Midcoast Maine is chock full of wonderful things to do during the fall, from festivals to sightseeing. Leaves are changing, temperatures are nice without the humidity, the crowds are less, and food and fun are available galore.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
One of the most unique Maine fall festivals takes place on Main Street in Damariscotta every year on Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend.
Damariscotta is located about an hour’s drive north of Portland along Route 1 and just 20 minutes from The Bradley Inn.
The Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest is a celebration of the arrival of autumn, which starts with a Pumpkin parade featuring harvest-themed floats. You can walk around Damariscotta and Newcastle to view the intricately carved giant pumpkins. The week before there is a weigh off to determine who wins first place for largest pumpkin.
From a pumpkin drop, where pumpkins are dropped two hundred feet from a crane onto a variety of targets, to a pumpkin catapult, where pumpkins are launched and finally to the famous pumpkin boat regatta where contestants sit, paddle and race in hand-carved giant pumpkin boats.
Beth’s Farm Market
What began as a roadside corn stand in the seventies is now a full-on farm store. You can find the typical fall produce such as pumpkins, corn, potatoes and apples, plus delicious baked goods sold from their in-house bakery. Sit on bales of hay for a picture surrounded by chrysanthemums and pumpkins of all sizes and colors. And do not forget to meander through their seasonal corn maze.
Located at 1986 Western Road in Warren, just 48 minutes from The Bradley Inn, Beth’s is open every day of the week from 8 am until 6 pm.
Freeport Fall Festival
Every year on the first weekend of October, Freeport hosts its annual Fall.
For the three-day festival over two hundred local artisans, creators, and food producers are set up on Main Street and the LL Bean campus. You can enjoy free crafts and scavenger hunts for kids and live music throughout the festival.
Admission to the festival is free.
Common Ground Country Fair
The annual Common Ground Country Fair is held at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity; hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Located northeast of Augusta, this annual fair celebrates rural living in Maine and brings more than 1,000 exhibitors and speakers. The emphasis is on sustainable living and organic agricultural practices. Enjoy a selection of Maine-grown food and locally handcrafted goods, while listening to live music.
A not to miss Maine Fair!
Maine Maple Fest
The leaves have turned brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange and Maine maple producers prepare their delicious maple products. The third annual Maine Maple Fall Fest will take place on October 12 and 13 at sugarhouses around the state. Drive around enjoying the beautiful Maine countryside and the various sugarhouses along the way.
See firsthand how maple syrup is made, tour the facilities, participate in maple syrup tastings, and buy high-quality maple goods such as baked goods, ice cream, candy and even spirits made from maple syrup.
Fall Foliage Festival
The 60th Fall Foliage Festival, October 12 and 13, is held at the Boothbay Railway. You can explore the historic buildings from the early 1900s, peruse through the antique car museum and enjoy a model railroad train ride.
The village’s 4-acre grassy area offers family fun and entertainment which include live music, arts and crafts, antiques, local food, and the “village goats.”
Oyster Farms & Fall Foliage Cruise
Enjoy a river cruise on the Damariscotta River Tripper between September 5 – October17th, most days from 1-3pm
Learn how oyster farmers prepare their oyster farm and sow the world-famous Damariscotta region oysters. The cruise is partially narrated.
Nature & Seal Watching Cruises
The Hardy Boat, which leaves from Shaw’s Wharf on New Harbor offers fall coastal cruises from the end of August through October. A wonderful time to visit Maine as the tourist crowds calm down but we still have warm days and lots of sights to enjoy. Even if it is a cooler crisp day, you can warm up with some famous Monhegan coffee or other hot drinks available on board. This is a slower paced cruise where the captain and crew narrate, enhancing your experience with their local knowledge.
This nature cruise ventures up into Muscongus Bay to give you a glimpse at some of the over seventy islands of the region. You will journey around the undeveloped islands north of New Harbor, some with old fish docks and fish houses remaining, as well as the old village of Loudsville, which can still be seen. Herons, osprey, eagles, and other wildlife can be seen quietly fishing along the serene shorelines. The trees are starting to change color and mix with the dark green hue of the spruce trees.
The boat travels past the birthplace of a Samoset, a famous Native American, the summer cottage of two beloved children’s authors, the Franklin Island Lighthouse, and Webber’s Dry Ledge, where harbor seals may be seen!
Just a 6-minute drive from The Bradley Inn, make this part of your stay and book a room now to enjoy one of the most beautiful times of the year on the coast of Maine!
