Norm Forgey, : April 2008 Archives

Bar Harbor, Maine has been selected in the top 100 world destinations by Tripadvisor's Traveler's Choice 2008 Awards. 

Maine Day Trip provides you with customized and private tours from the Portland area to Bar Harbor and many other mid-coast and down-east locations.

A trip and tour to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park is spectacular and very memorable.  Maine is the premier summer vacation location!

Maine Day Trip 2008

Greater Portland Landmarks is an organization that not only strives to preserve Portland's historic buildings but also educates with tours, presentations, and literature.  Their school programs bring to life the history, places, and people, of Portland's past.  'Fifteen Places to Know' is an excellent example of their work.

The Neal Dow House (1829) tour provides an unparalleled insight into Portland's government and society.  As the 9th mayor of Portland he became the 'Father of Prohibition' in 1851.  Neal Dow became a national and international figure with the advent of Prohibition.  He also became a Colonel and Brigadier General in the 13th Infantry of Maine during the Civil War.  He was captured by the Confederates and held prisoner in Virginia.  Take the house tour and learn about his influence during a critical time of our United States history.

Tate House (1755) is a premier example of architecture and life prior to the Revolutionary War.  The house was built by Captain George Tate (1700-1794) a Senior Mast Agent for the British Royal Navy.  The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972.  This outstanding tour of house and gardens is one of the finest in New England.  Don't miss it!

Maine Day Trip will provide you and your group (1 to 6 people) a historic and scenic private driving tour of Portland and the surrounding areas.  Let us take you to each of these landmarks so that you can experience the 'inside' tours as well.

Maine Day Trip is exploring the historic sites and early history of Portland, Maine.  Portland has significant events in its past that helped form the desire for independence and creation of the United States of America.  The first British settlement of Portland was in 1628 and statehood was achieved in 1820.  During this time, Portland was a very prosperous and growing community overcoming many disasters.  The town was destroyed four times, with the latest on July 4, 1865 by fire.  This was the largest fire of its time in the U.S., creating 10,000 homeless people.  Prior to that, Captain Henry Mowat was responsible for the bombardment of Portland during the American revolution in 1775.  Captain Mowat also helped create the greatest American naval disaster, prior to Pearl Harbor, by defeating nineteen U.S. ships in Penobscot Bay, Maine.

Recommended tours include the Portland Observatory museum (which has nothing to do with astronomy) built in 1807.  It is the only remaining maritime signal station in the U.S. 

Also, Victoria Mansion, built in 1858 is an Italian style villa worth a tour.  The fully furnished museum is an excellent view of the grand style of a summer cottage built by Ruggles Sylvester Morse who spared no expense in its design, materials, and furnishings.  Victoria Mansion is a National Historic Landmark in Portland, Maine.

When you visit Portland, be sure to allow time to take some of these tours.  The museum docents are very knowledgeable and are happy to answer your questions.

The 26th Annual Meeting of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland was held today, April 10, 2008.  The program included vendor exhibitors, luncheon, awards, and entertainment provided by the Maine State Music Theatre.  This was a great networking opportunity for everyone in the hospility industry of the area.  The awards presentation was a major highlight and very informative about the success of local businesses and their commitment to the community.  Read about them here. 

The venue was hosted by Mr. Gerard Kiladjian, Chairman of the CVB Board of Directors.  Mr. Kiladjian is the General Manager of Portland Harbor Hotel.

The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland is a great resource for your vacation, tourism, meetings & conventions in the Portland Casco Bay region.

The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce learned a lot about hand crafted beer today from Fred Forsely of the Shipyard Brewing Co.   Shipyard is Maine's largest microbrewery.  Fred gave a great presentation and you can download it here.  The Chamber's Eggs & Issues meetings provide insight to the businesses and government of the Portland area.  Shipyard and companies like them provide a great economic impact and benefit to the community.  Cheers to Shipyard and Maine!