Find the Best Things to Do in West End

About West End

Photo courtesy of City of Portland, Maine

Portland’s West End neighborhood has long been an exciting model for ethnic and socioeconomic diversity, with individuals and families from many backgrounds calling this beautiful community “home.”

See & Do

History buffs or those simply curious about Portland’s origins will find much to like about Portland’s West End. True to its ethnic diversity, this neighborhood features two destinations especially worth visiting: the Maine Irish Heritage Center (www.maineirish.com, 34 Gray Street, 207-780-0118) and the Museum of African Culture (www.museumafricanculture.org, 13 Brown Street, 207-871-7188). Located in the historical landmark that was St. Dominic’s Church, a hub of Portland’s Irish community, the Maine Irish Heritage Center features special programs that celebrate the contributions of Portland’s Irish community. Here you’ll find everything from Irish step dancing lessons to seminars focusing on famous Emerald Isle author James Joyce. Meanwhile, the Museum of African Culture is the only museum in northern New England that focuses on Sub-Saharan arts and culture. Here you’ll find an impressive 1,500 piece collection containing such choice artifacts as wooden masks, bronze figurines, clay vessels and ivory flutes from societies that continue to flourish in this ancient region of Africa.

Yet another West End highlight is the Portland Fire Museum (www.portlandfiremuseum.com, 157 Spring Street, 207-772-2040).  Here you’ll find several visually striking exhibits which pay tribute to the work and heroism of Portland’s firefighters through the decades. Housed within the museum’s collection are antique fire engines, fire house equipment, paintings and photographs that are well worth viewing.

Eat

West End restaurants feature enough variety in their cuisine offerings to satisfy even the most discerning palate. El Rayo Taqueria (http://www.10best.com/destinations/maine/portland/portland/restaurants/el-rayo-taqueria/), for instance, features fitting tributes to classic Mexican cooking with a variety of menu items. Such favorites as burritos and tacos are prepared with fresh, organic beans and meats. Their pico de gallo salsa also receives rave reviews for tantalizing freshness. At nearby Caiola’s (http://www.10best.com/destinations/maine/portland/restaurants/), Italian cooking has become a true art form with fresh ingredients and modern twists on timeless classics such as black and white bean soup and chicken marsala. Also worthy of note is Becky’s Diner (www.beckysdiner.com, 390 Commercial Street, 207-773-7070) featuring good old fashioned comfort food at reasonable prices.

Party

Nightlife in the West End caters to a wide range of entertainment tastes. Plus West End (www.plush106high.com, 106 High Street, 207-771-8500) caters to sophisticated tastes with upscale appetizers and tapas, along with a matching intimate atmosphere featuring creative martinis.

Those who favor live music will enjoy Port City Music Hall (http://www.10best.com/destinations/maine/portland/portland/nightlife/port-city-music-hall/) which showcases many of the best performers in Portland’s vibrant indie music scene. Here you’ll find hipsters and music lovers who appreciate the hard working musicians who have made Portland into one of the top live music destinations in New England.  Fans of neighborhood bars will enjoying sipping their favorite craft beers at Ruski’s Tavern (212 Danforth Street, 207-774-7604) which offers down home lounge-style comfort.

Shop

If it is chain stores you seek, you’ll have to look elsewhere than the West End. Here, you will find local stores and businesses that cater to a wide range of tastes and needs. At Cunningham Books (188 State Street, 207-775-2246), for instance, you’ll find an expansive collection of hard-to-find, out of print gently used books that are well worth browsing. Their offerings of new tomes is equally impressive. No need to rush, at Cunningham Books you can take your time finding that just right novel for your next read.

Treasure Chest (2A Pine Street, 207-772-2225) offers those classic and difficult to spot videos and video games that are always sought after by hard core and even casual gamers. Foodies will find their sweet spot at Fresh Approach (www.freshapproachmarket.com, 155 Bracket Street, 207-774-3297) and Aurora Provisions (www.auroraprovisions.com, 64 Pine Street, 207-871-9060) which offer the best in artfully created desserts (including Maine favorite Whoopie Pies), plus the finest grade meats, cheeses, and fish.