In New England, there is no better time of year than when the temperature begins to chill, the air turns crisp, and the sweaters come out. Fires blaze in the hearths of cozy inns, pumpkins appear in front of neighborhood houses, and the leaves start to turn a stunning assortment of yellows, reds, and oranges. The holiday season is beginning, bringing that warm and fuzzy feeling right into the souls of every fall lover while they visit friends and family, ponder what they’re thankful for, and begin to make new resolutions. There is no time of year when I am happier.
Before the weather gets too cold to step beyond your front door and the overwhelming amount of work piles up, make sure to get out and enjoy all of the charms and delights of the autumn season. Here are four of my favorite fall adventures that are sure to “pumpkin spice” up your life in New England:
- Apple Picking
Apple picking is a classic in New England with more than 100 orchards dotting the region that are open to picking. It’s no secret that apples taste the best when you pick them with your own two hands, and there’s nothing better than the warm apple cider and apple cider donuts that usually accompany this activity. The serene feeling of walking between rows of trees with your friends and family, watching little kids reach up for that fruit that’s just a little too high, and the taste of crispy, fresh apples is just too good to beat. Not to mention that each orchard grows several varieties of the fruit—New Hampshire’s largest orchard, Applecrest Farm, has 40 different types of apples and even grows other crops like peaches and pumpkins. Before the frost sets in this season, make sure to check out your local apple orchards for a “red delicious” time!
My New England favorites:
- When you visit Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard, located in Granby, CT, not only can you fill several bags full of mouthwatering apples, but you can also stop in The Café to try their famous apple cider donut French toast. Trust me, you are going to finish every last bite!
- At Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT, they’re experiencing one of their best apple crops ever this 2021 season! Choose from 26 different varieties (available at different times throughout the season), visit the massive farm market for all of your apple-related needs, or try your luck in their corn maze. This year’s maze theme is “Dig the music: Rock ‘n Roll of the 1970s.” At Lyman, you are sure to have a blast!
- Pumpkin Festivals
Pumpkin picking and carnivals are two, entirely different, but extremely fun adventures. Why not combine them both, but add in catapults that send pumpkins soaring to their demise and adults paddling on a river in giant pumpkin boats? Those are only some of the scenes that await you at one of New England’s best-kept secrets: pumpkin festivals! These are quirky and sometimes bizarre, but entirely New England events that you definitely do not want to miss.
My New England Favorites:
- At the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta in Damariscotta, ME, enjoy a walkway of giant pumpkins artistically decorated by local artists, as well as the climatic event: the pumpkin regatta, where you’ll watch people sitting in hollowed-out pumpkins race in a river, armed with only a kayak paddle.
- At the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival in Stowe, VT, watch as teams go head-to-head with their craftily built… you guessed it… pumpkin chuckers. Trust me, there is nothing funnier than watching pumpkins fly through the air and smash on the ground yards away.
- Every year, the Roger Williams Park Zoo (my favorite place on earth) in Providence, RI hosts their Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Stroll through walkways lined with thousands of intricately carved pumpkins that are sure to wow you, all lit up at night while the zoo’s typical inhabitants are fast asleep.
- Foliage Drives
When the words “New England” and “fall” are said together, one might assume you’re talking about the region’s claim to fame: its fall foliage scenes. It’s the prettiest time of year in our beloved six states, and you’re going to want to take in every millimeter of the picturesque views riddled throughout. So, hop in your car and go for a drive! You can follow a trail already mapped out by experts, or make up your own! In most areas, you won’t have to drive far to see an Instagram-perfect scene.
My New England Favorites:
- The Mohawk Trail, or Massachusetts’ Route 2, takes you through the beautiful scenes of the Berkshires and is one of the prettiest drives in all of New England. Make sure to watch out for the famous Hairpin Turn!
- The Kancamagus Highway, affectionately nicknamed “The Kanc,” is a 34.5 mile drive that spans east to west from the New Hampshire town of Lincoln to the town of Conway. It’s absolutely stunning, and there are plenty of spots to pull over and capture the perfect picture.
- Corn Mazes
Corn is one of the staple crops of New England, and it’s the first crop that usually comes to mind when thinking about that first Thanksgiving Feast after the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth, MA, in the year 1620. While it is a fabled bonding crop between English settlers and Native Americans, it is a modern day bonding crop for people of all ages. Corn mazes are sure to confuse, excite, and stimulate your mind as you weave through the tall, yellow and green stalks. There’s typically only one rule: Don’t get lost!
My New England Favorites:
- The Davis Mega Maze, located in Sterling, MA, is easily the biggest and most fun corn maze in New England. In fact, they claim that it’s the world’s best! The 2021 maze is Where’s Waldo themed, and encompasses 8 acres of corn. It’s not just a normal corn maze—there are interactive games inside and even bridges you might have to cross that take you right over the heads of the stalks. It’s so big, there are Porta Potties located inside the maze! Additional amenities on the farm include delicious food, live music, and a zip line.
I hope you are inspired to embrace the fall season and try out a new adventure in our beautiful New England region. It’s easy to miss what’s in your own backyard, so go exploring and don’t miss out on these fabulous experiences. Happy journeying!