Our trip will probably put us in Portland on a Sunday. Are the shops, museums, brewpubs, and other places of interest open on a Sunday? Or would we be better off rearranging things to get there on Saturday?
Thanks.

Last I knew, everything is open on Sundays.

On my last trip to Portland, I really enjoyed a "bus trip" on board a boat in the harbor that took local residents to homes and villages around Casco Bay. It was priced more like a bus than a boat tour, and there were seats on top of the cabin, and all in all, a real bargain.

I have no idea if it runs Sundays, but I can't imagine that it does not, although perhaps with reduced service.

BAK

You might like the LLBean store in downtown along with the public market with flowers, food, lots of bakery,wine and a restaurant on site. A floating restaurant Di Millos is also affordable with a great view of the harbor. Free parking with a meal. Don't think the mail boat runs to the islands on Sunday.There are always the tour boats if you have to have a water moment. A nice selection of small shops has grown up around the increasing cruise ship business since 9/11. The mother ship of LLBean is a short ride in Freeport along with a host of up scale shops and outlets throughout the town. A short distance in the opposite direction with more ambiance and many upscale shops and lots of photo opportunities in town and at the beach is Kennebunkport. There is always the Maine Mall for a rainy day and associated major chain stores on either side of I95 in both directions in the Portland area. Wolf Neck park is a beautiful easy hike to the shore through the woods. There is a small admission in summer. Ask for directions while in Freeport. Perhaps a 10 minute ride from town center. Hope this helps a bit .

The LL Bean store in Portland is a factory store, not the real thing. Go to the real thing in Freeport; it's about 30 minutes away. And I must disagree with Georgiana about DiMillos; it's awful. Portland has many many fine restaurants; do a search here. Some are Street & Company or Fore Street.

Two favorite things in Portland...

1. Lucky Catch lobstering cruise (luckycatch.com). Been twice and loved it both times. But they can't do lobstering cruises on Sundays. But would suggest looking into other harbor type cruises.

2. Portland Sea Dogs Double A baseball- nice stadium, good baseball, lots of fun.

go to J's Oyster bar on Commercial St/waterfront for the best lobster roll ever and an authentic maine crowd. i personally hate DeMillo's - it is for tourists. J's, Gilbert's Chowderhouse, Sapporo (sushi), Benkay (sushi) (some of the best sushi i've ever had has been in portland...)
ferry boats to the islands run all the time for the people that live on them..you don't need to take the mailboat, just take the regular commuter ferry to any Island for even cheaper $$ and same trip. get off, walk around and then come back on the next boat...

bars, restaurants, etc are open on Sunday, however shops close early (5pm ish)

Second the recommendation for Benkay sushi. Their benkay roll is the best!!!!!

And yes everything is open. Walk around the Old Port or along Congress St. Have fun.