OUR TOP 5 FALL FAVORITES
Autumn in New England is one of our favorite times of year. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and it’s the perfect opportunity to “fall” in love with Massachusetts. You may never want to leave! To ensure you’ve checked off all the boxes on your next visit, read on to find out our list of recommended activities.
Apple Picking
Russell Orchards
Nothing says “New England” quite like this 100 year old farm! When you first arrive the sweet aroma from the bakery might draw you in, but we recommend starting your visit with a hay ride out to the apple orchards. Russell Orchards has over ten varieties of pick-your-own apples, ranging from ‘crisp and tart’ to ‘mild and sweet’. When your bags are full, it’s time to head to the store! You’ll find a wide array of books, local produce, and even an ice cream stand. Those that are 21+ can grab a bottle of homemade fruit wine or hard cider that is made with fresh fruit from the farm. Finish the day with a freshly baked cider donut, you’ll thank us later!
Brooksby Farm
Though each season brings a new wave of excitement to Brooksby Farm, there’s something special about the fall. Apple picking is just a small portion of what this quaint farm is known for. During the autumn months, Brooksby Farm offers hay rides, pop-up events, and ‘campfire and smores’ weekends. Smaller children can join in the fun or explore the play yard and visit all of the barnyard animals. Adults and children alike will love walking through the farm store filled with local goodies. Brooksby Farm makes their own jams, jellies, sauces, popcorn, and more while collaborating with local bakers to provide visitors with a delicious selection of baked goods.
Corn Mazes
Marini Farm
Marini Farm’s Corn Maze is anything but average. This 8-acre maze will require a bit of skill to finish – no clues allowed! 18 stations are placed throughout the maze for patrons to explore and interact with. Each station will have an answer to a question on your game sheet, and a “finished game sheet is a finished maze”. This maze will take about 1.5 hours to complete, so make sure to wear some comfortable shoes. Younger guests can also enjoy a 1 acre/20-minute “mini maze” and dump truck play structure. Don’t forget to snap a family photo in the giant chair before heading out!
Connors Farm
With a new themed maze every fall, Connors Farm will have you coming back year after year. This year’s family-friendly theme is “Barnyard Friends” and will take anywhere from half an hour to two hours to complete. Those looking for more of a challenge can try to navigate through the maze in the dark during “Flashlight Nights”. Though the corn maze may be the main attraction, there’s no shortage of activities around the farm. From arcade games to train rides, play structures to animals, you’re guaranteed to fill a whole day! On weekends (seasonally) you’ll also find food stands with BBQ, Philly cheesesteaks, apple cider slush, fresh lemonade, and ice cream just to name a few.
County Fair
Topsfield Fair (September 30 – October 10, 2022)
Known as “America’s Oldest County Fair”, the Topsfield Fair is a North Shore tradition. This multi-day event happens each year in October, and draws crowds from all over the world! Get your fix of fried fair food (Twinkies, Oreos, and even fried Kool-Aid), German fries, gobbler sandwiches, and chocolate covered bacon. If you can make it the rest of the day without taking a nap, venture over to the animals or take a stroll through the award winning flowers and produce. You won’t want to miss the 37th Annual Giant Pumpkin contest where you can see the largest pumpkin in New England! If you’re attending at night, grab some tickets and head to the Midway for some arcade games and classic fair rides – including a ferris wheel with some great views from the top. Don’t forget to check the schedule of events for live performances, parades, and arena events.
Leaf Peeping
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
If you’re planning a trip to Massachusetts this autumn, exploring some of the area’s foliage should be on your list! With some assistance from Yankee Magazine’s fall foliage tracker, you can be sure to plan your trip during the peak of the season. Take this scenic drive through 14 coastal communities from Lynn, MA to Salisbury, MA. Hop on in Beverly, MA and head north, or complete the full 90-mile drive. You’ll pass by breathtaking coastal views, expansive marshlands, and canopies of colorful trees.
Hiking
Appleton Farms, Ipswich
With 658 acres to explore, there’s plenty of opportunities to get that sought-after fall photo! Appleton Farms has over six miles of footpaths and farm roads that will lead you through pastures, crop fields, and meadows. Try some local produce, fine cheeses, hand-crafted jellies, and more from their farm store.
Stavros Reservation, Essex
Hike up Whites Hill for a panoramic view of Crane Beach, Crane Wildlife Refuge, and Halibut Point. The view is absolutely magical this time of year with all of the changing colors in the landscape. You can also learn more about the iconic three-story tower built in the 1880s.
Ravenswood Park, Gloucester
Ravenswood Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. Venture through 10 miles of old carriage paths while you immerse yourself in the colors and sounds of fall. With plenty of spots to stop and have a picnic, you can easily spend the whole day exploring this public land. Make sure to download a trail map to make the most of your trip!
