There are several places to visit in New Portland, Maine. Some of them are Bedrock Gardens, Crescent Beach State Park, and Fort Williams Park. Others include the Stoller Family Estate. Explore all of these places to get a better understanding of this charming town. After reading this article, you’ll be better equipped to plan your next visit to New Portland.
Bedrock Gardens
Bedrock Gardens, a public garden located 20 miles inland from Portland, Maine, is a must-see for any visitor to the area. This inspiring space features unusual plants, a Japanese themed garden, and many sculptural pieces. The Garden’s unique design is meant to be explored in stages. It includes different areas for rest and relaxation.
Visitors can explore a private botanical garden and enjoy the gardens all year long. They can also join educational programs such as beekeeping and ballroom dancing. The gardens also feature garden plots for families to get a feel for native plants and pollinators. The Gardens also provide free shuttle service from Mastway School for visitors.
Visitors to New Portland can also take advantage of the city’s public parks. The city has several beaches and several groves and fields. There are also nature trails and playgrounds for children. Outdoor recreation activities include swimming, hiking, and kayaking. In the winter, skiing is available at the slopes.
Crescent Beach State Park
The Crescent Beach State Park, which opened in 1966, is a mile-long crescent shaped stretch of sand eight miles south of Portland. The park includes several nature trails and wooded areas. Visitors can enjoy the ocean breeze and watch herring gulls fly overhead. There are also picnic areas and opportunities to hike, bike, and fish in the nearby river.
The park is heavily visited during the summer months, but offers a quieter walking experience during the off-season. There are clearly marked boundaries and rules to follow, so people can enjoy the views and quiet solitude of the park. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is closed during the winter months. You are welcome to bring your pet, as long as it is on a leash. However, pets are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30.
Whether you’re interested in learning about the history of the New England region or just taking in the natural beauty of New Portland, visitors will find plenty to do in this quaint town. The Portland Head Light is a landmark of the area that has helped settlers, sailors, and soldiers navigate the coast. The tower was erected in 1791, but the original whale oil lamps have been replaced with electric lights. The lighthouse is open for tours and visitors can climb the stairs or visit the museum.
For families, the park is the perfect place to visit with young children. The beach is ideal for swimming, and the park also has small ponds that are perfect for a quick dip. The park also features several picnic areas and fishing opportunities.
Fort Williams Park
The 90-acre park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, encompasses numerous historical sites. For example, you can explore the ruins of Fort Williams, which dates back to 1796. The park also features many beautiful gardens and a zoo. If you are looking for a fun day trip from Portland, consider a visit to Fort Williams Park.
The park is open year-round. While it is open daily, peak season is from April 1 to November 15. Fort Williams Park is dog-friendly. However, it is important to check the weather before visiting. While it may be sunny on one day, you may need to bundle up and stay in the park for a couple of hours if you’re planning to visit during peak season.
There are plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Children will enjoy exploring the fort’s nature preserve. They can even explore the 1.5-acre Children’s Garden, which features pint-size woodland and plants with insects. There are also resting areas and a tree-lookout.
Another place to visit in New Portland is the Portland Head Light. Located just next to Fort Williams Park, this historic lighthouse can be viewed by boat or from a nearby park. You can even hike through the fort’s trails. A hike to the lighthouse from Fort Williams Park offers spectacular views of the coast.
Stoller Family Estate
Wine lovers will enjoy a visit to the Stoller Family Estate. This solar-powered winery is LEED Gold certified, and its floor-to-ceiling windows create an experience like being in a vineyard, surrounded by beautiful foliage and wildlife. The modern tasting room allows you to take in the beautiful landscape as you sip a glass of wine.
This family-run vineyard is less than an hour’s drive from Portland. The 400-acre property features the largest contiguous vineyard in the Dundee Hills. In 2018, the estate won the Best Tasting Room in the Nation award. Visitors can explore the winery’s history and try a glass or two of the wine. The tasting room is also an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a meal with a view.
The Stoller Family Estate is the world’s first LEED Gold Certified winery. It is dedicated to environmental and social responsibility. In addition to their award-winning wines, guests can enjoy the estate’s epic views and guest homes. The estate also has an extensive food garden and seasonal running races.
For a family-friendly day trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a stop at Stoller Family Estate Winery is a must. The estate’s 4,000-square-foot tasting room offers panoramic vineyard views.
Hugo’s Restaurant
If you want to try contemporary American cuisine with a hint of the exotic, Hugo’s Restaurant is the place to go. The restaurant’s menu changes daily, featuring a rotating selection of seasonal dishes. The five-course tasting menu includes items such as grilled cheese sandwiches, cilantro crepes, garlic biscuits, chawanmushi, popcorn, and more. Each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and is served in a cozy setting.
This restaurant first opened in 1988 and underwent a major renovation in 2012. The dining room has a rustic design, with booths along a brick wall and tables by the windows. The interior features dark leather seating, wooden tables, and a tin ceiling. The kitchen is also made with locally sourced organic materials.
Hugo’s Restaurant is one of the most popular dining destinations in the area. It has been featured in several national publications, including Saveur and Maxim. The restaurant also announced plans to open a new location. The restaurant was included in a list of “Top 100” restaurants in the US by Opinionated About Dining. Several other New Portland restaurants made the list, including The Honey Paw and Hugo’s.
Hugo’s offers a wide variety of coffee options. Its three-tiered coffee service features seasonal options selected by Tandem coffee roasters and prepared on a French press, a Chemex, and a siphon. A trained staff prepares the coffee at the bar, using a thermocouple. The café also provides wine and beer, with a selection from both.
Victoria Mansion
If you’re in New Portland, Maine, you should visit the Victoria Mansion Museum. It was built in the mid-1800s and has been restored to its original splendor. You can tour the interior, which contains authentic furnishings from the Morse family. The mansion is open to the public on select dates throughout the year. There are guided tours and self-guided tours available, but tickets can sell out early, so it’s best to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
The Victoria Mansion is an historic landmark that’s located downtown. Built in the 1850s for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife, Olive Libby, the Victorian mansion transports you to high society in the late 1800s. The mansion is known for its ornate interior and incredible architecture. More than 90% of the original interior decor has been preserved. The Victoria Mansion also features a collection of Victorian-era paintings and furniture.
The Victorian-era house, also known as the Morse-Libby House, was built between 1858 and 1860 by architect Henry Austin. It served as Ruggles Sylvester Morse’s summer residence. The building is a great example of the decadence of pre-Civil War Portland.
If you’re a history buff, you can also visit the Portland Museum of Art, which has the largest collection of European art north of Boston. Families will also enjoy the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. If you’re looking for a good show, you can head to the Merrill Auditorium or State Theatre.
