Getting There -- Fryeburg is right on U.S. Route 302, between Portland and North Conway, New Hampshire. It's about 1 1/2 hours northwest of Portland and 15 minutes east of North Conway. Route 113 departs from Fryeburg on the west side of town, headed for Gilead.

Visitor Information -- In summer, near the Maine/New Hampshire state line on Route 302, the Fryeburg Information Center offers a hut of general information about lodging and attractions. There's nothing much worth seeing in Bridgton, but you can pick up information year-round at the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 236, Bridgton, ME 04009 (tel. 207/647-3472), open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with extended hours in summer, about a quarter-mile south of the light on Route 302.

Outdoor enthusiasts should head to the Evans Notch Ranger District office, at 18 Mayville Rd., in Bethel (tel. 207/824-2134). Rangers dispense information from their headquarters, which is just off Route 2, north of the village of Bethel (on the way to Sunday River); they'll give you a helpful brochure describing a sampling of area hikes.

Special Events -- Maine's largest agricultural fair, the Fryeburg Fair (tel. 207/935-3268; www.fryeburgfair.com) is held annually during the 10 days prior to Columbus Day. Often staged near the peak of foliage season, this huge fair is even more colorful than its surroundings. It's a classic New England extravaganza of snorting pigs, horse-pulling matches, serene llamas, pumpkins the size of Rhode Island, and contests for the best-looking and best-tasting pies. Tickets are $8 Friday through Sunday, $6 the rest of the week; entrance is free for children 11 and under. Parking on-site costs you an additional $5 per vehicle.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.