It’s that time of year again when the air gets a bit cooler, colorful leaves paint the landscapes around us, and festivals take place almost every weekend, it’s fall time in Maine! So, start planning your fall getaway and read our five ways to enjoy coastal Maine in the fall for an unforgettable vacation.
When: September 29th – October 8th, 2018
Be sure you are here Columbus Day weekend to enjoy the best of the fall season in Maine at the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest. Watch the “Giant Pumpkin Parade”, participate in the pumpkin derby, and cheer on those racing in the pumpkin regatta. This festival also gives visitors the chance to see the “weigh-off” with giant pumpkins, some weighing over 1,400 pounds!
When: September 30th, 2018
While in season from spring to fall, oysters are said to taste their best in the fall as they fatten up for preparation for overwintering. So, in honor of these slippery treats come out and support the Pemaquid Oyster Festival. Schooner Landing Restaurant & Marina hosts the event on the bank of the Damariscotta River. Over 10,000 oysters are consumed every year at this event, making this one tasty treat for all.
Hop aboard Maine’s Pumpkin Trail and discover over 40 miles of Main’s most charming coastline. From Freeport to Damariscotta, every year starting Labor Day through October 31st Maine’s Mid-coast towns bring to life the best of the fall season. Find street art, festivals, cruises, giant pumpkins, and more all for your entertainment. View the 2018 Event Calendar (PDF) for further information or follow Main’s Pumpkin Trail on their Facebook page for all updates.
Fall foliage drives
Of course, what would fall be without a scenic drive to see Maine’s fall foliage? These are our two favorite drives worth taking during this colorful time of year.
- Head towards Boothbay/Southport Island/Ocean Point via River Road (right outside the inn) to Rte. 27. Stay on 27 to Southport Island and drive that loop, come back into Boothbay Harbor and take Rte. 27 north and take Rte. 96 around Ocean Point. Return to Rte. 27 and go north to River Road and take River Road back to the inn.
- Pemaquid Peninsula – use Rtes. 130/129 south down to the Pemaquid Peninsula. Stay on Rte. 129 which goes down to South Bristol/Christmas Cove. Double back on Rte. 129 and watch for Pemaquid Road/Harrington Road and take that across the peninsula over to Rte. 130. Take Rte. 130 down to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Return by driving north on Rte. 130 and turn onto Rte. 32 and follow it north to Round Pond. North of Round Pond turn onto Biscay Road and take that back to Business Rte. 1 in Damariscotta.
For other ways to enjoy Main’s fall foliage visit our blog on How to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Maine.
Stay at Newcastle Inn
Nestled along the Damariscotta River in Newcastle, Maine, Newcastle Inn is your perfect place to unwind after a full day of fun fall activities and site seeing. Our bed and breakfast is the perfect “home base” for exploring nearby Boothbay Harbor, Rockland Freeport, and so many others.
Enjoy beautiful views of the Damariscotta River and the tranquil surrounding of Newcastle with our charming rooms in both our main house and carriage house. With some of the best amenities and accommodations in the area, our rooms fill up fast! So, book your stay with Newcastle Inn today and discover how you can enjoy fall in Mid-Coast Maine.
