I was super-fortunate to be in Maine on a gorgeous, 74-degree afternoon, perfect for visiting Portland Head Light and even better for walking around Old Port in downtown Portland.

Located in Cape Elizabeth, Portland Head Light is Maine’s oldest and arguably most famous lighthouse. It sits at the edge of Fort Williams Park, directly on the rocky coast beneath it. The park itself is 90 acres in total, open sunrise to sunset, and features a large, rolling lawn available for sports activities, easy lounging and more. Within your peripheral vision, The Atlantic Ocean can be seen from numerous angles with all kinds of pre-arranged opportunities to photograph the iconic lighthouse.

I enjoyed interacting with several tourists like me, a few offering to take my picture at different turns. The park was quiet and serene, many of us in awe of the picturesque view and the beauty surrounding us. Every photo I took felt like a postcard promoting Maine.

Originally built in 1787 and the second-oldest lighthouse in the country, the lighthouse is said to have been commissioned by George Washington himself. It now stands 80 feet tall and 101 feet above the water. Though closed when I arrived, there is a museum on site in the former Keeper’s Quarters, offering the full history and a gift shop.

The drive between Cape Elizabeth and Portland is only 20 minutes, making it easy for me to wrap up my time at the lighthouse and stop in Old Port for dinner.

I found J’s Oyster with a few tables overlooking the water and promptly ordered a lobster roll and potato chips. Reminding me of an established local hangout, J’s also has a full lobster dinner with a half-pound lobster, corn on the cob and clams (as witnessed on the table next to mine). Either way, you can’t go wrong with lobster in Maine, right?

Later, I walked through Old Port a bit more. The brick buildings and cobblestone streets cause your curiosity to rise, wondering what new treasures are inside each boutique shop. There’s also a laid-back vibe to the area. I’d call it an easy-going lightness, a simplicity that was calming to me. Maine isn’t going to beg you to be there. It’s up to you to determine if you want to see her or not. But if you make the trip, she’ll make it worth your while.

My final stop for the evening was at The Independent Ice Co., specializing in fine whiskeys from around the world and designed to honor ice harvesters on the Kennebec River. I ordered a Vieux Carre (no ice) with some pimiento cheese and crackers. My seat near the bar gave me some unique people-watching, a great way to end the evening.

All in all, a pretty perfect day in Portland.

— Carrie Cox, senior account executive