10 Eco Friendly Activities Portland Maine

Nov 2014

Maine is well known as one of America’s most beautiful seacoast states. The rugged coastline and many lighthouses offer a typical New England experience. Portland is an ideal getaway from Boston. About 100 miles north, it has much to offer in all the seasons. Whether you’re visiting when the sun is bright or when the snow flies, here are 10 eco friendly activities in Portland, Maine. The Old Port gives a taste of the working waterfront and is ideal for a walking tour. Parks and hiking are plenty in the surrounding area; the activities listed here are all within walking distance of the Old Port so you can either take the train from Boston, or get to town and park your car for the weekend.

Portland Headlight is an iconic lighthouse you can see on the way into Portland proper if you choose to take a coastal drive. The beauty of the surroundings offer multiple photo ops. Portland is a typical New England seaside town where you can get a great dose of the mariner experience. In addition, it also offers a wide assortment of other eco friendly activities in culture, shopping, farm to table dining and the great outdoors. The city is easy to navigate with a decent pair of walking shoes and in winter, warm layers to protect from the icy breeze coming off Casco Bay.

The state of Maine has been named as the 2nd most bike friendly state in the country. Find more than 200 bike trails in Portland, 10 miles of which stretch across the city limits. Most of the ride is fairly flat and a cool breeze comes off the waterfront in summer. Ride your bike or take a run to the Eastern Promenade where the 2.1 mile trail will afford you gorgeous views of Casco Bay. The Peak’s Bay Loop can be reached by ferry and is a 4 mile ride that circles the island. Pack a lunch of local goodies and make a day of it. In the summer, make sure to get out early, as the ferries can get crowded, especially if you are bringing a bike. Gorham Bike and Ski is a good place for a rental.

Mead is the oldest of fermented beverages in the United States. HoneyMaker Mead makes their version with locally sourced honey, pure water and a proprietary yeast strain. You can visit the tasting room and sample limited releases of additional flavors that include lavender, strawberry, and my favorite, elderberries. Daily tours will let you in on the process of making this small batch beverage.

The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is an historic property and museum operated by the Historical Society in the heart of downtown Portland. Three generations of the famous family occupied this residence, and all made significant contributions to the cultural and political fabric of our society. The interior has been preserved and artifacts are original to the household. Behind the house is a lovely garden in the Colonial Revival style. This landmark building represents an important tie to the past illustrating the changes in style and technology that took place over three generations in the 19th century.

Portland has an abundance of hand crafted artisan beers. With nearly 50 breweries in the area the Maine Brew Bus is a safe way to “drive to drink local”. Offering a variety of different tours to choose from, some include food, and not all involve beer. Each trip includes an extensive list of local beverages which will give you a great overview of the local offerings. Fermented tea, cider, mead, kombucha and of course beer are all part of the libations available to taste while not worrying about getting behind the wheel.

The Portland Museum offers a treasure trove of three centuries of art and decorative works. Famous names such as Nevelson, Wyeth, Monet and Picasso as well as a comprehensive collection of Winslow Homer paintings range from the 1800’s to the present. Fans of Homer will delight in an off site visit to his newly restored studio {reservations are necessary}. Insider tip-the museum is free from 5-9 pm Friday evenings.

Portland has a long history of water sports in the area. Casco Bay offers a primo spot for kayaking or paddle boarding. Portland Paddle offers lessons and tours, is conveniently located with parking and provides the perfect spot to explore the islands off shore teeming with abundant wildlife. Sunset is an especially beautiful chance to observe the lobsterman coming in with their catch or nesting birds in the area.

The Portland Observatory is the only remaining wooden signal tower left in the United States. Climbing to the top will reward you with breathtaking 360 views of Portland and beyond. Built in 1807, it is the a beloved symbol of the city’s rich maritime history.

The Saturday and Wednesday Farmer’s Market is a great place to spend the morning. With a history stretching back over 200 years, you’ll find the same fruits and vegetables that used to be peddled door to door in unusual hand carts many years ago, along with eggs, poultry, honey and cheeses. Meet the locals, enjoy terrific coffee and produce from Maine. Jazz musicians are often in attendance and don’t miss the Maine blueberries if they are in season. These little morsels are so different from what you are used too. Tiny in size, they are packed with flavor. Winter sees the market move inside and there are food trucks in addition to the market’s wintertime harvest.

The Victoria Mansion is thought to be one of the most important pre-Civil War mansions still in existence. The architecturally striking home was built between 1858 and 1860 as a summer house for Maine native and luxury hotel owner, Ruggles Morse. Throughout the house you an see examples of that luxury in the rich paneling, gilded surfaces and sumptuous carpets and textiles. All are over the top in scale. The exterior only hints as the level of detail in the interior. History buffs and anyone interested in design will be amazed at the experience.

Scenic cruises from the Casco Bay Ferry vary in length from 1.5 to 3.5 hours with stops along the way and the opportunity to get off and stretch your legs. Catch a sun rise or sun set and if you shop beforehand, enjoy a picnic featuring fresh and local ingredients available from many Portland locations. Peaks Island is a quick 17 minutes away. You can hike,ride your bike, enjoy the beach {and pretty frigid water} or have a lovely meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.