The Maine Beaches Insider, Fall 2022

FALL IN THE MAINE BEACHES: RELAX. EXPLORE. REPEAT.

A visit to the Maine Beaches is spectacular any time of year, but fall in particular may be the very best time to visit. With gorgeous weather, warm ocean temps, quieter beaches and off season rates, whether it's your first or fiftieth time, embarking on an autumn weekend or mid-week getaway will be something you treasure for years to come. Consider this your formal invitation to visit the Maine Beaches region this fall and Relax. Explore. Repeat.

RELAX.

Start the day catching a beach sunrise with a steaming cup of coffee and a delectable pastry from one of our many local bakeries and coffee shops. Once you've taken that last sip and savored that last bite, lose your shoes and roll up your pantlegs for a stroll in the sand and let the water lap at your toes (we like to tell people that the Maine Beaches water is as warm as it will ever be in September after having the summer sun ease the temperature up for months).

Spend your late morning taking a leisurely drive. Meander up the coast. Explore back roads under the canopy of fall's golden splendor. Stop for lunch at a newly discovered roadside diner. Drive to the top of Mt. Agamenticus (Mt. A to the locals) and allow your breath to be taken.

After your drive, steep yourself in the region's rich arts and culture by visiting one (or more) of our galleries, museums and historic destinations.

Following dinner, ask for dessert to go, and head inland to one of our lakes (only 20 minutes west of the coast). Let the loons serenade you as you watch the sun bid adieu to the day and be sure to bring your camera along to capture the sunset!

As you make your way back to your hotel, cabin, or bed & breakfast for a relaxing night's sleep, start planning all that you want to discover the following day.

EXPLORE.

Explore Shopping: Looking for a ‘boutique’ shopping experience? Plan to spend the morning at Dock Square in Kennebunkport, where you’ll also find plenty of cafes and dining options to break for lunch and replenish your reserves. Afterward, travel a little bit south and spend the afternoon exploring Ogunquit proper’s shopping scene. Cap the day off with a stroll along the Ogunquit Beach shore, just a few minutes’ walk from the town center.

For serious bargain hunters, the Kittery Outlets are a must stop with more than 120 stores, a variety of restaurants, and plenty of parking. Fall is a great time to visit and take advantage of their Labor Day, Columbus Day and Veteran’s Day sales.

Explore The Great Outdoors.

Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at Mt. A where you'll find sweeping views for fifty miles from the summit. Or head to Wells and visit the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge where paths meander through woods and lead to the shoreline. South Berwick is home to Vaughan Woods whose trails hug the Salmon Falls River.

For an 'on the water' experience, bring (or rent) a kayak and discover the coastline from the ocean or one of the inlets, rivers and lakes that surround the Maine Beaches.

Looking for a more traditional fall experience? The Maine Beaches is home to several family owned farms where the harvest season is in full throttle. Spend a day visiting one of our various farms and orchards picking your own apples, perusing farm stands chock full of locally sourced goodies, and perhaps even exploring a corn maze or enjoying a hayride through the countryside.

Explore Events.

Fall ushers in so many fun and seasonal events! Harvestfest in York and OgunquitFest in Ogunquit are two signature annual events that celebrate all that autumn has to offer.

In Old Orchard Beach, the Annual Car Show, one of New England's largest, is back and better than ever!

Bringing the kids? You may want to plan your visit around the Wells 13th Annual Family Jamboree!

And September 10th is Maine Open Lighthouse Day. This popular annual event invites visitors and general public to experience the rare opportunity to climb and learn about over two dozen historic Maine lights.

REPEAT.

There's nothing like creating a trail that will allow you to experience the best of the best over and over.

Looking for the best lobster roll? Map out your route using the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Arundel Lobster Roll Trail. Or how about oysters? The Maine Oyster Trail will help you plot your route in the Maine Beaches region.

Sweets more your thing? Starting from Kittery up to Old Orchard Beach, plot a trail to include visiting some of the dozens of ice cream shops, bakeries, and old-fashioned candy stores that meander up the coast.

And for the adults, consider a brewery, wine or distillery tour and taste an array of carefully curated local and imported spirits.

And the very best trail to explore the Maine Beaches region? Our shoreline. With more than 30-miles and two dozen sandy beaches, we invite you to make it a mission to visit each any every one, discovering the unique beauty and experiences each one has to offer!

For more information on any of these trip ideas (and more!) visit TheMaineBeaches.com.

Whatever your visit entails, whether a day trip or an overnight, fall is a spectacular time of year relax, explore (and repeat!) at the Maine Beaches.

READY OR NOT-HERE THEY COME!

Once the foliage starts to hit its stride over the next few months, the holidays will be here before we know it! A trip to the Maine Beaches during this special time of year is the perfect way to relax and unwind in the midst of the season's frenzy. Spend a weekend exploring our shops where you're sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Or bring the family and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at one of our seasonal events like Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, the Lighting of the Nubble in York, or Christmas by the Sea in Ogunquit. And don't forget that the gift of a Maine Beaches getaway is sure to make someone very happy when they find that under the tree! Although we know we're early, let us be the first to wish you a very happy holiday season!