From scenic byways and hikes that reward stunning fall vistas to charming and historic coastal towns and big-city cultural offerings, New England has something for any type of traveler. Here are five great destinations for a New England fall getaway.
Lincoln, New Hampshire blends the charms of Main Street with the awe of the surrounding mountain landscape. Take a hike through Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. From the base of Mount Liberty, a couple-mile hike will guide you through the gorge, with granite walls on each side. The Flume Covered Bridge is another worthy hike-to destination. This 50-foot covered bridge, constructed in the late 1800s, oozes with romantic charm.
If all the outdoor adventures have you craving a great meal, stop in one of many spots downtown, including the Gypsy Cafe and Black Mtn. Burger Co.
Leave civilization behind and take a drive along the Kancamagus Highway, a roughly 35-mile stretch along Route 112 in New Hampshire that’s celebrated for its colorful patchwork of fall foliage. Don’t expect gas stations and restaurants at every exit: This scenic byway is all about showcasing the area’s untouched natural beauty.
Book your stay at Woodwards White Mountain Resort, BW Signature Collection.
The Constitution State may be known for its picturesque New England towns and stunning foliage in the fall, but for museum buffs and lovers of literature, Hartford, Connecticut, is a compelling metropolitan destination, too. At the Mark Twain House & Museum, get a glimpse into the life of the famed author and his wife, who lived in this impressive 25-room house, built in 1874 by architect Edward Tuckerman Potter.
Similarly, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center honors the life, works, and legacy of the author, famous for her landmark novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Still want to do some leaf peeping? Take the Hartford West Loop for a 90-minute road trip packed with state parks, local wine, farms, and of course, colorful fall foliage.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus New England Inn & Suites.
Cape Cod is a well-known summer destination, but as temperatures cool, leaves begin to change, and crowds disperse, fall in Cape Cod is a solid getaway, too. While people may not take to the waters or beaches as much in the fall, they do take to the streets for annual festivals.
Wellfleet OysterFest takes place annually in mid-October, as does the popular Oktoberfest in Chatham, which also hosts Pumpkin People in the Park. Sandwich is home to the annual SandwichFest, featuring local art and crafts, beer and wine tastings, activities for the kids, and more. Cape Cod Brew Fest showcases beers from over 50 breweries, plus food vendors and live music.
Cape Cod also celebrates the region’s culture in a variety of ways. With over 25 local theaters in the region, featuring classics, Broadway shows, and revues, live performances are always a good choice. The Cape Cod Museum of Art houses seven galleries that showcase the Cape’s best artists. Maestro Jung-Ho Pak leads the Cape Symphony in performances including both masterworks and pops series at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis.
Book your stay at Aiden by Best Western @ Cape Point.
Located in northwestern Vermont, on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont—home of the University of Vermont—is a charming place to visit any time of year. Downtown’s Church Street Marketplace is a public square packed with shopping, dining, and arts.
For stunning leaf-peeping, head over to Ethan Allen Park, named for the famed native Revolutionary War figure, and climb up the 40-foot stone tower. From the top, you’ll be able to take in views of Lake Champlain, the surrounding Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks.
Fall also means apple season in Vermont. Make a trip to nearby Shelburne Orchards, a 60-acre, family-owned orchard popular for adventures in apple picking in September and October. Don’t miss a sample of fresh apple cider or a cider doughnut.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Windjammer Inn & Conference Center.
In Newport, Rhode Island, interactive farms, second-to-none seafood, and popular museums, await. Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins at one of several area farms. At Simmons Farm, feed the goats that help produce handcrafted soft cheese on this 120-acre family farm.
In October, the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival has been an anticipated fall culinary event for over 30 years. Rainy day? Museums are another option while in Newport. From sailing and art to tennis and cars, the town has tons of indoor fun, too.
Book your stay at Best Western Airport Inn.