New England Travel and Vacation Gazette and Other Wicked Good Content

Information Source: Maine Office of Tourism . Map - Current Maine foliage conditions for September 16. (Credit: Maine Department of Conservation) The Maine Office of Tourism in Augusta, Maine, just sent us a message stating that all that rain that occurred during the first half of the summer proved beneficial for the impending fall foliage season, as leaf-bearing trees are healthy and primed for their annual color change. "Good foliage development is a prerequisite for good fall color," said Bill Ostrofsky, a forest pathologist with the Maine Forest Service. "The plentiful summer rain allowed the foliage to develop vigorously, and most crowns now appear full, dense, and very lush. All regions appear to be on track for another spectacular season." Aroostook County and northern portions of Piscataquis and Somerset County forest rangers report low leaf color, at this writing -- less than 30 percent peak and low leaf drop. For the remainder of the state, low color and ...

For those looking to go beyond New Hampshire and Vermont travel for the fall season, Maine offers a wonderful variety of autumn events. Often offering more than just apple and pumpkin picking, you are sure to find some unique travel ideas in this state tailor-made for four-season vacationing. We just received from our friends at the Maine Office of Tourism , a list of fall events. Here is one of them, with more to be featured at our blog: Camden, Maine, will be hosting the 4th Annual Maine Fare culinary celebration from Sept. 11-13 (yes, it's technically still summer, but considered a fall event). This special event starts with the Grand Tasting on Camden Harbor with Maine chefs, winemakers, distillers and brewers, and continues with cooking classes, demonstrations, guided tastings, and a marketplace of artisan and organic foods, and hand-crafted beverages. Stay tuned for more fall listings from Maine, as well as the other five New England states!