A Boston Girl's Guide to New England Fall Travel
By Erin Spellman
When you live in New England, there is one season you wait all year for. The Patriots return to Gillette Stadium, warm apple cider doughnuts are abundant, and it's cold enough to wear your Burberry Barn Jacket layered on top of a cable knit sweater. What could be better? If you’re looking to do some leaf peeping and witness the foliage explode into a lush palette of yellows, oranges, and reds, New England is the ultimate autumnal destination. Take it from a Boston girl. Here are my favorite spots in the Northeast for the fall:
Boston, MA
With post-season baseball taking off and the university students returning to classes, fall is Boston’s time to shine! Autumn's can’t-miss event in Boston is the Head of the Charles Regatta on the third weekend of October. You’ll stand at the banks of the Charles River with thousands of native Bostonians to watch the world’s biggest rowing day. Look out for the Ivy Leagues’ jerseys as they effortlessly whip across the water in their octuple racing shells. After the competition cludes, head to Beacon Hill for a lovely afternoon of shopping. There’s countless home décor stores and opportunities to accessorize your apartment for fall. Visit Neatly Nested in Southie to buy a wool pumpkin-shaped throw pillow. Stroll along the quaint brownstones on Acorn Street, stop for a nice warm Shakshuka at Tatte Bakery & Café, and chat about last night’s Bruins game with the locals.
White Mountains, NH
To experience the best leaf-peeping New England has to offer, drive through the Kancamagus Highway, a 34.5 mile National Scenic Byway, on a sunny October afternoon. With the backdrop of vibrant, orange American Beech Trees and fire-hydrant, red Maple Trees, you’ll have an idyllic journey across the Granite State. Once you reach the western end of the Kancamagus Highway, you’ll want to try the crispy, yet gooey pecan bars from Woodstock Pie and Coffee Company in Woodstock, NH. Because a slow, scenic autumn drive is hard work, you’ll certainly need to spend the night at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, NH, the location of the famous 1944 United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference. Wake up the next morning and play a round of golf on the resort’s acclaimed course before treating yourself to corned beef hash for brunch at Reklis Brewing Company down the road.
Kennebunkport, ME
While Kennebunkport may be a picturesque summer tourist hotspot for New England’s madras-clad young urban professionals, its fall beauty is unmatched. Because the tourists have all returned home right after Labor Day, you’ll have Goose Rocks Beach all to yourself. Stay at the Nonantum Resort where you’ll wake up to the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a book (I would recommend Mark Levin’s newest publication: “American Marxism”) because I guarantee you’ll want to curl up at the fireplace to read on a foggy afternoon. In the morning, grab a Nutella Latte from Mornings in Paris and get your 10,000 daily steps in by strolling along the rocky coast to the Bush Compound. After buying a pine-scented candle and kitchen décor crafted by local artisans at Farm + Table, I would suggest warming up with a hot cup of clam chowder and pub-grub at The Ramp Bar & Grill while you watch the lobster boats in the harbor.
Salem, MA
Take a trip up to Salem to turn your favorite Halloween film, Hocus Pocus, into reality! As the home of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, this small New England town is a must-see fall visit. It’s even named among the best places to travel worldwide in October. On your way into town, stop at the Salem Witch Museum to brush up on your history of the major event in 17th Century Puritan New England. After entertaining your inner witch while shopping for Halloween memorabilia along the cobblestone streets at the Essex Pedestrian Mall, stop into Gulu-Gulu Café for a slice of pumpkin bread. For the quintessential New England fall experience, take a quick trip out to Cider Hill Farms to pick apples. You will leave town in the Halloween spirit and with the ingredients to make an apple pie with your freshly picked Golden Delicious apples.
Stowe, VT
With its majestic rolling hills, Stowe is the ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast. After hiking Vermont’s highest peak, Mt. Mainsfield, or paddling down the Winooski River, treat yourself to a local craft beer on the patio of the von Trapp Brewery, owned by none other than the family that inspired the film The Sound of Music. Here, you will enjoy the nostalgic, alpine charm of the Austrian-style brewery and the crisp, fall Vermont air. To capture the best autumn picture for your Instagram feed, make sure you throw on an oversized sweater and your L.L. Bean Boots and stop at the Gold Brook Covered Bridge. To take a slice of this quintessential Vermont village home, visit Stowe Maple Products on Route 100 to pick up a half-gallon of locally produced maple syrup.
Photo via KJP
