Above average summer rainfall has made Maine's forest foliage lush and healthy, setting the stage for another spectacular fall foliage season. Fall in Maine is highlighted by community harvest celebrations, reduced lodging rates and unique packages, and recreation on land and water surrounded by hues of yellow, orange and red.
 
 Fall Lodging packages: These fall season packages and specials are available exclusively on the Maine Getaways page of Visitmaine.com:
-Brewster House Bed & Breakfast Fall Foliage Surf & Turf package in Freeport. Accommodations for two nights, a two-hour schooner sail on Casco Bay, $100 in Freeport shopping money, a $50 restaurant gift certificate and a $50 gas card. $650 for two, Sept. 15 - Oct. 31.
 
-Camden Winward House Fall Foliage Pancake Pan-tacular. Try the local apple or pumpkin pancakes at breakfast and sample apples with afternoon tea. $125 a night for two, Oct. 16-31.
 
-Greenville's Moose Mountain Inn Moose Watching Tour & Lodging package. A room for two nights, and a guided moose watching tour by canoe, kayak or van. $119 per night for two through Oct. 17.
 
Maine Harvest Festivals: Visit these events where autumn's bounty is celebrated and enjoyed:
-Waterville Harvest Fest on October 18 features scarecrow building, pumpkin bowling, candy apple making and a chili cook-off.
 
-The 4th Annual Foliage, Food & Wine Festival on the Blue Hill Peninsula October 15-18 showcases farmers markets, educational workshops, wine dinners, wine and cheese tastings.
 
-The 25th Annual Harvestfest in York and York Beach on October16-18 includes a parade, pumpkin carving, craft fair, ox roast and bean hole baked beans, live music and fireworks.
 
-The 2nd Annual Harvest on the Harbor in Portland, October 22-24 delights crowds with a Grand Tasting with Maine chefs and dozens of wines, beers and spirits; cooking demonstrations, harvest menus at local restaurants, and a food and wine marketplace.
 
-Great Maine Apple Day in Unity on October 24 features cider pressing, workshops and talks, displays of heirloom apples, orchard tours, and apples, pies and cider for sale.
 
More to Gaze at After Dark: In daylight, Mount Desert Island is a draw for its ocean beaches, mountain trails, fresh water lakes and vantage points within Acadia National Park. At night, the skies above the island become an attraction for the thousands of stars and celestial bodies they reveal. The inaugural Acadia Night Sky Festival will happen September 17-21 to showcase the star gazing opportunities at one of the best locations east of the Mississippi River. Join star watch programs at Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain and other park locations. See stars illuminate the water on an ocean boat tour, and learn how to reduce light pollution at home. 
 
Tracking the Colors: The Maine Forest Service will begin its 51st season of foliage reporting on September 16. Forest rangers will detail the color change and leaf drop in the state's seven tracking zones in at least six weekly reports. Each report and an updated foliage map are posted on Maine's official season Web site www.Mainefoliage.com. Leaf peepers can sign up on the site homepage to receive the weekly reports by e-mail, and fans and followers of the Maine Office of Tourism's Facebook and Twitter (@visitmaine) pages can also get the updates.

For more information about accommodations, touring routes and events taking place in Maine this fall, log on to www.visitmaine.com or call 1-888-624-6345.