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!