Why you need to make Maine your fall travel destination
You’ve probably heard about our summers — Maine isn’t called Vacationland for nothing. Fall, in my opinion, has just as much to offer and is actually my favorite season. Having been born, raised and come back to the great state of Maine to start my own family, I may be a little biased, but I am not exaggerating when I say Maine is a special place. A Maine fall is something everyone should experience at least once. Here are 10 of the many reasons why you’ll want to consider planning a fall trip to Maine. Fair warning: you may never want to leave!
1. Beautiful weather… without the summer crowds
Let me tell you a little secret, fall in Maine, especially September, has some of our best weather of the year. You can still sneak in a mail-boat cruise on Casco Bay, a whale watch or a walk on the beach without worrying about hoards of summer tourists.
2. Cheaper rates
Generally speaking, Labor Day is considered the end of peak season in Maine, which means rates go down in the fall and some top-notch spots become much more affordable. For traveling families the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth is a great place to stay in the Greater Portland area.
3. Leaf peeping
If you time it right, the fall colors are out of this world. Simply taking a drive through the back country or up in to the mountains will make your day. This foliage guide from the State of Maine will give you an idea of average timing for trip planning.
4. Acadia National Park
A visit to Acadia National Park, alone, will make your trip to Maine worth it and is guaranteed to take your breathe away. Acadia National Park is 49,000+ acres in Mount Desert Island marked by woodland, rocky beaches and glacier-scoured granite peaks like Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast, and stunning views of the ocean. Nearby Bar Harbor is a great spot, full of yummy restaurants, top notch accommodations and so many fun opportunities for adventure. Fall is a perfect time to check out the area.
5. Lighthouses
Maine has over 60 lighthouses, including the iconic Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, all offering picturesque backdrops and a serious slice of history all along state’s rocky coast.
6. Lobster all year round
You can’t leave Maine without sampling locally caught lobster. My husband is a commercial lobsterman, and I assure you that lobster is available all-year-round in Maine. Fall is actually his busiest season. A fun activity, especially if you’re traveling with the kiddos, is to experience lobstering first hand aboard Lucky Catch.
7. Apple picking
If you visit Maine in September or October, apple picking is a can’t-miss experience. Most orchards are welcoming and very quant with donuts and fresh cider, hayrides, picturesque backdrops and — of course — crunchy and delicious apples. Check out a directory of Maine apple orchards here.
8. Hiking without the heat
On a trip to Maine, you will not lack hiking and exploring opportunities. Whether it be oceanside trails, wooded state parks, the Maine section of the Appalachian Trail or scenic mountains like Katahdin, Cadillac, or Mount Battie, the options are endless. Fall hikes are perfect in my opinion. You’re not competing with the heat or the crowds, and the colors might just be out of a magazine.
9. Canoeing and kayaking the Quiet Lakes
The inland lakes regions tend to be a little bit warmer and sheltered, ideal for a fall paddle. In the summer, many lakes are bursting with boaters and visitors, but the serenity that comes over the lakes in the fall is pretty magical.
10. Good old-fashioned fairs and festivals
Maine has close to 30 agricultural fairs and many other fun, fall festivities that embrace local artisans, foods and traditions and offer a small town feel. You can find a list of Agricultural Fairs here.
photo credit: newmar
There is a lot of ground to cover in Maine, between the hiking and Acadia/Downeast, the dining and scenes of the waterfront in the Greater Portland, the serenity of the lakes and mountains, and the amazing beaches in the Southern region. There is so much to see and do; the hard part is cramming it all in to one trip. Visit Maine is a great resource to help you get a lay of the land.
Do I have you convinced and ready to plan your next trip?
This post was contributed by Rebecca Spear as part of Savvy Sassy Moms Product Scouts. You can find more from Rebecca on her blog, Mainely Mama.
You May Also Enjoy:
Share this Post