Escape to The Charming College Town of Orono, Maine, This Fall

Orono, Maine, is a small town along the Penobscot and Stillwater Rivers, just northeast of Bangor. Its population is typically around 10,000, which increases once students return to campus—Orono is home to the University of Maine. The town certainly becomes more vibrant and lively once students return to campus for the fall semester, making it an exciting place to be this time of year, and we think a fall getaway to Orono is a great idea! Given the charming downtown area, breweries, museums, a farmers' market, and more, not to mention the brilliant fall foliage, let's discover why this college town should be your next fall getaway destination.

Whether you've been to the University of Maine yourself, know alumni, or have no direct ties to the school, the town of Orono is undoubtedly a wonderfully charming town to visit in the fall. The university is the lifeblood of the town, providing excitement with college sports (go, Black Bears!), a scenic campus with greenery and historic buildings, and a sense of possibilities for the future in the air.

When visiting Orono, the best place to start exploring is downtown. Here you'll find shops and restaurants lining both Main Street and Mill Street. If you're hungry, pop into Pat's Pizza, a highly-rated local pizza joint that's been part of the Orono community for nearly 75 years. Woodman's Bar and Grill on Main Street is another popular spot in town, as is The Family Dog on Mill Street, both of which feed hungry college students throughout the school year.

For craft beer aficionados, Orono is home to a few breweries that are popular among the college crowd, including Orono Brewing Company, Marsh Island Brewing, and Black Bear Microbrewery. If you're visiting Orono on a Saturday, make sure to stop by the Orono Farmers' Market for local produce, baked goods, maple syrup, crafts, and more. Along Main Street, you'll see numerous well-preserved 19th-century buildings, perfect for those of you who love historic sites. Downtown Orono is incredibly charming, and I'm sure you'll agree!

For those who wish to explore the great outdoors while enjoying fall foliage views, there are several places around town. One such area is the Piney Knoll Long Trail and Trail 11 Loop through the 57-acre Piney Knoll Conservation Area, which loops through the forest and along the Penobscot River, surrounded by trees with leaves that have changed from green to autumnal hues. Make sure you download a map for this trek, as portions of the trail aren't well marked.

Another hike filled with fresh air and fall foliage views, the Stillwater River Trail runs alongside the other river that runs through Ornon: the Stillwater River. This 3.8-mile out-and-back trail offers river views in addition to fall colors. Just be mindful on this trail as portions of it run through private property; make sure you remain on the designated trail the entire time. If you don't mind a drive to the nearby town of Bangor, try the Orono Bog Boardwalk, another popular hike that also happens to be accessible.

Home to the University of Maine, Orono is a great fall getaway destination in Maine. While it's a small college town, it offers scenery, a thriving downtown area, and outdoor recreation that will make your stay a memorable one. For accommodations in Orono, book a stay at The Black Bear Inn, which offers clean, comfortable rooms and complimentary breakfast, located only seven minutes from the University of Maine campus.

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