Lighthouses, lobsters and long stretches of beach epitomise Portland. And while that still rings true, Portland is changing. So today, along with the bearded fishermen who have spent their lives at sea, expect a fair smattering of bearded hipsters, who inject their lives into the city. Victorian architecture, a thriving, arts scene from crafts to clothing and world famous cuisine (Portland has the most restaurants per capita, second only to San Francisco), have put Portland on the map. The city was founded in 1632 and quickly prospered through shipbuilding and export. The extension of the Canada Trunk Railway to the city gave Portland a heady status as being 100 miles closer to Europe than any other US port, and it became a boom town. A key destination on the freedom trail that helped African Americans escape slavery in the South, the town has retained its tolerant ambience and laid back feel.
Fort Scammel
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Fort Scammel was built to protect coastal cities leading up to the War of 1812 and again during the Civil War. Because of its location, Fort Scammel, along with Fort Gorges and Fort Preble, was a critical element in the defense of the entrance to Portland Harbour.
After an enjoyable tour of the island , entering into its long tunnels and viewing the gun emplacements, we motored back to the pier for a Maine Lobster, said to be the most flavorful lobster on Earth and part of this coastal region for generations. But, our lunch, at DiMillo's consisted of tasteless tourist food and not worth the stop
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