Savoring the Remaining Sunlit Days: Top Spots to Visit for a Summer Sendoff
Late Summer Events and Attractions: A Guide to Portland, Maine, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Portland, Maine, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offer a myriad of activities and events for visitors seeking a vibrant and exciting late summer experience.
Portland, Maine
Fall lingers gently in Portland, with whale watching, apple picking, and leaf peeping available in August and September. The city, known for its historic working waterfront and award-winning restaurants, also offers fewer crowds and warm weather during late August and September. Maine Open Lighthouse Day, usually around September 13, coincides with Portland's PoutineFest, making for an enjoyable day out.
Outside the city, Acadia National Park, three hours north of Portland, offers crimson maples, golden birch, and russet oaks for leaf peeping.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, dubbed the "city of festivals," is particularly vibrant in August. The top attractions include the Milwaukee Irish Fest (August 14-17), A La Carte at the Zoo (August 14-17), Wisconsin State Fair (July 31 – August 10), Black Arts Fest MKE (August 2), Mexican Fiesta (August 22-24), Wicked the Musical (thru August 17), and the Milwaukee Night Market (August 13).
Family attractions include Discovery World, featuring the Reiman Aquarium, hands-on STEM learning, and a summer concert series, and the Milwaukee County Zoo, hosting A La Carte at the Zoo. Summerfest, although mostly in June and early July, is a key Milwaukee summer highlight if your visit overlaps.
The Harley-Davidson Museum hosts weekly motorcycle demo rides every Saturday afternoon through September, followed by a BBQ and Blues concert in the evening. Milwaukee Comic Con takes place in September at the Wisconsin State Fair Park.
Outdoor Activities
Saratoga Spa State Park, just over three hours north of New York City, offers a 2,300-acre area for hiking, biking, golf, and tubing. Guided walking and trolley tours run daily through September in Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest and most prestigious horse racing tracks in the country, is also located here.
Sebago Lake State Park offers coveted lakeside campsites, while Bradbury Mountain State Park, with its marvelous mountain peaks, sees relatively few visitors.
Unique Experiences
In Portland, Maine, easy access to four distinct state parks within an hour's drive provides ample opportunities for outdoor experiences. Milwaukee Duffy Boats rent pontoons for floating dining experiences, with one popular destination being Brisa Do Mar Mediterranean restaurant. Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee offers outdoor dining with a view of the Milwaukee River and serves cold craft beer.
Saratoga Spa State Park houses an automobile museum, kids museum, historical bath complex, and an indoor-outdoor performing arts center. The BUTTER Fine Art Fair, focusing on uplifting Black artists, takes place from August 28-31 in Indianapolis.
Special Events
The Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 INDYCAR racing event takes place in late August at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Saratoga National Historic Park will host the 250th anniversary of the first Battle of Saratoga on September 20-21. The Turning Point Parade and Festival takes place from August 3-9 in Saratoga Springs.
The Indiana State Fair takes place from an unspecified date in August to an unspecified date in September, offering various attractions, performances, and youth project exhibits. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the largest in the world, quiets down in early August and caters to children of all ages and abilities.
These events provide a rich combination of cultural festivals, music, outdoor activities, and family-friendly entertainment, making both Portland, Maine, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, vibrant and exciting destinations in late summer.
- To complement the fall foliage in Acadia National Park, consider capturing the vibrant landscapes through photography for a sustainable travel experience.
- For nature enthusiasts in Portland, Maine, exploring the nearby state parks offers peaceful hiking trails to unwind, fostering a lifestyle in harmony with nature.
- shift your focus to Milwaukee's Harley-Davidson Museum, where weekly motorcycle demo rides and BBQ concerts celebrate the spirit of travel and the boundless adventure of the open road.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might find solace in Saratoga Spa State Park's automobile museum and historical bath complex, while also enjoying tree-lined paths that pay homage to the planet's natural beauty.
- Plan a unique dining experience aboard Milwaukee Duffy Boats, cruising along the water as you savor exotic flavors at Brisa Do Mar Mediterranean restaurant – a culinary journey that bridges the ocean and lifestyle.
