7 Fall Activities to Try Besides Apple Picking
Now that Fall is officially here we’ve got a list of Fall activities that’ll help you make the most of the season and take advantage of all New England has to offer this time of year. I think we’ve all been dragged to an Apple picking situation, but there’s so much more out there to do. And none of it involves Pumpkin Spice! Take a look at the 7 activities below and plan your next Fall activity adventure. What would you choose to do first?
Take A Ride on the Green Mountain Flyer
If you’ve never visited Vermont, this is the perfect time. Take a trip to Chester, where you can board the Fall Foliage Train Ride, just choose a one or two hour ride. According to the Green Mountain Railroad , you’ll enjoy a trip to Rockingham and back while taking in breathtaking views of covered bridges, the Connecticut River, and the Brockway Mill Gorge. And you’ll be guided through the stunning foliage of Southern Vermont with historical narration along the way.
Run A Fall 5K
Relax, it’s only a suggestion. With the newly arrived cooler air, it’s the perfect weather for tying up those laces and hitting the pavement. Why not try a 5K or even a local Turkey Trot to burn those Thanksgiving calories. Check out these Fall themed 5Ks or find one near you;
- Fall Foliage & Cider Run in Amherst, MA: Run or walk to support Amherst A Better Chance and enjoy a cup of cider at the finish line. The walk/run starts at Amherst Town Common, partly circles Amherst College campus and enters the woodlands of The Amherst College bird sanctuary, highlighted by a beautiful view over the Pelham Hills. Finally, it follows the Norwottuck Rail Trail back to the campus. Upon completion, runners and walkers are invited to enjoy a cup of cider, healthy snacks, entertainment and fun activities.
- The Witch City 5K in Salem, MA: Run through the haunted streets of Salem with ghouls, ghosts and goblins in this community favorite 5K event that takes place during the most fun time in Salem…October’s Haunted Happenings!
- The Scarecrow Classic in Lincoln, MA: The 5K course winds through the scenic roads, fields, and trails of this historic New England town. Proceeds from this event support the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT). LLCT helps manage more than 2,500 acres of land and nearly 80 miles of public trails as a regional recreational resource for the Greater Boston Area. This non profit organization is one of the oldest land trusts in the country and is recognized nationally for its conservation work.
- The Franklin Park Turkey Trot in Boston, MA: The Turkey Trot is the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the City of Boston, now in it’s ninth year.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Enjoy a Hayride
Is there a more quintessential Fall activity than taking a horse (or tractor) drawn hayride. I can smell the air just thinking about. Now don’t talk to me about your Haunted hayrides, I’m too much of a scaredy-cat. I’m talking about old-fashioned, down-home have to climb into the back a rickety wooden cart type of hayride. The kind that makes you itchy for the whole day from sitting on hay bales. There are so many options for this we couldn’t possibly list them all, so check out this list by state: Massachusetts; Rhode Island; New Hampshire; Maine; Connecticut; Vermont.
Try Ziplining at Bretton Woods
If you’re looking for more adventurous Fall activities, why not give Ziplining a try. The Canopy Tour at Bretton Woods is a not to be missed 3-hour excursion where participants are brought on an adventure that includes a network of platforms high up in the ancient hemlock trees connected by nine ziplines, two sky bridges and three rappels. Be among the White Mountains, with sweeping views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
Beer, Bratwurst and pretzels, no further reason needed to participate in this Fall activity.
- Boston Uncovered shared a list of all things Oktoberfest around Boston, but probably the best known annual tradition in the city is Harpoon Brewery. This being their 31st year of the festival, it’s also the largest they put on all year. It hosts live music along with special Bavarian menu options that typically include mouthwatering bratwurst and German cake. An event so popular, they added a version that welcomes your best pal, Dogtoberfest.
- Sugarbush in Warren, Vermont is know for it’s top notch skiing, but now they’re getting into the beer game. Don’t miss the First annual Fresh Hops Festival, bring local breweries together. It’s not technically Oktoberfest, but it’s close enough. Be sure to get your tickets in advance.
- Gardiner, Maine took a fun approach to the standard beer hall festival by taking over their historic downtown streets for the Swine & Stein Brewfest. Taste the day away with all day samples from Maine’s best breweries, wineries and distilleries in an open air beer garden and enjoy a line up of great music, tasty food vendors, fun games and all day entertainment.
- Sam Adams Brewery in Boston honors the centuries-long Fall activity and celebration of classic German Lagers with a festival style event featuring beer, Live music, Stein hoisting and lawn games.
Go Horseback Riding
Why not gather up the family and hit the trails. A perfect excuse to get those old Cowboy boots out AND view nature from up close and personal.
- Cornerstone Ranch in Princeton, MA: This popular spot offers year round 1 or 2 hour guided trail rides led by experienced trail riders, and Massachusetts licensed riding instructors from Cornerstone Ranch. Riders are treated to an interactive class before heading out for a wonderful, relaxing ride throughout the Ranch and beyond.
- Franconia Notch Stables in Franconia, NH: Located just north of the Franconia Notch at the scenic, Franconia Inn, the Franconia Notch Stables offers year round horseback trail rides and winter horse drawn sleigh rides. Enjoy views of Mt. Lafayette, Cannon Mountain, and the Kinsman Ridge, directly from your saddle or in the comfort of your sleigh. Don’t forget your camera!
- Sunset Stables in Lincoln, RI: Experience scenic trail rides through 600 acres of gorgeous Lincoln Woods State Park, 7 days a week all year long.
Visit the historic Scituate Art Festival
Every October for the last Fifty-five years the little country town of Scituate, Rhode Island has been home to the Scituate Art Festival. Discover antiques, original art work and photography, jewelry, arts & crafts, homemade goods and Live entertainment and traditional festival fair. The fair lends itself to a perfect Fall day, strolling through the downtown area and the Village Green, a great day out for the family.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
