when i think of maine i think of being outside under a clear blue sky, relaxing in an adirondack chair with a good book and eating fresh picked blueberries as a cool breeze blows in off the water. i have fond memories from childhood of painting my uncle’s canoe green and picking raspberries across the lake for a homemade pie i baked with my aunt. sadly i haven’t been back to maine since, but after getting to know the local artists over the past few weeks in the regional roundup, i definitely have an itch to go back asap. lucky for us the amazingly talented karen gelardi and maria vettese have compiled fantastic city guide of the city they call home. click here to read more. enjoy! [thanks karen and maria!] -anne
{image by shannon bullard for gocardboston}
ARTS DISTRICT
Whitney Artworks
A beautiful space right in the heart of the arts district featuring many different mediums. There always seems to be a buzz about this gallery and the work is definitely worth a stop.
Institute of Contemporary Art and Maine College of Art
This space is associated with the College and usually has interesting shows hanging. Again it is in a great string of galleries which makes it an easy stop for all art-wanderers.
SPACE Gallery
A simple space featuring art, film and music, Space is part of the heart of the artistic scene here in Portland. Definitely check in with their schedule if you are visiting because they will likely have a day-time or evening-time event not to be missed.
Four Walls Gallery
This is one of the newer galleries in town that has already shown some wonderful work. Being just down the street from Space doesn’t hurt so you can swing by both places and see what is going on. They are closed on Sunday and Monday but open till 6pm most evenings.
Portland Museum
A very nice stop for a short museum visit, the Portland Museum is free on Fridays and has a beautiful show space in the front that rotates work in and out. They also have lectures, children’s activities and special events. Certainly this is a stop for any art-lover.
EAST END
angela adams
One of Portland’s claims-to-fame! angela adams is always stocked with beautiful, inspiring goods reflecting the natural surroundings here in Maine. They recently opened a showroom in the back of the retail shop where they feature their couture one-of-a-kind rugs and handcrafted furniture; these beauties are not to be missed!
Portland Observatory
Built in 1807, this tower is a very special Portland landmark. In the Summer you can take a 45 minute tour most days and learn all about the sea captain-turned-entrepreneur who ordered it built and get a great view of the city. This spot is tucked into the East End so you can take a peek at some beautiful old houses on the promenade just down the way.
East End Beach
Just beyond the Portland Observatory, if you are taking that walking tour, don’t miss the East End Beach and walking path. You can walk right along the ocean on the edge of the peninsula and feel the ocean breeze in your hair; it’s wonderful!
Carlson & Turner
A very unique shop filled with treasures for all book and art-lovers. You could get lost in here for quite some time.
ferdinand
Certainly this is the flagship shop in this East End area of special little shops … Diane has great taste and has supported the craft/art movement for ages. This is a perfect place to stop to pick up treats for your friends, family and of course yourself. Schedule your time on the East End around Ferdinand’s hours so you can make sure to get in and peek around.
Eli Phant
This new shop/gallery houses work from many wonderful artists and craftspersons. Along this end of Congress, just down the street from angela adams, there are so many great little finds like this one.
KnitWit
Tons of amazing yarns and knitting supplies. Need we say more?! A lovely shop with helpful staff and plenty of goodness for any knitting soul.
Homegrown Herb & Tea
Just a few paces up the street from these East End shops, this tea shop is one-of-a-kind in Portland. The owner makes all of the blends while you wait and you can even have a little something to snack on as well. This is a great spot to sit and rest your feet and recharge your soul after an afternoon of wandering.
Z Fabrics
A precious little fabric shop which will only take a moment to stop in (it’s so tiny and adorable).
More
A tiny studio space housing the work of two artists. You may find the door open or closed but certainly it’s always nice to peek in and see what is brewing in this light-filled space.
field
Right next door to More, field always has something extraordinary to look at. This small space, run by two artists who do just about everything, features installation art rotating in and out every few months.
Two Fat Cats
Cupcakes, cupcakes, cupcakes!!! … from scratch.
Rabelais
A must for any food and book lover! This independent bookshop is delightful and so are its owners. Not only do they carry any and all books about food that you might want, they also have arts events and usually have a show hanging in their shop. Really, this is a shop not to be missed.
WEST END
Great Houses
Just give yourself an hour to wander this neighborhood and enjoy the quiet beautiful streets and cobblestone paths. It’s especially lovely in the Spring and Fall when you can see the trees either going to sleep for the Winter or coming out for the party in the Spring. Take your time and enjoy this part of town for all its worth.
Bonobo
After you walk around the West End you can pop into Bonobo for an afternoon slice. They are a wonderful neighborhood spot with wonderful pizza and great beers on tap.
OLD PORT
Casco Bay Lines
It’s very important to take a boat trip if you’re visiting Portland. Going out on the water shows a great view of Casco Bay and helps you understand the town and what it’s all about. A favorite is the evening Sunset Cruise or the morning Mail Boat Run. On a beautiful day you can’t beat the ferry!
Edith and Edna
Along with Ferdinand, Edith and Edna carry a wide variety of artist and handmade goods. This shop is a wonderful place to go to check out both local artists work and not-so-local and the owners curate it very well.
Sea Bags
Right down on the water/docks you will find the offices of Sea Bags tucked away. These bags, made of old sails, are sewn right out of their Old Port space and are each one-of-a kind.
Rogues Gallery
Just seeing the inside of this beautiful space is worth the trip down Wharf Street. Handling mainly men’s clothing, Rogues Gallery has always been a Portland darling with great t-shirts and hip casual clothing. Even though the space is small you could get lost in here looking at all the nooks and crannies so give yourself some time to take it all in.
Standard Baking Co.
Bread, baked goods, coffee and tea … this is a great place to stop in to replenish down in the Old Port. The croissants are out of this world!
Books etc
Portland loves its local bookshops and Books Etc is one of the best. Its charming size and staff will help you pick something out just right and with many book events each week, make sure to grab a schedule from the desk.
Maple’s
Seriously the best of the cold stuff in town! Using all natural ingredients really makes the difference and the homemade waffle cones are unreal. Skip the Coldstone down the street and head to Maple’s … you won’t be sorry.
Longfellow Books
Another of the local independent bookshops with a great magazine section! Longfellow has lots of readings and signings so it’s good to keep an eye on their schedule or just pop in and see what you find.
CAPE ELIZABETH / SOUTH PORTLAND
Front Room Gallery
A cultural outpost on the way to some serious coastal hotspots (like the Portland Headlight and Crescent Beach State Park). Exhibits by Maine artists (like Patrick Corrigan and Greta Bank) mix in with Odd Inq’s pottery by Jon White. The matte green glazes of the ceramic vases are just amazing and so are the one-of-a-kind Beeswax Lamps.
Scratch Baking Company
Their bagels are amazing and it’s the perfect place to pull together a picnic before heading around the corner to Willard Beach.
158 Picket Street Cafe
Also near Willard Beach, this is a popular, very casual spot for breakfast. Equally delicious bagels and a place to read the paper on a Sunday morning (although it is much quieter on other days!). With a charming backyard to sit in what more does one need in the Summer?
Portland Headlight
http://www.portlandheadlight.com/
Rumor has it that this is the most photographed lighthouse in the state. Or maybe the world!??? Portland Headlight is located at Fort Williams Park which is a one-stop destination for all things associated with coastal fun times. Walking paths, picnic spots with grills and tables, swimming, fort structures, a little museum, little gift shop, spectacular views, crashing waves, wide open spaces.
Crescent Beach State Park
http://www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=4
This beach is so serene and wonderful. Special features—the classic state park entry gate and the snack shack (which does not interfere with a very pure ocean beach experience believe it or not).
WESTBROOK
westbrookartsandculture.com
In search of studio space, creative Portlanders have migrated to Westbrook where a Fourth Friday Art Walk is just starting to take shape. Celebrate and support the pioneers!!
BRUNSWICK
Frontier
Westbrook has its Dana Warp Mill and Brunswick has the beloved Fort Andross Mill, home to Frontier. An essential gathering place for the area as well as a spot to eat great food and be challenged by provocative films.
Whatnot Gallery at Spindleworks
Spindelworks is a non-profit art center for adults with disabilities. They produce some amazing goods and have a very creative way of helping those in need.