With summer coming to an end, and fall creeping in on us, it's time to trade your beach towel and swimsuit for a jacket and boots. Fall in Massachusetts proves to be beautiful every year, and this year is no different. As the leaves change color, the temperature cools off, and the fall decor goes up, be sure to plan a few visits to some festive, fun places around Massachusetts during September, October, and November.
(Photograph from lonelyplanet.com)
1. Salem
If you haven't made a trip to Salem during the fall, you need to. Salem is fully decorated in celebration of Halloween for the entire month of October, but aside from its spooky decorations, there are so many seasonal activities to explore while visiting historic Salem. Each year from October 1st to October 31st, the Salem Haunted Happenings takes place throughout the town. Salem welcomes you to enjoy ghost tours, haunted houses, walking tours, trolley rides, museums, parades, and much more. Bonus points for Salem if you're a fan of Hocus Pocus! Many portions of the movie were filmed there, and you can visit a lot of the locations by foot.
(Photograph from lonelyplanet.com)
2. Tougas Family Farm
It's pumpkin season, and that means it's time to carve a Jack-o'-lantern! This fall, round up a few friends or family members, and take a ride to Tougas Family Farm, located in Northborough Massachusetts. During mid-September to late October, you can scope out the best pumpkin on the patch, grab a pie from the Farm Store, and munch on a delicious apple cider donut.
(Photograph from alltrails.com)
3. Mount Sugarloaf
Are you a fan of foliage? Or just love a good hike in the crisp autumn air? Then you're in luck! Mount Sugarloaf offers great views overlooking the beautiful fall foliage of the Connecticut River Valley. Whether you're looking for a moderate hike to get the blood pumping or a place to admire western Massachusetts's natural beauty, Mount Sugarloaf is the place for you. Throw a couple Cod'r craft cocktails into your backpack to sip on at the summit, and you'll have yourself a great fall day.
(Photograph from wcvb.com)
4. The Big E
Mark your calendars from September 16th to October 2nd. In West Springfield, Massachusetts, The Big E is an annual event that attracts people near and far every fall season. From amusement park rides, live music, and a farmers market, to various competitions, an automobile show, and a whole array of food vendors to eat from, The Big E will keep you busy as soon as the gates open until well after sundown. Be sure to go early, arrive hungry, and buy your tickets in advance for a discounted price.
(Photograph from weneedavacation.com)
5. Cape Cod Beaches
After all the tourists and summer vacationers travel back home after Labor Day Weekend, Cape Cod beaches open up and parking fees vanish. Fall is the perfect time to grab a few blankets, a bite to eat, and a couple of your favorite flavored Cod'rs into a bag and hit the beach for a nice Saturday night sunset. Although the water may be too cold to swim in during the fall, the beach never gets old, no matter what time of year you visit. Refer to our last blog post for a list of beaches where we recommend watching the sunset.
Finish off the day at any of the 5 best places we recommend visiting during autumn in Massachusetts with a Cod'r, and you'll be sure to have yourself a festive, fun fall! If you need a place to stay, search for vacation rentals at capecodvacationrentals.com!