The charming waterfront district has evolved into a destination for high-end shopping and dining, which some locals appreciate and others could do without.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
Posted inDo This, Local & State
5 throwbacks to the old Old Port
These spots that have been in the Old Port since before the rest of the world discovered it.
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Posted inDo This, Guides, Local & State
How to spend a day in the Old Port
An hour-by-hour guide for what to see, eat and do.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Business, Local & State
Portland House of Music sold to Colorado buyer
New owner Patrick Calabro isn’t planning major changes, but he would like to bring in more national acts.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Do This
‘The Flying Dutchman’ gets a Maine makeover for Merrill performances
Opera Maine has set the Richard Wagner work on the Maine coast, with inspiration from the state’s maritime history.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Portland DJ spreads his love of K-pop wherever he can
Jon Hawkins is playing the bouncy, feel-good music at parties, weddings and on two Portland-area radio shows.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
South Portland mayor to run for Maine Legislature
Deqa Dhalac, the first Somali-American mayor in the U.S., is seeking the seat in District 120.
Posted inDo This
Why wait for fall? Summer has its share of Maine fairs
At least 11 fairs are scheduled across the state through the end of August, including the Ossipee Valley Fair in Hiram this week.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine Public to add 7 radio signals in rural areas
The public network is planning to broadcast from towers in Bethel, Calais, Fort Kent, Greenville, Mars Hill and Millinocket and surrounding areas within three years.
Posted inDo This, Local & State
After 3 years, Fourth of July celebrations are mostly back to normal
As pandemic restrictions ease, there are more Independence Day events happening around Maine.