Take a Good Walk, Portland ME, Portland, Maine

Tucked up in the top right corner of the U.S., Maine’s geography doesn’t escape my ability to take a good walk in Maine. Portland’s energy and food-abundance attract the adventurer, and this city doesn’t disappoint when finding surprises, good walks, and tasty, homemade ice cream. My walk on this cloudy, sprinkle-y day ventured along the Portland waterfront, starting at the U.S. Custom House. Take a good walk Portland Maine.

The U.S. Custom House sits stately along the waterfront, daring importers to bypass it. Although it no longer houses Customs, the federal agencies within have made great use of the space. Walking past it made me think of the nautical history and the importance of Portland in our immigration and importing industries, especially when it comes to fish and lobster. Thus, I had to immediately grab some lunch, and I couldn’t pass up Gilbert’s Chowder House.

On this day, the Tall Ships graced the wharves, and Gilbert’s was packed. But it’s always packed due to its delicious and fresh chowders, calamari and lobster rolls. My sister, a long-time Mainer, feasted on her usual–clam chowder in a bread bowl, and I munched down the amazingly fresh lobster roll. The prices are good–a bit touristy–but worth the admission to the view of the wharf. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).