Down East, the real-estate journal for outsiders in the seven-figure crowd, recently had a feature story on irrestible trips in September.

Your Scribe has compiled his own list, made up of equally scenic trips but without the pretension.

Here they are:

Camden-Rockport, with a drive up Mount Battie - This rather obvious choice is a favorite of mine based on several great moments in the past. One was in late September, when I worked at the Samoset Hotel. Another was a trip to interview Chuck Kruger, a coast singer who released an album in early fall called "Windy and Warm."

Bethel - Though the area in the western Maine mountains is best known for the Sunday River ski resort, this region is glorious in the fall when there are few people. Of course, this year there are a great many more people around - law enforcement officials nosing around nearby Newry following that awful quadruple homicide.

Machias - OK, most people never get here even during the high season. But Your Scribe traveled to nearby Campobello several autumns ago, and found the chilled desolation to be most appealing. And no, I was not around when FDR was vacationing there.

Stonington - Those who attend the Haystack crafts seminars in late summer and early fall swear they have never seen such glorious sunrises and picturesque days. The light has inspired artists for decades, and a trip to this part of the coast is really worthwhile.

Unity - The Common Ground Fair is centered here in late September, and it is one of the great attractions for cabin-type people. It offers numerous booths seminars, and demonstrations on topics ranging from sheep shearing to wood burning. It is one weekend when people think about co-existing with the earth, not dominating it. Last year Your Scribe turned up in Union, not Unity, but I vow that such a catastrophe will not be repeated.

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