September 22 marked the first day of fall with the Autumnal Equinox. This time of year signals an ushering in of cold, crisp air; the crunch of leaves underfoot; a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors; and, a period of festive outdoor activities.
The Gorham Farmer’s Market will be coming to a close for the season at the end of October. Located on South Street next to the library, the Market operates every Saturday from 8:30-12:30 p.m., May through October. This time of year, shoppers can pick up fall favorites such as squash, mums, potatoes, cabbage, and beets as well as baked goods and dairy products.
“I love this market; it is so great to chat with everyone and share taste buds. This time of year is especially wonderful because the fall food flavors are so ripe and vibrant,” said Mo Terry of MoMunch Granola. Thankfully, for Gorham residents who have come to love the vendors at the market, most sell their goods at other locations during the winter months.
Stowe Watters, Manager of the Farmer’s Market, has been a vendor since the market’s inception six years ago. He grows his vegetables at Old Wells Farm and although he is sad to see the market end for the season, he is excited to start harvesting his fall/ winter crops. His farm participates in a winter CSA called the Foothill Farm Alliance – with a pickup location at Carter’s Green Market on Elm Street. The CSA is an opportunity for Gorham residents to “eat locally all winter.”
There is no better way to celebrate the season of harvest than by discovering the perfect pumpkin or picking the juiciest apple. In its inaugural year, Mosher’s Farm Pumpkins has opened through a collaboration between Paul Peters of Chick’s Apple and Berry Farm in Monmouth and Al Mosher of Mosher’s Farm. The farm, located at 424 Mosher Road (Route 237), is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. There are over 3,000 pumpkins ranging in weight from 5 to 40 pounds just waiting to be picked. Additionally, there are apples available for purchase.
If you are interested in picking your own apples in Gorham, consider Orchard Ridge Farm located at 236 Sebago Lake Road. The farm offers a variety of apples “perfect for fresh eating, baking, sauce, juice and storing.” Additionally, all the trees at Orchard Ridge Farm bear fruit at a reasonable height so that even a toddler can pick. Once you’ve picked your apples, stop by the farm’s bakery for pumpkin donuts.
Looking for grass-fed beef and seasonal vegetables? Stop by Findview Farm at 147 Mighty Street. According to owner Jenn Grant, they also have pumpkins so customers can pick their own or choose one at the farm stand. As always, there are animals to see – cows and calves, sheep, goats, pigs, and piglets.
Chappies’ Farm, or the Farmery, on New Portland Road is happily headed into fall. According to farmer Emily Beagle, “the farm stand is bursting with winter squash, beans, greens, pumpkins, delicious baked goods and local eggs, beef, and pork.” The Farmery is hosting fall festivities and a Halloween weekend extravaganza on Oct. 26-28. Activities include an autumn themed paint-and-sip night in the farm stand on Friday evening, and a weekend full of hayrides, pumpkin carving and contests, field games and farm crafts, and delicious treats. The stand is open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Halloween and on the weekends until Thanksgiving when it will begin selling Native Maine Christmas trees.
When you’re done exploring the local markets and farms, take a hike through one of Gorham’s many trails to view the transformation of leaves. The cornucopia of color and golden fields are a sight for any leaf peeping family. If you are looking for an easy walk through wetlands and forest, consider the Frazier Preserve, a popular spot for mountain bikers and walkers due to its location near the Gorham schools and USM.
If you are feeling adventurous and want something a little more difficult, consider the Frog Hollow Farm Preserve located at the end of Winslow Road off of Route 237. The .8 mile out-and-back loop consists of peaceful meadows, forests, wetlands, and streams.
Enjoy some late season kayaking or canoeing at Shaw Park, which has numerous recreation facilities including a boat launch, picnic tables, and parking. South of the parking area at Shaw Park, walkers and bikers can follow the trail around “an old sand pit which was excavated by the former quarrying operations and then east to a pedestrian bridge above the Gambo Dam. Along the way there are visible remnants of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal and a submerged ruin of the Oriental Powder Mill,” according to the Gorham trails website. For more information on all trails in the area, visit: www.gorhamrec.com, www.prlt.org, or www.gorhamconvervation.org.
While this is just a sampling of Gorham businesses and upcoming activities, there are many more. Get out and explore what Gorham has to offer this fall.