2012 Best of Portland, Maine

The vibrant city of Portland, Maine has many attractions, restaurants, and shops worth visiting, from its historic Old Port district along the harbor to its Arts District along Congress Street. Still, each year Yankee names our Editors’ Picks for “Best of New England,” and as usual, the city of Portland earned quite a few in 2012. Find out which places we think are the best of Portland, Maine. Keep them in mind for your next visit to the wonderful city of Portland, Maine! BEST VICTORIANA IMMERSION Victoria Mansion First-time visitors’ jaws often drop upon entering the Morse-Libby House, a National Historic Landmark that’s rife with Victoriana and widely considered the most magnificently ornamented Italianate dwelling in the country. 109 Danforth St. 207-772-4841; victoriamansion.org BEST PORTLAND NIBBLES Maine Foodie Tours Graze through America’s foodiest small city on a guided culinary walking tour ($45) or trolley tour ($47). Tours begin at Old Port Wine Shop. 223 Commercial St. 800-595-4849, 207-233-7485; mainefoodietours.com BEST SHOPPING ADVENTURE Reny’s Find everything from Tom’s of Maine toothpaste to Woolrich shirts, jigsaw puzzles to cookware, at this small Maine chain of discount department stores. Locations: Bath, Belfast, Bridgton, Camden, Damariscotta, Dexter, Ellsworth, Farmington, Gardiner, Madison, Pittsfield, Portland, Saco, Topsham, Wells. renys.com BEST BREAKFAST AS AN ART FORM Pomegranate Inn Innkeeper and cookbook author Dana Moos prepares gourmet breakfasts that are as gorgeous to view as they are delicious to eat. She treats the plate as a canvas, balancing tastes, textures, and colors in dishes such as asparagus/caramelized-shallots/goat-cheese frittata and lemon-zest French toast with Maine blueberry maple syrup. The results complement the art-filled inn. 49 Neal St. 800-356-0408, 207-772-1006; pomegranateinn.com BEST GREEK CUISINE Emilitsa Chef/co-owner Demos Regas prepares the rustic Greek fare of his youth for a menu of small and large plates, created with an emphasis on fresh and local. The spanakopita, lamb chops, and whole fish earn raves. 547 Congress St. 207-221-0245, emilitsa.com BEST VEGETARIAN LUNCH Little Lad’s Yes, it’s vegan, but with hearty choices that might include mac-and-cheese, chili, or eggplant cacciatore, you won’t miss the meat. The spread always includes soup, salad bar, bread, vegetables, and Entrée. Just $4.99 covers all you can fit on a tray. Still hungry? Load up again for $1. Hint: Go early for the most choices. 482 Congress St. 207-871-1636; littlelads.com

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