This weekend marks the official beginning of fall. It’s finally here—sweater season filled with fall flavored lattes (that you can now spike with pumpkin whiskey) and leaf peeping excursions. And there’s no better place to celebrate autumn’s triumphant return than right here in New England.
And speaking of, how does a Harvestfest, a “Chowdah Cookoff,” and some of Maine’s best hot chocolate sound to you? Pretty good. So, if you’re sitting out the Life is good Festival this weekend or just looking to escape the city, it’s not too late to plan a little getaway. But where to go? Rent a Zipcar with friends and head to Bethel, Maine for a small town feel with big autumn fun.
Stay Here:
The Bethel Inn Resort
If you’re really going all out and looking for a more luxurious vacation, then head to The Bethel Inn Resort. This premier Four Season Resort is quite an escape. You can choose from their luxury suites, spacious condominiums, traditional inn rooms and budget accommodations. With over a hundred-year history this resort is described as having “country elegance combined with friendly, caring service.” Currently, they are featuring “fall Bed & Breakfast Getaways” starting at just $139 for two. So call for details and plan your weekend escape stat.
Bethel Hill Bed and Breakfast
This cute little Bed and Breakfast offers eco-friendly green lodging and is conveniently located near the town’s common. They also offer a “gourmet country breakfast” that you can enjoy by their cozy fireplace in the sun room. Sounds pretty ideal to me.
Go Here:
The 16th Annual Harvestfest and Chowdah Cookoff
If you’re really look to get into the fall spirit, you should definitely head to Bethel’s 16th Annual Harvestfest and Chowday Cookoff. The town will be celebrating the fall foliage season with “arts, crafts, music, a farmers’ market, a chowder and apple pie cookoff, and much more on the town common. The Chowdah Cookoff is a taste test in which restaurants will battle it out for the best Clam Chowder in town. You can check out the schedule on the website but here are some recommended highlights below. Check em’ out.
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Arts, crafts, music, and farmers’ market on the Common
- 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — ”Harvest of Local Talent” where local musicians will be performing in the gazebo.
- 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Apple Pie Contest
Other activity options include:
Bethel Outdoor Adventures & Campground
Check out Bethel Outdoor Adventures & Campground outdoor activity options including a self-guided canoe and kayak tours as well as bicycling and fishing from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Check out their website for more details.
Eat and Drink here:
For bar atmosphere go to…
The pub at Sunday River Brewing Company
This “premier pub and local brewery” brews a wide selection of craft beers. And their restaurant offers “classic pub favorites,” which includes burgers and sandwiches like the Lobster Club, Sweet Potato Fries, and Fish and Chips. Yum. The brews they feature include: Sunday River Blonde, Sunday River Alt, Sunday River IPA, Black Bear Porter and their Seasonal Specialties.
For dinner go to…
Ss Milton
This adorable, unassuming restaurant serves up delicious American fare with a New England twist. This is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a taste of Maine while you’re here. Try their Lobster Rolls, Grilled Cheese & Lobster, Maine Shrimp Roll, Crab B.L.T, Maine Mussels, Maine Lobster Stew and the list goes on.
Photos courtesy of company websites.
