Portland Panoramic

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive around Portland and take in the historical landmarks that define the city. While driving between the Eastern Promenade that fronts Casco Bay and the elevated park along the Western Promenade, you will see a collection of outstanding 19th-century architecture that includes Victoria Mansion. This National Historic Landmark exemplifies the Italian villa style that was fashionable at the time. In the New Arts District, you will pass highlights such as the Portland Museum of Art, the State Theatre and the home where poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up. Now home to the Maine Historical Society, it is the first house museum in Maine. On the other side of the Fore River, you will find Bug Light Lighthouse, a 19th-century cast-iron lighthouse that was modeled after a monument that stands near the Acropolis in Athens. Only 26 feet high, it became known as The Bug because of its small size.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View the most meaningful landmarks in Portland on a panoramic drive through the city.
• See poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s house, the first home museum in Maine.
• Drive through the historical districts between the Eastern and Western promenades.
• Pause for photos at the diminutive Bug Light Lighthouse, a cast-iron treasure.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.