As leaves change colors, temperatures cool, and pumpkins make their way onto front porches, the joys of autumn are upon us and the list of things to do is endless. If you’re looking to fill your calendar this season, keep reading to learn more about some of our New England favorites.
Pick your own apples
hile the height of apple picking season is in September, many apple orchards offer pick-your-own through early November. This fall staple promises fresh air, sunshine (we hope!), and of course, all different kinds of apples, perfect for a snack as you pick or apple pie, apple cider, applesauce, and more (the options are endless). Simply Google “apple picking in New England” to find some suggestions, or click here for NewEngland.com’s vote on the best apple orchards in New England.
Get spooked in Salem, Massachusetts
Known for the 1692 witch trials and witchcraft, Salem is a popular New England spot come October, offering various “haunted happenings,” as one website puts it. If you’re a history buff, we recommend touring The Witch House, once home to Jonathan Corwin who served as one of the judges in the witch trials and, according to New England with Love, “the only still-standing structure with direct ties to the witch trials.” You can also check out the Salem Witch Museum, go on a ghost tour at night, pop into some of the many shops, or grab a bite to eat. Plus, if you’re a Hocus Pocus fan, you can take a self-tour of many of the famous movie’s filming locations throughout Salem.
Take the Mount Washington Cog Railway
Referred to as “the second greatest show on earth” by our namesake P.T. Barnum, the Mount Washington Cog Railway takes you right to the top of the highest peak in the Northeast. Ascending Mount Washington’s western slope, this railway promises beautiful foliage in the fall, views of the Presidential Range mountains, and a ride on the world’s first mountain-climbing railway, according to the official site. If you plan to include this in your fall to-dos, make sure you buy your tickets in advance because it’s known to sell out in the summer and fall!
Explore the foliage (and more) in Stowe, Vermont
This northern Vermont town is known as fall’s color capital, and if you plan your trip just right, you’ll visit at peak leaf season during which vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows cover the entire town. Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain in the state, offers breathtaking views and a challenging hike. If you’re not feeling the hike, though, you can head to the top either by the Auto Toll Road or the Gondola SkyRide and still get those views. Other fun things to do in Stowe include taking a tour of the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, visiting any of the three Stowe breweries, grabbing ice cream from the Ben and Jerry’s factory, and staying at a bed and breakfast.
Get lost in a corn maze
Mike’s Maze in Sunderland, Massachusetts, that is. Yahoo News ranked Mike’s Maze as the best corn maze in the country and for good reason. Since 2000, Mike’s Maze has been designing and creating intricate and unique corn mazes. Some of the past designs have included “Alice in Sunderland” (a play on Alice in Wonderland), Mona Lisa, Andy Warhol’s Campbell soup can, and “VOTE!” in celebration of the 2020 election. Mike’s Maze also offers games, potato cannons, pumpkin picking, a playground, dining, and more, making for a perfect fall afternoon for the family.
In addition to these five fall favorites, you can carve pumpkins, challenge yourself to a hike among the foliage, check out a fall festival, go on a haunted hayride, roast marshmallows around a bonfire, and more. The list goes on!
