What to do in Portland, Maine?

[LuvTigger]

Looks like I may be attending a conference in Portland, Maine, in early October. I think it's at the Eastland Park Hotel.

I've never been there and wanted to hear your suggestions of things to see, do, and eat in the area. I will probably be going by myself and won't have a car (unless I can convince BF to go...he says it's going to be too cold for him!). Will I be anywhere near somewhere I can appreciate the fall foliage?

Thanks!

 

[Wagamama]

eat lobster!! and lots of it!

 

[pumba]

just about then when you come.......if you go on route 302 going towards Sebago Lake.....you will be going towards the mountains and will be able to see some good colors.......Now on food ....if you are aiming at some seafood.......there are alot of places close to the portland area that are fantastic.......I think close to the hotel are some good restaurants......ask at the front desk at the hotel and they will point you in the right directions.....you are also not that far from LL BEAN.......you got to go to LL BEAN......that is about fifteen to twenty minutes away from Portland.......tell your BF the seashore is gorgeous when the "tourists" go home.......

 

[pumba]

can be hotter then a firecracker too.....a few years ago our daughter got married in the later part of October.....she had an outdoor wedding and we had 75 people outside our home and inside....so yes high seventies and low eighties sometimes can happen

 

[NHAnn]

The foliage should be beautiful while you are there! Not sure how exactly you could go about some driving around to see more of it than the City has to offer without a car though. Maybe some other Mainers will have ideas on that. I believe there are whale watch and other ocean excursions out of Portland ...maybe even foliage viewing from the water !
Unfortunately we've had a couple of bad experiences at the old "Eastland" 5-6 years ago though I understand it has been taken over yet again by new management (Radisson maybe??) several years ago. Is your conference at the Civiv Center? The location is fine, right around the corner from the Civic Center and downtown, and a little further but still within walking distance of the "Old Port" shopping and dining .
Your BF thinking Portland in October is too cold makes me laugh ...my DH used to have an annual conference there the first weekend in FEBRUARY each year.......now THAT was COLD!!!
We like DeMillo's Floating Restaurant for touristy seafood dining experience and Three Dollar Dewey's for cheap lunch and/or beer ....both on the waterfront. LOTS of neat dining and shopping in Portland.......

try this: www.visitportland.com

 

[klombar]

You could come over to my house and watch my kids while I take my wife out!

 

[LuvTigger]

Thanks for the responses so far!

Wagamama, yes, lobster was definitely on my mind! I LOVE lobster!

Pumba, thanks for the tips, esp. the weather part. Maybe if I emphasize to BF that it's possible it'll be warmer, I can convince him! Your descriptions of the scenery might just make me rent a car!

NHAnn, thanks for the tip about Eastland. The conference is actually in the hotel. Should be a relatively small conference, my guess is between 100-200 people at most. As far as October being cold, take into consideration that we have lived in Hawaii all our lives where 60 degrees is cold to us! Really, we have travelled in cold weather though, he's just being a wuss.

Klombar, I might take you up on your offer if you attend my conference and take notes while I go sightseeing.

Thanks again for the comments so far, keep 'em comin'!

 

[klombar]

I agree that the Old Port is the place to head. Plenty of food, dancing and drinking with a view of the Atlantic. There is also a comedy club down there. If you get a chance head to Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth just across the bridge. It is the home of the Portland Headlight.