If you’re looking for a small to mid-size town to visit for your next New England vacation, come to South Portland, Maine, a classic example of the U.S. Northeast. Just two miles south of mother city Portland, South Portland welcomes visitors with terrific golf courses, inspiring sites like Willard Beach and Fort Preble, or shop to your heart’s content at Maine Mall. Visit Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse or drive along the coastal road for glimpses of rocky beaches. Shop for antiques or enjoy the architecture—you won’t get bored in charming South Portland!
The first and largest store of this popular line opened here in 1917 and now welcomes 3 million visitors annually. Three LL Bean stores are actually located here: the Flagship store, the Hunting and Fishing store, and the Bike, Boat, and Ski store. Just 20 minutes from Portland, LL Bean offers quality merchandise at competitive prices.
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The Museum features Fort Preble, constructed in 1808 in a basic star design made of earth, brick, and stone. Named for Commodore Edward Preble of Portland, the Fort was held by three companies during the War of 1812 and was part of a system to guard the harbor entrance. By 1867, a granite exterior fort was added. Bug Light Park and the Liberty Ship Memorial are just minutes away.
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This shopping extravaganza offers some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the area. Choose from popular chain restaurants like Chuck E. Cheese and Ruby Tuesday to one less common, like The Ginger Pad. Featuring stores like Macey’s, J. C. Penney’s, and Sears, you can shop for basic needs or vacation extras.
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The Church began as Spurwink Meeting House in 1802 by local residents who wanted to sponsor their own church. Major renovations occurred in 1834 and 1895, and eventually a $40 belfry was added. The organ currently in use was built before 1890 and donated in 1922. In 1935 the Meeting House became the Spurwink Congregational Church until 1947, when it was no longer self-sustaining. A blend of Federal, Gothic, and Greek Revival architecture, the building is the oldest in Cape Elizabeth. Reservations required for viewing the church.
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Snow Squall Restaurant offers tasty American food in an atmosphere of elegance and great views. Fine for family dining, a business dinner, or a romantic evening.
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Governor’s Restaurant serves generous servings of homemade comfort foods like rolls and meatloaf, along with local favorites like the seafood platter. This is a great eatery for a comfortable ambiance and family-friendly service.
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Imperial China Chinese Restaurant invites you past its unassuming exterior across to enjoy the freshly prepared entrees and well-stocked bar selections for a relaxing meal. Reservations are not accepted, and this is a no-smoking establishment that enjoys plenty of repeat business due to its popularity.
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Just two miles from South Portland, the White Heart features live music and an outdoor patio for friendly good times. You’ll find business types and the younger set, too. Mondays, come for the half-priced bottles of wine. Wednesday Well Drinks are $3, and you can get $2 Bloody Mary’s at the Saturday or Sunday brunch.
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“Where everyday is a victory celebration” is the motto of this fun-loving sports pub and grill. Located in the colorful Old Port district, the pub boasts 31 televisions with digital cable and DirecTV packages. Open for lunch and dinner with patio dining, serving soup, salads, burgers, and pasta at reasonable prices. They serve Monday through Friday Happy Hour specials, and on-tap beer specials.
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You’ll love this tranquil area away from traffic and city crowds. You can get a great view of the harbor and stroll on the beach, though the water may be too cold and rocky for swimming. There’s a snack bar for convenience, and a lighthouse you can walk to. This is a great place to bring the kids for the playground at the beach or come alone or with a friend for a quiet afternoon of reading or sunbathing. Free admission and good parking.
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Although the residents may not get excited anymore, the Waterfront is a fun place for visitors to stop by and see. Check out the Old Port area, with its interesting shops and unique eateries. Here you can ferry over to the islands or get a boat tour of Casco Bay (www.cascobaylines.com). Enjoy the bustle and scenery of this New England hub of shipping and waterfront activities. No admission fee.
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If you plan to be in Maine during the cold months, get a weather report before heading out on the open roads. Snowstorms that create icy road conditions can be brutal or even dangerous to someone who is unfamiliar with the area or winter driving. Be sure to carry a flashlight, blanket, road hazard sign, and shovel in your vehicle if you will be out and about in heavy snow. Fog can be dense in cool months, too, so listen to the weather channel and prepare accordingly to avoid road hazards.
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Like other parts of the Northeast, Portland, Maine, is a tourist magnet during the summer months when people from across the nation head to the cooler regions for relief from the heat and for vacation getaways. Book your lodging and transportation reservations early when planning a trip to Portland, as this is a popular site in its own right, as well as being conveniently located to other points of interest in surrounding towns noted for site-seeing attractions, both in Maine and in neighboring states.
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