Ripe For the Pickin’: Apples & Pumpkins Offer 5 Great Ways to Celebrate Fall in Ogunquit
Nothing harkens the arrival of fall quite like a bagful of apples or a nice round pumpkin. After all, they’re perfect for picking, eating, drinking, carving, decorating and just about any other autumnal pursuit you can think of. Here are a few ways to explore all these essential seasonal favorites have to offer.
Pick Your Own
What could be better than hitting the great outdoors, taking in some fresh air and soaking up some of those sweet Autumn rays – all while strolling through a pristine apple orchard or pumpkin patch? That’s what picking is all about. There are a number of great spots just a stone’s throw from The Dunes. These “U-Pick” (also referred to as “Pick-Your-Own”) farms offer plenty of additional ways to take in the season as well. Climb aboard for a down home hayride. Try your hand at navigating a corn maze. Visit a farm store and sample a true Maine delicacy – the apple cider donut. Or grab some seasonal veggies and other fall-related treats while you’re there. Some of the best picking spots can be found at nearby Spiller Farm, McDougal Orchards, Giles Family Farm and Smith’s Red Apple Farm just to name a few.
a Little Flavor to Your Fall
Add There’s just something about a bite of pumpkin bread, a glass of fresh-pressed cider or a dish concocted from our rich bounty of fall delights. Take a walk around town and you’ll see what we mean. Most of our restaurants and bakeries are still open this time of year. And they’re taking full advantage of harvest time with seasonal fare highlighting lots of fresh, local ingredients straight from the field. Best of all, you won‘t have to fight the crowds for a seat. Check out some of our faves like The Front Porch Restaurant, Jonathan’s, That Place in Ogunquit and Northern Union. Want to satisfy that sweet tooth? Then check out Bread and Roses Bakery and Village Food Market.
Drink to the Season
Hard cider. Pumpkin spiced beer. Apple martinis. You can work up a thirst just thinking about all of the seasonal beverage offerings that take centerstage this time of year. For some spirited good times, drop by a few hotspots like The Front Porch Restaurant and Piano Bar, That Place or Brix + Brine. And don’t forget the area’s huge selection of craft breweries including SoMe Brewing Company, Hidden Cove Brewing Company and Tributary Brewing Company.
In the Market
Farmers’ Markets are as much a part of our early fall landscape as … well … apples and pumpkins. Usually open through early-October, they are a great way to land some fresh apples and pumpkins without having to go to the work of picking them yourself. Anything goes – from a few ripe apples to pies, pastries and apple butter. While you’re there, why not grab some fresh produce, meats and other good stuff as well? If you’re in the market for a real way to jazz up your next meal, neighboring Wells, York and Kennebunk are the places to find some of southern Maine’s most delectable shopping opportunities.
Something Worth Celebrating
Apples and pumpkins share the bill at a host of fall festivals in and around Ogunquit. These annual happenings offer plenty of both, with parades, contests, creative displays and other imaginative ways to not only celebrate the harvest, but to rustle up a scare for Halloween as well. This year’s lineup features popular events such as the Kennebunk HarvestFest, the York Harvestfest and Kidfest and our personal favorite – Ogunquitfest 2019.
What September and October would be complete without these two mainstays of the golden season? And what better place to stay while making the most of your fall than The Dunes on the Waterfront? Where good times are always ripe for the pickin’.