“Day-Tripping” listings
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KITTERY, ME
This seaside city—with dozens of national retail outlets and the family-run Kittery Trading Post, selling clothes, outdoor gear and Maine souvenirs—is a popular destination for shoppers from all over New England. Stop at the Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier for lunch. (03/2010)
50 miles southwest of Portland
thekitteryoutlets.com -
SUGARLOAF
Maine’s second-highest peak thrills skiers with a vertical drop of nearly 3,000 feet and the only above-tree line lift service in New England. Off the slopes, you’ll find shops, cozy inns and fine dining. (01/2010)
5092 Access Rd, Carrabassett Valley
207-237-2000
sugarloaf.com -
BETHEL, ME
Bethel is home to Sunday River, the nearest downhill ski area to Portland. With miles of groomed trails, it's also a great place to crosscountry ski or snowshoe. There are plenty of restaurants and inns to suit all budgets, too. (02/2009)
64 miles northwest of Portland
www.bethelmaine.com -
NEW GLOUCESTER, ME
The rolling hills of New Gloucester reveal Maine in all its wintry glory. Visit Pineland Farms for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, or discover the nation's last active Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. (01/2009)
23 miles north of Portland
207-926-4126
www.newgloucester.com -
BRADBURY MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
For panoramic views of mountains and the ocean, climb Bradbury Mountain, just a short drive from Freeport's popular retail district. It takes about 20 minutes to hike to the summit of this easy-to-climb peak. (11/2008)
20 miles north of Portland • Pownal, ME
www.bradburymountain.com -
CAPE ELIZABETH, ME
From the dramatic coastal setting to the briny lobster dinners, this is the Maine experience that visitors savor. Explore the rocky shore at Two Lights State Park, then grab a seafood dinner at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights. (If the weather permits, snag one of the outdoor picnic tables.) (10/2008)
9 miles south of Portland
www.capeelizabeth.com -
KITTERY POINT, ME
Although sometimes overshadowed by the outlet shipping nearby, Kittery Point offers the quintessential New England harbor experience. Eat fresh-off-the-boat crustaceans at the Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, enjoy views of Pepperrell Cove, and set aside time to explore the coastline. (09/2008)
50 miles south of Portland
www.chaunceycreek.com -
PEAKS ISLAND
The 720-acre island, accessible only by boat, draws thousands of tourists each summer for walking tours and dining at the open-air eateries. Visitors can also bring bicycles aboard the Casco Bay Lines ferry. (08/2008)
20-minute ferry ride from Portland
207-774-7871
www.peaksisland.com -
LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, NH
A summer trip to this picturesque lake sprinkled with more than 200 islands is a New England tradition. It's the perfect destination for boating, swimming and other outdoor fun. (07/2008)
82 miles west of Portland
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FERRY BEACH STATE PARK
About half an hour south of Portland, this beautiful beach is popular with surfers, artists, families and nature lovers. It has woodland trails, a sandy beach, picnic areas and one of Maine's last undeveloped sand dunes. (06/2008)
18 miles southwest of Portland • Saco, ME
207-283-0067
www.state.me.us -
OGUNQUIT, ME
This lovely, laidback small town caters to artists, families and lovers of the offbeat. Explore the city's many galleries and museums, enjoy live theater at a local playhouse, stroll on the rocky coast or go on a whale-watching cruise. (05/2008)
28 miles south of Portland
207-646-2939
www.ogunquit.org -
BATH, ME
Home to a major shipyard, Bath also has an excellent maritime museum, attractive shops and lovely 19th-century mansions. Bring the kids to nearby Fort Popham, where they can pretend to defend the Maine coast. (04/2008)
34 miles north of Portland
www.visitbath.com
