Great for auctions, employees, Moms, Dads and other family members. xbbbd`b``L "@ r Built in 1897, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse (2 Fort Road, South Portland) sticks up at the mouth of the harbor like a giant spark plug, and it also has several distinctive features including a view of the entire Portland skyline from across the water. 0000014220 00000 n Our tour guide was very informative and had a great sense of humor! While you're on campus grounds, you'll also want to see the ruins of Fort Preble, which guarded this point of land against foreign invasion from 1808 until 1950. You could plan a whole trip around these historically significant and visually arresting Maine beacons. We saw a couple of seals and bald eagles. If you are in Portland, this is a great option!, Celebrating our 50th Wedding Anniversary, we spent a glorious week in Portland. See the best southern Maine has to offer by doing both tours! You can park your car and walk out on the short breakwater to the lighthouse or take a walk on the paved path that offers views of Portland Harbor and the city skyline. Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light). Rumor has it one keeper forgot to shut the hatch before setting out for his walk, which why many keepers chose less athletic hobbies like carving duck decoys. Many scenic tours have lighthouse lovers choices and embark from downtown Portland to nearby sites. Still a critical aid to navigation, you'll see the Ram Island Ledge Light flash white twice every six seconds. endstream endobj 61 0 obj<>/Size 44/Type/XRef>>stream We had originally signed up for the Lighthouse Lovers Cruise but we decided to upgrade to the Lighthouse and Harbor Cruise for only $8 extra per person. <<8A8B6B877292384F8FFF65B69F05223E>]>> A great way to end a hectic day or begin a romantic evening! Our guide and driver was so informative. 0000005284 00000 n If you have a chance get a lobster roll at the Crab Shack in Kennebunkport, it was the best I had in New England or Canada., Our tour guide, Bramps, was extremely entertaining. The two lights were built to make these lighthouses distinct from other lighthouses in the region. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. We took the City and Lighthouse tour., We enjoyed our lighthouse and harbor cruise. 0000007998 00000 n Of the 50 caisson-style lighthouses built in America on sturdy, metal foundations, this is the only one you can walk to: It's connected to land via a breakwater on the campus of Southern Maine Community College. 2022 Visit Portland. Turn right again at a stop sign onto Madison Street. %PDF-1.4 % Build your lighthouse-themed itinerary with these tips for finding, visiting, and photographing Portland's lighthouses. All Rights Reserved. The Quintessential Maine Experience. We can make arrangements to pick up the wedding party at their hotel and take them to the venue in style. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. Built of gray granite blocks in 1905 on a tiny rock island in Casco Bay, Ram Island Ledge Light strikes a solitary pose at the entrance to Portland Harbor, and it even has a twin, Graves Light Station in Boston, which was built during the same time. You could argue it was the first lighthouse built in the United States. Maine is well known for its scenic coastline and lighthouses. When it comes to special events in the Portland, Maine area, sometimes you just need to go BIG and ride in style! are approximately 50 minutes in length and are fully narrated with very knowledgeable local guides displaying high-resolution photographs from the Maine Historical Society through our onboard multimedia system, which includes a large, flat screen LED TV. She is an absolute ambassador for the city she loves and knows so well. Ram Island was one of those, near Christmas in the early 1900s, a steamship headed for Boston, and New York crashed into the ledge. Indabelle / Flickr / Creative Commons License. Does that count as a lighthouse? Captain Joshua Strout become the keeper in 1869 with his wife Mary as the assistant lighthouse keeper. Users From State Street in Portland, take the Casco Bay Bridge and follow Route 77 South toward Cape Elizabeth. Portland, ME, 04101, Get a chance to see Americas most photographed lighthouse up close for 30 minutes, Ride through 17th century mansion neighborhoods, See the Wedding Cake House and the Bush compound. xb``g`` f Y800p C1/GVM] V`,\B3Y4O,D You may recognize these attractive twins from Edward Hopper's famous 1929 painting, "The Lighthouse at Two Lights.". Tour Maines most beautiful lighthouses along the coast from Kittery and Yorks Nubble Light to Portlands most famous lighthouse, Portland Head Light. They were constructed before the United States ratified The Constitution, creating what we now know as the United States of America. Loved the town of Kennebunkport. 0000001600 00000 n 0000001770 00000 n Until then, stay safe. There were cute gift shops and enjoyed seeing the Bush compound. The eastern structure is still a working lighthouse, though not accessible to the public, and the other is now a one-of-a-kind private home. Listings include where to stay, where to eat, what to do, maps, and much more its everything you need. Scenic Route Maine Tours is a LOCAL, family-owned and operated tour company sharing what we love about our charming city of Portland and great state of Maine! 0000002739 00000 n Discover the maritime past on your own or learn about lighthouse history from educated tour guides. Our birthday party charters include fire hats for the kiddos to enhance the festive and fun ambiance. On most summer weekends, you can venture inside for a tour of this real working lighthouse. Operating from Peaks Island. When they retired, their son Joseph became the Lighthouse Keeper. The lighthouse was first lit in 1875. Four Corinthian columns hold up the lens. Volunteer-led tours of the still-active light station are offered most Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Tours run on a schedule and privately year-round. visit to Portland Head Lighthouse, Museum. Between them, they served for fifty-nine years. Hop on board the Discovery Trolley and enjoy a 105-minute, fully narrated trolley tour of scenic and historic Portland AND visit Maines oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light. The informative and fun commentary never stopped and we were amazed how she knew her route, navigated traffic, and never missed a beat, timing everything perfectly. 62 0 obj<>stream If you don't like crowds and want a more personalized tour - Ribbit Adventures is for you! This tour may change slightly based on the weather and group or as the State of Maine regulations change with social distancing guidelines and safety requirements for parks and local establishments. Find places to stay, things to do, restaurants, shops, group meeting services, venues, and much more. Operating since 2012, our stellar TripAdvisor reviews prove that small groups and excellent value combined with premium quality is a great mix. For a different photographic angle onPortland Head Light, book passage aboard one of Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours' lighthouse cruises. Enjoy the sights of Casco Bay from a unique vantage point aboard a 6.5 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RIB). Many lighthouses were built as a result of maritime disasters. Kan Wu / Flickr / Creative Commons License. Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September is your one chance to venture inside. The oceanfront Lobster Shack at Two Lights, open seasonally (typically April through October), serves up fresh lobster and other Maine delights, and the views from outdoor picnic tables are unbeatable. To return to Portland, reverse to Breakwater Drive and turn right onto Broadway, which leads back into town. Well explore the bustling inner harbor and main shipping channel to get close up views of civil war era forts and the lighthouses that guide mariners into Portland Harbor. Learned so many interesting facts about Portland as well as Maine The owner, Khaled, was very friendly and helpful, and we are glad to support a local business. Our call volume continues to be extremely high. 44 19 What an interesting and informative tour of Portland by local guide, Fred, and bus driver, Bill! Charters can go near. Its fitting for any occasion you can think of. We need time off of our phones to complete reservations. 0000000676 00000 n Go big and create a special and memorable experience by chartering our vintage fire truck for your event or private party! This elegant-looking lighthouse is unique because it's believed to be the only lighthouse in the world shaped like a 4th-century Greek monument. Just beyond Portland Head Light is the Ram Island Ledge Light? You'll also find the South Portland Historical Society Museum near the park entrance. Nearby, Portland Paddle offers a full-day Lighthouse & Fort guided sea kayaking tour that affords paddlers of all abilities a rare chance to see Casco Bay's lighthousesincluding Ram Island Ledge Lightfrom the water. Just beyond Portland Head Light is the Ram Island Ledge Light? It was worth the time! The childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Victoria Mansion and the bustling Old Port are just a few of the landmarks you will see as we travel from city streets to rocky coast! Drive through the campus to the Portland Harbor Museum, and walk along the granite wall to Spring Point Ledge Light. 0000002379 00000 n Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. 0000000016 00000 n It is big, famous, old, and It was commissioned in 1791. This 105 minute cruise offers guests a chance to relax and unwind as we make our way around the inner islands and lighthouses of the bay at dusk. Retrace your route back out to Shore Road and turn right, then veer right again onto Preble Street. Our friendly, fun, and knowledgeable guides love what they do and want to share their excitement with you! Your email address will not be published. %%EOF Approximately one mile south of Cape Elizabeths town center, turn left at the sign for Two Lights State Park and follow to the twin lighthouses, built in 1828. Although this lighthouse, located about a mile offshore, is never open to the public, and the island is accessible only by private boat, you can view and photograph Ram Island Ledge Light from Portland Head Light (1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth). Continue past the industrial section of town, keeping the breakwater on your right, to Bug Light at the end of the road. Want more travel tips and ideas? 2022 Downeaster Travel Packages All Rights Reserved | Designed and Maintained by, Vacation Travel Packages to Maine, Boston, MA and Beyond. Contact us today to discuss your special event. Portland Breakwater Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, Portland Head Light, and Ram Island Ledge Light. ~M %I+7e;)@TPrs sQF/093lyA 3SnE} ++%]p%rNXQ`Ub(&QrlXatYx&9wt5&EpRl8|vB{sQPz$4QUSQgh-+'$zL}K tON@L%u8&). Youll be able to see so much of Portland, Maine in our 50 minute tours aboard our Vintage Fire Engine. Explore our blog for articles and inspiration to enhance your visit. Before leaving Portland Head Light, observe Ram Island Light at the entrance to Portland Harbor off Portland Head. Fortunately, there is a museum operating from Memorial Day through October 31 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) inside the 1891 keeper's quarters where you can view several lighthouse lenses and interpretive displays. 0000013530 00000 n You can walk out on the granite breakwater to get close to the lighthouse or admire it from the beach. Learned a lot about Portland's history. Tours Depart at 10:00AM & 1:00PM 7 Days a week but schedule may change. Your special event can be narrated with our awesome and talented tour guide or you and your guests can ride alone privately. 0000000872 00000 n Receive information to assist you in planning your Maine vacation. We count the five as Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge, Portland Head Light, and Two Lights making Ram Island the 6. With 41 acres of wooded trails, plus granite ledges, rocky headlands, and oceanfront paths lush with wild sea roses, bayberries, and sumac trees, Two Lights State Park (7 Tower Drive, Cape Elizabeth) offers lighthouse lovers so much more than views of the twin Cape Elizabeth Lights. Can also will go near Halfway Rock Light and the Little Mark Island Monument on request. 44 0 obj <> endobj Of course, that means lighthouses are a part of Portland's fabric. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Portland. Hopefully, we will see many people on tour soon. Lighthouse & Fort guided sea kayaking tour. Located eight miles south of Portland, the park was named for the 1828 Gothic Revival-style towers at the end of Two Lights Road; Maine's first twin lighthouses. Our vintage fire truck seats 13 people and is the perfect way to create a memorable experience. 0000013772 00000 n 0000002773 00000 n 0000001624 00000 n Affectionately referred to as Bug Light because of its small stature, Portland Breakwater Lighthouse in Bug Light Park (Madison Street, South Portland) was built in 1855 of cast iron with a brick lining on a granite block foundation.