public providing access to the riverfront, English gardens, statuaries, an outdoor grotto, a Chapel with stained glass from Lithuania, and a small gift shop. On the property you will find a statue of Saint Tekakwitha, the daughter of an Indian chief who was stoned for her catholic faith.
Portland Waterfront
An eclectic mix of boutiques, cafés, galleries and fishermen make Portland’s waterfront, or Old Port neighborhood, a truly unique locale. Historically a strictly commercial shipping port, downtown now thrives on the service and tourism industry. Old Port is sure to answer all of your desires from farm-to-table dining to funky boutiques to cobblestone walkways. If your artistic side needs itching, check out Congress Street in the East End arts district, only a few blocks off the waterfront. The downtown area has done a magnificent job of marrying numerous nineteenth century architectural gems with fresh, chic development.
Whatever your desire, downtown Portland covers the field. It is a rare gem to find a working commercial fishing port chock full of world-class chefs nestled up amongst an up-and-coming art scene. With old and new intertwined throughout downtown Portland, the area delights in creativity and perseverance. Having survived four separate fires, Portland lives up to its motto, Resurgam, Latin for "I will rise again".