One thing we love most about New England is the changing of the seasons. It’s Mother Nature’s way of keeping you on your toes.

Growing up here, we learned long ago to expect the next shift. And while Labor Day weekend on the beach seems like yesterday, the colors of the leaves and the crisp bite in the air tells us what we all know: Fall is here. And there’s no better place to welcome fall than Maine. So we hit up some of our favorite spots around Portland, Cape Elizabeth and Kennebunkport to see some friends, check out the sights and, of course, eat fresh lobster.

Coastal Maine’s raw, unvarnished beauty has inspired people for years. It’s home to some of the best boatbuilding and sailing in the world, has one of the best culinary scenes in the country, and it’s covered with picturesque towns full of interesting people that we’re lucky enough to call our friends.

This year, when we were looking for a place to recharge and embrace the changing of season, the answer was simple: head north.