Today, Portland’s East End is one of the city’s most popular, upscale neighborhoods, with new condos frequently sprouting up. It’s no surprise, given the spectacular views to be had from the Western Promenade, which overlooks Casco Bay and some of the Calendar Islands. However, the neighborhood, also known as Munjoy Hill, was once a working-class neighborhood, home to waves of Irish and Italian immigrants settling in Portland to start a new life. The East End is still home to the Portland Observatory (which looks like a lighthouse but is really a signal tower) but also boasts several popular, upscale restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The Eastern Promenade or “Prom” is a great place to people watch, and in the summertime plays host to concerts as well as Portland’s annual fireworks celebration. East End Beach is the perfect place to sunbathe, take a dip in the cold Atlantic Ocean (if you dare), or rent a kayak or paddleboard.