Find the Best Things to Do in Deering Center

About Deering Center

Photo courtesy of Mark Pechenik

Once its own town known as Deering (it was annexed by the City of Portland in 1899), the Deering Center neighborhood in Portland still stubbornly retains its own character and identity. The result is a community with a refreshing small-town feel within Maine’s largest city. The boundaries of Deering Center generally run from Bridgton Avenue to Forest Avenue and over to Catherine McAuley High School, located near Wayside Street.

Partly due to its close proximity to the Presumpscot River, Deering Center is especially celebrated for its access to outdoor activities. However, this neighborhood also offers much in the way of diverse shopping, restaurant, and even nightlife options.

See & Do

Managed by the highly regarded Portland Trails, an urban land trust with properties throughout the City of Portland, Baxter Woods is a welcome, pastoral refuge in the center of the city. It features 32 acres of prime, undisturbed forest land with exceptional river views and shady, quiet trails that wind through towering stands of pine trees. This destination is a favorite with both walkers and mountain bikers, alike. Access to Baxter Woods is available on Stevens Avenue, near Forest Avenue. Another standout is the Presumpscot River Preserve Trail, also managed by Portland Trails. Five miles in length (one-way), this trail is a superior location for both hiking and mountain biking. It winds along the shoreline of the Presumpscot River – a real plus for enjoying memorable natural views. Parking is available at the trailhead, located at the Waste Management lot on Route 302 (Forest Avenue). Nearby Presumpscot Park, located on Ludlow Street, features open fields for everything from baseball to lacrosse games. Meanwhile, Memorial Stadium, located at 815 Forest Avenue, is a true sports gem. This 3,200 seat facility is home to local Deering High School sports team. However, it is also home to the Portland Phoenix FC, a member of the semi-professional USL Premier Development League which is an affiliate of the United Soccer Leagues of the United States, Canada and Bermuda.

Eat

True to it’s independent nature, Deering Center features restaurants that range from the traditional to the ethnic with appealing twists. A neighborhood favorite, especially in the summer, is JP’s Bistro (496 Woodford Street, 207-899-4224). On warm summer days, diners can be seen relaxing on JP’s outdoor patio, enjoying intimate conversation around black, wire café tables surrounded by fragrant flowers and candles. The menu features light fare including burgers, sandwiches and salads that are done to perfection. Of special note are JP’s chocolate-hazelnut martini, crème caramel bread pudding and their signature seafood marinara. Contrary to its name, Haggarty’s (849 Forest Avenue, 207-761-8222, www.haggartys.com) is not an Irish pub. However, it does feature a distinct British Isles influence in its offering of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Many of its menu offerings have their roots in colonial sensibilities and tastes. Standouts include Chicken Tikka, chicken tenders marinated in Indian yogurt and char-grilled; and Malaidar, rich spinach puree simmered in native spices, ginger, garlic and light cream. Another choice dining spot is Seng Chai Thai Cuisine (803 Forest Avenue, 207-773-1001, www.sengchaionline.com) with its diverse, tasty selection of homemade Thai recipes. All the favorites are here including Rama Garden with grilled, marinated chicken, steamed vegetables and creamy peanut dressing; as well as Thai Chicken with stir fried chicken or flank steak, white onions, mushrooms, pineapple, carrots and red and green peppers in a tasty, rich special brown sauce.

Party

While relatively quiet compared to other Portland neighborhoods, Deering Center does offer several evening out possibilities. Several area taverns specialize in comfortable, laid back atmosphere where patrons can enjoy quiet conversation over cocktails or craft beers. For those seeking more action, the newly reopened Venue Music Bar and Grille (865 Forest Avenue, 207-899-4350,  http://venuemusicbar.com/) features a spacious dance floor and hard-driving DJ’s for strutting your stuff. Venue also offers an extensive menu as well as karaoke and frequent appearances by live bands. Ernie’s Pool and Darts (815 Forest Avenue, 207-761-0179) offers fun evenings of billiards and darts competition.

Shop

Variety is the key word when it comes to the Deering Center shopping scene. Here you can find everything from stores selling second-hand designer fashion items to top of the line musical equipment. At Good Eats Boutique  (463 Stevens Avenue, Portland, 04103, 207-773-1000; www.goodeatsboutique) a selection of some of the finest pastry chefs in Portland whip up serenely delicious cakes, pies, and pastries. Special orders are their specialty, especially wedding cakes. Meanwhile, Haknuman Meanchey (803 Forest Avenue, 207-347-5029) specializes in selling those hard to find Asian food items including everything from squid fish sauce to fettuccini-shaped rice sticks. Musicians in the know have long turned to Portland Percussion and Music Supply (803 Forest Avenue, 207-775-2230, www.portlandpercussion.com)  for some of the best deals on premier musical instruments – from drums to guitars and electric basses. Finally, Nova G (66 Cove Street, Portland, Maine 04103, 207-272-4383, www.novag4me.com) takes thrift shopping to new heights by presenting creative, dynamic fashion ensembles – everything from skirt outfits to jackets – from gently used designer clothing.