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We determine to explore the neighborhood we will soon be calling home. Even with snow on the ground, Munjoy Hill's momentous mass of shopping, arts, culture, and great food offers loads of opportunities to get out of the cold. The once rough and gritty neighborhood has become one of Portland’s most salty and stylish destinations.
Spared by the Smashing Fire of 1866, the East End is still home to historic narrow streets and an eclectic architectural mix. From splendid mansions to funky Victorian apartments, stately Greek Revivals, and unexceptional shingled homes, the Hill is as diverse as it is fascinating. Check out this neighborhood resurgence on the Hidden Gardens tour in the spring. For a bird's-eye view of Portland and Casco Bay, climb the 86-foot Portland Observatory. Restored and painted a pampered colonial red, the wooden tower is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. The stairs are a extraordinary workout.
Live music, theater, films, and special events catch audiences year-round at St. Lawrence Arts. Long a effort-in-progress, the 1897 stone church sanctuary was torn down, but the surviving Gothic parish auditorium thrives. Friday Art Walks rock at the St. Lawrence, and the work of a townsman artist is always on display. “Images of Cuba” by photographer Marta Morse is up this month. Dweller Good Theater's “Next Fall” runs until mid-February — it’s not to belatedly to grab a ticket.
Source: Portland Daily Sun