City of South Portland, Maine
Casco Bay in South Portland
The Maine Mall is perhaps the most well-known destination in South Portland, with just over 1 million square feet of retail space and roughly 120 stores. However, the 50-year-old structure is only the tip of the iceberg with what South Portland has to offer.
Situated on Portland Harbor, South Portland has dynamic views of the water and other maritime delights. And for those captivated by maritime history, there are many must-see locations within the 12.93-square-mile city, many easily accessible with the city’s bus service.
It also is home to Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), Maine’s oldest community college. SMCC is a public, two-year college with around 6,000 students enrolled in roughly 40 academic programs. Its Peter A. McKernan Hospitality Center is a venue for weddings and other events for up to 100 guests. Not only does it feature amazing views of Casco Bay, but it also doubles as a training opportunity for SMCC’s Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts programs.
Exploring South Portland’s Rich History
Those in the area of Willard Beach or SMCC can visit Fort Preble, the ruins of a fort built in the early 1800s that also saw action during the Civil War when raiders from the Confederate Army made their way into Portland Harbor.
Also in the vicinity of Fort Preble is the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, an actively working lighthouse. While it is not open to the public, it that can be accessed by a stone pathway. The pathway may not be suitable for families with small children or people with mobility issues, though, because the rocks on the pathway have large crevices between them, and water on both sides of the pathway.
Source: South Portland City Website
Wainwright Recreation Complex
525 Acres of Parkland; 8 Miles of Trails
The city also is home to several parks, from smaller parks with playgrounds, picnic areas, and small gardens, as well as many larger parks.
The popular Bug Light Park, for example, pays homage to the bustling shipbuilding era of days past, of which South Portland played a major role, building 274 Liberty and Ocean ships in WWII. Now, park visitors can spend time at the Liberty Park Memorial or walk the pathway to the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, more commonly known as Bug Light because of its size.
Bug Light Park is located on the eastern end of the popular Greenbelt Walkway, a well-traveled pathway more than 5 miles long, and serves as the terminus of the popular Eastern Trail, a 65-mile greenway that begins in Kittery. The Greenbelt Walkway itself has something for any nature lover, passing through woods, wetlands, and fields.
Another popular hiking trail is the Trout Brook Nature Preserve. Tucked up against a stream, the volunteer-maintained trail includes two bog bridges and a 45-foot bridge over Trout Brook.
Individuals, couples, and families alike enjoy availing themselves of several parks in South Portland, including Thomas Knight Park, Mill Creek Park, and Hinkley Park, among others.
And what would a self-respecting coastal town in Maine be without a public beach? Only four acres in size, the quaint Willard Beach can be found between SMCC and Fisherman’s Point, but the sandy beach provides breathtaking views of Casco Bay’s Cushing Island and Ram Island Light. Be forewarned, though. The free parking area only accommodates 75 vehicles. If the lot is full, on-street parking is not permitted for beachgoers.
Plenty of challenges for the athletically inclined
South Portland also has a number of sports facilities for those interested in athletics. Besides baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts, South Portland’s Wainwright Recreation Complex is 66 acres of fields for frisbee, lacrosse, and soccer in the warmer months. In the winter, the complex offers groomed cross country skiing trails, snowshoeing opportunities, and an ice rink for skaters.
Of, if you prefer a good round of golf, there is the 9-hole South Portland Municipal Golf Course. It’s a par 33 course, and is ideal for those just starting to pick up the game, for seniors, or for a golfer looking to catch a round after work.
Fuel Up with Delicious South Portland Treats
Before a day of shopping or adventuring, one might want to stop in at Omi’s Coffee Shop, a small business featuring fair trade, organic coffee, blueberry biscuits, flapjack sandwiches, and homemade Pop-Tarts.
Or if one is hungry in the middle of the day, Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill has a number of amazing sandwiches and BBQ plates for every appetite. They also have a fun kid’s menu with ribs, mac and cheese, or BBQ sandwiches.
Pizza lovers will love the menu at the South Portland House of Pizza, which offers a Greek-styled pizza crust, homemade sauce, and a tasty blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. They also win hearts with their grilled chicken salad and a huge variety of grinders and subs.
Not in the mood for mainstream lunch or dinner fare? Try a kinish at BenReuben’s Knishery—a concoction of sweet or savory fillings wrapped in toasted doughy amazingness. One example of the Jewish staple found at BenReuben’s is a Kielbasa Kinish, a mixture of beef kielbasa, mustard, onions, and local apples.
Unfortunately, those who like the great outdoors will not find much by way of campgrounds in South Portland proper. However, given the nature of South Portland’s proximity to Portland, there are several lodging options in the fourth-largest city in the state, such as Tru by Hilton, located near the Maine Mall. The Best Western Merry Manor Inn is located off Route 1 and has a 17-foot spa as well as a year-round heated outdoor pool.
South Portland: A Fantastic Place to Visit
Rich in history, South Portland’s two major museums—the Maine Military Museum and the South Portland Historical Society Museum (closed due to the pandemic, but will hopefully open again soon!)—ensure that a visit to this city will have something for every age group, interests, and tastes.
