When the leaves begin to turn and the air goes crisp, New England becomes an autumn wonderland that attracts folks from every corner of the world. If you’re itching to see the region in its full foliage glory, here’s our tips on where to go.
Massachusetts: Cruise down Route 2 to Phillipston for a visit to Red Apple Farm (455 Highland Ave., Phillipston). Not only is their apple picking the perfect autumn activity, but the entire hour-and-a-half drive is filled with fall foliage.
If you want to stay a little closer to Worcester, Moore State Park (1 Sawmill Rd., Paxton) in Paxton has endless waterfalls and cascades, as well as long trails, a saw mill and even a perfect New England covered bridge. There’s also Rutland State Park (2 Crawford Rd., Rutland), a 300-acre recreation area ideal for strolling or riding bikes, and it gets bonus points for being dog-friendly. Before heading back to Boston, make a pitstop in Worcester at Deadhorse Hill (281 Main St., Worcester) for weekend brunch.
Connecticut: Gambling doesn’t have to be your thing in Connecticut, where the leaves are already starting to turn. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Reservation has a sea of towering trees and endless trails that are so beautiful, you may not even know that Foxwoods Resort & Casino (350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket) is nearby.
But if you’re looking for a nice meal and a cocktail, you can certainly find that easily. Alta Strada (240 Fox Tower Drive, Mashantucket) is just a few steps away for an Italian feast.
New Hampshire: It’s just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Boston to the White Mountains, and Franconia Notch is easy to find. Snag at room at the picturesque Inn at Sunset Hill (231 Sunset Hill Rd. Sugar Hill) and take the Aerial Tramway to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain to soak up the whole experience.
Speaking of soaking, don’t forget to stop by Polly’s Pancake Parlor(672 NH-117, Sugar Hill) to soak up your pancakes with maple syrup. Just an FYI, they don’t take reservations on weekends or holidays.
Maine: Midcoast Maine looks straight out of a L.L.Bean catalog, and the bucolic town of Damariscotta doesn’t disappoint.
Head there on Columbus Day weekend to catch the Demariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta, where you’ll see everything from a pumpkin parade and pumpkin catapult to a pumpkin derby featuring small, homemade motorized pumpkins. Not only is the foliage absolutely amazing at the time, but the area is filled with oyster farms and little breweries that’ll have your taste buds on high.
Vermont: You don’t have to be a Von Trapp to frolic in the hills of Vermont.
For the true, small-town New England experience, head to Perkinsville, just two-and-a-half hours north of Boston. Stay at The Inn at Weathersfield (1342 VT Route 106 Perkinsville), where you have their 21-acres of lush property at your disposal.
If you want to experience all that Stowe has to offer, Field Guide (433 Mountain Rd., Stowe) is a relaxed lodge just another hour north. Head out on foot for a hike, or rent a kayak to cruise through the mountains on the water.
