Go Niche

Aren’t scarecrows gorgeous? Not the bin-bag- on-a-broom ones but the serious creations, the ones that look as if they might, Worzel Gummidge-style, uproot themselves to come over and talk to you.

They certainly take their scarecrows seriously in the Maine town of Kennebunkport. According to tradition there, after every harvest the scarecrows of the region gather to discuss the next year’s growing season, before being blown away by the chill November winds. Each October the week-long Gathering of the Scarecrows Festival sees straw folk from fields and gardens all over the state arrive in the town.

Residents at the local hotel, the Nonantum Resort, can join in the fun, too, opting for the Scarecrow Building Package, which consists of two nights’ BB for two, plus discounted dinner, for €359 (€245). On top of that, guests get all the materials they need to build their own scarecrows, which then become guests at a grand scarecrow wedding. First prize for making the best scarecrow is a three-night stay at the hotel.

Scarecrows aren’t the only reason to visit New England at this time of year. As the region’s trees turn from gorgeous to spectacular, the only thing more abundant than falling leaves are leaf-peepers falling over each other to bag the best view.

For more infromation visit nonantumresort.com