There’s nothing like a Maine Fall.
And once the cooler weather hits, New England is at the forefront of our minds. It’s got it all – the foliage, the weather, the activities. And Maine, at the tippety-top of New England, has been at the forefront of our travel list more and more as the years go on. Maine is something truly special – the two monikers the state is known by probably say it best. It’s Vacationland – beautiful beaches, scenic roads, all the seafood your heart desires – and it’s the Pine Tree State, a state that boasts one of the biggest stretches of true wilderness in America, densely forested, quiet, and mysterious. Here’s to one of our favorite seasons in one of our favorite places – we recommend booking your plane tickets now.
1. Hike Baxter:
With more than 200,000 acres of wilderness, Baxter State Park in Millinocket, is a sea of color in the fall. The higher elevation in northern Maine means you get the most color the soonest. Millinocket is small town Maine at its finest, but be sure to bundle up – fall can often bring snow.
2. Eat & Drink Across Portland:
Portland is one of our favorite small cities, in part because of the density of fantastic food, cocktails, and beer. Start with a stay at one of our favorites, the Press Hotel. Part of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection, this downtown gem, located in the 1923 Portland Press Herald newspaper building, is walkable to just about everything. It’s stylish, comfortable, and convenient with an upscale little bar called Inkwell and an in-house restaurant, Union, that’s run by local chef Joshua Berry. You can even take in original art on exhibit downstairs from the lobby. The Press Hotel also has one of the kindest, most helpful staffs we’ve encountered anywhere. Once you venture out, we highly recommend starting your weekend of eats with no less than Holy Donut, Hot Suppa, Fat Cat Bakery, Sebago Brewing, Local 188, Fore Street, and Duck Fat. From there, you should be more than full and happy, and ready to wander right back into the comfort of the Press Hotel.
3. Visit Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor may be everyone’s favorite tourist destination, but it’s worth it every time. Located on Mount Desert Island, it offers some of the most scenic views of the season, plus all the lobster you can eat. You can also hike (or drive up) Cadillac while you’re at it for stunning views of the entire town.
4. Relax at Wells Beach
During off-season, Wells is incredibly quiet but just as beautiful. With charming bed and breakfasts to stay in, you can also venture to the popular neighboring towns of Ogunquit and Kennebunk. It’s as quaint a seaside town as you can imagine, and the perfect autumnal spot for some rest and relaxation.
5. Drive Route 113
Finally, we recommend driving route 113. The Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway take you along the Saco River and the Mountain Division Rail as it runs between Standish and Fryeburg. You can stop off at The White Mountain National Forest. It takes about two hours to drive straight, or you can make a whole day of it, meandering through the various towns and taking in the fall sights.
