Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Corner of Center

This corner, at the intersection of Center and Congress Streets near Monument  Square, usually catches my eye. The street-level reflections in glass windows and the shadows sometimes make for interesting compositions. Below are two photos from different times and days:



Monday, August 29, 2011

Picnic Music and Arts Festival #4

The 4th annual Picnic Music and Arts Festival was on Saturday in Portland's Lincoln Park. I'd love to see the park utilized like this more often. In addition to the "Winter Picnic" that was put on last year at an indoor location, I think a couple more summer Picnic's would be successful without being too much. Anyhow, here are some photos from this year's event:




You can check out the listing of vendors that were at the event here, most of whom also sell their goods online. I'm not sure if they have reached the limit of vendors, but  I'm thinking of applying for a spot at next year's event. You will hear about it here if I decide to go that route.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Hurricane Irene

It looks like Portland will survive Hurricane Irene. It's been rainy and windy but not too bad otherwise. Here's a few photos from today:

The sea was angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to return soup at a deli...
Channel 8 WMTW, Portland's news leader, reporting live from the State Pier.
In the event of  a hurricane, a bucket would provide good head protection.

Starbucks

I assume they will re-open on tomorrowageddon.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Friday, August 26, 2011

Ocean Gateway

Portland's Ocean Gateway sits along the Eastern Waterfront, just East of the Old Port. In addition to being a    cruise ship terminal, it's also a popular and unique place to host large events. 


The "mega birth," seen under construction in the below photo, will allow the largest of cruise ships to dock directly at Ocean Gateway, instead of at the nearby State Pier. You can find a listing of the cruise ships that will be visiting us on this city website. It gets pretty busy in September and October and the mega birth should be complete by then.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The End of Congress Street

Or is it just the beginning?

This is the monument where Congress Street ends/begins at the Eastern Promenade. I previously photographed the obelisk and it's tribute to the present and former names of this city here.

 

Not too far away on Congress Street, Blue Spoon and the Observatory:

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Mayoral Election 2011

I'm noticing more signs around town for various mayoral candidates in advance of the November 8th election. This wikipedia page and this Press Herald page both have up-to-date listings of the candidates who are vying to be Portland's first popularly elected mayor since 1923. This blog is not officially supporting any candidates at this time, but will continue to at  least monitor the race from a sign perspective.

JedForMayor.com

MarshallMayor.com

MarkosMillerMayor.com

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Martin's Point Bridge


Martin's Point Bridge connects Martin's Point in Portland to Mackworth Point in Falmouth. The current bridge was completed in 1943, and is due to be replaced eventually. The department of transportation's site for the project is here, and this is an interesting powerpoint with a history of the original bridge and  the current bridge.





Monday, August 22, 2011

Out of Town: Old Orchard Beach

Here are a few photos from a visit last week to Old Orchard Beach, a small touristy town located about 11  miles south of Portland. It was a rainy day and I guessed that the town would look picturesque with the lack of people and the grey skies.

The Pier
Log Flume Ride
Palace Playland

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Graffiti Report

While exploring Portland, you've likely come across graffiti like these examples:
I like some tastefully executed graffiti, but some graffiti is not only ugly but may also be illegal. Click the   image below to check out the city's graffiti reporting website. The city is encouraging citizens to report illegal art activities via an online form, sending a text message (keyword GOTCHA, the tip in the body message, and a photo to 274637), or by calling 207-874-8972.  I applaud the city's efforts here and what appears to be a 'broken windows theory' approach to safer neighborhoods.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Reader Photo - Hadlock Field

Today I have a "reader photo" from flickr user sheldoyle. Check out her photostream here for some other top-notch photos around Portland. This photo is of Hadlock Field, which is the home of the Portland Sea Dogs, the AA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. 

Hadlock Field, by sheldoyle.

Want to share some of your photos around Portland on this blog? Submit it through my Flickr group or send me an email.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Looking Down

As expected, here are some more Portland Observatory photos:

Looking Down


The people look like ants from up here!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Portland Observatory

The Portland Observatory is one of the city's true landmarks. In addition to the interesting history of the building, it also offers unique views of Portland from it's perch upon Munjoy Hill. Check out the Observatory's website here for information about the building's history and for tour information. The building is open for sunset tours only a few weeks a year, and these photos were taken last Thursday.

View of Downtown from the Observatory

You should recognize this panorama as this blog's banner. Click it for a slightly larger view:

Downtown panorama from Observatory
I'll be posting more Observatory views in the coming days.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Shoes on Congress

Shoes along Congress Street, at Reny's.

A Reny's window along Free Street 

Monday, August 15, 2011

Doggie in the Window

Corner of Fore and Pearl Streets
Nearby, art at the corner of Gold and Pearl Streets

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Saturday, August 13, 2011

St. Peter's Italian Street Festival & Bazaar

Today and tomorrow, the 13th and 14th of August 2011, is the 86th annual St. Peter's Italian Street Festival & Bazaar. The event is held in on Federal Street, by the intersection with India Street, which is where St. Peter's Catholic Church is located. You can get more info about the event here. These photos are from earlier today, while the event was being set up:




Friday, August 12, 2011

Urban Gardening

I think that if I had a fire escape or some sort of a patio attached to my apartment then I would give gardening a shot. Nothing too extensive, but perhaps some plants that would produce simple salads. Portland is a food-y type of place, so it's not surprising to see some urban gardens  around the peninsula, as pictured below. 



Portland blogger Broke207 tried a small garden this year. Although it sounds like a lot of work and I too would probably set my hopes too high, it seems like a good challenge and it has slightly inspired me. For now I will rely on Hannaford and the Farmers' Market. Feel free to post about your urban gardening experiences in the form of a comment!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Looking into the Past: Stilts on Congress


The old photo comes from the Portland Maine Encyclopedia of  the 1960's, 70' & 80's Facebook group. This tall man used to be spotted around town, I presume during events such as the Old Port Festival. The  location of this photo is on Congress Street, across from the Maine College of Art. Mechanic's Hall is the building on the right.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Shine On

Side view of the old Grand Trunk Railroad building at the bottom of India Street:

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

I saw the Art

Art in the Alley 
A First Friday Crowd, Congress & Forest Avenue

Interested in some other non-First Friday outdoor art events? Across the bridge in South Portland on August 13th is the Art in the Park event at Mill Creek Park. The 46th annual WCSH6 Sidewalk Art Festival is on Saturday  August 27th. And the 4th annual Picnic Music & Arts Festival is on the same day in Lincoln Park.

Monday, August 8, 2011

To The Point

Here are a few more photos from last month's visit to Thompson's Point.

Fore River towards the Jetport

Put a bird on it

Once a stairway

No Dumping