There is no more beautiful place to spend the fall season than in New England. That’s why we are so lucky that Merrimack is in one of the most beautiful parts of Massachusetts! There is no shortage of festive fall things to do in and around North Andover, so get off campus & try a few before the season is over!
The Topsfield Fair- One of the oldest and most loved Autumn traditions here on the North Shore, the Topsfield Fair has absolutely everything fall-related you could hope for. The fair includes carnival rides and games, a 5k run/walk, farm animals, a pumpkin weight competition, and all the caramel apples you can eat. Also featured this year is “Want U Back” singer Cher Lloyd, as well as a monster truck show! The fair is from October 4-14 and is definitely worth the trip!
The Topsfield Fair- One of the oldest and most loved Autumn traditions here on the North Shore, the Topsfield Fair has absolutely everything fall-related you could hope for. The fair includes carnival rides and games, a 5k run/walk, farm animals, a pumpkin weight competition, and all the caramel apples you can eat. Also featured this year is “Want U Back” singer Cher Lloyd, as well as a monster truck show! The fair is from October 4-14 and is definitely worth the trip!
Smolak Farms- Just a 10 minute drive from campus, this is the best place in North Andover to go for apple picking, pumpkin picking, and hayrides! Every weekend they have a “fall harvest festival” with a different theme. Plus, they are famous for their hot cider and apple cider donuts! The farm is open every day from 7-5.
Wine Riot- Wine riot is a fun, non-intimidating way to go wine tasting. This year the riot is at Park Plaza castle on October 25 & 26. Get a glass at the entry, and try over 250 wines in 4 hours from all around the world. There will be wine experts on location, and you can even mark your favorite wines with their mobile app to remember them later. Why is this different (more fun) than another wine tasting? Because this is their mission! They say, “you don’t have to use dorky wine-speak or spend a lot of time learning about wine to have fun with it. And we’re here to help.” Check it out at http://secondglass.com/wineriot/
Halloween in Salem- Salem, Massachusetts is absolutely insane during the month of October. Famous for the Salem Witch Trials, Salem really kicks it up a notch during Halloween. Take a walking ghost tour, visit a psychic, or just go to eat dinner and people watch. There are a ton of bars right downtown that have been known to give away free drinks to whoever comes in the best costume!
Boston Fashion Week- Maybe the greatest thing about fall is the opportunity to wear fall clothing- boots, sweaters, and scarves come out of the closet and for just a few weeks, the weather is the perfect temperature to wear them. It’s no coincidence that Boston Fashion week happens in the fall. Some of the most exciting events include a free Daniela Corte Trunk Show with a leggings bar, a free bridal show at the Mall at Chestnut Hill, and a free makeup Masterclass with Trish McEvoy! Fashion week is official September 27-October 5, but events continue throughout the fall. Find the full schedule of events at www.bostonfashionweek.com