When traveling to Portland, Maine I didn’t know what to expect other than beautiful scenery and a lot of Lobster. However, it wasn’t until touring this wonderful city that I found out there was more depth than what meets the eye.
Whether you are thinking of traveling to or have visited this city in the past, here are 5 unique things about Portland Maine that you MUST read:
1.) Portland was a huge World War 2 city back in the day and is filled with so much history. Walking around Portland and it’s neighboring islands you will see many bunkers, sniper towers, and old canons.
World War 2 was an exciting time in Portland and the city was guarded very carefully. This was due to all the resources Maine has that made them afraid of being invaded – who could blame them? Forests, water, seafood, and an easy trading port – Portland seemed to have it all. This is why in parts of Casco Bay they had trip wires for submarines, multiple Forts, and sniper towers to be on high alert at all times.
Now, you can tour some of those forts on your own such as Fort Gorges. Fort Gorges is a little fort on it’s own island in the middle of Casco Bay. It’s accessible by boat and a great place for a quiet picnic. You can see this fort from Portland. Fun fact: The Trees growing on top of the fort was meant to stop Canons from falling on top of the fort of decrease the impact of the hit.
You can also see many of these forts, sniper towers, and canons when visiting Peaks Island! Keep reading to learn more about Peaks Island.
2.) Peaks Island is one of the islands off of Casco Bay across from the city that is only accessed by ferry. It’s a beautiful island, so peaceful and quiet. Here you will find even more World War 2 landmarks, privately owned lighthouses, gorgeous houses, and beautiful beaches overlooking the sea. You might even have a better chance of sightseeing for whales as it has clear views of the ocean rather than just a bay.
Fun Fact: Residents on the island have cars they call “Island Junkers” because they don’t have to be inspected or registered to drive around on the island. Another fun fact: Peaks Island is called, “The Coney Island of Maine”. Not sure if I agree with that.
3.) The Customs House is an elaborate building in the middle of Old Port offering tours year round by it’s very own federal employees. It closed down to the public back in 2001, and now is used as an office space with it’s very own dungeon, hidden/fake doors, and marble flooring. When stepping inside, it feels you are stepping back in time. It’s a gorgeous building with unique history just waiting to be heard. Read more on the previous blog post here: https://www.datesinthestates.com/portlands-custom-house/
4.) Little did I know when arriving in Portland was that all I would do was EAT. Portland is a HUGE up and coming foodie city with it’s wide variety of delectable eateries and cuisines. Two of my favorite places were The Holy Donut and Duck Fat.
The Holy Donut makes all of their donuts from scratch with real Maine potatoes and they have unique flavors like Lavender Honey or Maple Bacon.
Duck Fat is certainly a unique name for a restaurant, but it’s fitting for what they are known for which is cooking with duck fat. Their fries cooked in duck fat were the bomb – even the seagulls succeeded stealing them!
5.) Something that I found shocking to hear from a tour guide while exploring Maine was that many of the homeless are mentally ill. When arriving in Portland I had noticed this with many of them talking to themselves or walking around aimlessly shouting things. However, I would have never expected why…
The reason many of them are mentally ill is due to the fact that Portland’s only insane asylum shut down years ago and instead of finding new placement for many of these patients, they were thrown to the streets.
Portland is a beautiful city and I highly suggest everyone goes to visit. It’s a great city to view by foot, bike, or boat and has many neighboring islands just waiting to be explored!
