Tag Archives: Portland

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Leaving Portland, Maine, I wanted to take the beach route and visit the small community of Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  With only 9,000 full-time residents, this vacation spot swells to nearly 75,000 in the summer.

Old Orchard Beach was first settled in 1657 by Salem native, Thomas Rogers naming it the Garden of the Sea.  Planting grape vines and pear trees, it was the apple orchard that gave this beach its name.

Seven miles of beach extend from Scarborough to Saco and is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Old Orchard Beach.  Seaside condominiums, beach homes on stilts and charming bed-and-breakfasts cater to vacationers who come from the east coast, mid-Atlantic and Canada.

At the center of the beach is the famous Old Orchard Beach Pier, built in 1898, measuring 500 feet in length.  Bars and restaurants were built on the pier and there was once a ballroom at its end known as the of the Pier Casino.  While the casino no longer exists, there are shops, carnival food stalls and a club at the end of the Pier.

By the early 20th century, a seaside amusement park was built on four acres of beach property to promote tourism.  It is one of the last parks along the east coast that remains in operation today.

Have you visited Old Orchard Beach on vacation?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my quick stop in Old Orchard Beach and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stroll Orchard Beach and Visit the Pier

Where to Stay:

Old Orchard Beach Inn
6 Portland Avenue
Old Orchard Beach, ME  04064
Telephone:  207 934 5834

Where to Eat:

Joseph’s by the Sea
55 West Grand Avenue
Old Orchard Beach, ME  04064
Telephone:  207 934 5044

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster

Charming Portland, Maine

Approaching the historic city of Portland, I arrived from the south crossing Casco Bay Bridge.  By way of 1A, I reached DiMillo’s on the Water for lunch.  I was excited for fresh seafood and a waterfront view.

I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp and Wedge Salad as starters.  There were so many amazing options on the menu, so I chose the Lobster Roll sandwich with a side of cole slaw.  Absolutely amazing!

Tony DiMillo first opened his restaurant, Anthony’s in 1954 because of his love for seafood.  Located on Fore Street in Old Port, Tony’s business flourished, bringing in business from both locals and visitors alike.  Anthony’s continued to grow, moving to Center Street, and by the late 70’s, he purchased and reinvented the Long Wharf transforming it into “DiMillo’s Marina”.  With 120 slips, boaters had the opportunity to dock and enjoy a fresh seafood meal with a spectacular view. The current restaurant opened in 1982 as “DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant” as the only one of its kind along the Upper East Coast, accommodating over 600 guests.  DiMillo’s legacy lives on as his family continues to create an exceptional dining experience with incredible views of Portland’s Harbor.

Although I could have stayed here all afternoon looking out into the bay, I had planned to walk off my lunch and explore the Old Port.   With its cobblestone streets, I found myself lost in time visiting the specialty shops and boutiques.

My curiosity brought me to the holy donut to try a Maine-style donut.  Founded in 2010, Leigh Kellis uses a northern Maine recipe to create her amazing donuts.  Her special ingredient is riced potatoes which provide “added flavor, texture and consistency” to her 24 different flavors of donuts, including gluten-free selections.  I couldn’t resist ordering the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt and Maple Bacon flavors which were incredibly moist and absolutely delicious.

I was completely mistaken when I thought the Thirsty Pig was just another craft brewery and excited at the endless possibilities of pairing specialty hot dogs with local beers.  From the BBQ Bahn Mi to the Viking, there is not a combination they haven’t created.

Luxurious yachts docked along the waterways are registered from multiple states along the east coast.  What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon than to tie up in Portland and explore the interesting port.

I would have never guessed that Portland was a cruise ship stop and it was such a wonderful surprise to see the Grandeur of the Seas docked in town for the day.

Approaching the end of my walk, I came upon an amazing artistic installation designed by Andy Rosen, a South Portland artist.  Titled, “Unpack”, the display was created from fake fur, PVC pipe, foam, and aluminum piping.  According to Rosen’s website, “The work imagines a pack of once domesticated dogs turned wild and abandoned on a pier waiting for their “masters” to return.”

And so, it was time for me to make my return back to Boston to prepare for a morning of meetings.  I was happy that I took the time to visit the beautiful, artistic port town of Portland to explore its lighthouses, enjoy its deliciously fresh seafood and to experience its charm.

Have you visited Portland, Maine?  I would love to hear about your visit and the things that you experienced here if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Portland and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Holy Donut
177 Commercial Street
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone: 207 331 5655

The Thirsty Pig
37 Exchange Street
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone:  207 773 2469

Where to Stay:

Inn at St. John Portland In-Town
939 Congress Street
Portland, ME  04102
Telephone:  800 636 9127

Where to Eat:

DiMillos
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone:  207 772 2216

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster!

What to Read:

  • Delirium, by Lauren Oliver
  • Persuader, by Lee Child
  • Shelter in Place, by Nora Roberts
  • The Singing Trees, by Boo Walker
  • The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder

Photo Guide for Portland:

  • Boda Thai Kitchen
  • Casco Bay and the Portland Head Lighthouse
  • Crown Jewel
  • Drifter’s Wife
  • Eventide Oyster Company
  • Portland Head Lighthouse
  • The Press Hotel

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, Portland, Maine

There is only a ten minute drive between the Portland Head Lighthouse to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in  Portland.   As we travel the coast into the South Side of Portland, the views are spectacular with sailboats in the cove surrounded by million dollar mansions.

The lighthouse was completed in 1897 and is one of 49 caisson-style lighthouses in the United States that visitors can walk to.  It protects sailors from the dangerous ledge as they enter the Casco Bay and Portland Harbor, located at the end of the 950-foot breakwater.

Built by Thomas Dyer, the lighthouse measures 77 feet in height and was an integral part of protecting Portland’s growing harbor in the 1800s.   It was lit by William A. Lane on May 24, 1897.  The breakwater was added in 1951, built of 50, 000 tons of local granite.

The lighthouse was transferred to private ownership under the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 1996 and a trust was formed in 1998 to maintain Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and manage future restoration projects.

While visitors can walk along the breakwater for a closer view of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, guided tours begin after the Memorial Day weekend on Tuesdays and Thursdays and limited Saturdays from 11:30AM to 1:30PM as the weather allows.  The cost is $5 per person.  Private tours are also available for up to 12 people with a fee of $150.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse?  Did you take the guided tour?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my wonderful visit to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME  04106
Telephone: 866 570 5703

  • Admission:   Free
  • Hours:  Open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset
  • Amenities:  Guided tours, beach nearby,
  • Length of Your Tour:  1 – 2 hours to visit
  • Tips for Your Visit:  There is a beach and fort next to the lighthouse.  There is a small fee to enter the lighthouse and call ahead to schedule a tour.  Check the tide as it is best to visit during low tide.  Small parking area on the community college’s campus.

Where to Stay:

Inn at St. John Portland In-Town
939 Congress Street
Portland, ME  04102
Telephone:  800 636 9127

Where to Eat:

DiMillos
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone:  207 772 2216

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster!

What to Read:

  • Delirium, by Lauren Oliver
  • Persuader, by Lee Child
  • Shelter in Place, by Nora Roberts
  • The Singing Trees, by Boo Walker
  • The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder

Photo Guide for Portland:

  • Boda Thai Kitchen
  • Casco Bay and the Portland Head Lighthouse
  • Crown Jewel
  • Drifter’s Wife
  • Eventide Oyster Company
  • Portland Head Lighthouse
  • The Press Hotel

Fort Williams Park and the Portland Head Lighthouse

A stunning coastline and the charm of New England drew me to Portland, Maine while on a business trip to Boston.  With a few relaxing days, I would start my journey with a visit to the Portland Head Light and continue to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.  Adding a stroll of downtown Portland, I would explore the charming coastal towns in search of the best roadside lobster roll in the state.

Fort Williams Park is a ten-minute, southeast drive from downtown Portland.  The park offers a long list of activities to enjoy a beautiful afternoon along the coast of Cape Elizabeth.  Trails lead to the ruins of Fort Williams and with 90 acres of outdoor space, it is the perfect location for a picnic of lobster rolls, a scenic bike ride or for taking your dog on a walk.  The Portland Head Light was built by order of George Washington in 1791 and is closed to visitors.  The nearby museum provides a great overview of the lighthouse and its history. The Goddard House, completed in 1868 is another beautiful location at the park to explore.

Strolling along the rugged coastline, a sign dating over 100 years was painted into the rock announcing, “Annie C. Maguire shipwrecked here Christmas Eve 1886”. The Annie Maguire was a large, three-masted British barque ship that run aground along the shores near Portland Head Lighthouse.  With the help from the lighthouse keeper and his son, all thirteen passengers arrived safely.

The Goddard Mansion, built for lumber magnate John Goddard, was completed in 1858. Designed by architect Charles A. Alexander, the Italianate-style villa sits atop of a hill with spectacular views of Casco Bay and the lighthouse.  the Goddard family lived in the two-storied manor with a basement until his death in 1870. Three years later, the Army purchased land near the lighthouse and began building Fort Williams and by 1898 they acquired an additional 75 acres to include the home, converting it into military housing. Today, only the exterior structure remains and due to potential safety issues, it is not open to the public.

Before leaving Fort Williams Park towards Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, I returned to the Portland Head Lighthouse for a few additional photos.  As I watched the sailboats dropping anchor at the cape, I noticed a couple of kayakers navigating Casco Bay.  It was the perfect day with gorgeous weather and calm seas, so I decided to stay a few minutes more and enjoy a Lobster Roll with this spectacular view.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Fort Williams Park, the Portland Head Lighthouse and Goddard Mansion?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my time at Fort Williams Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME  04107
Telephone:  207 767 3707

  • Admission:   Free
  • Hours:  Open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset
  • Amenities:  Picnic shelter reservation, free guided tours by resident Jim Rowe
  • Length of Your Tour:  2 – 3 hours to visit
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early before the crowds and be prepared to pay for parking.

Where to Stay:

Inn at St. John Portland In-Town
939 Congress Street
Portland, ME  04102
Telephone:  800 636 9127

Where to Eat:

DiMillos
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone:  207 772 2216

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster!  Check out the many roadside shacks where you can choose your lobster, find a picnic table and bring your own beer and wine.

What to Read:

  • Delirium, by Lauren Oliver
  • Persuader, by Lee Child
  • Shelter in Place, by Nora Roberts
  • The Singing Trees, by Boo Walker
  • The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder

Photo Guide for Portland:

  • Boda Thai Kitchen
  • Casco Bay and the Portland Head Lighthouse
  • Crown Jewel
  • Drifter’s Wife
  • Eventide Oyster Company
  • Portland Head Lighthouse
  • The Press Hotel

Craving Kelly’s Roast Beef in Revere, Massachusetts

My friend, Dave and I would be driving along the east coast of Boston and then up to Portland, Maine with our home base in Saugus.  We picked up the rental car, spent a couple of hours sightseeing and I had become so hungry that even seeing food signs along the roadways were giving me stomach pangs.   Passing the “Leaning Tower of Pizza”, was pure torture.

Along the coast of Revere Beach is my go-to restaurant for a hearty roast beef sandwich.  By the time we had arrived, I could have eaten a whole cow, but it was much easier to order a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth roast beef which has made Kelly’s Roast Beef famous for years.  The restaurant opened in 1951 when Frank McCarthy and Raymond Carey invented the roast beef sandwich and it continues to serve thousands of locals and tourists each year.

According to the story, both McCarthy and Carey owned a hot dog stand  and worked together at a local restaurant which catered weddings.  So when the restaurant ran out of food for a wedding celebration, the two decided to take the leftover roast beef from the restaurant, put it between two slices of bread and invented the Original Roast Beef Sandwich.  The wedding mishap resulted in McCarthy and Carey going into business together and today they have  twelve locations throughout the coast of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida.

Kelly’s Roast Beef loves to make their customer happy, so their menu is made-to-order, just the way you like it….and I like it just the way it is.

Have you been to Kelly’s Roast Beef?  What did you order off of their menu?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Eat: 

Kelly’s Roast Beef
410 Revere Beach Boulevard
Revere, MA  02151
Telephone:  781 284 9129