Portland

We%26#39;re staying in Gloucester, Mass. for a week at the end of April. Just wondering how long a drive it is to Portland and if it is worth spending a day there or whether there are better things to do in the surrounding area.

Portland

It is a little over a 2 hour drive from Gloucester, MA to Portland, ME. As mentioned on your NH post, I would do the scenic route which would take longer and recommend a stop in Ogunquit.

Portland

Worth the trip to Portland. The coastline is very different just that little bit north. Portland is a lovely city with terrific places to eat and shop. They have a good art museum. You can tour Casco Bay on one of the ferries. Cape Elizabeth and Two Lights State Park are beautiful places to see the coast.

I would second mrsomes. Portland is a delightful city that offers much in terms of scenery, shopping, and dining.

Depending upon your personal likes and dislikes -- and the weather -- late April can be a great time to visit Portland....which is definitely different from Gloucester, MA in numerous ways -- architecture, atmosphere, cluture, things to see and do....

As has already been pointed out, late April can be a great time to drive up US Route 1 from Kittery to Portland -- seeing several small villages which are packed with tourists in the summertime. And although some of the seasonal shops may not be open in April, the ambiance is there just the same.

Take the short side trip to see ';The Nubble'; lighthouse in York -- most local businesses can give you directions.... A brief side trip to Kennebunkport will let you drive past the summer residence of former US President George Busch (the more senior of the two) -- and even if you%26#39;re not too interested in the presidential connection, it%26#39;s a pretty section of Maine%26#39;s coast anyway -- again, locals can give you exact driving directions....and while you%26#39;re in Kennebunkport, take the opportunity to get out of the car and stretch your legs on one of the sandiest ocean beaches in Maine -- could be a wonderful experience if sun and tempratures cooperate.

Close to Portland, someone has already mentioned Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth -- you might find their website

www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_name.pl helpful in deciding whether or not to visit.

If the weather is good, ask directions to the Old Port section of Portland, find a place to park, and enjoy the boutiques, shops and restaurants of that redeveloped section of Portland%26#39;s waterfront.

If the weather is really good, follow another earlier suggestion and take a ride on a Casco Bay Lines ferry boat -- numerous trips daily serve several local islands -- you%26#39;re sure to find a trip length and cost that fits your wishes.... and the view of the city from out on the water is great!

If the weather doesn%26#39;t cooperate -- the Portland Art Museum has a wonderful collection and interesting visiting displays, the Victoria Mansion offers a look at historic living in Portland, and you can still enjoy the Old Port, you just have to move a bit more quickly between shops....

You might want to check Portland Museum of Art and Victoria Mansion websites as well...

Have a great visit...

Thanks so much for all the tips

cream song