When most people picture must-see cities in America, their lists usually include places like Manhattan, LA, or Chicago. Rarely does anywhere north of Boston come to mind (no one lives up there, right?). The north is, admittedly, annoying to travel to and seemingly devoid of activity. However, one place in particular has redefined what it means to be a city.
Located in the South of the great state of Maine, Portland is one of the most rapidly growing cities in the United States. Portland is becoming more and more of a destination for Mainers and tourists alike. The city is quite vast and known for many things, but here are just a few reasons why it deserves a spot on your “must-see” list.
1. The people
People in Portland are some of the most unique and kind-hearted you’ll ever meet. Portland is the place to make friends with your barista or talk to a guy on the street about his killer haircut. People in Portland are extremely open-minded and can converse about virtually anything, from the weather to politics to aquaponics gardening.
2. The coffee
Step over, Seattle. Coffee in Portland is changing the game. With unique, sustainable, and cozy places like Tandem, Coffee by Design and the Speckled Ax, there’s no better place on the East Coast to get your pick-me-up.
3. The ocean
What more could you ask for than a city by the sea? Many restaurants and shops in Portland are located in full view of the harbor, and the city itself is just moments from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
4. The food
I could write a whole other article on this one, but I’ll keep it short. Portland slays the foodie game in everything from vegan/gluten-free/paleo to sushi to pizza to a restaurant where everything is deep friend in duck fat. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
5. The sustainability
People in Portland know how to be green, in every sense of the word. One of the most sustainably energized cities in America, it is difficult to find much in Portland that isn’t at least somewhat environmentally friendly.
6. The antique/second hand shops
This is not the city to stop into Saks or browse designer shoes at Nordstrom. However, antiquing is practically a hobby in Portland, with stores like Pinecone+Chickadee and Find that fill all your quirky, vintage needs.
7. The art
Every Friday night in the summer, Old Port hosts a nighttime art walk, where local artists display their work along the sidewalks for people to enjoy and purchase. This event alone attracts thousands of onlookers every week. And that’s just one event out of the hundreds that happen every year, allowing artists in Portland to be some of the most creative and well-known in the state.
So, there you have it. Hop in your car (or bike, if you want to fit in) and come on over.
