There will be many more to come, but here is part two of a snipit from my Blog website at http://www.ILovePortlandMaine.com . I hope you enjoy and please if you live in Portland, Maine, have lived in Portland, ME, have had the pleasure of visiting Portland, Maine, or would love to visit someday, please take a look and provide your own reason for Why You Love Portland Maine! Thank you!!
More of I LOVE PORTLAND MAINE.COM ....
Reason #97 - The Buy Local Campaign
A fantastic idea launched in Portland, Maine, in the summer of 2006, to support the locally owned and independent businesses here in Portland. The effort to this day brings area businesses together to promote themselves and help raise awareness of local residents to "Buy Local" here in Portland to support and strengthen the local economy and retain our hard earned dollars at home here in Portland and discourage sending them to corporate owned businesses with headquarters out of state. For more information on the campaign check out http://www.portlandbuylocal.org/
Reason #7 - Friendly People - (Reader comment by Michael Bunker, Shads Advertising - "For All Your Promotional Needs!") http://www.shads.com
"I love Portland, Maine because everyone here is so friendly. I do a lot of networking and visiting of clients and potential clients, and I find that 99.99% of the people around Portland are kind, friendly, and courteous. Try finding that anywhere else!"
Reason #11 - Two Dollar Bill Knowledge - (Reader comment by Bryan O'Connor)
"I Love Portland, Maine because everyone here knows where you have been if you whip out a $2 bill."
Well, isn't that the truth....
Reason #20 - Giving Back - (Reader comment by John)
"Even in tough times the folks of Portland, Maine look out for each other, give back to their community, and stay positive. For instance, a number of employees of Bingas Wingas were left without work because of a fire at the restaurant. A bunch of folks in the community got together and put on a fundraiser last night at The Stadium. What a turn out and a sign that people truly care about each other, and are not too busy during the holidays."
Reason #41 - Portland Pie Company - (Reader comment by Travis)
"Best pizza in town man! The Harbormaster pizza is awesome....BBQ chicken, bacon, and onions."
With locations in Portland, Westbrook, and Scarborough, you're well-served around town with some great specialities including sandwiches and pizza pies. All dishes carry a local name (i.e. The Old Orchard, The Great Diamond, The Mount Katahdin) which makes it that much more interesting, tasty, and memorable!! If the signature items are not your style, you can create your own sandwich or pizza from an array of ingredients. Oh yeah, and the local beers and wine are nice and cold too. http://www.portlandpie.com
Reason #9 - Greater Portland Landmarks
A wonderful organization established to promote preserving all that is historic about Portland, Maine, stretching from buildings to entire neighborhoods. Greater Portland Landmarks also works with the community on new development to ensure modern buildings and their architecture blend well with the current landscape so that "innovative new architecture will become tomorrow's landmarks". The group offers walking tours, self-guided tours, and a tour of The Portland Observatory. For more information, please visit http://www.portlandlandmarks.org
Reason #28 - The Portland Observatory
Located at 138 Congress Street in Portland, Maine, the Portland Observatory, built at the direction of Captain Lemuel Moody in 1807, is the only known remaining historic maritime signal tower in the United States. The Observatory has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and named a National Civil Engineering Landmark. The Portland Observatory Museum is on site for guests to visit as well. If you are unable to visit, you can see some breath-taking views of Portland Harbor via a web cam here http://www.portlandlandmarks.org/observatory/Web-Cam.php
Reason #4 - Local Beers - Shipyard Brewing Company, Sebago Brewing Company, Allagash Brewing Company, Geary's Brewing Company, Casco Bay Brewing Company, and Gritty McDuff's
As you can see there is no shortage of beer in Portland, Maine, and nothing like relaxing to a nice cold one brewed fresh in your own backyard. With a good number of breweries and brew pubs, there is never a dull moment, or a lack of beers to sample with many seasonal brews making appearances throughout the year. Allagash White from Allagash Brewing Co. is a tasty Belgian wheat, while Gritty's features a Raspberry wheat that warms up the taste buds. Shipyard Brewing Co. has many beers from light to dark, and features one of the seasonal favorites Pumpkinhead Ale, which took home a silver award in the 2008 European Beer Star competition in Nuremburg, Germany. Another favorite comes from the folks at Sebago Brewing Co., where you can find Sebago Hefe-Weizen, a fine golden wheat.
Whatever your taste in beer, there is surely a brew amongst the local Portland breweries that will satisfy any beer lover, and even those who have just one here and there. For more information please visit http://www.shipyard.com , http://www.sebagobrewing.com , http://www.grittys.com , http://www.allagash.com , http://www.gearybrewing.com , http://www.cascobaybrewing.com
Reason #42 - Portland Museum of Art
The largest art museum in the State of Maine boasts a collection of more than 17,000 objects housed in three different buildings featuring the works of Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Degas, and Winslow Homer. With around 15 changing exhibits, the museums many visitors and 8,000 plus members are introduced to various works throughout each year. The museum is currently working on a project to restore the Winslow Homer Art Studio in Prouts Neck. http://www.portlandmuseum.org
Reason #37 - Portland, ME - A Beautiful Coastal Community - (reader comment by Scott Roy - www.RoyStory.com)
"Portland is just fine for a city! It's a beautiful coastal community with a lot to offer and guess what....? Neighbors and other residents always offer a friendly wave, a rarity in America these days! I am so proud to be part of the Portland, Maine community! www.roystory.com "
Reason #5 - Becky's Diner - 390 Commercial Street, Portland - Hobson's Wharf - (reader comment by Mark)
"Nothing better than grabbing breakfast at Becky's Diner in the morning!" www.beckysdiner.com
Recognized by the locals and many tourists as the best diner in town. Located on the west end of Commercial Street, Portland since 1991. President Bill Clinton is one of a few celebrities to dine at Becky's.
Reason #49 - Five Fifty-Five - Located at 555 Congress Street, Portland
One of my personal favorites....an absolutely beautiful restaurant with remarkable food. The elegant surroundings and atmosphere make the food and overall experience that much more amazing. Definitely worth checking out, if you have not already visited for dinner. www.fivefifty-five.com
Reason #81 - PortSports Social Club - "Meet, Play, Give"
For those that have had the pleasure to take part in at least one of the many activites that PortSports Social Club puts on knows how great these events connect people amongst the community who may not otherwise meet. PortSports continues to develop into its own community whether you play kickball, soccer, join them for a bus trip to see the Boston Celtics play, or take in some flavors through the PortSports Gastro-nauts Sushi Bar Crawl or their Beer Clubs regular tasting of pints from all over the world. Founders Dave and Morgan Surkin know that not everyone is competitive, so their focus and mission is on connecting people and providing them an opportunity to have fun while giving back to their community through activities, trips, and charitable events. What a great idea! www.portsportsmaine.com
Maine Real Estate Sales ReportsBut, all thing being equal, price continues to be a significant issue and fundamental to the success of every property transaction during the last six months and no doubt the foreseeable future.
