Bradley: Leonards’s Mills Living History Days

Summer, Fall:Maine’s historical background comes to life within the town of Bradley. Where you will find the restored 18th century logging community of Leonard’s Mills. Semi-anually a demonstration of what life in a typical logging community of the old days is performed. In the center of the small village there is a water operated sawmill complete with a wooden waterwheel. Maine’s bean-hole biscuts are also made fresh for all to enjoy. Blacksmiths are on hand to display their trade and visitors are allowed to try splitting cedar shakes by hand. Draft horses navigate the trails pulling wagons. You can even take a ride down Blackman stream. Living history days take place on the second weekend of July and the first weekend of October.

Debouille Public Reserve Land: Away From It All

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: In the heart of Maine’s northern forests lies the scenic and silent Debouille Public Reserve far off the beaten path this 22,000 acre tract is a slice of Northwoods heaven. Hiking trails lead to a fire tower atop Debouille Mountain and from the summit the views of the surrounding ponds and hills are breathtaking. The word Debouille is French for rockslides which are common to the area. The southeastern portion of the park is where most of the campsites, trails, and boat launches are, and also holds the more rugged mountain terrain. There are plenty of scenic spots to camp, so if a site is occupied rest assured there are others nearby that likely are not. Wildlife is plentiful here with moose and dear sightings common along the water, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are the most popular activities here as well as snowmobiling in winter. This is a rugged and remote area accessable through the Northwoods gates for a small fee so come prepared with plenty of supplies, a smile and sense of adventure.

Planting Bulbs: Fall Planting Equals Spring Flowers

Fall: How can a hard, round bulb be placed in the ground in the fall and sprout to become the most beautiful flower blooming in spring? It’s got to be one of the all-time great miracles of nature. Hold a few daffodil, tulip, and crocus bulbs in your hand and really look at them. You would be hard-pressed to convince anyone that these rock-like balls have the power to deliver a profusion of color just from some sunlight and water. But indeed, they will do just that, if properly planted in the fall and cared for in the spring. plant some bulbs this fall, and chances are they’ll provide you with blooms year after year. The best time to plant is after the first frost, so the bulbs will stay cool throughout the fall and winter. Planning how you want your garden to look and where you want different flowers will serve you well so make sure you’ve got the right spot marked out. Make sure you fill the holes you dug out with somfertilizer before replacing soil. Add plenty of water as you fill the hole back in and it always helps to add a little fertilizer. Planting in the fall can ensure you reap the beautiful blooms come spring time.

A.E. Howell Wildlife Conservation Center: Taking Care Of Nature

Summer, Fall: Located in the heart of North Amity in Aroostook County you can find one of the best 50 acre animal refuge centers in the state of Maine. This rehabilitation center and refuge has been in operation since 1981. Their goal is to rehabilitate some of nature’s most difficult cases and they work very closely with the states game wardens and other wildlife officials both here in Maine and Canada to do so.When you visit this spot, full of natural beauty and wildlife, you will want to make sure you bring your hiking shoes and picnic basket. There is a picnic and recreational area for children and adults. Guided tours are mandatory in order to preserve the natural balance between visitors and the wildlife. The Conservation Center is full of educational programs that encourage the practice of wildlife conservation, natural resource management and environmental protection. Not only is this a beautiful place to visit but, it is choke full of information and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Fall Foliage: Kaleidoscope Of Color

Fall: Fall in Maine gives way to warm days and cool nights and the perfect weather for the changing of the leaves. No matter what part of Maine you are in you can enjoy mother natures art show. The fall season is highlighted by scenic foliage that paints red, orange, gold and yellow treetops. It can be a wonderful time for a hike up the mountain to enjoy the view or a ride on your bike to savor the crisp air. Many of the state parks offer birds-eye views atop the moutain peaks such as Mt. Battie in Camden. There you can view the mix of fall colors against the backdrop of Camden harbor, the windjammer ships and the cool waters of the Atlantic. If you are traveling in the northern part of the state then make a stop in New Sweden on Route 1 just outside of Van Buren. There you can enjoy the panaromic views of Canada and all the fall colors you would expect. Or you could head toward Fort Kent and enjoy the Fall Scarecrow Festival. From there head toward Eagle Lake where you can rent a canoe and head down the lake to enjoy the colorful tree lined waterway. However you decide to do it, enjoying the leaf season during fall in Maine is sure hard to beat.