ASP Annual Meeting activities

Optional Activities

Have a seat in an air-conditioned coach bus at 12:45 from the Holiday Inn by the Bay and enjoy a boxed lunch (fresh fruit, sandwich on a bulky roll, chips, pasta salad, chocolate chip cookie and soft drink) while being transported to Kennebunkport. At 2:30 p.m., you will board *Nick’s Chance, for a 4 1/2 hour Whale Watch adventure. Cruise 20 miles to the summer feeding grounds of Finbacks, Humpbacks, Minkes, the rare Blue Whale, the endangered Right Whale and Dolphins.

*Nick’s Chance is 87 feet from bow to stern and was launched in March 2006. The boat is equipped with the most modern safety and navigational equipment. There is a galley on board with snack items, light lunch fare, soda, and bottled water. You may bring your own but for safety reasons, please no glass containers or large coolers.

Join colorful "Captain Gary" and his 4 legged "first mate" Morgan. Captain Gary knows the whales and their habits and the waters they travel in. He and Morgan will keep you entertained while offering you the best opportunity to have a memorable and exciting whale watching adventure. The boat has ample space at the rails on both decks for excellent viewing and "photo ops". Be sure to bring your camera, a jacket & sunscreen and enjoy seeing the sights from the water. This is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

The coach bus will be ready upon your return to shore at 7:00 p.m. to take you back to Portland for dinner.

Cost: $ 65 per person

Kennebunkport Scenic Lobster Tour & Shopping

Join the Whale Watch group on the air conditioned bus leaving at 1:45 from the Holiday Inn By the Bay for the trip to Kennebunkport. Enjoy the same boxed lunch en route.

Upon arrival, board Kylie’s Chance, a 65’ lobster boat for a 1 1/2 hour scenic lobster tour down the Kennebunk River and along the Kennebunkport coastline. You will see seals, former President Bush's home, how "world famous" Maine lobster is harvested, and enjoy Maine’s beautiful scenery throughout.

The captain and mate will be happy to answer your questions and fill you in on the lore of the Kennebunkport coastline. Kylie’s has one third of the seating under cover for those who don’t want to be in the sun. Bottled water and soda are available on board. Bring your camera, a light jacket and sunscreen and enjoy seeing the coast from the water.

After your boat trip, you’ll have time to explore the beautiful village of Kennebunkport from 3:30 until 7:00 p.m. Shop in the boutiques, gift and souvenir shops, relax at one of the coffee shops or restaurants, or take a walk along Ocean Avenue to enjoy the rocky shoreline and sights by land.

The coach bus will be ready upon your return to shore at 7:00 p.m. to take you back to Portland for dinner.

Cost: $ 45 per person

Portland Sea and Land Tour

Maximize your sightseeing with this great combo tour. First get on board a trolley! Chartered trolleys will leave Holiday Inn By The Bay or Eastland Park Hotel at 1:30. Sit back and enjoy a 90-minute fully-narrated tour as our informative guides treat you to Portland’s diverse history and architecture. The childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Victoria Mansion, and the bustling Old Port are just a few of the sights you’ll see as we travel from city streets to rocky coast. We’ll even stop at Portland Head Light, Maine’s first lighthouse and most photographed spot on the eastern seaboard! Enjoy the spectacular views.

Next, take in a relaxing 90-minute cruise on Casco Bay through the busy harbor and innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and sea birds. Four lighthouses can be seen close up with as many as seven in view during the cruise, including a close up of Portland Head Light. The cruise travels out as far as Half Way Rock, a natural seal habitat. So come aboard, take in the salty air and spectacular sights while enjoying the best narrated cruise around!

Cost: $32.00 per person

Shopping trip to LL Bean/Freeport

(cancelled due to insufficient registration)

Board an air-conditioned coach bus at 1:00 from the Holiday Inn By The Bay and enjoy a boxed lunch (fresh fruit, sandwich on bulky roll, chips, pasta salad, chocolate chip cookie, and soft drink) while being transported to Freeport, a beautiful coastal Maine village about 20 miles north of Portland Once in Freeport, you’ll discover more than 170 upscale outlets, designer shops, eclectic boutiques, fantastic restaurants and casual cafes. Visit the world famous L.L. Bean flagship store in the center of town. Indulge in the sweet and original flavors of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Stop by the Harrington House, the home of the Freeport Historical Society, and step back to the days of a local shipbuilder, his family and neighborhood then stroll into the courtyard to see the wonderful perennial gardens. The bus will have a package pick up between 3:30-4:00 and we will leave Freeport at 6:00 to be back in Portland for dinner.

Cost: $28.00 per person

The American Society of Pharmacognosy

Optional Activities