A visit to Maine within the fall? Sure, please! One lobster cruise, a historic lighthouse, and an abundance of colourful fall foliage later, I can confidently test Maine off my record figuring out that I skilled it simply how any traveler ought to. For, not solely does the Pine Tree State have a lot to supply its guests, it’s been working arduous to make sure it stays a protected and wholesome journey vacation spot regardless of Covid-19. After a weekend of exploring and experiencing all of the “Maine” points of interest (pun completely supposed), I can safely say {that a} journey up there’s to not be missed.
Whereas taking within the immense great thing about Maine within the firm of my household was unimaginable in its personal proper, maybe one of the best and most unusual factor about this journey was that you simply, my expensive readers, received to plan my itinerary. Dubbed the “This or That” program by Go to Maine, you successfully received to “select my journey”—what I ate, the locations I visited, and the issues I did have been all as much as you! That is the primary time that I’ve performed such a factor in all my travels and if I’m utterly trustworthy, I cherished it! Letting you vote on which actions I received to attempt meant that you simply received to really expertise Maine with me. Any such collaborative program each enriched and enhanced my first foray to the Pine Tree State, so with none additional ado, let’s get into a few of the coolest issues I did on my journey to Maine!
Lobster fishing tour with Fortunate Catch Cruises
If Maine is understood for one factor, it’s lobsters, so on the primary day of my go to, my followers had me leap proper into one in every of Maine’s hottest and exhilarating bookable actions: lobster fishing! This tour, operated by Fortunate Catch Cruises, didn’t disappoint, and actually was a spotlight of my journey. Not solely was this my first time lobster fishing, but it surely was an expertise I loved greater than I might ever think about.
With the wind in my hair and the Maine shoreline performing as a fantastic, serene backdrop, I felt utterly immersed in Maine’s deep-seated cultural custom of lobstering. After pulling traps bursting with lobster out of the water and attending to deal with the big crustaceans alone, there’s little doubt that Fortunate Catch Cruises delivered on their promise of a private and unforgettable lobster haul. I had a lot enjoyable that I’m low-key considering a profession transition to a full-time lobster fisherwoman… 😉
Sundown seaside stroll at Reid State Park
Subsequent on my itinerary, my followers voted that I head over to Reid State Park, which was in no way what I used to be anticipating. It is because Reid State Park is definitely residence to Maine’s first State-owned saltwater seaside – one thing that excites the Caribbean roots in me! Famous for its picturesque sandy shores (these are uncommon in Maine), sand dunes, and rocky tide swimming pools, the park is the right spot to go to whether or not you or your group need to spend time within the sand or hike alongside one of many park’s a number of trails.
For those who do select to go for a hike (we have been lazy), an incredible possibility is to hike as much as Griffith Head, which is a rocky level that overlooks the park and boasts interesting views of the lighthouses on Seguin Island, Hendricks Head, and The Cuckolds. Whichever route you select, you’re positive to go away the park with stunning footage and even higher recollections.
Fall foliage cruise with Damariscotta River Cruises
Is fall your favourite season? If that’s the case, there’s but one more reason to go to Maine– the foliage in autumn is just beautiful and oh-so-photogenic. If leaf peeping is your factor, the right alternative for a scenic seasonal photograph op could be discovered on one in every of Damariscotta River Cruises’ fall foliage excursions. Autumn in Maine is undoubtedly the season that accentuates the state’s pure magnificence and although it’s stunning from any vantage level, there’s nothing higher than taking within the vibrant vegetation on a cruise by its waters.
Picture ops apart– we couldn’t have requested for a extra stunning day to be outside for this exercise. As we toured alongside the Damariscotta River, the ship’s captain – who was fairly quirky I would add – shared details about the flora and fauna native to the world. Whereas that is the cruise I’d for positive suggest to any guests who need to do some leaf peeping, Damariscotta River Cruises additionally presents different thrilling boat excursions to select from together with an Oyster and Wine or Oyster and Beer cruise!
Exploring Cape Elizabeth and the Portland Head Lighthouse
For our ultimate day in autumn utopia, my household and I have been excited to make our approach over to our final cease on the This or That itinerary: the Portland Head Lighthouse. Maine’s hottest lighthouse is present in Cape Elizabeth and perched atop a small little bit of land alongside the exceptional shoreline of Fort Williams Park.
As Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head attracts many guests year-round and for good cause– it’s extraordinarily picturesque. Nevertheless it’s not the one one: look previous the harbor and also you’ll see just a few different lighthouses dotting the shoreline – Spring Level Ledge Lighthouse to the left (north), Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse in entrance of you, and Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse to the appropriate (south).
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff intrigued by the deep antiquity of those lighthouses otherwise you really feel they set the right scene for an enthralling photograph op (I do know I received a cute image!), Portland Head Lighthouse is a spot to not be missed in your Maine itinerary. The lighthouse has a museum positioned within the former keepers’ home which guests are welcome to discover. The museum tells the story of this mild station by previous paperwork, artifacts, images, and navigational tools; if exploring the environment on foot is extra your factor, neighboring Fort Williams Park has a number of strolling and climbing trails, picnic areas, and boundless ocean views.
A word on touring to Maine throughout Covid-19
Whereas many individuals are nonetheless hesitant about touring proper now, I need to say that all through my whole journey, I felt very protected and comfy. Personally, I used to be reassured by the residents of Maine and their dedication to diligently put on masks and follow social distancing. Moreover, on condition that Maine is understood for its stunning outside, I additionally discovered consolation in figuring out that plenty of my journey may very well be spent outdoors if I so selected. So, if you’re certainly itching to discover in these unusual instances, Maine is a vacation spot that’s taking each precaution to maintain each its residents and guests protected.
Let Maine be your “Maine” occasion
After exploring Maine by land and by sea, I couldn’t have requested for a greater itinerary to immerse myself and my household within the state’s wealthy native tradition. Whereas it was wonderful to expertise the Pine Tree State within the fall, having my followers select my adventures was undeniably what made the journey much more particular! I can’t wait to return within the spring (or summer time, or winter) and encourage you to do the identical, while you really feel prepared.
To be taught extra about planning your journey to Maine from issues do to, the place to remain, locations to go and extra, try visitmaine.com.
This submit was written in partnership with Go to Maine, however all opinions (and bomb photographs!) are mine.
