Portland, Mainenew england charm

Start at the southwest end of Congress Street at the Portland Museum of Art, where the works run the gamut from cool, contemporary visual art to more conservative (but still impressive) works such as neoclassical sculpture and a collection of paintings by favorite former Mainer Winslow Homer. The PMA also shows indie movies, hosts jazz Sunday breakfasts in the winter and holds fascinating lectures and tours throughout the year. When you’re finished, make your way north on Congress into the heart of the Arts District, past (or near to) a couple dozen galleries and toward the Institute of Contemporary Art at the Maine College of Art (522 Congress Street). The ICA at MECA is a spare and stylish exhibition space with revolving installations and multimedia performances. The circuit is particularly hopping on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m., during the city’s monthly art walk.