The Best Fall New England Towns That Embrace The Season
If you want to make the most out of your autumnal adventures, a visit to the best fall New England Towns is practically mandatory.
From scenic hikes in national parks to pumpkin patches and fall festivals, these cozy spots are ready to school visitors in all things autumn. Find your best flannel, grab a PSL for the road, and venture to these stunning locations to revel in the best of the season.
Before you head out, have a little looksie at our guide to the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method — a space saver and game changer when scarves and heavy sweaters enter the mix.
1. Stowe, Vermont
Burlington might hog the spotlight, but its neighbor one hour away, Stowe, Vermont, is equally deserving of a visit.
Ideal for the adventurous, “fall’s color capital” boasts picture-worthy foliage from unique vantage points, like the cabins on the Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort. Should you want to get the adrenaline pumping, flickers of red, orange, and gold leaves dazzle while soaring on the ArbortTrek Canopy Adventures’ zip line.
Once it’s time to get back on the ground, grab a bite at one of the 25+ spots in town — including American Flatbread or Harrison’s — or sip dark and pale ales at von Trapp Brewing Bierhall. Don’t forget to enjoy window shopping at mom and pop stores, including Stowe Mercantile and The Boutique on Main Street, to name just a few.
Approximately six hours from NYC
2. Bar Harbor, Maine
While Bar Harbor might conjure up images of summertime and lobster rolls, the Maine destination is a must during the fall, particularly if you’re planning on visiting Acadia National Park, a.k.a. the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.” Throughout the park’s 47,000 acres, glimmers of fall colors stand out at Otter Cliff Overlook, Cadillac Mountain, and Jordan Pond. Stay around once the sun goes down to take in the stars without distractions and city lights, particularly along Ocean Path.
Mexican, Asian, Italian, and Cuban cuisine are all on the menu at this Maine town, but you’d be remiss to skip out on seafood from the likes of Stewman’s Lobster Pound or Beal’s Lobster Pier.
Approximately eight hours from NYC
3. Woodstock, Vermont
Not to be confused with the town in Upstate, New York, Woodstock, Vermont makes for a picture-perfect autumn escape.
Venture through Ottauquechee River Trail to take in the beautiful scenes, grab the best of the crop while pumpkin and apple picking at Sherburne Farm/Moore’s Orchard, and take in all that nature has to offer at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science.
Regardless of where you end up stopping for a bite to eat — The Red Rooster at the Woodstock Inn or the Ransom Tavern at the Kedron Valley Inn — expect farm-fresh dishes throughout your stay.
Approximately five hours from NYC
4. Essex, Connecticut
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For a quick autumnal fix near NYC, Essex, Connecticut delivers, particularly thanks to the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. The vintage steam locomotives venture through Deep River and Chester highlighting the best scenes of the season. Plus, there are themed experiences, including an aura workshop for the spiritually inclined and The Salem Express Brunch: Revenge of the Sanderson Sisters.
Roaming about town proves plenty of fun as well, as you’ll encounter local mom and pop shops, most notably The Griswold Inn Store — Goods & Curiosities, and great places to refuel, like Surfridge Brewing Company East.
Approximately two hours from NYC
5. Great Barrington, Massachusetts
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Berkshires.com (@berkshires_com)What New England town roundup would be complete without a spot in the Berkshires? Great Barrington is beloved for its theater and arts community, and there’s plenty to see, eat, and shop while venturing through the town’s Main Street.
Plus, mid-October is peak foliage season, so you know you’re in for a kaleidoscope of color. (Looking at you, Monument Mountain.)
Approximately three hours from NYC
So, which locales are on your list this fall? Don’t forget to also make a pitstop to our favorite Halloween towns near NYC this season, should you be craving something spooky!
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