The arrival of fall and harvest time in our state brings us crisper weather and many opportunities to explore and experience a wealth of Maine farms, foods, and agricultural products.
Enjoying harvest time may include placing an order for easy shipment. It may mean a road trip to a farmers’ market or special event, or stopping along your travels to purchase apples, potatoes and squash, honey, or fall decorations from a roadside stand. When you buy from a Maine farmer or maker, you help support local farms and businesses, along with the economy
Here are a few ways to enjoy Maine’s agriculture this fall:
EXPERIENCE PEAK APPLE SEASON
Apples are a favorite Maine crop. Real Maine orchards are particularly beautiful in the golden hues of fall, and many have pre-picked and pick-your-own options. You can enjoy a wide variety of Maine apples, a refreshing sip of cider, and many delicious apple products – including fresh apple cider donuts.
PICK THE PERFECT PUMPKIN AND EXPLORE A CORN MAZE
Locally grown pumpkins are widely available at farm stands, farmers’ markets, and farms each fall. Whether you’re looking for a pumpkin to use for decoration in a seasonal display, or for cooking or baking, simply choose the shape, size, and color you wish – the possibilities for your perfect pumpkin are numerous.
Many Real Maine members transform their corn fields into artistic, fun mazes in the fall – you’ll find designs from the traditional and familiar to ones that take a cue from everything from your favorite sports team to comic characters. Take some time this fall and take a trip through these winding labyrinths.
SAMPLE 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 throughout our state and take in the renowned 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
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.
Look for information about the annual Real Maine Fiber Tour & Trail, an event happening this October.
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, along with 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.
