Nothing beats a New England fall. From its mesmerizing foliage and cooler temperatures to local seasonal menus and the smells of the season, there is so much to be admired about all-encompassing autumn. Although I must admit, all seasons in New England hold a special place in my heart with their unique charm; I love fall most of all. Whether you’re a native New Englander or visiting the area to soak up the season, there are plenty of opportunities to dive headfirst into all things fall.
Housing everything from small-town charm, roadside farm stands, and pick-your-own style orchards for families to big-city menus and cozy taverns for couples and friends, Massachusetts and the surrounding New England states have a little something for everyone this season.
Here are my top 5 ways to enjoy the fall season in New England:
- Plan a Foliage Road Trip
One of the pinnacle New England staples is fall foliage. From the treetops in small-town neighborhoods to the mountain peaks throughout the area, vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange pop against the blue skies and hints of green around them. Perfect for a weekend getaway or afternoon trip, taking a fall foliage road trip is the best way to soak up all the leaf-peeping that your heart desires. Stop along the way and take photos of your favorite landscape. Collect a few fallen leaves for your scrapbook or explore a hiking trail along the way. Wherever you decide to venture off to make sure it includes foliage top spots like the Mohawk Trail through the Berkshires in Massachusetts or the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. There are countless ways to enjoy fall foliage road trips, and it’s the perfect way to stay socially distanced, too.
- Go apple and pumpkin picking
A tried and true New England pastime for families is apple and pumpkin picking at local farms throughout the area. Nothing says fall quite like the warm smells of apple and pumpkin pie. So whether you’re looking to decorate your front porch with the largest pumpkin in the patch, snap some fun orchard shots of your family, or share a tradition and memories to last a lifetime with your children, I couldn’t think of a better way than by heading to your local patch or orchard. My favorite in the local area includes Bashista Orchards and Cider Mill and Fletcher Farm, both located in Southampton, Massachusetts. Another favorite, for more than just pumpkins, is McCray’s Farm in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
- Indulge in the culture and history of New England
Although not a standard fall activity, with the colder weather fast approaching, there may be no better option than enjoying the season indoors occasionally. My favorite way to do so is by exploring the numerous museums and historical sites throughout the area. This is the perfect option for those coming from out of town to learn about the New England area in greater detail.
Some of my favorite places to visit and indulge in the history and culture of our area include:
- The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA
- The RISD Art Museum in Providence, RI
- The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) in North Adams, MA
- Museum of Science in Boston, MA
- Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA
Outdoor favorites include:
- The USS Constitution in Charlestown, MA
- The Freedom Trail in Boston, MA
- Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, MA
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA
- Explore Salem, Massachusetts
Often synonymous with spooky season, Salem is a must-see city on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Salem is a great place to take a weekend getaway or enjoy a week’s stay with activities for all ages, especially during the Halloween season. Filled with haunted houses, moonlit ghost tours, Salem Witch Trial history, local artistry, and delicious food and drink, Salem should be added to your fall plans every year. Sixteen miles north of Boston, it is in an ideal location to enjoy all that Eastern Massachusetts has to offer.
- Visit the beach in the off-season
There may be nothing that makes my heart happier than a day at the beach… no matter the season. Although New England beaches are jam-packed in the summer months, exploring them in the off-season is an entirely different experience. Although you can’t dive into the waves, spending a day on one of New England’s coastline beaches is a relaxing way to let go of summer and enjoy the area’s scenic beauty. So pack up your favorite blankets, a picnic basket, and some warm layering clothes and enjoy a few hours on the coast. The bonus? The ride to and from the beach will be filled with glorious fall foliage.
There are no shortages of options when it comes to exploring all that New England has to offer, especially in the state that I’ve called home for the entity of my life: Massachusetts. This fall, get out there and explore all that New England offers when it comes to history and culture.
