Apple Picking: Sweet Treats For Fall

Fall: Maine’s apple season reaches it’s peak in September and with so many apple orchards to choose from you are sure to enjoy this family activity. The fun of picking your own apples might have something to do with the freedom to choose the perfect one yourself. Most orchards provide wagons, bags and fun for those who like to “pick your own”. At many of the orchards you will find horse and wagon rides, fresh, hot apple cider and of course homemade donuts! There are so many varieties of apples to choose from, macintosh, to red and yellow delicious, cortlands and gala. All have their own unique characteristics and can be used for different purposes. Nothing beats going to pick apples for the afternoon and then making homemade apple crisp when you get back. Don’t miss Maine Apple Sunday the first Sunday in September and you can find orchards from northern Maine to the southern most tip of the state.

Discovery Museum: Bangor’s Center For Children

Fall,Spring,Winter,Summer: Bangor is home to the largest children’s museum north of Boston, The Maine Discovery Museum. Kids love this place because of all the interactive displays. My kids love the hands on” learning areas that the museum has set up. Each floor offers visitors a chance to explore the world of nature, geography, children’s literaturel music, art and science. If your kids love to sing or have dreams of becoming a recording artist, the “sounds abound” karaoke studio will be a big hit. If reading is their preference than a tour through “booktown” where each doorway opens up to a page of children’s classic books such as Charlotte’s Web or Tidely-Idely will be fun. For those who long for adventure and global travel a trip through “Passport” may be just in order. Kids can visit the Australian outback or a marketplace in Ghana. “Artscape” allows that budding artist to create kenetic art and sculpture, learn about patterns and colors. “Mission Discovery” is my boys favorite part of the museum. Here kids can get involved in a hands-on exhibit where they learn the science behind movement, gravity, robotics and astronomy. “Body Journey” will be a hit for that upcoming nurse or doctor. The Maine Discovery Museum is three floors of fun and learning for your children and definitely worth the trip.

Book Club: Start Your Own Reading Group

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer: If you want to increase your reading capacity this fall then you should consider starting a book club. If you decide to start your own group, your first task is to recruit members. The number of members you have in your book club will be determined by where you decide to have your meetings. Another thing to consider before you invite your participants is that more people leads to more discussion which can make it confusing unless you have a good moderator who is skilled at keeping discussions on track. On the flip side, too few participates will lead to littley discussion and so you really need to think about achieving the perfect balance. Most people recruit solely from friends or coworkers although you don’t need to stop there. Once you have a solid group of people together, it’s time to set some guidelines for your group. Things to decide are how and who picks the books and when and where you will meet. Most book clubs typically meet once a month and discuss one book per meeting. In the past, we have had each member recommend a book for their month and they are responsible for leading the discussion on that book. To be sure, planning and running your own book club can be a challenge. But if done properly, your book club will prove to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for you and your peers.

Hollywood Slots: Bangor’s Real Excitement

Fall,Winter,Spring & Summer: Looking for a little action that different from the usual…feeling lucky? Why not try your luck at Hollywood Slots in Bangor. Hollywood Slots offers casino style gambling right here in Maine. With over 475 slot machines available that range for one penny up to one dollar and many video poker tables you try your hand at gaming without having to travel far. If you are looking for a fun way to spend an evening with friends you should check out Holllywood Slots. There is a restaurant on site so you can enjoy a bite to eat before the you hit the slots. Don’t know what to do with all that loose change you’ve collected over the years…bring it in with you it makes losing less painful and winning that much sweeter!

Thanksgiving Arts And Craft Show: Brewer’s Annual Tradition

Fall: If you are looking for something to do during the Thanksgiving weekend but, want to avoid the shopping frenzy at the malls you may want to take a drive to Brewer. The 33rd annual Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show sponsored by the United Craftsmen of Maine is one of the state’s largest craft fairs offering something for everyone. The show opens on Black Friday and runs through Sunday. The show is geared especially toward Christmas shoppers with wonderful homemade items to beautiful works of art and specialty foods that will make your mouth water. Held at the Brewer Auditorium there are plenty of vendors that appeal to a wide variety of taste. With over 55 crafters to choose from you will find the perfect gift for even your most hard to buy for on your list. The show offers free gift giveaways every hour and is kicked off with a pancake breakfast for all of you early bird risers!