Well . . . , not-so-secret with mid-coast locals, but . . . 20 minutes from the Inn on the Camden Road, across from Hope General Store, is the hidden gem of Hope Orchards! (434 Camden Road, Hope/207.763.2824) Emily and Brien Davis have been giving back to the land and the community since 2001 with their picture-perfect apple and pear orchards!  Open until the end of October, come and pick-your-own - Macouns, Empires and Spartans now available.  They have bagged apples at the stand if you don't have time to pick. While there grab some of their Bosc pears, Butternut & Buttercup Squash, Pumpkins and . . . absolutely, do not leave without a quart of their freshly pressed cider!  The leaves are beginning to peak - the ride to the orchard is breathtaking!

The season is topped off with a great local event - "The Art of Local Food", sponsored by the Natural Resources Council of Maine.  This tasting party and art sale is held at The Summit at Point Lookout in Northport on Sunday, October, 30th, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.  Come savor the best-of-the-best from local mid-coast farms and restaurants with wonderful foods and drinks, Maine-inspired artwork, and live music - all set against the "best kept secret" panoramic view of awesome fall foliage and Penobscot Bay!