Old Port Fest

A benefit of living down town? Everything is within walking distance! For starters, it was gorgeous out yesterday, the perfect t-shirt weather. We strolled through Portland, heading towards the hustle and bustle of what was the 42nd annual Old Port Festival. Cars were congested at stop lights left and right while trying to find their way into the heart of the city, it's always quite a mess getting there this time of year. Like previous years, the festival was swarmed with people. Swarmed isn't even a good way of putting it, it was more like flooded with people. There's your typical fair food like popcorn, fries, cotton candy, but thrown in the mix are always local foods. You can buy hand-made t-shirts, jewelry, soaps, artwork, cutting boards, you name it. There's face painting, rock climbing, pony rides, live music, and even a ferris wheel. Portland may be the largest city in Maine, but it's still tiny compared to the likes of New York City or even Boston. That being said it is a whole heck of a lot of festival to cram into the streets of downtown, but they still manage to orchestrate it every year.

After we checked out every booth and took in the aromas of all the foods, we decided to head somewhere that hadn't been attacked by tourists yet. Out by the ferry that makes its way from Peak's Island and back and near the massive whale wall, is a dock that looks out to the Casco Bay Bridge. We sat with our feet dangling over the edge, black raspberry ice-cream in hand and smiles on our faces. What a wonderful way to end the Old Port Festival.

I've never been a big fan of saltwater, I don't like swimming in it and sometimes during foggy weather low-tide can sting your nose, but this view is something even lake lovers can appreciate. Portland will just be that much more special when we visit back.