September 25, 2024

Fall Foliage Road Trips

Fall foliage reflecting off a lakeMaine has some of the most stunning fall foliage displays in the Northeast from late September through mid-October. Yet when it comes to leaf peeping, timing is everything. Head to Maine Foliage, the State of Maine website devoted to all things leaf-related and check out the foliage map that targets specific zones throughout the state. Once you’ve done that, plan to drive one of the State or National Scenic Byways to savor the colors and the landscape. The St. John Valley/Fish River National Scenic Byway is a cultural journey along the northern border of Maine through the beautiful St. John Valley and Route 11 in Aroostook County. The gold standard is the 40-mile Acadia All-American Road, which packs in mountain and ocean views. Nearby is the Schoodic National Scenic Byway, with fewer visitors but equally spectacular. In western Maine, check out the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, a 52-mile route roams through mountains and lakes. Go to Visit Maine for more suggestions.

Maine Farms for Apple Picking

Woman and man standing under apple trees holding baskets of applesMaine has some of the most beautiful farms in the country, and apple picking season is the time to visit a pick-your-own orchard, when sweet cider is available for tasting, cider donuts and apple pies are ready. Orchard Ridge Farm in Gorham is on 38 acres of hilly orchards and the Orchard Ridge Farm Store & Kitchen is open year-round. New Gloucester’s Shaker Village, the only active Shaker community in the world, offers pick-your-own apples in their historic orchard. Libby & Son’s orchard in Limerick has over 40 acres. During apple picking season, there is freshly pressed old-fashioned apple cider. You can pick apples at Morris Hill Orchard in Farmington and sample hard cider at their cider bar. In Madison, North Star Orchards has 35 acres of apple trees and a farm store with a variety of gifts, canned goods and fresh produce. Clark’s Cove Farm in Walpole and pick your own apples from their 27 varieties while Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant has a national award-winning corn maze as well as lots of apples to pick. For more apple farms, check out Real Maine.

Andrew Wyeth:1982 and The Wyeths: Impressions of Coastal Maine at The Farnsworth Art Museum

In a hallway with the words on the wall, "Let the Farnsworth surprise you," looking into an art exhibitThe Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland is unveiling two shows this fall squarely aimed at those who love the work of the Wyeths.

Andrew Wyeth: 1982 runs from September 21, 2024 – March 23, 2025 and encapsulates the life and work of the renowned artist during a pivotal year in his artistic career, at the point where he turned 65 and entered what might be considered his late period. The exhibition showcases rarely seen works and reveals new insights into his enduring creativity during a volatile period. The Wyeths: Impressions of Coastal Maine presents paintings by N.C., Andrew, and James ‘Jamie’ Wyeth, inviting viewers into the serene and evocative landscapes of Midcoast Maine, including Rockland, Tenants Harbor, and Port Clyde. The exhibitions run from October 26 through December 31, 2024. Visit The Farnsworth Art Museum for details.

Four of Maine’s Best Road Biking Routes

Man wearing a bright green jacket looking out toward the ocean from the bike pathMaine is a vast state with an endless number of possibilities for a day on two wheels. But here are four incredible rides that promise an incredible day out. Portland to Cousin’s Island: This 30-mile loop goes along the Falmouth Foreside, with plenty of places to stop and grab a bite to eat or enjoy the view. In the Capital Area, riders can enjoy rolling hills, farms and forests on a 42-mile loop from Augusta, the state capital, along the Kennebec River Trails, past Lake Cobbossee and through towns like Monmouth where you can grab a drink at Grateful Grain Brewery or at Winthrop’s Absolem Cider. One of the most challenging routes is From Bethel through The Whites and Evan’s Notch. Incredible anytime, but especially spectacular during foliage season, the route heads south through the foothills of the White Mountains, through Evans Notch and the White Mountain National Forest. Further afield, the United States Bike Route 501 is a 654-mile-long route that connects Bangor with the St. John Valley Cultural and Fish River National Scenic Byway and then to New Brunswick, Canada. The relatively flat route follows the Penobscot River, with potato fields on the rolling hills as you enter the Crown of Maine. Go to Visit Maine for more on road biking.