‘tis the time of year Maine folks enjoy

Maine residents are celebrating the arrival of their second summer – the post-Labor Day one. While some folks consider July and August the best months to enjoy our weather, those who live here know that September and October can sometimes be far superior for many reasons.

We’re acclimated to cool – sometimes plain old cold – winter weather, so we don’t wince when we awaken to temperatures in the 40s and 50s, or when we need to add a sweater for any after-dark outdoor activity. In fact, we actually much prefer the drop in temperature this time of year.

For some reason, September and October – even November, on occasion – help us ease into winter. We make the transition from the hustle and bustle of summer to the quieter period which the fall season offers. There’s less traffic, shops and sidewalks aren’t as congested, and the slower pace begins.

Repeat vacationers to mid-coast Maine often schedule their vacation for early fall if they can, because they’ve found it’s the perfect time to enjoy the area. It’s usually easier to find accommodations and the prices are often discounted. The weather tends to be much better in the fall (it certainly couldn’t be much worse this year, that’s for sure, after all of our rain this summer). Both the water and the sky seem to be a brighter shade of blue when the air turns crisp and, once the trees take on their beautiful fall colors, they put the icing on the cake.

Many area businesses look forward to a prosperous fall season, especially this year after a poor summer weather-wise combined with a skittish economy which has prompted vacationers to closely monitor their expenditures.

Let’s all look to September, October and November with optimism, and bribe Mother Nature to bring us sunny skies and consumer confidence which will prompt vacationers to share some of their hard-earned dollars with local merchants.

And, may all of us, residents and visitors alike, take advantage of the crisp, clear autumn weather on the Maine coast.

Mary Brewer