Maine’s 2023 September Update

September 1, 2023

Classic Inns for A Fall Getaway

Maine has a wide variety of classic and historic inns for a fall foliage getaway. In Southwest Harbor, The Claremont has dramatic views overlooking Somes Sound, while the recently remodeled Norumbega Inn in Camden is a classic coastal boutique hotel. The Pentagoet Inn & Pub Bar has a magical setting in historic Castine, while The Squire Tarbox Inn is a quiet and impeccably restored small inn on sleepy Westport Island. The Rangeley Inn has 19th-century charm in Western Maine, while The Bethel Inn is the gateway to some of Maine’s most impressive mountain views. Go to Visit Maine for more info.

Aroostook County in the Autumn

Aroostook County – or The County, as it’s known in Maine – is an extraordinary destination for a scenic drive in the fall. Here at the northern tip of the state, you’ll find some of the best places in Maine to spot a moose. Several designated Moose Drives offer a sporting chance to spot one of the state’s most beloved animals. It’s also hard to beat The Million Dollar View Scenic Byway along US Route 1 of Danforth and Orient for pure scenery. This panorama overlooks the Grand Lakes, also called the Chiputneticook Chain of Lakes, which serves as part of the international border with Canada. The St. John Valley Cultural Byway/Fish River Scenic Byway is a journey shaped by Maine’s Acadian heritage and culture. The Cultural Byway portion runs for 92 miles along the northern border of Maine. The Fish River National Scenic Byway corridor is 38 miles long and includes the towns of Fort Kent, Wallagrass, Eagle Lake, Winterville, and Portage Lake. For those who want to get festive,  plan on attending the second annual Oktoberfest in Mars Hill on October 7. Go to Visit Maine for more on The County.

Portland Dining News

The dynamic Portland dining scene has recently welcomed a crop of new restaurants. The Clam Bar, which had a soft opening in 2021, is now open for business and serving steamers, oysters, and lobsters with a South American flair. The Continental is an English/Irish-style pub serving comfort classics. Quanto Basta has morphed from a popular food truck to a restaurant, serving naturally-leavened Pizza Napoletana, spritzes, and Southern Italian natural wines. Henry’s Public House offers cocktails and pub fare in the former Bull Feeney’s space on Fore Street. Lambs has just opened in South Portland, with natural wines, cocktails, and a small sandwich menu that will expand in the coming weeks.

Maine Lobster Week

This year marks the 3^rd Maine Lobster Week, September 24-30, 2023. Visit the Maine Lobster Week website for a list of participating restaurants, which include the Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar in Portland, Noble Kitchen & Bar in Brunswick, and Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth. Special dinners, lobster rolls, and lobster specials will be available at most locations.

Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest & Regatta

Maine has many fall festivals, but none as zany as the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest & Regatta. It returns from October 6-9 this year with a pumpkin weigh-off, a parade, a pumpkin dessert contest, and a pie eating contest. The highlight is watching the creative pumpkin boat building and the finale on Sunday, a festive costumed regatta on the Damariscotta River.

Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor Returns

Harvest on the Harbor celebrates its 15th anniversary with events highlighting Maine makers and growers, October 25-28, 2023. This year’s events include Toast, a harvest season cocktail party featuring members of the Maine Distillers Guild with their Maine-made gins, vodkas, bourbons, rums, and more, plus a variety of food pairings to complement the selection of spirits; Gourmet Graze, an intimate tasting and pairing event, highlighting Maine’s incredible cheeses and chocolatiers; Maine Lobster Chef of the Year; and Maine OysterFest. All events will occur at O’Maine Studios, 54 Danforth Street in Portland. All events are 21+, and tickets are all-inclusive. Tickets are on sale now at harvestontheharbor.com.