The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: May sixteenth, looking forward to the Maine event.

The Pine Tree State has numerous quaint coves and corners, but the city of Portland is something of a surprise. Sited on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic's Casco Bay, this geographically compact city of 65,000 is, as one local put it, small enough to feel familiar and big enough to discover new things all the time.

Portland packs a punch for travelers seeking arts, culture and cuisine. It does just as well for those who crave down home Maine. Its historic Old Port is the hot spot for strolling, shopping and dining. Portland's 400 restaurants mirror its ethnic diversity; 34 languages are spoken in its schools. Its Public Market is a timber-framed circus of fresh fish and flowers, cheese and bread; at the Harbor Fish Market just plucked seafood is whisked from boat to plate.

Artist Edward Hopper made the local lighthouse famous. His work hangs out in the Portland Museum of Art, along with other Maine painters like Winslow Homer and a passel of Picassos and Renoirs. The Portland Center for Cultural Exchange features performances from Cambodian dance to Celtic concerts. Afterhours options include Brian Boru, a quirky pub dedicated equally to Irish Whiskey and live reggae, and The Skinny, a haven for rock jams and poetry slams.

Portland has superior seaside walks, especially along its Eastern and Western Promenades, views from its Observatory are huge both day and night. In summer, the Portland Sea Dogs play AA baseball. Check out the Maritime Festival the week of July 8.

The latest issue of the magazine National Geographic Traveler, a supporter of our program, hints how to spend 48 hours in Portland. Listeners can register for a free sample copy of the magazine on our homepage.t www.travelersjournal.com.

FMI For info contact Portland Visitor and Convention Bureau at 207-772-5800 or www.visitportland.com. Another good link is www.maineguide.com/portland

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