Portland, Maine info needed

[kpgclark]

Is the Sheraton far from the ocean?

 

[NHAnn]

Originally posted by BedKnobbery2
For right in-town, there isn't much--the Eastland, a Holiday Inn, and...Portland Harbor Hotel? I think?--but there are more in the immediate surrounding areas, and with a car you'll be just fine.

We go to Portland for a weekend every year for the Stars On Ice tour, and for years DH used to attend an annual conference there in February In the in-town area close to Old Port attractions we've stayed at the Eastland (thumbs down), The Holiday Inn, (OK) and our favorite is the Portland Regency (pricey but wonderful small historic hotel right in the Old Port). There is a newer hotel that looks great in the Old Port section too...I believe it's the Harbor something or other referred to above. Out in the area of the Sheraton and the Mall, we've stayed at a Marriott resort (Sable Oaks or something like that?) I love staying right intown, within or walking distance to the Old Port-I prefer the ambience of the port/harbor waterfront area shopping and dining... cobblestones, etc. There's nothing wrong with the Sheraton/ Mall area...but you could be "anywhere" if you know what I mean.

If you're really looking to spend "beach" time, I'd stay at the Sheraton for the conference then go out to one of the beaches outside Portland proper. As noted above you can get into the attractions intown from the Sheraton easily, and you could use it as a base certainly for a week of doing things in the general area, I just think that the commercial/developed feel of that immedate area would get old to me personally after a few days...the beach areas near Portland would be much nicer atmosphere for a longer stay (JMHO).

I also second the Peaks Island suggestion And if you're an LLBean fan take a drive up to Freeport if you have time!
DH and DD have done the Scotia Prince (I'm a landlubber myself ) and enjoyed it immensely. There's also some sort of hovercraft fast ferry thing now too?


Have fun whatever you decide...there's a lot to do for you and your family!! enjoy!

 

[mcnuss]

The Sheraton needs a serious rehab. It's not so nice anymore. But there are some newer hotels over that way that are better for families anyway, like the Residence Inn by Marriott. You will not be very close to the beaches, probably a good 30-40 mins driving. In Portland proper I love the Regency, but the rooms may feel small with a family. In Cape Elizabeth, there is the NICEST hotel, I love this place but it costs a bit, called Inn by the Sea. They have some nice suites and it's right on the beach, they have a pool too and lots of activities.

I did not read all the posts but some other options for beaches if you stay the week are Kennebunkport or York or further north there is Boothbay Harbor which is outstanding. If you'd like hotel recommendations there, let me know.

 

[jjskribs]

We vacation at Old Orchard Beach every summer. (I live on Cape Cod but love the "Maine" ocean better). The beach is beautiful. We stay at the Ocean Walk Hotel which is directly on the ocean. The rooms are nice with microwaves and a kitchen area. They have a nice website where you get get an idea of what the rooms are like and the rates. We have stayed there many times and really love it. Nothing like the sound of the ocean to fall asleep to. The motel is about a mile from the center of town toward the Scarborough line. It is nice and quiet at this end of the beach. We always walk into town from there. You can walk on the street or on the beach. We have also stayed at the Friendship which is just a little closer to town. It's a nice motel for kids with a great outside pool. It's also on the ocean. It has a separate bedroom and a "living room" with a pull-out couch. It's not as "new" as the Ocean Walk but we have always enjoyed staying there as well. Also has a website for more info. Be advised that the first two weeks of August are busy and you have to book early. It quiets down toward the end of August and the rates also go down. Enjoy your stay. Maine is truly THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE!.

 

[kpgclark]

Thanks for the great ideas everybody! I'm having an interesting time trying to find a place that will accept my parent's dog. Hopefully they will kennel him in the end. I'm glad that some folks posted first hand experience at some of the resorts since it is difficult to really know how clean or nice places are just by looking at photos on the web. Thanks!

 

[kpgclark]

Anyone know anything about Camp Comfort Avenue on Orchard Beach?

 

[kpgclark]

Does anyone know anything about the Nautilus Bed and Breakfast? It is located in Ocean Park about 1 mile south of the Pier. It looks very nice and it's right on the ocean. I'm going to reserve someplace in the next couple of days so if you know something please let me know.

 

[betz]

Ocean Park is a small community that started as a camp meeting area for the Free Will Baptists. It is much slower than Old Orchard, which is a mile up the street. It is approx. a 1/2 hour drive to Portland during the summer traffic. Camp Ellis is down the road, on the Saco River. There you can rent Kayaks and tour the river and the salt marshes. Ocean Park is a dry town, no alcohol or cigarettes are sold anywhere.
The Nautilus is really nice as is the Billow House. The Billow House has larger suites, some with a jacuzzi. Both are on the beach.

http://www.nautilusbythesea.com/

http://www.billowhouse.com/

These two inns are just steps from where I stay in the summer ... ahhh summer ...

The great thing about the beach at OP is the tide differential. This makes for some fun sand castle building during low tide and boggie boarding when it gets higher.

If you do tour Portland make sure you tour the Old Port. The welcome center has guided walking tours that are fun. There are lots of old houses to tour also. The Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill is the country's last remaining maritime signal tower and is a great tour. If you children are young they would enjoy a ride on the narrow rail train. The shops in Old Port are a lot like being in P-Town at the Cape. One of my favorites is Dunne Roman on Dana St. There are a ton of resturants to choose from. The local Brew is not half bad at Gritty McDuffs and even though it is a chain RiRa's is a great place to dine on the water. Not in Old Port, the Public Brick Marketplace is a fun place to visit and pick up fresh delicacies. And downtown Portland has tons of antique shops.

I think someone mentioned the Lobster Pound at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth, very nice. I like Foxes Lobster Pound, but it is further south at Nubble Light. Portland Headlight is a beautiful place to spend the day,hike, have a picnic and fly a kite.

There really is so much to do that you will have to come back

 

[kpgclark]

Thanks betz. Do you have a preference of one B&B over the other? I have only phoned the Nautilus and they have suites with two bedrooms which sound nice for us.

 

[betz]

The Billow House serves homemade cookies. I have never had a reason to stay at either, they are basically next to each other. I think the Billow House's Kitchen is more complete and Suite is bigger from what I see on the web pages.

I forgot to mention up the road a bit in Saco there is Funtown/Splashtown water parks and also there is a double feature drive in movie theatre in Saco.
mmmm summertime drive -in movies

 

[sue Z]

If anyone is a baseball fan Besure to check out the Portland Sea Dogs the Double A team of the Boston Red Sox

www.portlandseadogs.com

This is a great take for adults and kids of all ages!!

 

[kpgclark]

Does someone you know play for the Sea Dogs?