Portland, Maine, regularly appears on lists touting the best places to live, play and eat.
When to go to Portland
Portland hums year-round.
Weather is predictably unpredictable, and fog can turn a brilliant summer day into a chilly one quickly.
Snow and/or icy rain are possibilities from November into March.
Portlands downtown peninsula is a hill.
Many of its sidewalks are brick and many buildings date from the Victorian era and have entry steps.
How to get to Portland
Portland is easily accessible by car.
Major airlines, including JetBlue and Southwest, fly into Portland International Jetport.
Taxis and rideshares are available, and some hotels offer free shuttles.
Brick sidewalks may also be a challenge for those with mobility disabilities.
The renovation preserved period details without sacrificing contemporary amenities.
The minibar features locally made products.
Tip: Reserve directly with the hotel to score free parking.
Built around a garden courtyard, thePortland Harbor Hotelputs the citys Waterfront and Old Port within footsteps.
The 103 guest rooms and suites have a jaunty nautical style.
Suites in the executive wing include fireplaces.
Perks include a comfy lounge, a restaurant, a fitness center and an outdoor fire pit.
Valet parking in the hotels garage is $40 per night.
The eight-roomSpring Point Innon Southern Maine Community Colleges waterfront campus is about 10 minutes from downtown Portland.
Most rooms overlook Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse or the Portland skyline.
Other perks: continental breakfast and parking are free.
From downtown, its about a 15-minute drive to the beachfront, eco-consciousInn by the Seain Cape Elizabeth.
This luxury boutique inn offers rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites.
Sustainable, chemical- and pesticide-free gardens emphasize indigenous plants and are certified as a Monarch Watch butterfly way station.
