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Spanning the Penobscot
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There is perhaps no taller order than trying to go on a leaf-peeping weekend to Maine with children, to whom such trips are comparable to the mandated watching of black and white films.
But let's get to brass tacks. Beyond bribery or extortion, how can it be done?
Speed is of the essence: You must see as many candy-colored leaves as possible in one fell swoop.
And never underestimate the power of bribery and extortion. You need to be able to tell the ill-tempered lot that if they drink in this one view up high of leaves coming kiss-close as they float to the ground, you'll quickly take them to a fort where they can pretend to blast invaders to smithereens.
You might call this devious or desperate. I call it acting on experience from having three children.
The View From Above
As such, you'll want to head directly for the
Penobscot Narrow Bridge and Observatory ($5 admission). It's in Prospect, Maine, which is centrally located on the state's ruggedly beautiful coastline.
The over 2,000-foot bridge, which is new, is cable-stayed in design and makes you feel as if you're driving over a sculpture. But the observatory is the real attraction and carries with it the irony that with all the natural peaks in Maine, this manmade one just might offer the ultimate view.
It is 420 feet high, accessible by a minute-long elevator ride that opens up directly to reveal a stunning vista of coastal Maine and the Penobscot River all those many stories below. (Those nervy about heights -- no matter what age -- can use the elevator ride to mentally prepare, but they would be wise to stand toward the back once disembarking.)
The observation room, which is an additional two knee-straining flights up, offers 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see 100 miles, from the pristine islands studding Penobscot Bay to the craggy Wallamatogus and Bald Mountains.
Marek Fuchs
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