New England Autumn Getaway 2010 Travel and Vacation Guide

Adams Farm, Cumberland, RI (photo by Eric H.)

Our first travel choices for a great New England fall season in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont

by Eric H.

Autumn might just be the best time to visit NewEngland. The increasingly hot, humid summer weather takes a

In the northern sector of New England, my favorite fall foliage vacations destinations include White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire where the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (Route 112) showcases some of the region's most brilliant fall foliage; and Stowe, VT, a classic New England mountain town with wonderful foliage, area country stores and a bike path that provides the perfect route to see all the colors and magnificent rural scenery. Keene, NH, and the Monadnock Region are also wonderful destinations, the former being a college town with a Currier and Ives look and the latter providing some of New Hampshire's best and most unspoiled scenery. A hike up Mt. Monadnock or Miller State Park's Pack Monadnock provides some breathtaking views, enhanced by the foliage season.

In the southern sector, the quiet northeastern section of Connecticut has old-fashioned little towns that seem stuck in time with classic New England village greens that lead to winding roads with perfect views of fall foliage. Woodstock and Pomfret might just be the best examples of this beautiful area. Route 169 from Woodstock to Canterbury offers nearly 200 pre-1855 homes along with farms, historic churches and classic Connecticut village green centers, making it one of the most beautiful country drives in New England. It's also a great place to go apple picking with several farms providing this great autumn pastime.

We also like where Wrentham, MA, and Cumberland, RI, meet -- it is a relaxing autumn oasis from the hustle and bustle of Boston, MA and Providence, RI. In this area, you'll find The Big Apple Farm with farm-fresh produce, apple picking, an ice cream stand, bakery, horse-drawn carriage rides of the rural countryside and view of its apple production plant. Adams Farm in neighboring Cumberland provides a more laid-back setting with farm animals, a maze for the kids to navigate, apple picking, excellent produce and plants, and some of the most pleasing countryside you'll ever see in southern New England.

Lastly, don't forget about the Eastern States Exposition ("The Big E in West Springfield, MA), a beloved and joyful fair with parades, musical entertainment, animal displays and competitions, amusement rides and games and perhaps the best variety of junk food on earth. The Big E also houses Storrowtown Village, an authentic recreation of a 19th century New England village of seven historical buildings assembled around a village green. The Avenue of States showcases replicas of each New England state capitol buildings, but this time politics takes a back seat to regional foods, travel information, arts and crafts and various New England traditions. This year's (2010) event will run from Sept. 17 to the Oct. 3. 

There's plenty more to recommend in New England during the fall season. Take a peak at our detailed feature article on fall in New England.  

Also read "Travel Tips for Enjoying Fall in New England" at The Weekly New England Travel and Vacation Gazette.