Portland, Maine, is a lively and active place, where people of all ages can take part in many different activities that involve viewing the arts, enjoying the nearby Atlantic ocean, scenic touring or just walking around town and admiring the old architecture. Not every Portland activity will be of interest for those who now find themselves in the "golden years of life," but for an active and healthy senior, the choices of fun things to do can be very broad.
Visit the Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is a four-story structure that sits on Congress Street opposite the historic Eastland Park Hotel. The art collection revolves around artists who are either from Maine, such as Marsden Hartley, or who have discovered that the Pine Tree State is a great artist's retreat. The museum has an excellent collection along with a well-deserved reputation for putting up challenging theme shows. The museum is free on Friday nights and as a result, the popular event draws a robust and talkative crowd that features art lovers of all ages.
Listen to Live Music
Portland has developed into a hotbed of live music that runs the gamut from live rap to opera. Seniors may not be fond of every type of music, but there is one unique musical venue that is sure to catch the fancy of the older set. The place is the Merrill Auditorium and the musical masterpiece is a Kotzschmar pipe organ built in 1912. Musical events featuring the massive, musical construction occur every month. They feature silent movies, classical concerts and special performances by the city organist.
Go for an Outdoor Swim
The Maine ocean is known for being very cold, but there are some "warmer" places to take a cool and refreshing outdoor dip. July, August and September are the best times to partake in one of the most beneficial and enjoyable physical activities for people of all ages. The beach at the Eastern Promenade is the best location in the city, but there are also good places to swim at nearby Higgins Beach, Ferry Beach and Scarborough Beach.
Ride a Schooner
You don't have to be a salty dog to take a ride around Casco Bay on a genuine schooner. In fact, if you pay the ticket price, all you have to do is to sit back and enjoy a ride around a body of water that reportedly has one island for every day of the the year. Appropriately named the Calendar Islands, these chunks of land range from tiny to medium-sized. Two sailing companies feature two-hour trips on the bay in large sailing vessels. They are the Portland Schooner Company and Maine Sailing Adventures, both located on the Maine State Pier along the waterfront.
Attend a Literary Event
Literary events are not just for seniors, but yet these intellectual endeavors do readily attract people who either have retired or are approaching that time of life. In Portland, two downtown locales offer excellent readings and discussions by challenging and provoking authors. Check out the schedule of events at Longfellow Books or the Portland Public Library, both located very close to Monument Square in the downtown area. You won't find Stephen King on the list, but you might get to hear popular writers like Tess Gerritsen or Patrick Quinlan.
