Autumn adventures in New England
There is nowhere better in the fall than rustic New England.
Comprising six states, its diverse landscapes and regional events and festivities never disappoint in the autumn.
Discover the appeal of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island this fall season.
Fall in New England is a foliage lover’s dream.
September marks the onset of fall and there’s plenty to experience in the six states from road trips to pumpkin pickings.
The color change rolls south and generally you can expect ‘peak color’ from mid-September onwards through mid-October.
The regions maple trees are responsible for the particularly dramatic fiery reds of the more northerly states, but the southern states put on a dramatic show with yellows and oranges.
Massachusetts’ famed cranberry bogs are harvested at this time of year and offer up a vibrant splash of red that they can be seen from space.
Fall road trip
A road trip through New Hampshire greets you with breathtaking scenery at every turn. The Kancamangus Highway (‘Kanc’ to the locals) is deliberately free of any sort of construction that could spoil the view. Vermont’s National Scenic Byway Route 100 is known as the ‘Leaf Peeper’s Super-Highway’. Turn on the local radio stations as they give ‘hot spot’ updates throughout the season. Beach walks, apple picking, camping and kayaking are just a few of the activities enjoyed in Maine during fall. Drive across Connecticut to discover the best fall foliage including the Litchfield Hills, the second home choice to many a Hollywood star. Rhode island offers various fun Fall Events like cocktail cruises and art festivals. Don’t miss Providence’s Water Fire Festival, which has two major events in September.
Halloween Haunts
New England has plenty of haunted places to get spooked this fall. Salem Haunted Happenings is known to be the largest Halloween celebration in the world. This infamous corner of Massachusetts‘ coastline was the epicenter of the 1690’s witch trials and it is at the heart of Haunted Happenings every October. Visitors can visit the Peabody Essex Museum to see authentic documents from the witch trials and you can step inside 318 Essex Street where scenes from the film Hocus Pocus were actually shot. Emily’s Bridge in Vermont is a covered bridge haunted by a young woman. People visit from all over and leave roses there.
The New England coast is known for its almost 200 beautiful lighthouses protecting mariners from its treacherous coastline and wild winter storms. Boon Island Light in Maine is a must visit for lovers of stories. The oldest, and supposedly most haunted tavern in America, White Horse Tavern in Rhode Island opened in 1673 at which point it served as a courthouse; and a meeting place for a heady mix of colonists, British soldiers, pirates, sailors and founding fathers. According to legend, several ghosts still occupy the tavern. Captain Grant’s 1754 in Connecticut and the The Omni Mount Washington Hotel in New Hampshire set in a stunning and remote location are perfect to enjoy the end of the Fall season.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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