Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall: The Portland Stage company was founded in 1974. This theatre has seven live productions a season with an average audience of 50,000 a season. The Stage Company produces programs that look at basic human issues and concerns related to the communities in its surrounding area. The theatre offers a pre and post show discussion, play notes and in-school workshops. The Portland Stage Company attempts to make their shows appealing to people of all ages and interests. Occasional classics like “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens are also displayed. So if you like musicals, drama and live theatre, then you should make this part of your winter plans.
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Related Maine To Do’s: Family, Theatre, Play, Shows, Concerts, Productions
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall: A visit to the Portland Symphony Orchestra is a great way to see local talent from the New England area. The Orchestra is made up of 85 musicians and has been part of Portland’s history for the past 82 years. If you would like to take in some of the local history, plus be entertained by an organization that has one of the very best reputations and performances, then this is the place to go. With symphonies ranging from classical, Christmas, educational, and some that feature the chamber ensembles or the full orchestra. So when it’s too cold or too wet outside, you can still head out to the Symphony for a wonderful evening.
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Related Maine To Do’s: Symphony, Orchestra, Family, Musicians, Music
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall: The Merrill Auditorium is a 1,900 seat facility that was built in 1912 to replace two auditoriums that burned down in a fire. When this auditorium was built to replace them, they were given an amazing 5,000 multiple sided pipe organ which has been incorporated into the stage. Merrill Auditorium is the place to go if you are interested in the performing arts. There are performances of all types including symphony, orchestra, broadway shows like “Rent”, opera, jazz, comedy, and blues. Concerts are also held at the auditorium where you can see popular rock n’ roll bands, hip hop, country, and several others. Children’s programming is available as well. A visit to the Merrill Auditorium is a great way to spend the day.
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Related Maine To Do’s: Performing Arts, Auditorium, Symphony, Orchestra, Concerts, Bands, Entertainment, Family
Summer, Fall: If you love to eat Maine clams (steamers) you might enjoy a day of clamming. It’s fairly easy to do really and clams are plentiful in Maine. The mud flats in Scarborough, Maine or anywhere along the Maine coastline are prime clam digging grounds. Of course, the first thing you will need is a license. Many towns sell clamming licenses for the day and those same towns will be happy to tell you where you can and can not clam. A good place around the Portland Maine area is the clam flats surrounding Ferry Beach in Scarborough Maine. Here is what you want to do. First get a license. Then go to the clam flats on a falling tide, at low tide or at the earlier stages of the incoming tide. Then, just walk and look for holes in the mud. The holes will typically be the same circumphrance as your index finger. There is a clam down there! You can use a rake, but that can be overkill. Your hands will do, but be sure to wear gloves. Another great tool is a plunger. Plung, rake or dig a hole with your hands about a foot deep. Be careful not to break the clam and very careful not to cut your finger when reaching down to extract the clam from its hole. The top edges of the clam are sharp, so grab carefully. After finding and digging your first few clams you will get fairly quick at the job and the goal is to harvest a fair amount of them before the tide comes in and washes away your hopes of having enough for dinner! This is a fun activity for individuals, couples or families to enjoy.
Related Maine To Do’s: Portland, Southern Maine, Clam Chowder, Seafood, Beaches, Family, Kids, Eating
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall: If you find yourself in the Portland Maine area and want to experience some peace and quiet, you should consider a visit to Mackworth Island. It is only a stones throw from the city in the town of Falmouth and connected by a bridge near the mouth of the the Presumpscot River. If you head out the city of Portland and hop on 295 north, look right over Casco Bay and you will see Mackworth Island. This is a great place to visit any time of year. There is 100 acres of land and a 1.25 mile walking trail that circles the isalnd. You will be able to see all kinds of sea birds, lobster and commercial boats working Casco Bay and get a nice view of the city of Portland, Maine. It only takes an hour or so to walk the trail. So, even if its winter get out of your apartment, house or hotel and go breath the fresh air at Mackworth Island. The walk will do you good. Keep an eye out for seals too, as they can often be seen from Mackworth Island. And, if it is spring, summer or fall bring a fishing rod because some great Striped Bass and Bluefishing opportunities exist around the island. Mackworth Island has some amazing rock structures and protected little coves that make for the perfect place to just sit at, photograph or paint.
