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 ...

Article by Eric H., Photo by Joan H., at VisitingNewEngland.com Belfast, Maine, has all the Maine coast visual bells and whistles you could ever want: rocky shoreline and ocean views, docks with lobster men working their craft, scenic countryside and a charming, old-fashioned downtown. Filled with art galleries, antique shops, dining and lodging options and locally-owned "service" shopping, this historic mid-coast community has remarkably preserved its homes, buildings, and maritime industry. It's best to walk the downtown and marvel at this preservation. For dining, we especially like Darby's (155 High St., Tel. 207-338-2339), located in a historic building built in 1865 and serving as a restaurant or bar for the past 140 years. As expected, this great lunch and dinner place offers chowder, fish 'n chips, and haddock, but the eclectic menu also features Pad Thai, portabella sandwiches and chicken enchiladas! Darby's also makes a terrific crab melt. Belfast...