Maine Fall Foliage

The leaf peeping season in Maine is slowly fading; however, the scenery is still bright with reds, yellows, and oranges. Read an article on Maine's foliage - "Maine's Mosaic", The Maine Campus, October 21, 2008. Visit http://www.mainefoliage.com/ for the latest foliage report on Maine.

Bird Watching in Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park in Maine is one of the best places to do some birdwatching (or birding as some call it). Read a recent blog post about birding in Acadia National Park entitled "Bird Watching Mecca - 338 Species At Acadia National Park", NE Hikers, October 2008. Visit this link to find more information about birding in Maine. Visit this link for more information on camping, dining, lodging and visiting Acadia National Park.

Girlfriends Getaway to Freeport, Maine

The Freeport, Maine Merchants Association has announced the "Girlfriends Getaway Weekend" for Freeport, Maine. This will take place on November 14, 15, and 16. Read more about this event at "Girlfriends Getaway in Freeport, Maine". Click here to learn more about lodging and dining in Freeport, Maine.

Winter Camping in Maine

There are many guide services in Maine that will provide tours and expertise to the adventurers who wish to camp in the winter time. One of these services is Maine Path and Paddle Guides. See their web page on winter camping and excursions. They also offer practical advice on winter camping gear, clothing, and preparation.

A Hike up Douglas Mountain in Sebago

Douglas Mountain is located in the Sebago, Maine area. The conservation area belongs to the town of Sebago and is located to the left of Sebago Lake. Read a detailed blog about a family hike up Douglas Mountain on the Ledges Trail. The blog post has a great description of the hike to include some maps and photos. If you are going to hike this mountain then read this blog post first. "Hiking Douglas Mountain in Sebago", by Almeida Family of Maine Outdoor Journal, October 20, 2008.

Other sources of information about Douglas Mountain are:
"Douglas Mountain: Easy hike's reward is great view", MaineToday.com, August 17, 2003.
"Douglas Mountain - Sebago Lake, Maine", World Around G: Blog, October 10, 2007.
Info on Douglas Mountain by the Town of Sebago.
Parking restrictions at Douglas Mountain. Town of Sebago.

For more information about hiking and hiking trails in Maine see "Hiking in Maine: Info, maps, trails, guides, and tours".

Lighthouses in Maine for Sale

Two lighthouses in Maine are for sale. The lighthouses are offered to non-profits and municipalities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 2000. The two lighthouses are the Baker Island Lighthouse (Islesford) and Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse (Casco Bay, Portland). Read more about this proposed sale in "Last One Dollar Lighthouses For This Year", Lighthouse News, October 21, 2008. Click here for more information on lighthouses in Maine.

A Bloggers Trip to L.L. Bean (Freeport, Maine)

L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine is a popular destination for tourists and travelers. Occasionally someone blogs about their day there. Here is one blog post with great photos of the store. Read "Long Live L.L. Bean!", by "33 For a Moment", October 21, 2008. Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Freeport, Maine.

Animal Menagerie Exhibit at Portland Museum of Art

The Portland Museum of Art is exhibiting an "Animal Menagerie". This is a collection of art by different artists using a variety of mediums. The exhibit runs until November 9th.

From the earliest examples of American art until the present day, images of animals serve as vehicles for meaning. Native and exotic creatures alike help artists to explore issues of identity: the quality and nature of being American or foreign, human or beast, wild or civilized, innocent or worldly. These are all issues that artists grapple with in American Menagerie. Featuring 25 works drawn primarily from the Museum’s permanent collection, this exhibition features artists such as Dahlov Ipcar, Bernard Langlais, Will Barnet, Wendy Kindred, Scott Leighton, and Edward Hicks.

Read more on this exhibit in the news article "Animal Menagerie Portland Museum of Art exhibit appeals to children, yet is sophistitcated", by Pat Davidson Reef, Sun Journal, October 21, 2008. To learn more click on info about museums in Maine.

Rare Clock Donated to Little River Lighthouse (Maine)

A rare clock has been donated to the Little River Lighthouse in Maine.

"A rare Seth Thomas brass clock that once hung at the old Cross Island Moorings Life Saving Station, near Machiasport, has been donated to the Friends of Little River Lighthouse for display at Little River Lighthouse, which is located on an island in Cutler, Maine".

Read the rest of the story at "Rare Clock Donated to Lighthouse", MaineBusiness.com, October 21, 2008. Click here for more information on lighthouses in Maine.

Pumpkin Competition at Fryeburg, Maine Fair

Read a news story about a 375 pound pumpkin and its entry into the pumpkin contest at the Fryeburg, Maine Fair. See "One couple's attempt to win a giant pumpkin competition", The Christian Science Monitor, October 21, 2008.

Safe Fall Hiking Tips for Maine

Fall is an excellent time for hiking in Maine. The fall foliage is beautiful, the weather is cool, there are less bugs and people, and the trails are usually dry. You do have to plan for cooler weather and less periods of light. The weather can also have some drastic "mood swings"! You need to plan your hike, pack for cooler weather, and anticipate weather changes. Read more on "Safe hiking tips offered for fall's changing weather", Bangor Daily News, October 18, 2008. Click here for more information on hiking in Maine.

Maine WinterKids Ski Pass Available Online

The WinterKids Passport for skiing in Maine is now available online.

"The WinterKids Passport offers all Maine 5th, 6th, and 7th graders an entire season of healthy, outdoor winter recreation including cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and ice skating, along with free or discounted lessons and rentals. The Passport also offers parents and siblings of all Passport holders free or discounted tickets, lessons, and rentals, ensuring that families develop healthy lifestyles together. WinterKids also participates in the National Passport which provides discounts to resorts in participating states".

Click on the link below:
http://www.winterkids.org/passport/online-application.html

Click on the link below for more information about skiing in Maine:
http://www.travel-maine.info/skiing.htm

Wine Tasting in Rockland, Maine - Oct 25

There will be a wine tasting event at "The Wine Seller" located at 15 Tillson Avenue, Rockland, Maine on Saturday, October 25th. Click on the following link for more information.

http://www.localwineevents.com/Southern-Maine-Wine/event-210206.html

Spend Thanksgiving in Maine

The Bear Mountain Inn will provide you with a Thanksgiving holiday experience to remember. Visit Waterford, Maine for your Thanksgiving weekend. Bear Mountain offers you their Thanksgiving Day Feast Package - an old traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Click here for more information on a weekend trip to Maine for Thanksgiving.

Leaf Peeping Along Maine Coast

Leaf peeping will be at its best over the next week here in Maine along the coast. Read more in "Time to leaf peep along coastline", VillageSoup, October 17, 2008. Click here for more information about Maine fall foliage reports, tours, trails and maps.

Mount Desert Island Marathon - Maine

The Mount Desert Island Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2008. This event is over 26 miles long and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Click here for info on lodging, dining, and activities in Bar Harbor and Acadia.

Pancake Breakfast and Chairlift Rides - Camden

On Sunday, October 19, 2008, the Camden Snow Bowl will offer a pancake breakfast and chairlift rides. This is a great way to experience the Maine coast and the lovely fall foliage. Read more on this event at www.camdensnowbowl.com. You can also call or email them at: (207) 236-3438 or Email: info@camdensnowbowl.com. Click here for more information about Camden, Maine.

Pineland Public Reserved Lands (Maine)

If you are looking for some scenic and quiet hiking or walking paths close to the Maine coast (Portland / Freeport area) then consider the Pineland Public Reserved Lands located in New Gloucester, Maine. The woods area is easy to get to - follow Route 231 in New Gloucester, Maine. There are 600 acres of preserved land to hike on with two short hiking trails. One trail is the North Loop Trail, accessed off Depot Road. The North Loop Trail will take you to Royal River and back to the trailhead (parking area). The South Loop Trail is accessed off Old Farm Road. Click here for more information on Pineland Public Reserved Land.

Visit Bethel in Western Maine

Looking for a get-away for one of the upcoming fall weekends? A visit to Bethel, Maine may be just the place to go. The fall scenery is at its best and the weather is cool for hiking. Read one writers description of his great weekend while staying in Bethel and hiking in Western Maine. See "Western Maine serves up fall delights", Wicked Local Sharon, October 5, 2008. For more information about hiking and hiking trails in Maine see "Hiking in Maine: Info, maps, trails, guides, and tours".

Events in Maine in October (2008)

Here is a blog - Maine Food & Lifestyle - that has listed some events taking place in Maine during the month of October. See "Maine Events Calendar: October".

Fall Foliage on Columbus Day Weekend in Maine

Fall foliage is at its peak here in Maine. According to the state authorities northern Maine is at its peak (as of October 9, 2008) and southern Maine is at 50 to 70 percent. The Columbus Day weekend will see lots of tourist activity here in Maine (see "Businesses Welcome Columbus Day Tourists", WMTW.com, October 10, 2008). While many visitors make the drive from other parts of the Northeast some arrive aboard cruise ships or motor coaches. See also "Tourism Industry Hopes For Strong Weekend", WCSH6.com, October 10, 2008. There is lots to do in Maine this time of year. For instance, you can ride on a coastal Maine railroad and look at the surrounding scenery during the ride. Here is another story on Maine foliage by the Village Soup. The bottom line is that with the good weather and nice foliage this is a great weekend for leaf peeping. Find more resources and information about leaf peeping in Maine.

Mount Blue

The Sun Journal has published an online article about the Mount Blue State Park area - located in Western Maine. The article lists sights to see, things to do, places to stay and dine, and more. Also provided are websites to further investigate this wonderful area of Maine. See "Road Trip: Mount Blue" (September 28, 2008).

Peaks Island, Maine

A Maine blogger describes her day-trip to Peaks Island. Peaks Island is located just off the coast (you get there by taking a ferry to the island from Portland, Maine). She has some nice photos and a good description of her trip. See "Falling for Peaks Island", September 28, 2008. For more information about the islands off the coast of Maine click on the "island" label below.

Mt. Agamenticus, York, Maine

Not far from Route 95 or Route 1 along the coast of Maine is a a lovely place to view fall foliage or to enjoy the outdoors. It is called Mount Agamenticus and it is located in a 10,000-acre wooded wilderness. It is an ideal place for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikes. For more information visit http://www.agamenticus.org/ or read an online news article of the location at "A Maine haven for hawks, horses, and ATVs", Boston.com, September 28, 2008.

Fall Foliage Drives Through Western Maine

It is leaf peeping time in Maine. The Portland Press Herald has posted an online article about this topic with some suggested driving routes in Western Maine. The article also provides some interesting stops along the way - such as the occasional covered bridge and small town museum. See "Back roads beckon" (September 28, 2008).

Maine Fall Foliage Hikes and Walks

Maine is a wonderful place to walk and hike during the fall. Bugs and mosquitoes have gone away, the weather is cool, and the scenery is spectacular with the bright fall colors. New England Vacations Guide offers information on where to walk and hike in Maine in order to experience the best in the fall foliage. Visit their web page below for more information:

http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/fall-foliage-hikes-maine.html

Click here to learn more about Maine fall foliage and the best time for leaf peeping.

Exploring Maine by Bike

Maine.gov has a website that provides a good amount of information about biking in Maine. There are over 25 suggested bike tours that you can plan around. You can click on an Adobe Acrobat file to download complete details on each of these suggested tours to include maps, routes, sights to see, and accomodations. Click here for more information about bike trips in Maine.

Trail Clearing in Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park has some wonderful hiking trails. Trails are maintained by volunteers - some from Maine and others from "away". Read about one woman's trail clearing adventures and see some nice photos of Acadia National Park. Learn more about Acadia National Park.

Photos of Bar Harbor, Maine

A blogger has posted super photos of a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine.

Visiting Peak's Island in Maine

Visit a blogger's account of her visit to Peak's Island (located off the coast of Portland, Maine in Casco Bay). She has a nice account of renting bicycles and traveling about the island. Some nice pictures of Battery Steele (a coastal fortress). See the blog post at "Peak's Island". Learn more about Maine's islands.