10 Fall Activities to do in New England

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, the different colors across the trees, the smell of apples, and pumpkin spice. I mean, what is there not to like? Growing up in New England, I have been blessed with some beautiful Falls. New England has a LOT to offer this time of year, and I would like to share some of these with you.

Apple Picking

One of our family traditions is apple picking. With over 80 pick your own orchards in Massachusetts, each a bit different, it is hard to decide where to go. We have a family favorite, Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stowe, MA.

We like Honey Pot for several reasons. First, the orchard has several varieties of apples. The orchard is quite large, and we never feel it is too crowded. Second, it is one of the few places that have ladders to climb the trees. I love that! For some reason, it makes a bit more fun and authentic. Third, APPLE CIDER DONUTS! Hello?!? These donuts melt in your mouth. Now I know many places sell them, but nothing compares to the ones we get at Honey Pot Hill Orchards. The orchard has farm animals, hayrides, three different mazes, pumpkins, a great farm store, and some food stands. New this year, a Cider Garden. They will be a Hard Cider Tent set up on the weekends. We are looking forward to trying that out.

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Go Leaf Peeping

The foliage in New England is GORGEOUS! Whether you want to make this a day trip or a weekend-long event, there is plenty of foliage to see among the New England states. Check out the best foliage drives here.

Pumpkin Festival

Did you know that Laconia, NH, has one of the best pumpkin festivals in the country? Neither did I until I started researching for this piece. Each year, New Hampshire residents attempt to amass the largest number of lit jack o lanterns in one place, trying to meet or beat the world record, which the festival held for many years. The festival held mid-October attracts approximately 40,000-50,000 people each year. This year it will be held October 18th and 19th. There will be amusement park rides, a beer garden, music on the streets, a zombie walk, pumpkin displays, yummy food, which of course includes pumpkin everything and a five and a 10k on the morning of the 19th. Also, there are children’s games like pedal tractor pulls, corn hole, and more. There is fun for the whole family. We will be in Maine that weekend visiting colleges, so I am sad we are unable to attend. However, I will be sure to add it to my list for the following year.

The North American Wife Carrying Championship

Yes, folks, you heard it right. Such a thing exists! Sunday River in Maine is the second largest ski resort in New England. It is also home to The North American Wife Carrying Championship. This annual event is held over Columbus Day Weekend. Ironically, it does not have to be your wife that gets carried across a 278-yard obstacle course. It can be any woman of your choosing. The woman is thrown over the man’s shoulder. She is hauled across the course with her legs wrapped around a man’s neck and her arms around his waist. The obstacle course is made up of mud, logs, dirt, deep grass, and water, where her head is bound to get wet. A Finnish couple has won the event since 2013. This event coincides with the ski resort’s annual festival with chairlifts rides, live bands, food & beer tents and craft fairs.

4th Annual Harvest Festival at the Newport Vineyards

Newport is a seaside town in Rhode Island known for its historic mansions and sailing history. It hosted America’s Cup for many years. Next to Newport is the town of Middleton, home to Newport Vineyards. In addition to being a winery, Newport Vineyard has a brewery that offers fresh craft beer and a farm to table focused menu. There are events such as yoga, a farmer’s market, live music, and the 4th annual Harvest Festival.

This two-day event is Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th from noon -5:00 pm. It is two days of grape stomping (yes you read that right), sipping delicious wine or beer and eating delectable food. Or perhaps you are a pie lover? There is a pie-eating contest too! The cost of the event is $25.00 per person and includes up to 7 samplings of wine or beer. Children under 15 are free.

Viewing Foliage from High Above the Trees

For the adventurous leaf peepers, Connecticut offers a unique way to see the beauty that a New England Fall has to offer. Tree climbing, ziplining, and adrenaline-pumping rock climbing is some of the ways to take in vibrant hues of the season. Empower Leadership Sports and Adventure Center located in Middleton, Connecticut, has the Ultimate Adventure Experience. The Zip Line Canopy Tour is over a half-mile sky trail journey through a forest canopy. The zip lines range from 200′ to 650′. It also includes two high rope adventure challenges. The second part of this ultimate adventure is the 3- Hour Aerial Adventure Experience in South Windsor, CT. This is aerial adventuring in the treetops. There are six courses of varying length and difficulty. You can zipline in all six-courses and there over 80 aerial obstacles for that adrenaline junky. Right now they are running a special, both adventures for $72.00.

Hiking with the Family

Not to be missed is the beautiful state of Vermont. Vermont is known for its yummy maple syrup and over 100 19th century covered bridges. It is also a great place to take a hike and see the beauty of The Green Mountain State. We are not that family that can hike for hours. Yes, I can run a marathon, but hiking up mountains for hours is not in the cards. However, we do love the outdoors and seeing the beauty around us. Here are 5 Kid-Friendly Hikes for your family to enjoy.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a hot vacation spot in the summer, but did you know that the Fall is one of the best times to visit this New England gem. The crowds are low, but a fair amount of restaurants are still open. House rentals are often half the price, and the beaches are there for all to enjoy. My sister and her husband head down the last week of September each year. Last September we tagged along for a weekend. We enjoyed hanging at the house, walking to the beach and a tour to see the seals that gather each year in Chatham, MA. I highly recommend the Monomoy Island Excursion. It is quite the site to see.

Salem, Massachusetts

The best place to be around Halloween, is Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is North of Boston and is famous for its witch trials in the 1600s. There are over 500 different events during October to celebrate Halloween. Attend a costume party or watch a parade. Take a spooky walking tour of the city or visit the House of Seven Gables. The house is the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel with the same name. Other things to see or do are:

• Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour Salem Witch Museum
• Peabody Essex Museum
• Halloween Cruises
• Bewitched After Dark Salem Walking Tours
• The People vs Bridget Bishop
• Gallows Hill
• Salem Witch Museum
• Salem Wax Museum

Oh, and before you leave, make sure to stop by Enchanted. It is a magical shop for “witches & muggles” It is home to Laurie Cabot, Salem’s official witch. You can read about Laurie here.

Last, but certainly not least, Sitting by the Fire

Probably one of my absolute favorite things to do in the Fall, sitting out on the patio, cuddled up by the fire enjoying the cool, but pleasant weather. As New Englanders, we need to enjoy this season much as we can because we all know what comes after Fall.