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 #2 - Portland's Various Awards Nationally and Internationally
Recognized with various awards amongst a variety of criteria, Portland, Maine, has a great deal to offer everyone! Below is just a sampling of the accolades of our great Portland, Maine.
Reason #83 - Miyake, The Food Factory - 129 Spring Street, Portland
If you love sushi and cannot make the trip to Tokyo, you're all set in Portland with the numerous sushi restaurants. Miyake, considered to be the most authentic, stands out from the rest in the freshness of the seafood and great preparation of the dishes. Arrive early or plan to be patient, as the restaurant is small, but trust me, your tastebuds will be satisfied.
Reason #63 -
"Portland Has Everything" - (reader comment by Taylor Guay, Yarmouth)"Reason #71 - "Great Place to Live" - (reader comment by Elizabeth Bolton, Cambridge, Mass)
I lived in Portland for a little bit years ago and at that time a big part of what I loved was the cheap rent! Seriously, though the Old Port is fabulous, there are some great houses - the Eastern Prom was my favorite, and I love that it's really a walking city. Great place to live!"
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
There will be many more to come, but here is 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!!
Please visit http://www.ILovePortlandMaine.com to see the list and video in its entirety. Thanks!
There are so many reasons we love Portland, Maine, and all that surrounds this wonderful city. Whether you have lived here your entire life, relocated within Maine or from another state, or just visited us briefly, there many things about Portland that you will remember forever. Please email me at JeffMateja@hotmail.com with what "You Love About Portland Maine", and why, and I will post those items here for all to read and allow those who cannot be here to enjoy from afar. Thank you in advance for your submission and taking the time to check us out. Thank You! ~ Jeff
Reason #25 - Portland Head Light
Alright, so not exactly located in Portland, but a short distance away in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, in Fort Williams Park, is Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse built in 1791. Often referred to as "the most photographed lighthouse in North America", the beacon towers 80 feet high and interestingly is one of only four colonial lighthouses to not have been rebuilt, and serves as the beautiful back drop to the finish of the annual Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race.
Reason #57 - Eastern Promenade
Located on the east side of the peninsula amongst sixty-eight acres on Casco Bay, the "Eastern Prom" includes a public boat launch, the East End beach, the 2.1 mile Eastern Prom trail along the shore, the Narrow Gauge Railroad, and absolutely stunning homes that decorate the landscape. Many love the open space for taking in the views of the islands and Casco Bay, playing baseball, frisbee, or just laying out and catching some rays. Each Fourth of July, the Eastern Prom hosts the annual City of Portland fireworks display that lights up Casco Bay over Fort Gorges.
Reason #18 - The Old Port
An amazing piece of Portland, Maine, known for everything from elegant dining to trendy boutique shopping to wonderful entertainment, makes the Old Port great for everyone, young and old. You can always count on exciting nightlife often filled with many great performances by musicians in local establishments. If it's food you're looking for you can appreciate a fresh seafood dinner, sushi, brick oven pizza, or fine dining from the many restaurants that blanket Exchange St, Fore St, Wharf St, or Commercial St. Connected to the Old Port and adding to the character of cobblestone streets, is the working waterfront on Commercial St. which lends to the crisp smell of the ocean.
Reason #60 - Portland Seadogs, Portland Pirates, Lewiston Maineiacs
Lacking a major league level sports team has not kept us from enjoying professional sports here in Portland, Maine. From the early years of the Maine Mariners, Portland Windjammers, and Maine Guides, Portland sports fans have always enjoyed athletics and the success of local Mainers while traditionally maintaining loyalty to the Boston area pro sports teams. Thanks to our love of sports, the fans in the area have witnessed a flurry of great athletes play in the Greater Portland area thanks to the Portland Seadogs, Portland Pirates, and Lewiston Maineiacs, and the visiting opponents. Sidney Crosby, David Ortiz, Josh Beckett, Dustin Pedroia, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, and various other athletes have spent time in Portland and amazed the great fans and athletic enthusiasts who may not always get down to Fenway Park, The Garden, or Gillette Stadium to enjoy a game.
The Stanley Cup even visited Portland in 2007, as the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, the one-time parent franchise of the Portland Pirates, hoisted the trophy in the NHL and recognized Portland's efforts in helping them bring home the Cup with a number of former Pirates on the championship team. Cheers to Portland, the sports fans of Maine for supporting their teams and continuing the opportunity to see sports live at such a high level of play. http://www.portlandpirates.com , http://www.portlandseadogs.com , http://www.lewistonhockey.com
Reason #98 - Three Dollar Dewey's (Reader Comment by Brad Gagne)
"Three Dollar Deweys...Nuff said" one reader responded with regard to Three Dollar Dewey's, which sums it up if you're a regular and have consumed your fair share of the wide assortment of pints at this local watering hole. Referred to as 'Maine's Original Ale House', and frequented by many locals, "Dewey's" is a well-known fixture (corner of Commercial St and Union St. in Portland) with a number of imported beers, many beers on tap, and everyone's favorite - the freshly popped popcorn. A friendly crew that also serves as the sponsor bar for the WAKA Kickball League, and thus where you will find many of the patrons unwinding after their kickball games to enjoy a few seasonal Shipyard pitchers and appetizers. http://www.threedollardeweys.com
Reason #77 - Flatbread Company (Reader Comment by Amy Carr, Bangor Savings Bank, 1084 Brighton Ave, Portland, Maine)
I love the diversity of the city...the energy...the trendy shops in the Old Port...the awesome restaurants we have to pick from to take all of our guests and friends visiting from out of state...especially Flatbread Pizza - great pizza and a fun place to hang out....I love walking around Back Cove. Most of all I cannot imagine living anywhere else...for me, it is Maine - "The Way Life Should Be".
Flatbread Company located at 72 Commercial St. in Portland, Maine, is a very casual dining experience featuring healthy "flatbreads", various organic ingredients and salads. Enjoy watching the pizzas made in the open kitchen and cooked in the hearth in the middle of the restaurant. Always a great time with a nice patio deck for dining in the summer months.
Reason #14 - Beach to Beacon 10K, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
The beautiful idea of 1984 USA Olympic Gold Medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson (First ever Women's Marathon), the 10K annual road race from Crescent Beach to Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth features some of the most elite runners in the world mingled with many local running enthusiasts.
Since the first race in August 1998, the number of participants and spectators have grown (5,000+) to make this an annual summer tradition along Route 77 with the wonderful back drop of Fort Williams Park and Portland Headlight at the finish. We have also been witness to Joan Benoit Samuelson competing in the race certain years running alongside her running partners and friends. http://www.beach2beacon.org
Reason #30 - Yarmouth Clam Festival
You can count on there being something for everyone on the third weekend in July in Yarmouth at the Yarmouth Clam Festival. A tradition going on 44 years, features great food, art, music, and plenty of competition for the young and young at heart. Just for kicks...try your hand at the Clam Shucking Contest, the Pat's Pizza Five Mile Road Race, the Canoe / Kayak Race...or enjoy the sights of the kickoff parade, battle of the bands, and cap it off with all of the fabulous food. We'll see you July 17-19, 2009. http://www.clamfestival.com
Reason #53 - Portland Stage Company
Celebrating their 35th anniversary in 2008, the Portland Stage Company has been delivering great productions from the works of Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and Tennessee Williams among many others since 1974. Recently, each winter, you can count on the classic "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens from the professional group at the Portland Stage Company on Forest Avenue known as Northern New England's largest, non-profit theatre. Get your tickets today and enjoy an always amazing show. http://www.portlandstage.com
Reason #21 - Victorian Mansion
Built in the late 1850's, the Victorian Mansion is a gorgeous brownstone building located in the Arts District featuring amazing architecture and a stunning interior. Tours of the magnificent building are open to the public to showcase the pre-Civil War furnishings (art work, furniture, stained glass) and woodworkings, and the continued efforts to restore the wonderful landmark. Make your way to the Victorian Mansion to appreciate and preserve a piece of history right here in Portland. The Victorian Mansion is located at 109 Danforth Street in Portland. http://www.victoriamansion.org
Reason #96 - Social Networking / Business Involvement / Community
Seems like every week and sometimes each day and night of the week, area residents and business folks alike gather across Portland and the surrounding towns to socialize and network extensively. You can rest assured that if you move to Portland, Maine, you will not have trouble meeting new people or starting a new business. The Chamber of Commerce has regular events and even a sub-chapter of the chamber, called PROPEL, made up traditionally of the younger members meets quite frequently to encourage networking and thought amongst area businesses in order to grow.
You will also find less formal and a more laid back approach to your social networking through various area groups like the Social Network of Maine (SNOM), Portland Green Drinks, Rainbow Business Professional Association (RBPA), and DownEast Pride Alliance (DEPA), just to name a few. Portland, South Portland, and various surrounding towns of the Greater Portland area also support over 15 Business Network International (BNI) chapters through a more structured networking and word-of-mouth referral based organization. For more information on some of these networks, please visit http://www.socialnetworkofmaine.com , http://www.portlandgreendrinks.com , and http://www.bnimaine.com .
Always a great way to meet new friends, share thoughts and ideas, and perhaps land that perfect client or job you have been in search for all this time. The word-of-mouth referral and support of the local economy has kept Portland fairly steady economically.
Here are just a few of the upcoming Greater Portland Community Events that may be of interest to you.
If you have been to any of these events in the past...
1. What did you think?
2. Will you go again?
3. Any other information that would be helpful for attendees?
Saturday, October 11, 7pm Portland Pirates Hockey Home Opener Cumberland County Civic Center Saturday is Hockey Night in Portland!
Sunday, October 12, All Day Keller Williams Realty - "Paint The Town Red" Open House Showcase throughout Cumberland and York County - Look for ads in your local paper!
Monday, October 13, 9am - 1pm Haven's Candies Annual Open House 87 County Rd, Westbrook Come take a tour and make your own candy!!
Tuesday, October 14, 7:30pm Carrie Underwood Concert Cumberland County Civic Center
Saturday, October 18, 10am A Race Across Portland Scavenger Hunt to benefit Portland West 181 Brackett St, Portland More info contact Amy 775-0105 ext. 138
Sunday, October 19, 4pm American Parkinson Disease Association Night at The Portland Pirates - featuring pregame, intermission, and post game events! Cumberland County Civic Center For tickets contact; Mary Sontz 781-1738
Thursday - Saturday, October 23 - 25 Harvest On The Harbor - Downtown Portland Visit HarvestOnTheHarbor.com for more details or call 772-5800. Wine & food tasting events, Gala, demonstrations, seminars, and more!
Saturday, November 1 2008 Maine Brewers Festival - Portland Expo Center - For more information check out http://www.mainebrew.com
Tuesday, November 4 ELECTION DAY Make sure to get out there...Vote!...and make your voice heard!
Friday, November 7, 5-8pm First Friday Art Walk - Portland On the first Friday of every month take a free self-guided tour of local art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues. More information at First Friday Art Walk
Thought I would promote a great networking / educational opportunity for my fellow REALTORS and clients out there. A great opportunity to learn about building, remodeling, redecorating, and curbing the energy bills.
The Southern Maine Home & Energy Show will be at the Portland Expo October 24, 25, & 26 with a number of vendors including experts in; air purifiers, baths, basements, generators, kitchens, landscaping, heating & cooling, and much much more.
An added bonus, the October 2-15 edition of SWITCH features a full page ad with a FREE ADMISSION coupon for the show. Further, I know a lot of REALTORS appreciate the door prizes and information available to pass along to clients!
Look forward to seeing you there!
Jeff Mateja, Associate Broker, Keller Williams Realty, Portland, ME
"Let Me Do Your HOMEwork"
50 Sewall St., 2nd Floor, Portland, ME 04102
Cell: (207) 233-2420 Office: (207) 553-1332
Email: JeffMateja@hotmail.com
Full-service brokerage and personal attention to meet all your Real Estate needs any day, any time. http://www.JeffMateja.com http://www.ILovePortlandMaine.com http://www.MaineFirstTimeBuyers.com
I utilize my strong business and financial background to serve the real estate needs of clients in the Greater Portland area, including Cumberland and York counties. I understand the importance of honesty and communication, while providing clients with as much information in order to service their desire and need to make a most informed decision. I look forward to working with You!
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any real estate related questions. As always, if you know someone you feel could use my services please call or email me. The finest compliment I can receive is a referral from my friends and customers.
Thank You!
http://www.jeffmateja.com/ - Your all-in-one resource for all your home buying and selling needs in the Greater Portland Maine area. Search ALL Maine Property Listings here!
http://www.ILovePortlandMaine.com - I Love Portland Maine and have a passion for all that the State of Maine and the surrounding Greater Portland Area has to offer. Where else can you drive no more than 30 minutes and set foot on a mountain, the shores of a lake, and the sandy beaches of the ocean. There are so many reasons why I chose to return to my home state and would love to share it with all who are interested. When you have a momentm, definitely check out http://www.ILovePortlandMaine.com and offer your thoughts on why you love Portland, Maine. Thank You!
http://www.CallMaineYourHome.com - Can't you tell that I absolutely Love Maine. If you do not already call Maine Your home, then give me a call and we will certainly help you relocate to our wonderful state.
http://www.MaineFirstTimeBuyers.com - A complete resource for all first-time home buyers to understand the home buying process and access key information. When you're ready to buy your first home you will be a step ahead. Call Jeff Mateja today to learn more about how he can assist you in locating, presenting and negotiating an offer on your behalf, and ultimately acquiring your first home. (207) 233-2420.
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"Jeff provided us everything and more of what we needed and expected with buying our home. He was attentive and patient with our search and gave us the perfect amount of feedback with each house - giving us pros and cons while not pushing us in any direction, allowing us to make the decisions. This aspect of Jeff's service was so important to us!" - Ian & Julie Clark
"Your service was timely, thorough, thoughtful, and proved your commitment to your customer! Thank you!" - Brad Rounds
"Jeff respected my 'must haves' vs. my 'would likes' while shopping for a home. Prior to our first in person meeting, he narrowed down my options to only those fitting what I was looking for. From those 12, I picked my top three. Within a week, I was able to see all 3 on the same day and ended up purchasing the first home we saw. Compared to some of the nightmare stories that I've heard about folks seeing homes for 6 months, this was a dream! He walked me through all of the steps which was really important for a fist time homebuyer. Jeff was accessible at all hours, over and above business hours. He went over and above the job description to add a personal touch. Jeff made sure to solidify the deal from beginning to end, and he was nothing less than professional. I would highly recommend him!" - Dr. Caitln Morrisroe
"We were extremely pleased with Jeff and would highly recommend him to anyone. Jeff will be who we always go back to for any house buying and selling." - Gabe Gordon & Sara Dayon
"I highly recommend Jeff. His financial understanding and integrity are two particular assets that have proven very valuable in purchase negotiations." - Sean Roy
"Jeff did a great job. He was accessible when I needed to contact him, was very attentive, and did his best with getting what I asked for." Noelle Doucette
"Jeff is knowledgeable and professional in all aspects of the business. He will work hard to meet all of your objectives and desires when looking to buy/sell one of your biggest investments....your home!" - Jeffrey Hart
"Jeff has been a valuable key to my group in finding properties that fit our investment criteria. His input, knowledge of the local market and inner drive is what makes him stand out from other Realtors. I would recommend him to anyone looking to buy real estate." - Bryan Joyce
"Jeff has always been very helpful and responsive to our questions & requests. He is great to work with, and knows how to give you the edge when marketing your home in today's market. I strongly recommend using Jeff as your agent for your next home!" - Matt Duplisea
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