While Maine’s coast shines in the summer, fall is an equally magical time as autumnal colors make their way down the coast. Here are some bucket list items:
- Visit the Frances Perkins National Monument/ Walk a Trailblazer’s Trail (Newcastle): One of only 13 national park sites devoted to honoring women, this new national monument honors Frances Perkins, the first woman U.S. Cabinet member/Secretary of Labor under FDR and the driving forcebehind many of the benefits and safeguards American workers count on today. A great, educational experience for families with scenic foliage-lined walking trails and views of the Damariscotta River, a self-guided exhibit and kids’ activities.
- Explore an AutumnalMaine Coastal Botanical gardens (Boothbay): You may think that botanical gardens are best enjoyed in spring and summer, but fall is no exception! In addition to lively pumpkin displays and colorful foliage throughout the gardens, there are stunning fall blooms such as an incredible range of dahlias and asters. Visit by October 18.
- Attend Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta (Damariscotta) Oct 9-12: Fall is unequivocally pumpkin time, and there’s no shortage of pumpkin related activities at this beloved annual event. Decorate pumpkins, race pumpkins, paradewith pumpkins and… watch pumpkins drop from the sky. Yes. The latter pumpkin drop is quite the spectacle, and not soon forgotten.
- Enjoy Oysters and Fall Colors:An exquisite pairing, visitors can enjoy both by hopping aboard Damariscotta River Cruise’s Oyster Farms and Fall River Cruise. Learn about and taste oysters in the Oyster Capital of Maine – and enjoy the beauty of the autumn landscape through mid-late October.
- Sauna and Plungeat Waterstruck Wellness Center (Newcastle). This Nordic Spa offers thermal circuit with sauna, hydrotherapy and rest, all in the foliage-lade woods in Newcastle (reservations required).
At the end of your autumnal adventure, head over to Newcastle Inn (open year-round) with cozy fireplaces and homemade breakfasts, or Boothbay Harbor Inn (open thru October 18) for harborside charm.
Fall is fleeting. Don’t miss these experiences.
