Postcard Getaway

Top Fall Activities to Experience the Best of New England’s Autumn Charm

Written by Kaelie Piscitello

Nothing beats a good, old-fashioned New England fall. The tree’s hues change from spring greens to fiery red and orange. Everyone stays outside, hoping to glimpse the last hints of good weather before a harsh winter befalls the skies. Pumpkins adorn neighbors’ front steps, and many shopping strips offer daytime trick-or-treating events.

Everyone should try to experience New England in the fall. It goes far beyond the typical haunted house and pumpkin patch, inviting a magical feeling to the season.There are so many festive activities that will make your autumn getaway unforgettable.

Canobie Lake Park’s Screemfest

While I haven’t visited in a few years, all New England locals have fond memories of Canobie Lake Park, and Screemfest is one of the best times of year to go. The weather feels much more comfortable than in the hot summer, and the ride lines are a bit shorter than usual.

When the sun goes down, the ghouls come out to play and creep around the park, looking for people to scare. Canobie has five haunted houses to venture into, and they all provide festive amounts of terror.

If you want to go for the fall festivities but don’t appreciate the fear factor, you can purchase an amulet to warn the monsters to stay away from you. This year Screemfest will take place from September 21 to November 2. The admission ticket includes the cost of Screemfest.

Engage in the Family Favorite Apple Picking

Nothing screams fall in New England more than apple picking and then making an apple pie with the spoils. In Rhode Island, I love going to Rocky Brook Orchard. They have apples from all over the world, and you can get rare kinds depending on when you go in the season. I also love their juicy pears. They taste sweet and can be a nice treat when you’re appled out after a week.

In Wrentham, Massachusetts, my family always goes to The Big Apple. They have a more extensive orchard than Rocky Brook, and their cider doughnuts and apple turnovers are to die for.

Take a Trip to “Stars Hollow”

Gilmore Girls fans will be excited to know Stars Hollow is a real place named “Washington” in Connecticut. This picturesque small town has beautiful fall foliage views from every corner and quaint shops to explore. It pays homage to Gilmore Girls with a gift shop where you can buy Luke’s Diner mugs, Stars Hollow sweatshirts, and other fun memorabilia. 

Of course, Stars Hollow wouldn’t be Stars Hollow without Luke’s, or in this case, Marty’s Diner. They serve delicious sandwiches and some of my most delightful chai lattes. If you want to read like Rory, stop by the Hickory Stick Bookshop and pick out some books.

I went last fall, and my friends and I took a short hike at the Hidden Valley Preserve. We loved looking at the quotes carved into the benches and wooden bridges. I also enjoyed stopping by their farmer’s market for piping hot coffee and homemade focaccia bread.

Take a Hike!

I’m partial to hiking in Massachusetts’ Blue Hills in the fall. Nothing feels better than the crisp air and crunch of leaves when trying to find my way to the top of Blue Hill. You can see one of its many trails that have various levels for all hikers. I usually take the Skyline Trail, which I can see to Boston at the peak.

While I love Blue Hills, one of the best places to see the fall foliage is Maine’s Acadia National Park. Visit in October for peak bright colors, and try the Beehive Loop Trail if you want a challenge. Please note this trail sits along the side of a cliff, so if you want an easier route, try Cadillac Mountain or Jessup Trail.

Get Witchy in Salem

One of the spookiest places in Massachusetts is Salem, the site of the famous witch trials. The city has dedicated a museum for the event where you can learn about the history behind the trials and see some of the new artifacts displayed last June.

There’s also the historic House of Seven Gables to tour and learn all about its role in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book. You can also play into the Halloween spirit by booking a ghost tour or a Witch City Broom Making Workshop.

‘

Eat Some Lobstah

Everyone thinks the best time to have lobster in New England, including the residents, is in summer. But I’m here to break that myth and say you should eat it in the fall. For starters, the prices go way down because the peak summer tourist season has ended. At this point, the lobsters also have more meat because they have started to bulk up for the winter. My family gets our lobsters in September, right around back-to-school time, and it’s always worth the wait.

Go to Cranberry Fest

A surprising New England tradition is Harwich’s annual cranberry festival. They host musical and dance performances, and it’s a great spot for kids. You can also take a tour of the cranberry bogs. It’s cool to learn about how they grow and harvest their berries.

You can also go to the craft fair there. It’s always packed and a great place to pick out your next trinket. Another fun part of Cranberry Fest is Cran Jam, where you can dance to tunes in a giant tent. The event’s proceeds support musicians and youth programs.

Visit a Local Farm

Starting in September, New England farms turn from charming local spots into festive hubs. When I’m home in Massachusetts, I go to Wards Berry Farm in Sharon for pumpkin picking and an educational hayride, where I learn all about the traditional popcorn they grow.

Wards is a great spot for kids, as they have a playground that, in the autumn, features a giant tower of hay bales for everyone to climb.

They also have a farm store with delicious food made from farm-to-table ingredients, and of course, you can also pick out some fresh fruits and veggies.

In Rhode Island, I love Middletown’s Sweet Berry Farm. They also have homegrown and freshly made meals and treats, and I love stopping in their cafe for some hot apple cider and tasty soup. In the fall, you can pick sunflowers and apples, and it’s always a warm visit on a chilly fall day.