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If The Dempseys are playing on Beale Street (or anywhere) when you’re in town…GO!!! Incredibly entertaining rockabilly band. Instrument swapping, jumping about, clever banter—need I say more?

Heard it’s not all that great. There are enough other things to do in Portland that I won’t feel like I’m missing out.

The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking, but be forewarned: if you are at all claustrophobic or have difficulty with stairs, you probably shouldn’t make the climb to the top. You hear a lot about the number of stairs, but there’s not much warning about the extreme narrowness of some of the hallways leading up to the Cupola. Personally, I didn’t find it bothersome and felt it was well worth the journey.

I found the Roman Forum to be the most impressive place I visited on my trip there in 2005. Though much of it has crumbled, you can stand in the Forum and imagine what the Roman city center used to look like. The towering columns that remain are especially breathtaking.

If anyone strolls up to you and offers you a rose, claiming it’s a “gift,” don’t accept unless you or your travel companion(s) are willing to make a “small optional donation” to the giver.