Maine attraction: Portland has great food and fun for summer vacations

When you plan your next vacation, are you looking for a getaway that might not be overcrowded with tourists? How about so stifling hot that you have to spend the entire vacation indoors, under the blast of an air conditioner?

And are you interested in combining scenic ocean views with a bustling cityscape and the opportunity for adventure activities ranging from biking to boating? Then you might want to consider Maine as your next travel destination.

Many east coast residents already know that Portland Maine vacations are a lot of fun because of all the opportunities the city and state offer. Portland was recently ranked fourth out of the 10 perfect places to live in America, and when you stroll along the historical streets along the Atlantic coast, you can see why.

Make sure you include a visit to the Portland Head Light Museum and Gift Shop or the Portland Observatory, named a National Historic Landmark in 2006, for some stunning views of the coastline and busy harbor activity.

Tours are plentiful - including historic, art, culinary or breweries to give you a good education while on your vacation. Take a boat ride out to Fort Gorges, on Hog Island Ledge, in Casco Bay, which is a very imposing structure popping right out of the middle of the bay. Or if you're interested in getting wet, rent a kayak and paddle around in Casco Bay for a closer look at the marine life in the northern Atlantic.

Portland Maine vacations are incomplete without sampling some of the local fare. Of course, lobster and other seafood delights are popular menu items in many restaurants, but you might be surprised to learn that Maine's chefs are well-recognized in the culinary industry. Rob Evens' Hugo's is an excellent opportunity to sample seafood in new and unusual ways - pairing unique flavors to keep your tastebuds on alert.

And if you're looking for flavors grown or harvested locally, consider visiting Fore Street, where Sam Hayward likes to tantalize customers with winter root vegetables, oven-roasted mussels and Maine island lamb.

If you have a couple of weeks, you can wander along Maine's stunning coastline, or travel inland through the scenic woods and rolling hills. But if you just have an extended weekend, pop into Portland for a quick visit and look for cheap flights to make the trip more affordable.

Courtesy of ARAcontent