Sept. 10 – Portland, ME

South Port Marine

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities." — Dr. Seuss

Portland is one of the few working waterfronts left in the United States, acting as New England’s largest tonnage seaport and second largest fishing port. Mixed in with the working waterfront is the Ole Port district that is a revitalized warehouse district with cobblestone streets, old brick buildings and quaint fishing piers, known for its chic boutique shopping, renowned dining and bustling nightlife…Portland is a foodie and craft brew lovers hotspot.

We skipped visiting Portland on our first trip to Maine; we read it was a hard place to find a mooring or marina that was protected from the wakes of ferries, tour boats and cargo ships. This year we decided to be brave and give the city a shot. We found a small marina in South Portland that is very protected and just a short bike ride away from all the attractions of Portland.

We enjoyed walking through the streets of the Ole Port and wandering through a few boutiques and the wharfs, but it’s a little too touristy for our tastes. There was a very large cruise ship in port today and the streets and shops were mobbed with people. To get away from the crowd we rode our bikes along the waterfront all the way around the city. It looks like a great place if you’re into brewpubs, trendy restaurants and nightlife…not really our scene. We returned to South Portland for the evening, more of a local laid back small town. We enjoyed visiting one of their brewpubs and then had tacos at Taco Trio…a very crowded local little hangout. We really enjoy local places more than touristy spots.

Fort Georges seats at the entrance to Portland's harbor. The fort was built to cover the northeastern approaches to the harbor. It was completed in 1865 as the war ended, a granite reminder of what might have been. It was obsolete by the time it was finished and never really used or needed.

Portland waterfront

Lobster boats on the wharf

Casco Bay Line ferries

Wharf Street in Portland

Foulmouthed Brewing

Their beers for the day.

Taco Trio is a very small place located on the main street...there were only 20 seats in the place.

I haven't had tacos in 6 months...these weren't quite as good as the ones at home, but they hit the spot.