Portland, Mainenew england charm

Travel & Leisure magazine recently ranked the Portland Head Light alongside heavy-hitters such as Niagara Falls and the Golden Gate Bridge as one of the country’s 10 most beautiful landmarks. First lit in 1791 to mark the entrance to Casco Bay, this classic-looking lighthouse sits on a rocky shore south of Portland, looking out over waves that crash against the cliff face below. A military fort was built around it almost a hundred years later, and these days a small museum in the former keeper’s quarters gives the history of the lighthouse and the now-decommissioned installation surrounding it. You can also tour the former battlements in Fort Williams Park, which is popular with joggers, bikers and picnickers in the summer.