After Labor Day  I take a week or two escape from D.C.  This year I took a little road trip and headed to Portland for three days. Mid September is shoulder season, so while there were still al lot of tourists in town, it wasn’t  the heavy influx of July and August.  The town is renown for its food scene, and from my experiences, it is well deserved.  Architecture is my primary, and Portland, going back to its 18th century origins offers a nice mix of structures to study. Among the port’s tourist areas where everyone seems to offer up lobster rolls, make that GIGANTIC lobster rolls, is a working port, with lobster shacks and real fishing boats. I want to start our tour with some architectural details and storefronts.

Widgery Block 1871

Widgery detail

U.S. Customs House detail

Chop House

N to Tail, Korean restaurant

CH Robinson Co. Moulton Street

The most colorful convenience store I’ve ever seen

Nautical theme everywhere

If you are looking for bold color in Portland, head directly to the fisherman’s shacks. 

There is a lot more to see as you get out of the central business area. Great rock formations around Casco Bay, forested areas and of course Head Light, reputed to be the most photographed light house in the USA.