Sign up for Scenic Six
Navigate the endless possibilities of New England travel with Boston.com.
Here is your New England fall weekend itinerary
Plus: Best cider doughnuts, apple orchard getaways, Topsfield Fair, and more.
You’re reading Scenic Six, Boston.com’s guide to New England travel. Sign up to get hidden gems, travel tips, and must-visit spots in your inbox every week.
Welcome back to Scenic Six. The fall season is officially here and I’ve got plenty of ideas for how to soak up the season. Find out where to get the best cider doughnuts, discover romantic apple orchard getaways, get information about this year’s Topsfield Fair, and save money this fall on a trip to coastal Maine.
Build your fall weekend around these cider doughnut destinations
New England is full of delicious cider doughnuts and scenic towns with no shortage of fall fun, so why not plan a road trip or weekend getaway around your mission for the sweet treat? Based on reader recommendations, check out six New England cider doughnut spots and reasons why you should road trip there.
Why you should explore an ‘underrated’ Massachusetts town
World Atlas has named eight “underrated” towns in Massachusetts, saying they are “where the real magic happens.” One of them is Rockport, a favorite day trip destination for my family. We love hiking Halibut Point State Park and walking Bearskin Neck.
Enjoy a romantic weekend at the apple orchard
How does picking apples by day and enjoying a cozy dinner for two, champagne, and firelight by night sound? If you’re seeking quality time with a loved one that will give you all the fall feels, check out the following three romantic apple orchard getaways in New England.
Travel Tips
- The Topsfield Fair, America’s oldest agricultural fair, returns to Topsfield Oct. 3-13 with carnival rides, food, live music, rodeos, art shows, exhibits, and nearly 300 vendors.
- Enjoy the sounds of more than 30 bands playing in the street at the free Honk! Festival in Somerville Oct. 9-12. The festival is celebrating its 20th year.
- For those seeking an epic farm experience this fall, Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Conn. was recently named the best apple orchard in America and Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant, Maine was named the best corn maze in America by USA Today readers.
Deals and Steals
- Get up to 30% off your coastal Maine stay during Kennebunkport Resort Collection’s annual Hotel Week, taking place Nov. 2-16. Enjoy waived resort fees at the five boutique hotels and rates that begin at $99 per night.
- Don’t want to cook this Thanksgiving? Take advantage of Summer Shack’s annual Thanksgiving Meal Deal (now in its 20th year). Those who order before Oct. 1 will receive a $50 voucher to use on a future visit.
- Discovery Museum’s “First Friday Nights Free” program returns Oct. 3, bringing free admission to visitors at the Acton museum on the first Friday night of each month between 4:30 and 8 p.m. The program runs through June.
Discover how to save more money during New England travel in September.
Advertisement:
I’ll leave you with this photo of goats at Sage Farm Goat Dairy in Stowe, Vermont, taken by our senior content producer, Heather Alterisio.
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
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com