Best place and most affordable to fly into?

Question

My wife and I are celebrating our 35th anniversary in September. She wants to go to Maine to see the leaves. We typically plan a week. Which week would you recommend ( I hear last week of September or first week of October) and where would you you fly in and out of?

Thanks for the advice. Never been to this part of the country!

Answer

Congratulations on your upcoming 35th anniversary! Maine is a wonderful choice, especially in the fall when the leaves change color—it's a stunning sight!

For the best timing and most affordable flights, here’s a bit of guidance:

Timing for Fall Foliage:

The best time to see the fall foliage in Maine typically spans the last week of September to the first week of October. Both weeks are great options, but the last week of September tends to be when the colors start to peak in the southern parts of the state (like Portland and the coast), while the first week of October is ideal for the northern areas (like Acadia National Park and inland areas). If you're looking for a bit of a quieter experience, early October can be slightly less crowded, but the foliage is still fantastic.

Best Airports to Fly Into:

Depending on your travel preferences, here are a few airport options that would make your trip easier and more affordable:

Portland International Jetport (PWM): Portland is Maine’s largest city and is a convenient option for exploring southern Maine, including the coast and towns like Freeport (home of L.L. Bean) and Camden. Portland has a variety of direct flights from major hubs and is often one of the most affordable airports to fly into for those visiting southern Maine. It's also easy to rent a car and explore further north if you're planning to drive.
Bangor International Airport (BGR): If you're planning to visit Acadia National Park or explore the more rural and picturesque parts of Maine, Bangor is a great choice. It's a smaller airport, but flights can be more affordable, especially if you find a deal or use connecting flights. From Bangor, it's about a 1-hour drive to Acadia and Bar Harbor.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT): If you're willing to drive a bit further, Manchester, NH is about a 2-hour drive from Portland and offers more affordable flights than Boston’s Logan Airport. The drive up to Maine from Manchester is scenic and gives you a chance to stop in smaller New England towns along the way.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Although Logan can be busier and more expensive than the others, it is a major international hub and offers a lot of flight options. If you don't mind a longer drive (about 3 hours to Portland), you might find good deals here, especially if you're coming from a city with fewer direct flight options to Maine.

General Travel Tips:

Car Rental: Maine is best explored by car, especially in the fall when the foliage is so scenic. Consider renting a car from the airport to give you the flexibility to explore small towns, coastal areas, and national parks.
Where to Stay: If you want to experience the beautiful fall foliage, staying in or near Acadia National Park is a must. Bar Harbor is a charming town, but for quieter and more scenic experiences, you might consider staying in smaller towns like Camden or on the coast near Portland.
Weather: September and early October in Maine can be quite pleasant, with temperatures typically ranging from the low 60s to mid-70s during the day and cooler nights. Bring layers for the evenings and the occasional cooler day.

In summary, the last week of September to the first week of October is perfect for enjoying Maine's fall foliage. If you're flying into Portland (PWM) or Bangor (BGR), you'll be close to some of the best spots for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the colors. I would recommend renting a car to make the most of your time exploring Maine’s beautiful coastline and national parks.

Enjoy your anniversary trip—Maine is truly one of the most picturesque places to visit in the fall!