Portland, Maine, Ranks No. 4 Best City to Visit in America

Portland, Maine, might be the biggest city in the state, but with only 68,000 people, it kind of feels more like a cozy coastal town than a bustling metropolis. I think of us as Boston’s chill little cousin, just two hours up the coast—minus the aggressive traffic.

CNN recently ranks Portland, Maine as its #4 best city to visit in America and they attribute that to the food scene -- I mean, we do have a lot of amazing options here. They also credit the setting and our outdoor activity options. I also love how they mention "big city feel in a small city package". I love visiting big cities like NYC and Chicago but as far as living there, Portland is the perfect size city for me.

We're perfect for day trips on one of the daily ferries that run year-round and super close to all of the beaches, waterfront parks, and some of the most Instagram-worthy lighthouses you’ll ever see.

We have culture for days: professional baseball, basketball, and hockey teams; a symphony orchestra; live theater; and a food scene that’s pure New England. The Old Port’s cobblestone streets that are lined with seafood joints like Eventide Oyster Co. and Street & Company where you can dive into a plate of oysters or an infamous Maine lobster roll. Then there's the venues like Thompson’s Point, State Theatre and Aura for live music and entertainment.

It didn't surprise me at all to see our city up near the top and if you're a resident or have been here, especially during the summer, you probably won't be surprised either. We are rockin' the small-town charm with big-city perks, and plenty of nearby beaches.

Here is CNN's top 10 list of Best Towns to Visit in America.