How to Have the Perfect New England Fall Getaway, According to a Local

You won't find better leaf peeping anywhere in the U.S.

Fall in New England is the stuff of fairy tales. The sweat of summer is behind you, and the frost of winter is ahead. The transition between the two seasons becomes a vibrant spectacle, with trees changing from emerald green to burnt orange, crimson, amber, and deep purple. It's a place where holiday cheer is near mandatory from Labor Day through Christmas. By the time fall rolls around, hot apple cider is flowing like a river across the Northeast.

I speak from experience as someone who grew up in Rhode Island, went to college in Boston, learned to ski in Vermont, and even married a Mainer. New England is what I know, and I'm happy to share some expert tips so you can explore this glorious region at its best.

Related: 20 Best Weekend Getaways in New England

What to Know Before You Go to New England in the Fall

New England is made up of six states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. The region covers more than 70,000 square miles and is home to more than 15 million people. Needless to say, there's a lot of ground to cover, so you should start your trip planning by determining whether you want to visit a particular state or take a road trip through multiple New England destinations.

The drive from the capital of Connecticut (Hartford) to the capital of Maine (Augusta) takes about four hours, but following the highway between the two won't allow you to meander as you should. Your best bet is to pick a destination (for example, Newport, Rhode Island; Salem, Massachusetts; or Stowe, Vermont) or a route that will take you to some of the most pristine landscapes (think: New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway). Hikers might even want to travel New England on foot via the Appalachian Trail, which snakes through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

It's also important to consider the varied weather. Day by day and state by state, things can change in a moment. Be prepared for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cold nights. Pack layers, and bring gloves and a hat. You won't regret it.

Best Things to Do in New England in the Fall

New England is packed with things to do all year long, but fall is a prime time to visit as it's a semi-shoulder season for most communities — just after the summer surge for beach towns and before ski season for the mountains. That means you can explore many popular spots with thinner crowds.

Head to a city like Boston to snag hard-to-get reservations at the hottest hotels like The Newbury, XV Beacon Hotel, and The Langham. While there, check out The Freedom Trail to both soak in some history and see a good chunk of the city in one go.

Related: These Are the 30 Best Things to See and Do in Boston

Another can't-miss — albeit cliché — New England fall activity is apple picking. There are hundreds of apple orchards sprinkled around New England, but some of the best can be found in New Hampshire. Spots like Alyson's Orchard in Walpole offer hundreds of acres to explore, along with farm animals to pet and game areas to play in. Riverview Farm in Plainfield provides the same picking experience, but with the added bonus of a seasonal corn maze.

Fall in New England is also a perfect time for a hike, thanks to the pristine weather. Again, you can hop on and off the Appalachian Trail at dozens of entrance points or make your way to Maine to hike in Acadia National Park, the only national park in New England. With more than 150 miles of trails traversing forest, coastline, and mountains, this gem will keep you literally on your toes.

Of course, there's also leaf peeping, but that's worthy of its own section, so keep reading.

Festivals in New England

Fall is harvest season in New England, which means festivals and fairs are in full swing. Those include the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival in downtown Laconia, the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, Massachusetts, and the Deerfield Fair in Deerfield, New Hampshire. The largest pumpkin weighed in the U.S. was featured at the Deerfield Fair in 2018.

There are many more events happening throughout the region. Odds are you'll find at least a fair or two in the state you're visiting.

New England Fall Foliage

In New England, leaf peeping is a sport won by all who get to enjoy it. The prime time to admire fall foliage is toward the end of September and into early October. It's a bit dependent on location, as the leaves in northern Maine will most certainly change faster than in southern Rhode Island. After picking your destination, try checking weekly foliage reports and real-time trackers for that area (or check Instagram, even) for status updates.

As for where to go, you're spoiled for choice. A few favorites include sleepy Camden, Maine; the more bustling area of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the adorable Old Lyme, Connecticut; and the aforementioned Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire, ideal for those who want to feel like they're driving through a kaleidoscope.

Related: 10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England

Hotels in New England

New England's charm certainly extends to its hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. Here's a small selection to choose from, including a couple that made Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards list.

Pickering House Inn, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

The Pickering House Inn is a perfect mix of old meets new. The boutique hotel sits in a restored home originally built in 1813. Guests can expect many of the perks of a B&B, including breakfast, cozy accommodations, and more. From the inn, you can walk to the edge of Lake Winnipesaukee and to shops and restaurants downtown.

Ocean House, Westerly, Rhode Island

The historic Ocean House will cater to almost any desire with fine dining, easy access to beachside walks, on-site wellness experiences, and even special amenities for pets. It's a time-honored favorite tucked away in one of the most stunning corners of New England, and it will absolutely make you feel like Rhode Island royalty.

The Wauwinet, Nantucket, Massachusetts

For another coastal getaway, book a stay at The Wauwinet, a Relais & Chateaux property. The hotel, which has been welcoming guests since 1875, offers private beach access, tennis courts, fine dining, and complimentary bikes so you can get out and explore the surroundings.

The Wanderer, Kennebunk, Maine

Looking for something a little different? At The Wanderer, you can claim your own Instagram-worthy cottage. Each is a self-sufficient studio with its own bathroom and wet bar. The decor is described as "coastal-cool," clearly taking inspiration from its proximity to Kennebunk Beach. The Wanderer is open only until the end of October, so make sure to time your trip correctly.

Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, Vermont

Stowe gets a lot of attention in the fall and winter, especially for its mountainside accommodations. But if you're willing to travel just down the road, you'll be rewarded with a more local-feeling stay at the Trapp Family Lodge. Founded (and still owned) by the very family featured in "The Sound of Music," the lodge is a throwback to alpine living at its finest. Plus, it's set in 2,600 acres of pristine Vermont landscapes to explore.

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