Must-Visit Fall Favorites
If you're traveling to New England to experience fall, you'll enjoy the best of the season visiting destinations across Central Massachusetts. Here are our top tips for making the most of your experience this autumn:
monumental autumn views
If you’ve yet to experience it, or are simply craving it from years past, you’ll find yourself in awe of the foliage that graces the region. Every monument becomes a backdrop, and visits to spots like Bancroft Tower and Old Stone Church become an immersive experience not to be missed. Stroll through, snap some photos or simply soak in the history among beauty.
walks and hikes we love
Wachusett Mountain stands steadily as a Central Mass. staple during every season, and fall is no exception. There’s no shortage of seasonal festivals at the Mountain, from Oktoberfest to Apple Fest, or you can take in the stunning views by simply hiking the trails. Josti’s Vista sits notably on the Mountain, offering a rare rainbow view of the season’s foliage. Wachusett Reservoir is another local natural gem to explore, comprised of trails that weave through sections of Boylston and West Boylston, with beautiful bursts of color found throughout October and November.
sipping the season
All the foliage and festivities may leave you craving a moment of pause (and potentially, a glass of wine). The beautiful Agronomy Farm Vineyard is open weekends, Friday through Sunday, and Hardwick Vineyard offers seasonal selections—like their award-winning Pioneer Pumpkin wine—seven days a week. With live music and featured food trucks, you’ll find yourself making a day of it.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes offering delightful seasonal specials. Check out a short list for tips on where to find the best.
fall at the zoo
It’s never a dull moment in Mendon, where fall favorites at Southwick’s Zoo are back in action this year. Experience events like The Great Jack O'Lantern Journey, as well as the beloved Harvest Fest bringing farmers market vendors together with live entertainment.
spooky sweets
For the dessert fiends out there (if Halloween candy feels too far away!) try Bean Counter Bakery or a classic Table Talk Pie for seasonally inspired goods. Stop in for a warming beverage, pick up a treat made with care and enjoy outside amid your adventures.
family-focused festivities
Phantoms by Firelight over at Old Sturbridge Village runs weekends through October, an opportunity for families and kiddos to enjoy “spooky delights”—from bats and bonfires to candy and cauldrons. And you can explore the wonders of the natural world as the seasons change at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill with the Enchanted Weekend, during which child-sized fairy houses transform The Ramble, a 1.5-acre whimsical woodland garden for children and families.
