Fall is the time to enjoy harvest time in Maine, while the weather is crisp and local foods abound! Enjoying harvest time may include placing an order for easy shipment. It may mean a road trip to a farm or farmers’ market, or stopping along your travels to purchase apples, potatoes and squash, honey, or fall decorations from a roadside stand. When you buy from a farmer, you help sustain family farms and support the local economy.
Here are a few ways to enjoy Maine’s agriculture this fall:
EXPLORE MAINE’S CIDERIES AND WINERIES
Fall is the perfect season to explore the flavors of Maine through ciders and wines. Many are available in local stores, and some locations welcome you to observe the process and sample products. You’ll find cideries and wineries as you travel about Maine and take in the foliage. Or, make plans to visit one of our Real Maine members.
The Maine Winery Guild invites you to travel along the Maine Wine Trail. Maine wineries and cideries produce grape and fruit wines, distilled spirits, meads, ciders, and fortified wines. Plan your adventure at mainewinetrail.com
EXPERIENCE APPLE PICKING
Apples are a favorite Maine crop. Local orchards are particularly beautiful in the golden hues of fall. Shoppers can enjoy the crisp bite of a Maine apple, a refreshing sip of cider, and many delicious apple products. You can find Maine apples and apple goodies at orchards (many with pre-picked or pick-your-own options), farmers’ markets, farm stands, cooperatives, independent grocers, and supermarkets. This year, make it a point to discover new varieties!
PICK THE PERFECT PUMPKIN AND EXPLORE A CORN MAZE
Locally grown pumpkins are widely available at farm stands, farmers’ markets, and pick-your-own farms each fall. When you buy pumpkins from local farms, you’re likely to find many varieties from which to choose. If you’re looking for a pumpkin to use for decoration, then simply choose the shape, size, and color you wish. But many people also love to bake pumpkins into pies, breads, cookies, and other delicacies.
Many Real Maine members transform their corn fields into artistic, fun mazes in the fall. Take a trip through these winding labyrinths on a crisp day.
WARM UP WITH PRODUCTS FROM MAINE’S FIBERSHED
Maine is a hub for fiber production, with makers creating clothing and goods for warmth and protection, along with works of art. Fiber literally and figuratively weaves together ancient traditions, modern manufacturing, and technology. In Maine, fiber is a common farm product.
Customers support the fibershed economy. Retail shops and farms sell Maine-grown, designed, and made fiber goods. Shoppers will find clothing, blankets, throws, and rugs. Another way for shoppers to enjoy local fiber is to craft their own items. For example, makers can visit Maine shops or farms that sell undyed, and dyed yarn, roving, and other fiber materials. Some shops even feature patterns created by designers and artisans.
Real Maine is the state’s official agriculture and agritourism promotions program. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to apple picking, cider donuts, and cider tastings, plan your Real Maine agricultural experience. Visit www.RealMaine.com to connect to farms, food, and agriculture throughout Maine.
