Have you finally dried out after last night’s downpour? If this summer taught us anything, it’s to always have a raincoat on hand (and maybe an umbrella, too). However, despite the wet start to the month, we’re feeling hopeful about September! The weather hasn’t turned cold quite yet, but the sweltering nights of midsummer are finally behind us, and those among us who don’t have air conditioning are grateful. Whether you’re ready for fall or wish summer would never end, here’s our roundup for this weekend in Maine:

Something to Do: 

If you haven’t delved into the world of oyster farms yet, it’s time to take the plunge. Madeline Point Oyster Farms in Yarmouth is hosting five farm tours over the course of September, starting this Friday at 4:30 p.m. An oyster farmer will bring you out on a boat for the three-hour tour (“a three-hour tour”), where you’ll learn about the intricate biology of the ancient bivalves, the factors that go into the different flavors of the varieties, and get a lesson on how to shuck your own! Plus, you are welcome to bring your own beer or wine on the boat to pair with the oysters. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer in style out on the water! 

Somewhere to Go: 

Yes, we know summer isn’t over yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start getting into the fall spirit! Starting tomorrow, grab your little ones, your friends, or even your coworkers, and make the trek to New Gloucester to get lost in Pineland Farms’ newly opened corn maze. Spanning five acres, the maze is bigger than past years, but there will be maps and clues on hand if you want less of a challenge. Tickets are $5 and will be sold every half hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with maze sessions lasting two hours. Harness your sense of adventure and get wandering.

Something to Eat: 

Another Maine weekend, another potential date night! This week head to South Portland to check out Judy Gibson, a chef-owned and operated restaurant in the Knightville neighborhood. Menu favorites include potato gnocchi paired with goat cheese and pickled and roasted mushrooms, tuna crudo with peaches, husk cherries, and miso hot honey, and grilled pork shoulder with marinated poblanos and feta. Open Thursday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to close, the restaurant keeps a limited number of tables and bar seating open to walk-ins. For reservations, call 207.808.8649 or reserve your spot online. 

Something Sweet: 

We know you’ve been looking forward to apple season, but did you know that you don’t have to wait any longer? Contrary to popular belief, there are numerous apple varieties like Maiden Blush, Paula Red, and Chestnut Crab that are coming into their ripeness now, and are ready to be picked! Often overshadowed by McIntosh and Cortland, these varieties tend to go unpicked. To address this issue, Portland Food Map teamed up with local apple connoisseur Sean Turley (@therighteousrusset) to create the Maine Heirloom Apple Guide, a curated list of apple orchards around the state, with explanations of which apple varieties are ready at different points in the season. Grab your flannels and baskets, and get picking! 

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