Six Fall Hikes in Maine

Here is an online news article recommending six fall hikes all within two hours of Portland, Maine. It provides a description of the hike and also some websites to go check them out. See "Coloring the joys of hiking", Portland Press Herald, September 28, 2008. Visit this link for more information about hiking in Maine.

Covered Bridges in Maine

There used to be over 120 covered bridges in the state of Maine. Now, there are only nine. If you are leaf peeping in Maine these bridges are a nice sight to view on that foliage trip. Read an online news article that tells you where they are located. See "Covered bridges make great stops", Portland Press Herald, September 28, 2008.

"First Friday Art Walk" in Portland, Maine

On the first Friday of each month the city of Portland, Maine has an event called the "First Friday Art Walk". This is a free self guided tour of local art galleries, art studios, and museums in Maine and takes place from 5 to 8 pm. Art walks scheduled for the remainder of this year are to be held on October 3, November 7, and December 5. To learn more about this event visit http://www.firstfridayartwalk.com/.

Fall Foliage Bus Tours in New England

Caravan offers bus tours of the New England states during the fall foliage season. Visit http://www.caravan.com/tour/usa-new-england for more information. Click here for info on Maine fall foliage.

Maine Fall Foliage Bike Tours

Summer Feet . . . Maine Coast Cycling Adventures offers "Maine Fall Foliage Bike Tours". There schedule starts the last weekend of September and ends in late October.

"Autumn, the word conjures thoughts of brilliant colors and crisp clear days. People travel from around the world to experience nature's palate as it spreads across the mountains and fields of New England. Autumn in Maine is a special time, the days are clear, and the red, yellow, and orange colors on the trees reflect off the blue of the ocean creating a wonderland of color. For guests wishing to experience the jaw dropping beauty of the autumn in Maine we recomend the following bike tours."

Visit their website at: http://www.summerfeet.net/fall-foliage-trips.asp

Click here for more information about Maine fall foliage or bike tours in Maine.

Maine Fall Foliage Drives by Region

Maine's Internet Magazine (http://www.meliving.com/), provides a valuable guide to Maine fall foliage drives. The drives are presented for different regions of Maine to include Aroostook County, Downeast and Acadia, Greater Portland and Casco Bay, Kennebec and Moose River Valley, Maine Lakes & Mountains region, Katahdin & Moosehead Lake, and the Southern Maine coast. Each drive depicted provides directions and routes and also gives pointers to interesting things to see along the way. Click here for additional information about on reports, maps, foliage updates, tours, and trails on Maine fall foliage.

Maine Tourism Association and Fall Foliage Info

The Maine Tourism Association provides information for those seeking to visit the fall scenery abundant here in Maine during the September and October months. For information on Maine fall foliage reports, maps depicting peak fall foliage by time and place, and leaf peeping driving tours visit Travel-Maine.Info's fall foliage page for Maine.

Fall Foliage in Moosehead Lake Region of Maine

The Moosehead Lake Region has a varied views of woods, lakes, and mountains that offer very scenic drives during Maine's fall foliage season. This past summer was cool and wet . . . and that means an earlier than usual leaf peeping season. Read more of this region of Maine in "Colors Emerge in Moosehead Area", Yankee Foliage. Visit this link for more information on scenic drives, leaf peeping, and fall foliage in Maine.

Maine's Bold Coast - Beyond Downeast

A part of Maine is seldom seen by some tourists. The coastline of Maine that is found beyond (east) Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park is largely untraveled by visitors. There are stretches of the coastline with no visible signs of civilization. The Bold Coast is the 30 miles of coastline from the Western Head in Cutler, Maine to Lubec, Maine. There are hiking trails along the coast in the Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land. While home to all sorts of wildlife it is especially known to birders who come to see a large variety of birds to include the famous puffins. Click here for more information on the Bold Coast. Read more in an online news article entitled "Maine's rugged Bold Coast is an untouched treasure", USA Today, August 25, 2008.

Museums in Old York, Maine (a rainy day affair)

The museums in Old York, Maine saw a marked increase in visitors this past summer (2008). This is due to more publicity about the "Maine Folk Art Trail", a new museum added to the area, and an abundance of rainy weather. Read more on this topic in "Museums of Old York sees more visitors in summer '08", Seacoastonline.com, September 3, 2008. To learn more about Maine museums click on info about museums in Maine.

Hiking Mars Hill Mountain and View a Wind Farm

Part of the International Appalachian Trail (Baxter State Park to Canadian border and beyond) passes over the Mars Hill Mountain area in Aroostook County, Maine. One of the sites a hiker will see along this trail are the wind turbines of the Mars Hill Wind Farm. The Mars Hill Wind Farm is Maine's first major wind farm enterprise. There are twenty-eight wind turbines on the mountain top that go up to 400 feet high. These wind turbines produce enough electricity for 25,000 homes. An online posting provides more information on this hike, directions on how to get there, and a link to download a hiking map of the area. See "Travel to Mars Hill for trail, turbines", Maine Outdoor Journal (MaineToday.com), August 28, 2008.

Fryeburg Fair, Maine Sep 28 - Oct 5

The 2008 Fryeburg Fair will take place on September 28 to October 5, 2008. This is known as Maine's largest agricultural fair and takes place at the start of "leaf-peeping" season. There are many exhibition halls, a midway, livestock displays and shows, entertainment, racing, and Woodsmens' Day. Some other events include a calf scramble, Firemen's Muster, parade, sheep dog trials, games, and pig scramble. Fryeburg, Maine is located in western Maine just a few miles from the New Hampshire border on Route 302.

September and October in Maine - A Quick Guide

Newsweek Magazine's "Budget Travel Guide" has published a wonderful article on visiting Maine during the fall months of September and October. Discussed in the article are the best times to visit Maine (in the north the last week of Sep and along the southern coast in mid-Oct), some nice spots to see the scenic views with colored foliage (Rangeley, Greenville, Mt. Desert Island, and Bethel), what the weather is like, how to plan a trip to Acadia National Park, what to see in Portland, and a proposed mid-Maine coastal trip itinerary. The article is entitled "Planning to visit Maine? Read these tips from a top guidebook author", Newsweek Magazine, September 4, 2008.

Cumberland County Fair - Maine Sep 21-27

The 137th Annual Cumberland County Fair will take place on September 21-27, 2008 in Cumberland Center, Maine. There will be many events to include harness racing, pumpkin contest, exhibitions, animals, entertainment, food, and more. This fair is host to the the 21st Annual Maine State Pumpkin and Squash Weigh-In.

Good Times on a Maine Windjammer

One of the more unique experiences a visitor can have while seeing Maine is to spend some time on a windjammer (usually 3-6 days tours). These old-fashion schooners sail out of picturesque seaports, along Maine's rocky and irregular coastline, past small and large islands that are most times uninhabited, and by the occasional lighthouse. Read about one family's time aboard a Maine windjammer in "Maine: Low bridges on high seas, plenty of fun", Chicago Sun-Times, September 3, 2008.

Camden International Film Festival (2008)

The Camden International Film Festival will take place from September 25th (Thursday) to September 28th (Sunday). The festival will screen some of the finest international documentary films. Films can be viewed in the Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, Maine areas.

"The Camden International Film Festival is committed to supporting and generating interest in independent documentary films, showcasing the finest international documentary cinema from the lenses of the world's best non-fiction visual storytellers. CIFF is dedicated to creating an environment miles away from distractions that promotes thought provoking examination of documentary film as an art form as well as an outlet for the independent and informed voice".

Read more at http://www.camdenfilmfest.org/. Click here for information about lodging and dining in Camden, Maine.

Hayrides and Pumpkin Picking in Maine

With fall upon us here in Maine it is time for kids to enjoy hay rides and pumpkin gathering. A number of Maine farms offer this opportunity. One of these farms is the Spiller Farm in Wells, Maine. Starting in mid-September through mid-October they will offer free farm tour hay rides along with the opportunity to pick your own pumpkins (you pay for the pumpkins). For more information click on "U PICK Pumpkin Hay Rides".

Common Ground Country Fair - Unity, Maine Sep 19-21

The Common Ground Country Fair will be held in Unity, Maine on September 19-21, 2008. See the extract below from the MOFGA.org website about the fair:

"32nd Common Ground Country Fair on September 19, 20 & 21, 2008, in Unity, Maine. The Fair allows fairgoers to make connections with a rapidly expanding base of organic farms in the state of Maine. Hundreds of vendors, exhibitors and demonstrators, more than 1,000 volunteers, and roughly 50,000 fairgoers will gather to: share knowledge about sustainable living; eat delicious, organic, Maine-grown food; buy and sell beautiful Maine crafts and useful agricultural products; compete in various activities; dance; sing and have a great time."

Sign Up for Weekly Fall Foliage Reports for Maine

The state of Maine has made it easy to track the peak leaf peeping season in the different regions of Maine. The Maine Department of Conservation provides weekly foliage reports each fall via email. To sign up for these weekly foliage reports click on the following link:

http://www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/report/email.html?subject=subscribe. Visit this link at Travel-Maine.info for info on scenic routes and fall foliage in Maine.

Four Fall Weekends in Maine by Downeast Magazine

Now that we are past Labor Day, the cooler days are coming, and the summer tourist crowds are easing - our thoughts turn to the coming of fall. In Maine the new season comes our beautiful fall foliage views. Downeast Magazine has published in its October 2008 issue an article entitled "4 Fabulous Fall Weekends". Downeast has mapped out four weekend itineraries for the month of October. The four weekends are trips to the North Woods, western mountains, Acadia, and southern Maine. The intineraries include scenic routes, places to stay, places to eat, and things to see. Click on this link for more information about Maine fall foliage.

When and Where to See Maine Fall Foliage

Have you ever been confused as to when and where to visit Maine to see the fall foliage in the right place at the right time? The colors change at different times each year. The state of Maine has made it easy to figure the timing and place of a leaf peeping trip. They have a website that provides historical peak foliage dates for the different regions of Maine. Visit http://www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/whenandwhere/index.html to see when and where to visit Maine for the best in fall scenery. Visit this link at Travel-Maine.Info for more information on scenic drives, leaf peeping, and fall foliage in Maine.

Lobsterman Triathlon (Sep 13, 2008 in Freeport, Maine)

The 2008 Maine Lobsterman Triathlon will take place in Freeport, Maine on Saturday, September 13th, 2008. This will be a weekend of fun to include the race, kids activities, lobsterbake, beer garden, evening concert, live music, kids triathlon, and more. Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Freeport, Maine.

Friends of Kingfield Farmland (Maine)

A group of conservation-minded community members of Kingfield, Maine have organized a committee called the "Friends of Kingfield Farmland". The intent of the group is to raise funds to buy a section of 46-acre section of land in Kingfield, Maine that is currently owned but is used by the general public for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and river access along the Carrabassett River. Maine is a wonderful place to live and to visit and that is due in part because of the hard work and generosity of its citizens that live here. Read more on the work being done by this civic-minded group of individuals in "Organization launched to protect farmland", The Original Irregular, September 3, 2008.

Sailing in Down East Maine

Sailing the waters off the coast of Maine in a windjammer can be quite an experience. Many of the Maine windjammers leave out of the Camden, Maine harbor. The New York Times recently published an article about about a one persons experience on the windjammer Angelique which is based in Camden, Maine. This article describes in detail all aspects of the three-day trip about the vessel. If you have ever wondered what a windjammer experience would be like then read this article - "Sailing Away Down East in Maine", The New York Times, September 5, 2008. For more information on windjammers in Maine visit the Maine Windjammer Association website.

State of Maine's Official Fall Foliage Website

Now is the time to start planning your Maine fall foliage trip. The state of Maine has an "official" fall foliage website that provides a wealth of information about the leaf peeping season. There is a map that provides the current foliage conditions, video footage of Maine fall scenery, some leaf-peeping tips, and more. Visit http://www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/ to see what colors the state of Maine has to offer this fall! Visit this link to travel-maine.info for more information on scenic drives, leaf peeping, and fall foliage in Maine.

Bradbury Mountain Bike Race (Sept 20th)

There will be a mountain bike race on September 20, 2008 at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine. Click on "12 Hours of Bradbury Mountain" for more info. Click here to find out more about Pownal, Maine.

Sebasco Harbor Resort, Phippsburg, Maine

The New York Times travel section recently posted a short article on the Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg, Maine. The article has a nice picture and a visitors review of the lodging establishment. Sebasco Estates is located on the Phippsburg Penisula along the Maine coast about one hours drive north of Portland, Maine and three hours drive north of Boston, Massachusetts. It is set on 550 acres on woodland, waterfront, gardens, and has a golf course.

Maine State Archives Online Store

If you have an interest in Maine history then you will be delighted with the Maine State Archives Online Store. There are historical documents, old maps, prints, special collections, portfolios, posters, matted artwork, images, framed photographs, and more. A nice place to browse and you can purchase replicas for gifts or decorations. The website is www.maine.gov/online/archivestore.

Winslow Memorial Park and Campground (Freeport, Maine)

If you are planning of visiting the Freeport, Maine area and are looking to visit the seashore then a nice place to go is the Winslow Memorial Park and Campground located in South Freeport. The park has some great views, 100 campsites, a playground, walking trails, small beach, boat launch for motorized boats and kayaks, and picnic areas. Groups can reserve a group shelter with picnic tables under it for the family outing, company picnic or organization get-together. At the very end of the campground (at Stockbridge Point) you have a good view of many fishing and pleasure boats in South Freeport Harbor located at the mouth of the Harraseeket River. Looking out to Casco Bay you will see numerous islands off in the distance. There are extremely clean restrooms for the day visitors and overnight campers. Click here for more information about Winslow Memorial Park and Campground in Freeport, Maine. Click here for info on lodging and dining in Freeport, Maine.

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park

Yesterday my wife and I hiked Wolf Neck Woods State Park in Freeport, Maine. As we live in the Freeport, Maine area it is just a short drive to get there. Coming from Freeport center the drive is very pleasant as you travel past old houses (some new ones also), farm fields with hay, pastures with cows, barns, streams, and lots of woods. Once there we parked the car and we set off to hike. On a whim we set off on a path we had not taken before. Little did we know that it was the longest trail in the park. After a while, as I gazed at what little sun was poking through the clouds, I determined we were heading west and eventually we came upon the west side of the peninsular that juts southward into the Atlantic Ocean. The trail then follows the waters edge with the woods on the left and the water on the right (a map check later in the day reveals that this is called the Harraseeket River). Across the water we could see Freeport Harbor where all the lobster and pleasure boats moor. It was foggy so there was not much activity on the water; although we could hear the occasional small motor boat running about. After a while the trail turns back east and we eventually got back into the Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park area. We have been there before and recognized one of the other trails that would take us to the waters edge within the park. Once there we sat on the rocks, rested a little, and admired the fog rolling in. For the first 50 minutes of our hike we did not see a soul; the last ten minutes we came across the occasional couple or family. A nice quiet walk in the woods along the ocean. Next time though I will bring my map! Click here to visit the Maine Department of Conservation website for Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park. Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Freeport, Maine.

Brunswick, Maine Air Show (Sep 6-7, 208)

The LAST Brunswick Naval Air Station Air Show will take place today and tomorrow (Sat/Sun Sep 6-7, 2008) at Brunswick, Maine. The naval air base is due to close. Flying aircraft, stationary exhibits, a exhibit on the Berlin Airlift, and much more. Officially known as The Great State of Maine Airshow of 2008, this annual show has lots to offer to include souvenirs, static displays, stuff for kids, performers, aircraft from the Navy and Air Force and civilian sector, and more. Performers will include the Blue Angels, Golden Knights (skydivers from the U.S. Army), and other aerial artists. Read about the Berlin Airlift exhibit at "Exhibit recalls heroics of Berlin Airlift", The Times Record, September 5, 2008.

Folk Art Symposium 28 Sep 08 at Bates College, Me

A folk art symposium will be held at the Olin Arts Center, Bates College, in Lewiston, Maine on September 28th, 2008. Click here for more information on the folk art symposium. Click here for more info on other museums located in Maine.

Apple Picking Time in Maine

The months of September and October are the prime months for apple picking here in Maine. If you are the outdoors type and would enjoy a trip to a farm with the kids then why not spend a nice fall day picking apples? The Maine State Pomological Society provides a listing on its website of a number of farms throughout Maine that offer apple picking. Click here for a list of Maine Apple Orchards. The same organization also offers some interesting facts about apples to include info on nutrition, characteristics (or types), history, facts and what happens in an orchard during the four seasons.

Oxford County Fair (Maine Sep 7-13)

The Oxford County Fair will take place on September 7-13, 2008 in Oxford, Maine. There is plenty to see and do. Bullriding, exhibits, harness racking, entertainment are just a few of the activities. Conveniently located off of Route 26 just south of Norway, Maine.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Maine is blessed with an abundance of things to do and see. One sometimes overlooked activity are the botanical gardens found in Maine. One of the newest gardens is found in Boothbay, Maine and is called the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Visit the website of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Listed below are some news articles about this garden:
"New botanical gardens give flavor of Maine", The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 1, 2008
"Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens" by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.