MAINE: THE PINE TREE STATE
BY CLAY LARROY
BY CLAY LARROY
Portland,
Maine
According to the website, Portland is Maine's business, financial and retail capital and the largest city in the state. Seascapes and cityscapes blend harmoniously in Portland, perched on a peninsula, jutting out into island-studded Casco Bay. The metropolitan hub of Maine's south coast region, Portland is a progressive, lively city incorporating the character of yesteryear into a modern urban environment. Historic architecture blends gracefully with the new as you stroll along her working waterfront or the cobblestone streets of the restored Old Port section of the city.
With a metro population of 230,000, the Greater Portland area is home to almost one quarter of Maine's total population. The population of the city is 66,363.
Portland is an easygoing city with friendly, hardworking people. Ranked nationally as one of the ten safest, culturally most fascinating US Cities and one of the top cities for doing business, housing is affordable, the schools and healthcare are outstanding.
Recreation, entertainment, scenery, culture -we've got the market cornered. Just ask the 3.6 million tourists who visit each year. And, the same things that attract vacationers make Portland a wonderful place to live, to work and to do business.
CHILDREN'S
MUSEUM & THEATRE OF MAINE
Located
in the Arts District of downtown Portland, the Children's Museum & Theatre
of Maine features a wide variety of interactive exhibits and activities for
children and families.The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine exists to
inspire discovery and imagination through exploration and play.
The Museum serves as an indispensable resource for families and educators, helping to create a broad community devoted to our children’s development and learning.A hands-on museum where the whole family can play, learn and explore. Named one of the top 12 children's museums in the U.S. by Forbes Magazine.
There are so many things to do and see here at the Museum! As you enter our front lobby, make sure you and your child(ren) check out our spinning exhibit wheel. Take a spin and see where your adventure will take you! Please do not feel you must see the entire Museum & Theatre in one visit. In fact, it is beneficial for your child to spend more time in one exhibit so he or she can become further engaged in discovery and learning.
The Museum serves as an indispensable resource for families and educators, helping to create a broad community devoted to our children’s development and learning.A hands-on museum where the whole family can play, learn and explore. Named one of the top 12 children's museums in the U.S. by Forbes Magazine.
There are so many things to do and see here at the Museum! As you enter our front lobby, make sure you and your child(ren) check out our spinning exhibit wheel. Take a spin and see where your adventure will take you! Please do not feel you must see the entire Museum & Theatre in one visit. In fact, it is beneficial for your child to spend more time in one exhibit so he or she can become further engaged in discovery and learning.
COLOR ME
MINE
Color
Me Mine is a paint your own pottery studio where you can have fun painting in a
fun and creative way.
With many different bisque items stocked and new pieces added continually, there are plenty of styles from which to choose. In addition to our vast array of dinnerware, you can select items from our garden, kids, bathroom and interior decor section. With unique pieces such as vases and cookie jars, platters and bowls, dolphins and fairies, dogs and cats, there truly is something for everyone.
We also have the best selection of tools and techniques guaranteed to help you make the most of your masterpiece. Best of all, we can help you! In town for just a few days - come paint your own souvenir and we will ship it to your home. Have the kids put their handprints on a platter or paint a lighthouse to mark your vacation.
With many different bisque items stocked and new pieces added continually, there are plenty of styles from which to choose. In addition to our vast array of dinnerware, you can select items from our garden, kids, bathroom and interior decor section. With unique pieces such as vases and cookie jars, platters and bowls, dolphins and fairies, dogs and cats, there truly is something for everyone.
We also have the best selection of tools and techniques guaranteed to help you make the most of your masterpiece. Best of all, we can help you! In town for just a few days - come paint your own souvenir and we will ship it to your home. Have the kids put their handprints on a platter or paint a lighthouse to mark your vacation.
FRIENDS OF
THE KOTZSCHMAR ORGAN
The
Kotzschmar Organ is the oldest working municipal pipe organ in the United
States.
The Kotzschmar Organ was a gift to the City of Portland, Maine, by publishing magnate Cyrus Curtis. Built by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut, it was the second largest organ in the world when it was installed in Portland City Hall Auditorium in 1912.
Whether you are drawn to the music, the world-renowned artists who travel to play here, the historical significance of the pipe organ or the excellence of our educational programs, make a point to visit the Kotzschmar Organ on your next trip to Portland, Maine.
The Kotzschmar Organ was a gift to the City of Portland, Maine, by publishing magnate Cyrus Curtis. Built by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut, it was the second largest organ in the world when it was installed in Portland City Hall Auditorium in 1912.
Whether you are drawn to the music, the world-renowned artists who travel to play here, the historical significance of the pipe organ or the excellence of our educational programs, make a point to visit the Kotzschmar Organ on your next trip to Portland, Maine.
PORTLAND
MUSEUM OF ART
Discover
three centuries of art and architecture at the Portland Museum of Art. As the
largest and oldest art museum in the state of Maine, the Portland Museum of Art
serves as a vital cultural resource for all who visit.The Museum’s collection
of more than 17,000 objects is housed in a complex of historic and remarkable
buildings showcasing three centuries of art and architecture.
Explore the Museum's extensive collection of fine and decorative arts dating from the 18th century to the present, housed in three architecturally significant buildings. Experience the rich artistic heritage of Maine and the United States through the work of world-class artists. Visit the Museum's changing exhibitions and dynamic educational programs that include family festivals, lectures, art classes, musical performances, and much more.
With our constantly changing exhibitions and permanent collection, a diverse selection of fine and decorative art is always on view. Don't forget to visit our Museum Cafe and Shop.
Explore the Museum's extensive collection of fine and decorative arts dating from the 18th century to the present, housed in three architecturally significant buildings. Experience the rich artistic heritage of Maine and the United States through the work of world-class artists. Visit the Museum's changing exhibitions and dynamic educational programs that include family festivals, lectures, art classes, musical performances, and much more.
With our constantly changing exhibitions and permanent collection, a diverse selection of fine and decorative art is always on view. Don't forget to visit our Museum Cafe and Shop.
FIFTH MAINE
REGIMENT MUSEUM
The
Fifth Maine Regiment Memorial Hall was built in 1888 as the “Headquarters” of
the Fifth Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry 1861-1864. For nearly sixty years
the veterans and their families summered here, enjoying the cooling ocean
breezes and magnificent view from the verandah of their beloved cottage. Under
the stewardship of the Fifth Maine Regiment Community Association, the Hall is
maintained as a Civil War and local history museum and a cultural center for
our Island community.
Located on Peaks Island in Casco Bay we invite you to come visit and enjoy our site.
Peaks Island is a 15 minute ferry ride from the Portland waterfront. Take the Peaks Island ferry from Casco Bay Lines. From the Peaks wharf, go straight up the hill and turn right onto Island Avenue. Then turn right onto the second paved road - Whitehead Street. At the end of Whitehead, turn left onto Seashore Avenue. The Fifth Maine is the large yellow building on your right. It's just a 10 minute walk from the wharf.
Please call ahead to confirm open hours as times may vary. (207) 766-3330
Located on Peaks Island in Casco Bay we invite you to come visit and enjoy our site.
Peaks Island is a 15 minute ferry ride from the Portland waterfront. Take the Peaks Island ferry from Casco Bay Lines. From the Peaks wharf, go straight up the hill and turn right onto Island Avenue. Then turn right onto the second paved road - Whitehead Street. At the end of Whitehead, turn left onto Seashore Avenue. The Fifth Maine is the large yellow building on your right. It's just a 10 minute walk from the wharf.
Please call ahead to confirm open hours as times may vary. (207) 766-3330
FIRST PARISH
PORTLAND
The
history of the First Parish Church is linked to the founding of Portland and of
Maine. This Unitarian-Universalist church, the oldest house of worship in the
city, was commissioned in 1824 to replace "Old Jerusalem," a wooden
structure built in 1740. "Old Jerusalem" was damaged by British
cannonballs in 1775; the Maine Constitution was drafted in the church building
in 1819. First Parish is listed on National Register of Historic Places.
As a recognized Welcoming Congregation, we invite people of all genders, races, abilities and sexual/affectional orientation to join our community. We do our best to include all people, and offer assistive listening devices and large-print hymnals and orders of service. Our Meeting House and Parish House are wheel-chair accessible, and we are working to make more of our campus welcoming and accessible. We offer childcare during Worship and other First Parish activities.
Historic Tours tours are held on Friday & Saturday from 10am-2pm, and Sunday 12-4pm
As a recognized Welcoming Congregation, we invite people of all genders, races, abilities and sexual/affectional orientation to join our community. We do our best to include all people, and offer assistive listening devices and large-print hymnals and orders of service. Our Meeting House and Parish House are wheel-chair accessible, and we are working to make more of our campus welcoming and accessible. We offer childcare during Worship and other First Parish activities.
Historic Tours tours are held on Friday & Saturday from 10am-2pm, and Sunday 12-4pm
MUSEUM AT
PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT
Portland
Head Light is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth that sits at the entrance
of the shipping channel into Casco Bay. The head light was the first built by
the United States government, and is now a part of Fort Williams Park. The
Museum at Portland Head Light is contained within the former Keepers' Quarters.
The award winning Museum contains a number of lighthouse lenses and
interpretative displays.
The adjacent ninety acre Fort Williams Park offers picnic facilities, hiking opportunities, sports and recreation areas, historic fort structures, and unlimited ocean views. The Museum at Portland Head Light and the Gift Shop are open daily from Memorial Day through October 31st; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From mid April to Memorial Day and November through mid-December open weekends only 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission fee is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children age 6-18. Children younger than 6 are free.
The adjacent ninety acre Fort Williams Park offers picnic facilities, hiking opportunities, sports and recreation areas, historic fort structures, and unlimited ocean views. The Museum at Portland Head Light and the Gift Shop are open daily from Memorial Day through October 31st; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From mid April to Memorial Day and November through mid-December open weekends only 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission fee is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children age 6-18. Children younger than 6 are free.
PORTLAND
FIRE MUSEUM
The
Portland Fire Museum houses an amazing collection of fire related art and
artifacts from the 18th century to the present. Come and visit this hidden gem
in the Arts District of Portland. The Portland Fire Museum is operated by the
Portland Veteran Firemen's Association (PVFA).
The PFVA has as much history as the building where the museum is located. The PVFA consists of retired and current Portland Firefighters. The Portland Fire Museum in actually the PVFA collection which has been accrued over the last one hundred-eleven years. Firefighters, preserving their past.
Displays are continually being changed and improved and cosmetic improvements to the interior of the building to present this world class fire museum in the best light.
The PFVA has as much history as the building where the museum is located. The PVFA consists of retired and current Portland Firefighters. The Portland Fire Museum in actually the PVFA collection which has been accrued over the last one hundred-eleven years. Firefighters, preserving their past.
Displays are continually being changed and improved and cosmetic improvements to the interior of the building to present this world class fire museum in the best light.
VICTORIA
MANSION
One
of the most important historic house museums and collections of the mid Victorian
period anywhere in America. Built 1858-1860, the Mansion’s intact interiors were
designed by Gustave Herter and still boast over 90% of the furnishings he
designed for the original owner. Also known as the Morse-Libby House, the
Mansion was built as a summer home for Ruggles Sylvester Morse, a Maine native
who made his fortune in New Orleans as the proprietor of luxury hotels. The
quality and preservation of its interiors make Victoria Mansion an unparalleled
example of pre-Civil War grandeur.
MAINE NARROW
GAUGE RAILROAD COMPANY & MUSEUM
Enjoy
a scenic waterfront train ride along beautiful Casco Bay! Museum features
kid-friendly activities & exhibits on Maine's two-foot railroad history.
Open daily May-October & seasonally year round. Just a short walk from Old
Port! Visit our website to view the full train schedule along with our special
events calendar.
Hours of Operation: The museum is open 10am-4pm. Trains run on the hour at 10am, 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Hours of Operation: The museum is open 10am-4pm. Trains run on the hour at 10am, 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
MAINE ISLAND
KAYAK
Explore
pristine beaches, hidden coves and beautiful islands with Registered Maine
Guides. Since 1986 Maine Island Kayak Co. has provided unusual journeys,
structured courses, and great trips among outer islands of the world. We travel
in small groups to minimize our impact and enhance the quality of your
experience.
A full or half-day trip is a great way to get out on the water! Whether you're interested in a unique way to see coastal Maine, or are interested in trying out kayaking, or if you want a more in-depth look at the bay with a knowledgeable local Registered Maine Guide you'll find a great day with us on Casco Bay.
A full or half-day trip is a great way to get out on the water! Whether you're interested in a unique way to see coastal Maine, or are interested in trying out kayaking, or if you want a more in-depth look at the bay with a knowledgeable local Registered Maine Guide you'll find a great day with us on Casco Bay.
PORTLAND
PADDLE
Portland
Paddle offers sea kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, guided trips and
lessons at the East End Beach on Portland’s waterfront. Our goal is to make it
easy and affordable for Portland residents and visitors to experience Casco
Bay.
Portland Paddle’s tours provide a chance to safely explore some of the most interesting and beautiful kayaking destinations in Casco Bay. You'll be accompanied by an experienced Maine Guide with a wealth of knowledge about the sport of sea kayaking and the rich culture and natural history of the area. Our guided trips are for everyone - from complete beginners to expert kayakers who'd like to become more familiar with the Bay.
Portland Paddle’s tours provide a chance to safely explore some of the most interesting and beautiful kayaking destinations in Casco Bay. You'll be accompanied by an experienced Maine Guide with a wealth of knowledge about the sport of sea kayaking and the rich culture and natural history of the area. Our guided trips are for everyone - from complete beginners to expert kayakers who'd like to become more familiar with the Bay.
reference sites
http://www.visitportland.com/
I
felt like I'd been misplaced in the cosmos and I belonged in Maine.
Terry Goodkind
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