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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bates chapter.

Your family just called, and they’re on the way to Bates! You’re so excited to see them, but then remember you haven’t thought twice about plans for the weekend. However, there’s no need to fear. With these three quintessential Maine places to visit, we’ll have your family already booking their trip for the next week!

While in Maine, your family is going to crave some lobster. Even though there are A MILLION places to try seafood, I recommend heading to Cape Elizabeth for a quality dinner with an ocean view. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights offers a quaint atmosphere, which is perfect for foggy autumn nights or sunny fall days. Before you leave, don’t forget to check out some famous lighthouses right down the road! 

After you fill up on lobster, make your way to Wallingford’s Fruit House. Located in Auburn, this apple picking spot is a staple place to visit for all Bates families. Even though the biggest attraction is the actual apple picking, I recommend poking inside to nibble on some apple cider donuts (and buying a few more for the trip home). Once you’ve had your fill of apple picking, go for a leisurely hayride or pick a pumpkin from the patch. You can’t go wrong with any of the abundant fall activities at Wallingford’s. 

The third must-visit place on family weekend is The Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, Maine. Although there are fairs all over Maine, this one is a favorite for many reasons. Since the fair is centered around organic farming and lifestyle, the food, artwork, and fair games highlight the local farming feel of Maine. After you watch a sheep race or two, make sure you buy an original Common Ground Fair shirt to commentate your time there! Even though traffic can be a little heavy around the fair, you’ll see why all of the waiting is worth it once you step on the grounds. 

Whether you decide to use these tips or not come family weekend, I hope you make the most of all what Maine has to offer! 

Catie Spaulding is a 2019 Bates College graduate. In her free time, she enjoys singing the wrong lyrics to almost every song imaginable, contemplating big and small life questions with anyone around her, and debating what flavor ice cream to pick up on the next grocery run.
Elizah Laurenceau is a senior at Bates College. Her hobbies consist of rewatching Call Me By Your Name, using Huji to take pictures, and playing with her dog. She spends her days either glued on her computer or late nights finishing up work.