Portland Maine

 What a beautiful waterfront city to explore, especially if you like lighthouses and enjoy exploring old forts. 

We took the almost 3 hour drive North on a Thursday. Traveled route 495 to 95 at 8am and there was light traffic. I always have to make a couple of stops so if you are like me, it will comfort you to know that there are some nice rest stops on route 95 in Maine. First is the visitor information center just over the Maine border. This place has rest rooms and plenty of tourist information along with a couple of helpful people working there.

Next stop is in Kennebunk. This place has a variety of food options (Burger King, Popeyes, food mart, and coming soon is Dunkin Donuts) also some large rest rooms. Both places were nice and clean.

The first light house we explored was Portland Head Light at Fort Williams. There is plenty of parking here but be aware the cost to park is $5 for two hours. The side of the parking lot was lined with outhouses if needed. 

The light house is located in Fort Williams which covers a large area. There are walking trails along the water to get you to the parts of the fort that are still standing.

This picture below shows all the walking trails (in yellow) that you can explore.  My be tough to see as I couldn't get a picture without all the shadows. 

As I walked along one path heading to part of the abandoned fort I took a few pictures f the two lighthouses visible. First is Portland Head light

Next is Ram Island Ledge light which is not accessible as it is located out at sea but visible from Portland Head light.

The water views are spectacular! I also liked the sight of the relics of forts from war days like those of Fort Williams.

You are allowed to walk through and climb to the top of the fort for some more great views.

Second stop was Bug Light park where you find breakwater lighthouse

There was plenty of parking (free) and a nice park with lots of benches to walk around. There was also a wonderful view of all the docks with ships coming and going in Portland Harbor.

Our final lighthouse stop was at Fort Prebble to view Spring Point lighthouse and explore fort Prebble or what remains of it.

You could walk out on the jetty and get right next to the light house.

We also explored another park across the water from Bug Light. This was called Fort Allen Park 

A nice park to walk along the water and enjoy the views. There is also a memorial for soldiers that fought from 1941-1945

There is no shortage of places to dine in Portland. A lot are found on commercial Street. We had lunch at Becky's diner which serves breakfast all day along with lunch and dinner menus, People were very nice and the food was good so I recommend a stop here.  For dinner we got take out from the corner room kitchen and bar which is an Italian restaurant  that makes their pasta and you can watch at the window. I was not too happy with this place. I ordered a ceasar salad and asked for some chicken to be added to which they replied  "we can't add chicken" what? who doesn't let you add chicken? Also ordered plain pasta penne with nothing on it except butter. Well they added plenty of salt and pepper too. Not what I wanted! I would say this is one restaurant that does not listen to the customer. 

Portland is also home to the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team. We stayed at a hotel that was walking distance from the stadium. The hotel was LaQuinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham. The staff at the hotel was extremely pleasant. Everyone I encountered was pleasant and helpful. The price was good too. $137 per night includes all fees and taxes. I do have one complaint, the breakfast was disappointing. The offerings were; scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, bagels, cheerios, fruit loops, oatmeal, and for fruit there were apples. I was happy with the flavored tea offerings. I guess I shouldn't expect much when it is free.  

The room was clean, as was the entire facility, people were nice, the price was right and it wasn't far from any place we went. 

I totally recommend a visit to Portland Maine. Maybe next time I will catch a Sea Dogs game.