Tag: Winter

Winter,Spring,Summer & Fall: Portland has a thriving arts scene that stems from a history of artist making their mark on this small but, defiantly urban town. The Arts District lines Congress Street down into the Old Port area. There are some amazing galleries that offer great collections of Maine, New England and national artist. In the center of it all is the Portland Museum of Art which is noted as one of the best art museums in New England offering a wide variety of collections and constant changing schedule of special exhibits. If you are looking for a way to experience all that Portland has to offer in the arts world you should plan on taking a self guided trip during one of the monthly First Friday Art Walks. This is a great way to explore some of the local galleries and art studios. One such gallery is located in the heart of the Old Port, Fore Street Gallery. Inside you will find many original works in oil and watercolor created by Maine artist. Fore Street specializes in works of art that revolved around the Maine coast with several paintings of Portland Harbor, Monhegan, Boothbay and Acadia. If you are looking for a gallery which offers a wide variety of mediums than Aucocisco is the place. Located in the center of the arts district on upper Congress Street visitors will find a wide assortment of paintings, photography, 3-D paintings and sculpture. Recently, Aucocisco featured an exhibition of sculpture, Richard VanBuren. His sculptures along with the blue, green color palette was reminiscent of coral reefs that you might find while snorkeling in the warm Carribean. Another great place to check out is Stein Gallery, which specializes in glass works featuring over 100 different artists. I love the glass jewelry that is on display with the unique designs this is one of my favorite stops. Take some time and discover Portland’s art scene, it’s worth the trip!

Winter,Spring,Summer & Fall: If you consider yourself to be a “foodie” and are looking for some great places to eat in Portland, you won’t be disappointed. With the selection you could have a different fare from a different part of the world and never repeat yourself for an entire week. Some of the hotspots in Portland have been around for years and consistently offer the best food available. Street & Co. is one such place. If you are looking for the freshest seafood prepared just about anyway you can imagine than this is the place to go. The selection is huge, the taste is out of this world and the reputation of this restaurant speaks for itself. Another great place to try is Walter’s Cafe on Exchange Street in the heart of the Old Port. The Greek Calamari salad is one of my favorite lunch picks and the dinner menu is creative and eclectic. They have a great cozy atmosphere that is warm and inviting. With a wonderful wine selection and homemade desserts that make your mouth water! A fun place to try if you are looking for Japanese is Fuji Restaurant. They have a huge assortment of sushi rolls and maki rolls. The downstairs is a fun atmosphere where dinner is cooked on tableside hibachi tables. You pick the protein and the chefs prepare it for you right before your eyes. This is a very popular place so you definitely want to make sure you make reservations. If you are in the mood for casual Italian than Vignola’s is the place to go. They offer earthy dishes made with organic ingredients and local meats, seafood and produce. The restaurants atmosphere is hip yet relaxed and the food makes this place top on many diners list of places to go. Portland offers a wide selection of fine, fun and casual eatting establishments it all depends on what you are in the mood for!

Winter,Spring,Summer & Fall: Looking for fun things to do with kids in the Portland area? Portland is full of great things for families to do both inside and out. The Children’s Museum is always a big hit with several learn by doing exhibits. The kids will love the interactive TV studio and being at the controls of the rocket ship. Another great place to visit is the Southworth Planetarium on the University of Southern Maine campus. They offer a whole host of programs that cater to all ages and have a great matinee schedule for the younger crowd. The Portland Public Library and their children’s room is always a big hit. Beside a huge assortment on children’s books they offer an event schedule which includes artist, performers and arts and craft days. If it’s time outside your kids are yearning for there is Spring Point Lighthouse in South Portland that’s a must do. Walking out on the breakwater to reach the lighthouse is always a fun adventure. In addition to a great sandy beach, there is also Fort Prebble which can be explored and enjoyed by the whole family. Another great outdoor venue is Deering Oaks Park. There is entertainment in the park, an ice cream stand, wading pool and great duck pond with paddle boats for visitors to enjoy also, don’t forget the playground! A stroll around Back Cove can definitely burn some energy and after you could stop by Payson Park and play a game of Frisbee or baseball on the fields overlooking Back Cove. Portland is a great place to take your family and with so many great activities to choose from it will easily become one of your kids favorite destination spots.

Summer,Spring,Winter & Fall: Looking for a fun place to hang out and enjoy some great food and drinks with friends? Then you should check out Bebe’s Burrito & Cantina in Biddeford. Bebe’s offers some of the best and freshest Mexican cuisine in the area in an eclectic setting where you are surrounded by cool art and a fun atmosphere. In addition to having a great menu and delicious food they also offer some of the regions best live music Thursday thru Saturday night. It’s a great place to stop in for happy hour and enjoy a nice icy margarita or a “South of the Border” beer. The happy hour runs from Tuesday to Friday with drink and half price appetizer specials. Bebe’s is a fun place to meet and a great place to eat!

Summer,Winter,Spring & Fall So you want to learn how to dance? Maplewood Dance Center is the place to go. They give lessons in many styles of dance from Ballroom, Waltz, Cha Cha, Salsa, Swing, Tango, Foxtrot and more. What a fun way to spend some time learning to dance from pros. If your not into taking lessons they also offer live entertainment and dances on a weekly basis. With a 3200 square foot dance floor you will find plenty of room to “cut the rug”. Friday nights is country dancing night with both line dancing and partner dancing and Saturday night is singles night for all ages. So if your in the mood to dance and feel like a night out you want want to check out what is happening at Maplewood Dance Center in Portland.