Portland Maine - a wonderful visit

Visiting Maine is always a euphoric feeling. Maine encompasses dotted coastal towns, rugged shores, picturesque landscapes, and exotic food.  Meanwhile, Portland, Maine, is a world on its own. It embodies the prolific past, home of the renowned poet, oh-so-beautiful lighthouses, and alluring architecture. Portland is a mileage of history, creativity, art, culture, and wilderness.  Words and photos could hardly depict or ensure justice to its true beauty. Here is my vain attempt to capture Portland through my lens and my words. Here are the favorite things I explored in Portland:

Portland Head Light House at Fort Williams Park - depends on your schedule, an entire day won't be enough to explore this beauty.  The most photographed lighthouse in the world was once located in Massachusetts, but it later became part of Maine when it was separated from the state. If possible, I will visit at two different times. I did it in the morning and evening. I wanted to capture the lighthouse at sunset, but unfortunately, I couldn't capture it as it was raining. Instead, I discovered a drizzly and dreamy lighthouse against the backdrop of an eloquent sky, accompanied by the pitter-patter of the ocean. Sunset may be surreal, but rain makes it spectacular with a rocky, rugged coast, spectacular widespread water vistas of the ocean, and a cherry on top with the vivid wildflowers. The Lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington in 1791. In addition, visiting Children's Park, Goodard Mansion, and the beach gives additional prospects for this park. Whether you want to take a leisurely walk, hike, picnic with your family, or enjoy eating from the food truck inside the park, you have an option for all kinds of wonderful times.

Wordsworth Longfellow House and Garden - If you are visiting Portland, do not miss this. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was no guided tour; however, an app is available for download to take the self-guided tour. I must mention that the staff in the house are really helpful and knowledgeable. We learned not only information but also some of the lesser-known facts about Longfellow and his family. I loved how it is kept as it was 200 years back, from childhood toys to small crochet pieces of Longfellow's sister and the desk where Longfellow wrote his poem, The Rainy Day". The quaint garden, with its well and blooming flowers, added charm to this place. 

The Commercial Street and the old Port -  Your Portland trip is incomplete without walking on the cobblestone alleys of Commercial Street. Almost frozen in time, wander around to get a glimpse of the bygone era through brick color, rustic and quaint buildings, waterfront with the bustling crowd, try food, and experience the delightful shopping experience of handmade goodies, pottery, art gallery, sophisticated boutiques, and many more in today's modern setup.

Hello to Holy Donut - In the booming food scene and lobster roll capital of Portland, Holy Donut is brimming with tall and scrumptious treats. It's not just a regular donut, but one made with Maine's dainty potatoes and wheat flour, and it claims to have all-natural ingredients with a handful of unique flavors: pomegranate, coconut, Margherita, bacon, and more. It is worth the wait. Holy donut lives up to all its hype!