PORTLAND CALLING

For a city of such modest size—just under 70,000 call it home—Portland, Maine, packs plenty of appeal. History, food, art, and of course the seaside location make it one of New England’s bucket-list destinations. You could easily spend a week exploring this intimate and affable city on Casco Bay, but if you have just a day or two, here are the five best things to do. — Jenn Johnson

GET OUT ON THE WATER

One of the best ways to get a feel for this part of Maine is to head out into Casco Bay. Portland’s long-running island ferry service, Casco Bay Lines, is a perennial favorite, but there are a number of specialty operators as well, including the Portland Schooner Co., where you can hop aboard an early-1900s windjammer and cruise past lighthouses, forts, and islands on a two-hour sail. cascobaylines.com; portlandschooner.com

DINE AROUND TOWN

The list of worthy eateries in Portland is long, but if you have just a few days, we recommend seafood specialist Eventide Oyster Co.; Slab, serving Sicilian-style pizzas with a tender and lofty crust; and The Holy Donut, whose sinful handmade pastries have even been Yankee cover models. eventideoysterco.com; slabportland.com; theholydonut.com SAMPLE LOCAL SUDS

With 20-plus breweries, Portland shines as the state’s beer mecca. The epicenter is Industrial Way, where you’ll find such breweries as Allagash Brewing Company, home to a justifiably popular brewery tour. allagash.com

SEE THE LIGHT

In Cape Elizabeth’s Fort Williams Park, just four miles from downtown, stands Portland Head Light—Maine’s oldest lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington. After visiting the seasonal museum and gift shop in the former keeper’s house, you can picnic in the park or stroll the stunning cliff walk. portlandheadlight.com

SOAK UP SOME ART

The largest and oldest public art institution in Maine, the Portland Museum of Art boasts a topflight collection of paintings by American realist and Impressionist masters, a treasure trove of fine and decorative arts, and the largest holding of European art north of Boston. portlandmuseum.org

Whet your appetite for a foodie tour of Portland, Maine, on Weekends with Yankee season five.