Now that we have rambled in other parts of the city, we will return to the Old Port with its quaint streets, mid-19th century buildings and layers of Portland history. Boothby Square, just a block up from the waterfront is bordered on one end by the Customs House. It is quintessential Portland with cobblestone streets,Continue reading “Maine – Portland: The Old Port and Other Favorites”
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Maine – Portland: Congress Street’s Three Squares
After the leisurely walks we have been taking for the last couple of weeks, we are going to drive down the rest of Congress Street so fasten your seat belts and come along for a colorful narrated ride…. The first thing we see as we cross Franklin Street (also known as the Arterial) is LincolnContinue reading “Maine – Portland: Congress Street’s Three Squares”
Maine – Portland: Congress Street from Munjoy Hill to Federal Street
The longest continuous street in Portland is Congress Street and it runs from Casco Bay all the way out past the Jetport for the entire length of the city. The American Planning Association designated it one of the “Great Places in America.” As they tell the story, the street began “as an access road forContinue reading “Maine – Portland: Congress Street from Munjoy Hill to Federal Street”
Maine – Portland: The Eastern Promenade
Portland is full of parks, but the Eastern Promenade (or “Prom” as locals call it) is the city’s largest park and the jewel in her crown. In the early days of the city, these 78 acres with their spectacular view of Casco Bay were privately owned and were used for grazing cattle. In 1837 theContinue reading “Maine – Portland: The Eastern Promenade”
Maine – Portland: Shore Walk
Even though Portland is the largest city in Maine, it is possible to leave it behind by taking a short walk along the shore of Casco Bay. A great place to start is the corner of Commercial and Franklin Streets, one of the busiest traffic intersections in the city, and it is also where theContinue reading “Maine – Portland: Shore Walk”
Maine – Portland: A Waterfront Walk – Part 2
[NOTE: I am resuming the waterfront walk I started last week. Hopefully, you are refreshed and ready for more of Portland’s colorful history and current events.] “May You have Fair Winds and Following Seas” are the words on the sign above us as we leave DiMillo’s parking lot to finish our ramble through Portland’s wharvesContinue reading “Maine – Portland: A Waterfront Walk – Part 2”
Maine – Portland: A Waterfront Walk – Part 1
We awoke to such a promising morning that we decided to take a walk here in Portland. My personal history in this city runs only thirteen years deep, but that is enough time for me to have seen major changes and to learn a little of the city’s history. We set off intending to takeContinue reading “Maine – Portland: A Waterfront Walk – Part 1”
Maine – Prouts Neck: Looking for Winslow Homer
Winslow Homer’s paintings with waves crashing onto the rocky shore of Prouts Neck are among his most famous works and they were done just a twenty-minute drive from Portland, Maine. On the day we decided to go looking for Homer, the sky was clear of any clouds and the weather was beginning to hint ofContinue reading “Maine – Prouts Neck: Looking for Winslow Homer”
Vermont – Rockingham: Antiques & A New Mop
We needed a new dust mop. Our old, formerly yellow mop head had chased so many dust bunnies over the years that now when I took it outside for a vigorous shake it no longer had the strength to cling to its wire base and was prone to try to fly off toward dust mopContinue reading “Vermont – Rockingham: Antiques & A New Mop”
Maine – Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach
The oldest house in Biddeford is a historical gem in the rough. John Tarr’s House was probably built in 1730 and is located at 29 Ferry Lane, at the point where the lane ends at the Saco River. The land was part of Richard Vines’ 1630 land grant, and in 1686, it was deeded toContinue reading “Maine – Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach”
