We took a mini vacation last weekend and spent the time in Portland Maine. Old Portland is historical and interesting. There is a mix of new and old and there is so much to see and do. The business owners certainly cater to the visitor but they also are proud of the fact that downtown Portland consists of "local" businesses. The large box stores and chains are at the Maine Mall and Old Portland consists of the one ofs. The gift shops, the galleries, the restaurant featuring local foods and the trolley rides, the boat trips, the old train rides and the walking. Walking is the way to get around. The streets are busy and if you are a visitor you will see more if you park the car and walk.
There were numerous opportunities to see and buy local crafted items. A jewellry kiosk was set up on a wide piece of sidewalk. The jewellry was beautiful and well crafted.
The Old Portland area was vibrant and exciting. The shops were inviting and attractive and seemed to reach out to the passerby, encouraging a visit to browse, to shop and to enjoy. The streets were clean and attractive. And the area was appealing.
The business owners and the elected officials have created a destination which is very appealing. There must have been some careful planning and foresight to creat this result. One that we enjoyed certainly and one that we look forward to seeing again.
For any business owner finding the "best" location is always a challenge. But it is an even greater challenge for the artisticpreneur. To be with similar businesses to create a destination is important. But the other products offered should be of a similar quality to the items you are selling. If you are selling fine art for example you don't want to be beside a vendor that is selling a poorly constructed child's toy.
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