Five of Portland’s Underrated neighborhoods
When someone tells you, “Hey, let’s go to Portland,” the first place that probably comes to mind is the Old Port. That’s not a bad thing; with several unique shops and restaurants on one side of Commercial Street and scenic, historic harbors on the other, it’s impossible to drive through without looking for the nearest parking spot to explore.
But as Portland continues to grow, both residentially and commercially, we need to show some love to other neighborhoods around the city and shine a spotlight on all the special things that may get overlooked by the uninitiated traveler. Here’s a brief overview to help broaden your itinerary.
The Arts District
Walk a few blocks up the hill, and you’ll find Congress Street, the main artery of Portland’s arts district. The street is lined with art galleries, music venues, craft shops, and museums, making it the perfect place for creative types to experience the arty aesthetic of the city. Pivotal landmarks line the road, including the Portland Museum of Art, State Theatre, the Maine Historical Society, and Portland Public Library. Take in everything during the First Friday Art Walk, a self-guided tour that takes place on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 8 pm. Galleries, museums, and local businesses open their doors for an evening of food, drink, and special events.
Bayside
Bayside is one of the livelier areas outside the Old Port. With numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes, it possesses the same energy but offers a more spacious, verdant feel. Bayside also caters to outdoorsy types, hosting the Bayside Community Garden, the Bayside Trail, and Kennedy Park. This is also where some of Portland’s best breweries reside, with Austin Street, Rising Tide, Belleflower Brewing Company, and Lone Pine all occupying space on Fox Street and Anderson Street.
Back Cove
Like Bayside, the Back Cove is due Northwest of the Old Port. The sprawling neighborhood surrounds a giant bay named (appropriately enough) the Back Cove. The crisp, still water is perfect for folks looking for a spacious spot to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The 3.6-mile Back Cove Trail is one of the city’s oldest and most popular paths, and the (mostly) flat terrain is perfect for walking, biking, or running, with exceptional views of the city skyline. It connects some of the bigger parks around the city, including Payson Park, Barrows Park, and, of course, Back Cove Park.
West End
While mostly residential, the West End is worth visiting to marvel at what’s been called “one of the best preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the country,” by the Star Tribune. For history buffs, there’s an opportunity to create your own architectural scavenger hunt to search for historic homes like the Gothic House, Harrison B. Brown House, A.B. Butler House, The Western Cemetery, and more. For folks visiting from out of state, you’ll get a taste of the best parts of New England, especially in the fall when the leaves on all the low-hanging trees that line the street burst into warm colors that travelers have only seen in magazines.
East End
The East End might be the most underrated neighborhood in the city, and you basically pass through the Old Port and all its offerings to get there.
The East End has it all: historical landmarks (Portland Observatory, Arctic Campaign Memorial); recreation spaces (Kiley Softball Field, Eastern Prom Children’s Playground, East End Beach), and plenty of local businesses (The Front Room, Forage Market, Belleville, Double Great Coffee).
For those who love to wander, the best thing to do is just throw your car into the Eastern Promenade Parking Lot, hike up to Eastern Cemetery, and walk Congress Street until it ends. The cozy neighborhood with its coffee shops, local taverns, and bakeries is the humblest, most inviting neighborhood in the whole city.
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Of course, there are many other worthy neighborhoods, including Deering, Rosemont, Oakdale, Libbytown, and the inimitable Peak’s Island. Maine Coast Life will have you covered with our adventures around Portland and its many fine neighborhoods.