My husband's family has been vacationing in southern Maine for more than three decades, but we were still surprised when his parents announced they were retiring there. "Portland, Maine?" Doug asked, visions of cheap winter vacations in a warm-weather clime vanishing from both of our heads. But this waterfront city, just two hours' drive from Boston, has become one of our favorite getaways. Sure, winters are cold, but summers are glorious, especially when there's a brisk ocean breeze blowing in from Casco Bay.
Portland is a great walking town. On a day's visit we can do almost everything on foot, from taking a steam-train ride at the railroad museum to wandering around the Old Port neighborhood, where cruise ships and fishing boats dock near historic brick buildings that house shops and galleries. Just a quick drive uptown brings us to two of Portland's best museums.
On a recent visit, Doug and I and our kids — Olivia, age 4, and Owen, 2 — decided to do all our sightseeing in one day, so we could spend Sunday playing with Grandma and Grandpa and stepping out for brunch at our favorite local breakfast joint, Hot Suppa! Portland is a mecca for foodies as well as families, so we always end our trips happy and full.
