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Autumn In Maine: Ablaze
With Color And Character
~With leaves flush with color, farms
and fairs bustling with excitement and the aroma of apples in
the air, Maine simply glows come autumn~
AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine may be known
far and wide for its summers and winters, but those who have
been here in the autumn know that's when Maine really shows off
its true colors.
Leaves glimmer as they transform from
green to gold and a glance at a pristine lake reveals a collage
of color as changing trees from the
mountains above reflect onto the water. Visitors come from around
the word for leaf-peeping as a combination of warm sunshine during
the day and cool, crisp nights provide ideal conditions for leaves
to most spectacularly turn.
Maine's roads are bathed in rich color
and mountain trails are lined with fallen, fragrant leaves; simply
visit www.mainefoliage.com or call 888-
MAINE45 for up-to-the-minute foliage conditions across the state,
as well as photographs, tips for catching the best color and
suggested touring
loops.
A luxurious way to view the foliage
is by hopping aboard the new Maine Eastern Railroad (www.maineeasternrailroad.com)
as it runs between the
charming coastal communities of Brunswick and Rockland. From
the windows of well-appointed, climate-controlled coaches, you'll
spot trees that glimmer in a kaleidoscope of color.
For those who want to view the foliage
up close and personal should consider a visit to one of Maine's
many state parks (http://www.parksandlands.com).
The well-maintained parks dot the state from the mountains to
the sea and provide an abundance of hiking
opportunities.
A visit to Maine in September and October
is worth it for the foliage alone, but there is more here than
meets the eye. Autumn is a time when a
bountiful harvest is reaped across the state, from Castine to
Caribou, Kingfield to Kittery. Apple orchards speckled with orbs
of rich red are
around every corner, pumpkin patches abound and corn mazes provide
hours of explorative fun for young and old alike.
Nothing represents autumn in Maine
better than a fall fair and for those longing for a return to
simpler, slower times, there's no better way to do
that than to take part in one of Maine's many agricultural fair
experiences.
Maine's 24 licensed agricultural fairs
are known for their world-class animal exhibits (over 20,000
birds and animals are exhibited at the state's
fairs during the year) and endless exhibit halls. Browse the
barns. See a pile of piglets tear around their pen during playtime.
Admire the strength
of a pair of broad draft horses. Even learn how to milk a cow.
Hungry? Sure, there is the typical
fair food but while you are in Maine, take time to try out some
of the state's culinary delights. How about
French fries made from hearty Maine grown potatoes, fresh fish
chowder, or blueberry pie ala mode?
With so many fairs, it's tough to choose
since each has its own unique flavor. The Fryeburg Fair (www.fryeburgfair.com)
is the state's last fair
of the season, running October 2-9, and it just so happens to
be one of the best. Its reputation as Maine's largest agricultural
fair is known far and
wide and with several full service restaurants, camping and one
of a kind events like a skillet throw contest, an authentic 19th
century little red schoolhouse for the kids to attend, and a
grand parade, the fair is truly an essential slice of fall in
Maine.
The Common Ground Fair (www.mofga.org)
in Unity (September 23-25) is perhaps Maine's most distinctive
fair. Put on by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association,
this three-day event is a celebration of rural, sustainable living
and highly educational. The food is organic, Maine grown or produced,
and always delicious. It's here you can learn about stone carving,
pet a llama, listen to Wabanaki drumming and dancing, watch sheep
dog trials, and learn about the latest environmental, political
and social movements, all while reveling in Maine's rejuvenating
autumn air.
Because fall is such a spectacular
season here, Maine's hospitality industry rolls out the welcome
mat, offering exceptional package deals and
promotions. For a complete listing of autumn activities as well
as special travel packages, log on to www.visitmaine.com
or call 888-95-MAINE.
Related fall foliage information:
The best
New England fall foliage destinations
Plan your northern New England fall
foliage itninerary by browsing the Maine
Fall Calendar of Events.
Discover the virtues of southern New
England fall foliage with a trip to Mystic
Country, Conn.
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