Fall: With summer in full swing, the idea of Fall seems like a distant memory but, it’s closer than you think. The cool fall weather changes Maine’s landscape from a lush green summer playground to a kaleidoscope of red and golden hues. The fall leaf season usually peaks in mid October and with so many leaf peepers heading to Maine for the show, now is the time to make your plans especially if you want to make a weekend of it. Many people like to take Columbus Day weekend and turn it into long weekend of enjoying the scenery. The Western Mountains in Maine come alive with a blaze of red, orange, yellow and purple leaves during this time of year, making Maine a top destination spot for leaf peepers. If you get on the Rangley Lakes Scenic By-Way which begins in Byron on Route 17 you will find the perfect view of all the colors with the lakes in background. Rangley has some great places to stay for the weekend like the Niboban Camps on Rangley Lake. These private cabins right on the banks of the lake offer a quiet place for you to enjoy the sounds of the loons and the views of the mountains ablaze with color. If you need a place to eat, stop in at the Parkside and Main Restaurant is right on the main drag in the heart of Rangley. They have a great outside deck for you to sit and enjoy the reflection of the fall colors on the lake. The food is simple and good served in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Another fun way to enjoy the fall foliage is taking a 5 day bicycle tour which starts and finishes in Portland. Traveling roughly 45 miles per day, you will travel from Portland to Sebago Lake, to China Lake, down the coast to Rockland and back to Portland. Along the way you will see some of the best foliage spots in Maine so be sure to bring your camera to capture the memories of your tour. Maine is one of the prettiest states, especially in the fall, when the landscape comes alive!
Tag: Fall
Golf: Fall Breezes, The Perfect Time To Play A Round
Summer & Fall: Fall is one of the best seasons in Maine to enjoy a round of golf. As the weather cools and the crisp air arrives, this is the perfect time to get out there. With over forty golf courses in the state there are plenty of places to choose from no matter where you are coming from. Take advantage of the dwindling summer crowds and plan to hit the links! One of the most stunning oceanside courses in the state is the Samoset Resort in Rockport. With sweeping views of the Atlantic this is not only a challenging course but very scenic which is why visitors from all around come to Maine to play here. With seven holes that run along the rocky coast of the Atlantic, Golf Digest voted it one of the best courses in the state for 2007-2008. A perfect way to spend a day is to book an early tee time, play 18 holes and then take some time to enjoy the outdoor patio at the Clubhouse Grille. Because of the Samoset’s location you could take some time to explore either Rockland or Camden as the resorts sits between both of these great coastal towns. Another great place to play in the Fall is Sugarloaf. The mountains surround you offer spectacular views of the fall foliage. Located in scenic Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain is not just for winter skiing fun. Both Sugarloaf and the Samoset are known as New England’s two top premier golf destinations. Sugarloaf also offers a fantastic golf school for those of you who want to brush up on your technique. The course is rugged and challenging and the views especially from the 11th hole are breathtaking as it overlooks the whole valley. The Grand Summit Resort offers great accommodations if you plan on staying and the nightlife is just as fun during the summer months as in the height of ski season. Take some time this fall and enjoy a round of golf at one of Maine’s finest courses.
Pumpkin Carving: There’s Lots Of Ghoulin’ Around
Fall: Fall is not far away and with that comes Halloween. Kids of all ages and adults too love to carve pumpkins. Today you can find the pumpkin carving kits with templates and guide that allow even the most novice carver and opportunity to create a “show” pumpkin. There is something to be said for the art of free hand carving and the Hiram pumpkin carving festival is a great venue to show off your talent. This annual event is held at Apple Acres Farm, which is only a 45 minute ride through the country from Portland. Participants in the pumpkin carving contest learn about the history and origin of pumpkin carving. Spend time on the farm drinking apple cider and carving a self picked pumpkin to perfection. Prizes are awarded to the best in show and everyone who participates gets a small thank you gift. Apple acres farm is the perfect spot for picking your own apples, enjoying delicious cider donuts and the kids will love the apple playland set up for their entertainment. If you are a birding enthusiast, the farm has had over eighty different species spotted from their location. You could spend a whole afternoon hiking around the farms and bird watching. Pumpkin carving is a great fall activity that really can be enjoyed anywhere. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends and family creating memories and new fall traditions. This year grab a pumpkin and your carving tools and be creative enjoying a tradition that has been around for since the early 1800’s.
Harvest Fest & Chowder Cook Off: Sample A Taste Of Fall
Fall: During the fall when the leaves are a blaze in full color Bethel becomes a destination spot for leaf peepers. Each year during mid-September Bethel host their annual Maine Harvest Festival and Chowder & Apple Pie Cook-off competition. This is a great time to plan your visit. The town comes alive with many scheduled activities like an arts and crafts fair, chain saw carving, live music in the gazebo on the commons and of course the “chowda” and apple pie competition. Cooks from all over bring in their famous chowder recipes and visitors can purchase sampling coupons and an opportunity to participate in the People’s Choice Award. The chowders range from seafood varieties to corn and Mexican tortilla chowder and it’s stiff competition with many strong competitors offering their finest! The apple pie competition is judged by a panel of judges with three categories, non-traditional, traditional and professional. Visitors can enjoy free slices once the competition is over. During the last day of this three day festival visitors can enjoy guided bike rides, hikes and or fishing trips through the area. Anyone of these guided tours will give you a great opportunity to explore this area of Maine and enjoy the colors that come with the changing of the season. Bethel is also home of Sunday River Ski Resort so plan on taking some time during your visit to the area to scope out overnight accommodations for your winter ski vacation. The Bethel Inn and Country Club is a great place to stay and during the fall months you could take some time to play a round of golf which is included in your overnight stay package. Bethel is the place to be so put it on your to do list today!
White Water Rafting: Hold On For A Wild Ride!
Summer & Fall: The thrill and exhilaration of white water rafting in Maine is just unbeatable. During the fall, a run down the river takes on a new look with the leaves a blaze in color. Don’t let the cooler temperatures dissuade you from going rafting! This is a perfect time of year to enjoy the white water especially with the release of water from the dams. There are also fewer people in around the river which makes it a great time to enjoy some quiet time and prime camping spots. There are plenty of rafting companies that offer packages for all levels and ages. One unique way to spend a weekend is doing the Golf and Raft package. The package includes overnight accommodations at The Forks Resort Campground. The resort offers a huge lodge area with couches and a fieldstone fireplace. It is the perfect place to relax before or after your white water adventure. The rooms are comfortable, there is a full service pub which serves the local brew from Kennebec Brewing company and a great pool and hot tub on their back deck. After a peaceful nights rest get up bright and early and hit the Kennebec for some great rafting! The package includes a riverside barbeque luncheon and a video of your trip down “magic falls”. Once your rafting trip is complete it’s time to head to Sugarloaf which is only a short drive away. Spend the night at the Grand Summit and it’s up early to hit the links on Sugarloaf’s highly acclaimed golf course. This is a great way to enjoy some white water rafting as well as a round of golf in one of golf in one of the most scenic parts of Maine especially during the fall foliage season!