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Here’s your New England fall travel destination lineup
The best New England towns to visit, plus festivals, tours, markets, and more to look forward to this fall.
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While driving to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire with my husband and daughter for a getaway at beautiful Newfound Lake, we made a quick gas stop in Hooksett that took a delightful turn upon spotting the Common Man Roadside Donut Shop. The smell was intoxicating and I soon faced an excellent problem: plain, cinnamon and sugar, maple glazed cider, pumpkin, or chocolate? I went with cinnamon and sugar and boy were they delicious. Bring on cider doughnut season!
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This week, I’m writing about a Vermont fall festival adding more foliage train rides this year, a massive vintage shopping event in Rhode Island, unexpected fall getaways across the region, money-saving tips for September travel, and more.
12 unexpected New England towns to visit this fall
Fall getaways at iconic New England towns such as Stowe, Vermont and North Conway, N.H. are never a bad idea. But there are many other regional towns worth visiting this season and here are 12 of them. I agree with the North Andover recommendation, as my family has enjoyed spending time at the charming Smolak Farms and beautiful Stevens Coolidge House and Gardens.
Great hiking spots across Massachusetts this fall
Fall hikes in New England are made even better by our outstanding fall foliage. My family loves hiking and enjoys exploring new trails. If you, like us, need help narrowing down the perfect leaf peeping path, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has shared the following nine recommended spots.
Look inside Sheraton Boston after a $100 million renovation
Back Bay’s Sheraton Boston has a new look for its 60th anniversary. Peek inside, where visitors can now enjoy a refreshed lobby, guest rooms, and pool deck. Who doesn’t love a great hotel pool and this one, billed as Boston’s largest hotel lap pool, has a retractable roof, private cabanas, and a curated pool deck menu.
Travel Tips
- There are so many reasons for exploring Salem this season, including checking out The House of the Seven Gables, just ranked the best historical home tour in the U.S. by Newsweek.
- Due to high demand, the Fall for St. Johnsbury festival in downtown St. Johnsbury, Vermont is adding more foliage train rides to its annual event taking place this year Oct. 11-12. Seven 45-minute rides, operated by Vermont Rail Systems, will leave from the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center per day.
- For those who enjoy thrifting (raises hand), Little City Thrifty Vintage Market, one of the largest curated indoor vintage shopping events in New England, returns to Providence, R.I. Oct. 4-5 at the WaterFire Arts Center. Visitors can shop more than 90 vintage booths full of clothing, home decor, records, art, and more.
Deals and Steals
- Attention, campers: Save money this season with Campspot during its Escape Into Fall Sale taking place Sept. 8-14. Campers can save up to 40% off 225 campgrounds across the U.S. by using the code FALLESCAPE at checkout.
- For a discount getaway in Maine, get 20% off stays at The Wanderer in Kennebunk between Sept. 1 and Oct. 25 when booking a minimum of three nights. Blackout dates and room type restrictions may apply.
- Visit a national park for free on Sept. 27, which is National Public Lands Day. The day is one of seven fee-free days at national park sites in 2025.
Discover how to save more money during New England travel in September.
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I’ll leave you with this photo I took of the Common Man Roadside Donut Shop in Hooksett, N.H.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
— Kristi
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