Doug McIntire, a freelance writer from Auburn, Maine is the winner of the “Portland in 48 Hours Contest”, where we asked you what you would do in Portland, Maine, if you only had 48 hours. There were some interesting and clever entries, and here you go with our winner;

My 48 hours in Portland would begin at Deering Oaks Park. There, I would walk among the trees; feeling the crunch of the leaves as they announce my every step. I would bring bread to feed the ducks in the pond; making sure the squawking seagulls get no more than their fare share for time spent at sea. I would wander the perimeter, taking time to glance at the chinks in the asphalt armor of the surrounding streets, revealing glimpses of the cobblestone history below.

From there I would walk to the Old Port, taking time to survey the architecture; both old and new. Here, a nearly forgotten home that had survived the great fire, now tucked between towering buildings. There, a row of shops with Deco designs; frozen in time but still at home in it’s new surroundings.

Once in the Old Port, I would allow the sights, sounds, and smells to flow through my being. I would walk down Commercial Street; smelling the Casco Bay and bathing in that cool comfort only the sea can provide. Couples would walk by in a brisk embrace; joggers, bikers, and dog walkers alike; all with a destination. Pausing by the waterfront, I would take in the beautiful antiquity of the windjammer, Baghera while lobstermen carry on the work of generations before.

Diverting from the waterfront, I would ascent to Brian Boru; it’s red walls commanding from it’s perch above Commercial. Once inside, the dark beams and low ceilings invite the traveler deeper toward the back where Irish music is lilting from tables where musicians gather every week. Pints are cleared, children sit, entranced, and locals relax with the paper as if this is simply an every day occurrence, because for them, it is.

And there, there between my first and third pint is where I would decide. My first 48 hours in Portland is when I would begin my life anew.

Tags: Baghera, Brian Boru, Casco Bay, Cobblestones, Commercial Street, Deering Oaks Park, Doug McIntire, Irish Music, lobstermen, Old Port, Portland in 48 Hours, Winner