ARTICLE BY MARISSA DONOVAN
Some of the best romantic movies show us how lovely autumn can be. “When Harry Met Sally” makes every viewer romanticize falling in love in New York once the leaves change color. Maine can also be a dreamy setting for our own love stories. Sometimes we forget what is in our own backyard when it comes to our enchanting state. Be the main character in your own rom-com this autumn and try out these date ideas.
Shopping Under the Stars
Turn shopping into a romantic date night by taking it outside. Bangor Waterfront Night Market will be having their final last event of the season starting at 4 p.m. on Sept. 22 starting at 4 p.m. There are many artisan booths and food trucks along the waterfront with handmade goods and delicious food.
Or take it old school and visit an antiques store. Couples who share the hobby of refurbishing furniture should check out the treasures at School House Antique Mall in Brewer, Old Creamery Antique Mall in Ellsworth, or Hobby Horse Antiques Marketplace in Searsport. Much of their inventory is held inside, but each one has an outdoor area with rustic hidden gems worth bringing home.
Sunrises, Birdwatching, and Sea Glass Hunting
Leaf peeping season is perfect for hikes and scenic walks. Lace up your hiking boots and plan a sunrise hike to highpoint with seascapes. Lookout Rock in Brooksville and Pine Hill Preserve in Little Deer Isle are two brisk, beginner-friendly hikes with panoramic views of nearby coastal islands. Head out early and bring a flashlight or a headlamp to help you watch your step during the dark hike up. For additional comfort, pack a sleeping bag and large thermos of coffee to enjoy while watching the sun come up.
When it comes to scenic walks, the Orono Bog wWalk is a perfect destination in the Greater Bangor area. Bring some binoculars to spot the many birds and plants along the way. Harriman Point in Brooklin is excellent for a relaxing walk near the water and beachcombing for sea glass. Pieces of sea glass can be saved for collection or turned into a craft night for you and your partner. Outdoorsy dates will allow you both to decompress and appreciate spending time together.
Fun Times at the Fair
The Blue Hill Fair and the Fryeburg Fair are two fall-time family-friendly events that also make for an entertaining date. Split a bag of cotton candy or a large funnel cake with your special someone. To get the best view of the fireworks, make sure to get a seat on the Ferris wheel. There’s also live music shows to attend at night, and many agricultural demonstrations to watch during the daytime. You can spend hours looping around the fairgrounds making memories as a couple.
Farms, Orchards, and Pumpkin Patches
Whether it’s the first date or weekly date night, a day at an apple orchard or pumpkin patch should happen at least once in your relationship. Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant has a massive landscape of activities to choose from, such as taking a hayride around the property, picking out pumpkins, and petting baby goats. Its corn maze will ultimately put your relationship to the test as you work to find your way out together. Conant Apple Orchards in Etna offers specialty beverages such as their apple cider slushies, pumpkin spice iced coffees, and hot apple cider topped with a doughnut and whipped cream. Along with their many beverages and apples, they also have candy apples, pumpkins, and fall-themed clothing for sale. Before leaving the orchard, look up apple recipes and jack-o’-lantern designs together to make the most of your harvest!
Decorative Drives Around the Neighborhood
This budget-friendly date idea is inspired by a Christmas episode of the television show “New Girl.” Instead of driving around your neighborhood looking for houses decorated for the winter holidays, go find houses decked out for Halloween. Couples who enjoy celebrating the fall holiday can admire homes with gigantic skeletons and orange lights. This date should definitely be BYOC — bring your own candy.