Eleven foliage filled locations

With fall upon us, the season has come to explore the outdoors and take in scenes of foliage one can find throughout New England. Here is a list of eleven locations to make it to before the final leaves fall.

Colorful fall foliage found and photographed near campus. Photo courtesy of Deb Spence

1. Honey Pot Hill Orchards-

This farm is located in Stow which is about 35 minutes west of campus. The orchard opened almost 100 years ago in 1926 and is still thriving today. Honey Pot Hill Orchards has about 186 acres of land and has various activities to do throughout the day, including apple picking, hayrides, various mazes, and even farm animals. If you are looking to have fun on a farm with a bunch or your friends, consider Honey Pot Hill Orchards.

2. Witch's Woods Haunted Hayride & Halloween Screampark-

As we get ready for October, getting in the Halloween spirit naturally follows. Witch’s Woods Screampark at Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford definitely gets you into that mentality. It is a short drive of almost 35 minutes northwest of Lasell, this attraction has everything from haunted hayrides and various walkthroughs like “Castle Morbid”, “Vampire Passage”, “3D Keeper’s Crypt” and “Horrorwood Chamber of Chills”

3. Kancamagus Scenic Byway-

This highway is perfect if you want to take a lot of photos of fall foliage. This road starts in Conway, NH and ends in Lincoln, NH. The road also has no businesses, no gas stations, no restaurants, and no hotels. It is a 34.5-mile-long drive from Carroll County to Grafton County but also has plenty of stops off the exits to discover over a dozen hiking trails, and a handful of campgrounds. So, if you are interested in having no cell service and enjoying the company of your fellow passengers, then take this highway.

4. Hanson’s Farm-

This nearby farm in Framingham has a lot of attractions that are fun for anyone who visits. It includes fruit picking, ice cream, farmer’s market, animals, corn and sunflower mazes, a hayride, and a pumpkin patch. The mazes will cost twenty dollars for adults, but everything else is free. In addition, each adult that enters the maze will receive a free small sugar pumpkin. It is less than half an hour west of Lasell, so come on down.

5. Cow Cuddling-

If you have ever wanted to cuddle a cow ,travel to Granite Oak Farm in Goffstown, NH. You can go on their website and book a specific cow you would like to cuddle. Their names are Merl, Mocha, and Moscato, on their website you can learn more about the cow you can cuddle with.

A colorful hillside of foliage near Lexington. Photo courtesy of Deb Spence

6. Salem-

This is where the infamous Salem Witch Trials took place and is a popular tourist destination during Halloween season. With museums, shops, tours around the city, parks, and plenty of food, this is a perfect spot for anyone looking for a weekend away. Some of the most famous spots are the Salem Witch Village, Derby Square, Peabody Essex Museum, and Boat Tours to Baker’s Island and its lighthouse. Even with a 40-minute drive, it is still worth the hike.

7. Canobie Lake Park-

Known as one of the greatest amusement parks which is located in Salem, NH this fall season they will once again unleash “Screamfest”. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until October 30, the park will be open for visitors of all ages. There will be five haunted houses to explore, a series of live shows with wonderful performances, and all the rides and attractions that Canobie has to offer. General Admissions cost $49 on Fridays and Sundays, and $59 on Saturdays.

8. Topsfield Fair-

This park is only 40 minutes away from Lasell, and it’s worth the drive. If you are looking for something to do before October 10, go to the Topsfield Fair! There’s rides and games in the Midway, performances by the famous Flying Wallendas and country music all-star Trace Adkins, and outstanding carnival food. Other fun parts of the fair include a variety of animals to visit, produce and flowers to purchase, and other fun animal demonstrations in the arena.

9. The Berkshires-

This region in Western Massachusetts including towns such as North Adams, Stockbridge and Lenox is perfect for anyone looking for a getaway. Explore foliage, take hikes, stay in a cozy cabin, and go to special events. There will be a handful of festivals and fairs, plenty of farm related activities, and great farm-to-table dining. There are also canoe tours and ziplines for anyone looking for an adventurous activity.

10. Acadia National Park-

Located near Bar Harbor, ME, this is New England’s only national park. It is also commonly visited by tourists for its wonderful views of foliage, and adventurous hikes. If you are willing to make a five-hour drive, you will be rewarded with the majesty of Acadia and everything it offers.

11. White Mountains-

Hosting some of the biggest mountains in the Northeast, the White Mountain Range, surrounding forests, and attractions offer some of the best views in the country, especially during peak foliage season. With small towns and railroads around the area to the summit of Mount Washington, it is a getaway to remember. Go to Alpine Adventures in Laconia, NH and take the best ziplines. Take the Conway Scenic Railway and explore foliage, and of course, the previously mentioned Kancamagus Highway.