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Portland West End: History & Architecture Walk

5.0

6 Ratings

Portland

Duration: 3 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

The venue with 2000 seating capacity was rejuvenated in 2010.
Established in 1882 as the Portland Society of Art, The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is recognized as the oldest, largest public art entity in Maine.
The custodians of the Victorian Mansion created in 1860, along with Portland’s continuous conservation initiatives.
The Western Prom’s own Historic District includes 420 structures constructed from 1850 to 1920. This is the oldest conserved greenery in Portland, envisioned by the Olmstead Company.
The noted statue in Portland is of its acclaimed 19th century poet, known as the American Shakespeare, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This figure faces down the street towards his childhood domicile, the peninsula’s initial brick property, which currently serves as a museum.
The location is recognized to have the finest collection of edifices designed by renowned architect John Calvin Stevens.
This is often touted as the optimal presentation of lofty Gothic architecture in Maine.
This avenue was named after the Storer-Lunt family who accrued their wealth from soap production.

What's Included

walking history tour of the West End of Portland

What's Not Included

Gratuity to the tour guide is not included.

Additional Information

Join our knowledgeable and passionate guides as you step back in time on a stroll through the West end of Portland, Maine, renowned as one of the finest and best maintained Victorian districts in the United States. Discover key historical sites, local anecdotes, and hidden treasures on this enriching journey into the culture and heritage of this beautiful city. The 3-hour walking tour showcases lavish residences, parks, squares, monuments, museums, and residential sectors along the Western Promenade, often offering vistas of the majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire. History enthusiasts and architectural aficionados will delight in this walking tour’s emphasis on the vibrant life of Portland during the 19th and early 20th century. Come armed with your queries and delve into the city’s rich past on this enlightening walk through the west end.

Location

Holiday Inn Portland-by the Bay

Spring Street

Look for your guide wearing a red lanyard in front of the Holiday Inn By The Bay

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(6 Ratings)

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1 star

Amy_s

Aug 1, 2023

Best tour - Ross was amazing!! He conducted such a fun and relaxing tour!! We loved the information pace and the way he put us right near a bathroom when we needed it!! He was able to show off his beautiful city's architecture, shops, restaurants and hidden gems. The best part is because it was just our group, he tailored to tour to our adult interests and kids attention span.

Review provided by Viator

Mary

Jul 29, 2023

Lovely West End Walking Tour - Excellent walking tour through a beautiful part of Portland. We’ve lived in the area for almost thirty years and still learned new things about Portland’s rich history and the beautiful historical homes and buildings on the Western Promenade. Walked through lovely quiet tree lined (plenty of shade on a hot summer day) streets. It was a nice change up from the Old Port crowds. Ross, our guide was terrific.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Y5189xrtimr

Jul 21, 2023

Reflecting with Ross - Our guide, Ross, was a walking encyclopedia. He customized the trip to meet our needs and went above and beyond to exceed our expectations. I would immediately take any tour he offered, especially if local history was involved.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Victoriagl8057dp

Jun 11, 2023

Historical walk through one of America's prettiest Victorian villages - Ross gave a wonderful, engaging and super fun tour. We walked through the streets and back roads of the West End discussing how the history of Portland created the wealth needed to build the Victorian mansions the West End is known for. We also got an in depth discussion of the famous architects and their contributions to the Portland sky line. Relaxing, interesting and an all around beautiful tour.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Janiacnc

Oct 17, 2021

more than a Foodie Tour - Think of this as part walking architectural tour of Portland, part delicious tastings at local restaurants with colorful background info on the food AND the venues, and part hilarious comedy. Jason G did a masterful job of weaving the stories of Portland into the history of the cuisine. Enjoyable and well worth the tour.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Cgwilson73189