Bustling Downtown Portland on Casco Bay provides a small-city vibe with big-city amenities. Stroll through art galleries and museums, savor fresh seafood at trendy restaurants or enjoy a craft beer. Wander through Lincoln Park, view a live show at the State Theatre and shop along Congress Street. No matter where you are, the scent of saltwater, the cry of seagulls and the redbrick, 17th-century architecture provide distinct appeal.

Start in the Arts District on Congress Street. Glimpse the historic Merrill Auditorium and large State Theatre concert hall. Walk to the Portland Museum of Art, one of the state’s largest and oldest public art museums, with pieces by Warhol, Monet, Homer and local Maine artists. The collection has more than 18,000 artworks including paintings, photos, sketches, pottery, sculptures, furniture and silverware. While here, purchase a ticket for the seaside home of Winslow Homer in nearby Prouts Neck. The museum provides van service to this restored studio.

Move from artist to poet at the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, operated by the Maine Historical Society. Appreciate its estate furnishings and artifacts from four generations of residents, as well as the extensive Colonial Revival-style garden.

Portland has a dining scene matching much larger cities. Enjoy breweries, cafés, gourmet grocers and bakeries. Take a Maine Foodie Tour through Downtown and nearby Old Port, tasting chocolate, Maine potatoes, chowder, honey and craft beer. Ask your guide for restaurant tips. Check out the ethnic restaurants and coffee shops along Washington Avenue in East Bayside, on the perimeter of Downtown.

If you’re in the area for a Maine Mariners hockey game at Cross Insurance Arena, you’ll find plenty of dining options for before or after the game along Fore Street, between Downtown and Old Port.

Drive to Downtown Portland in 2 hours from Boston. Come see why Portland has become a cultural hub in New England and routinely appears in lists of best places to live in the United States.