As an avid fall lover, the moment September hits, I am absolutely ready for pumpkin spice everything and sweater weather. Then, the autumn equinox happens and I’m ready to bake all day and go to an apple orchard. Finally, when it starts to regularly be chilly I am ready to become a pumpkin. I have compiled all of the best fall activities in the Orono area, some free and some with admission prices.
One of my personal favorites is the Sunflower Maze at Country Junction- it’s a quick 40 minute drive to Bradford with a $5 admission fee. They’re open everyday, weekdays 10am-sunset and weekends 9am-sunset. On the weekends they have a food truck on site as well as a professional photographer doing first come first serve mini photo sessions for $30. This year, they also have a Clue™ themed scavenger hunt in the maze.
Treworgy Orchards is also a fantastic place to go to experience some fall fun! It is only 30 minutes to Levant where they’re located. They have a corn maze which changes every year; this year it is Charlotte’s Web themed and placed second in a national contest! Of course, they also have wonderful apple picking with the most delicious McIntosh apples ever. Don’t forget- they have a farm stand with homemade ice cream and a cut-your-own flowers field. It’s a wonderful spot to get some fresh fruit and have a fun time.
On the topic of corn mazes, there is another one in Corinna, which is about a 40 minute drive from campus. They’re only open on the weekends from 10am to the last entry at 5pm. Admission is $8, but the maze is two acres, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth being lost in there. This year’s theme is the Dempsey Challenge, paying tribute to all of the good the foundation has done for the people of Maine. Not to mention that they have a playground, seesaws, tractors, tetherball, basketball, and a few other fun surprises included in the admission fee. For $5, they also have u-pick pumpkins any size.
For a slightly longer drive, Acadia National Park is beautiful in the fall. At an hour and fifteen minutes away from campus, it is worth the drive- but not just yet. The foliage is at its peak the first two weeks of October, showing off the multitudes of vibrant colors people travel from all over the country to see. For $30, one car with any number of people can be admitted. For those who are avid hikers, it is $15 per person to walk in. Not to mention the surrounding area of Bar Harbor is a popular tourist attraction for a reason. Boasting many delicious restaurants and scenic views, it is well worth the trip.
Get your screams ready- in the Bangor mall there is going to be a haunted house. They have already started setting it up where the old Hollister used to be. It is called Maineiac Manor and entrance tickets cost $15 per person, but if you go on Facebook they have a drawing for two free tickets. They’ll be open every weekend in October starting the 2nd from 6-10p.m. on Fridays, and 5-10p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
If you feel like making the trip, both Six Flags NE (Massachusetts- 5hr drive) and Canobie Lake Park (New Hampshire- 3hr 30 min drive) are having Halloween festivals all October long. Ticket prices range from the $30-$60 range, but you’re not likely to feel the hole in your wallet from all the fear in your stomach.
With a little more ambiguity at the moment- Fright at the Fort of Fort Knox is sure to knock your socks off. Last year they had to cancel because of COVID, but stated that they plan to be open for October 2021. Their website doesn’t have any current updates, but be sure to keep checking if you love the adrenaline rush from being scared!
Last, but certainly not least, don’t be afraid to stay in for some good fall activities. Baking pumpkin chocolate chip muffins is always a great time with a delicious reward. Plus, you could watch some great fall movies while they’re in the oven. Some of my personal favorites are “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Hocus Pocus”, “The Addams Family” (both the 1960s TV show and the two movies from the 1990s), and “Coraline.” However, if those aren’t your cup of tea, there are plenty more to choose from.
With all of the fantastic things you could do this fall, I hope you’re able to get at least half of them done. It’s a win win for everyone involved, you get loads of fun, and many small businesses are helped out. Happy Haunting!