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Here are New England’s best Halloween towns (that aren’t Salem)
As Salem reaches peak season, avoid the crowds by visiting one of these 12 other Halloween towns.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six. Apple season is upon us and if you’re still trying to figure out where to go, I’ve got the dirt on dozens of local orchards. This week, I’m also sharing fun Halloween towns that aren’t Salem, why travelers think Provincetown is losing its charm, an opportunity for a free lobster, and more.
Plan your apple orchard outing this month
Massachusetts has plenty of orchards full of fruit and fall fun. I recently took the family to Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury for all the fall things (more on that next week). Check out this ultimate Mass. apple orchard guide, full of pricing, activities, and more, before planning your fall excursion.
Salem too crowded for you? Check out these Halloween towns instead
Yes, Salem reigns supreme when it comes to Halloween fun (and if you’re going, here’s everything you need to know about Halloween season in Salem this year), but there are plenty of other New England towns full of spooky spirit and I’ve rounded up 12 of them. Also, for fans of ghost tours, four of the nation’s best are here in New England.
Is Provincetown losing its charm?
I asked readers if they think Provincetown is losing its charm after The Boston Globe wrote about the town’s unique inns declining in number and 66% of nearly 300 people said yes. One reader said, “It is now a plastic, soulless, Disneyland version of the old Provincetown.” Ouch. What do you think?
Travel tips
Looking for the season’s best colors? Check out the top places to see fall foliage in Boston and across Massachusetts.
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The city of Lowell is hosting a family-friendly Monster Bash & Fall Fest on Oct. 25, where kids can trick-or-treat at more than 40 businesses and explore a not-so-scary haunted house. And for the adults: live music, food trucks, and craft beer.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is back at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, R.I., where visitors can follow a pumpkin trail lined with more than 5,000 jack-o-lanterns as well as zip line and ride an illuminated paddle boat, all happening through Nov. 2.
Deals and steals
If your birthday falls in October, you’re in luck (if you like lobster): Summer Shack is giving away a free 1-pound lobster to patrons born between Oct. 1-31. The deal is for dine-in at the Cambridge location only and does not include gratuity. Birthday guests must show I.D.
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White Mountain Hotel & Resort in North Conway, N.H. is offering a Golden Age Discount for guests age 60 and above. Seniors get 20 percent off the best available rate Sunday through Thursday and amenities include a year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
Need ski gear for the upcoming season? Grab new or used equipment at ski swaps and sales across New Hampshire this fall.
Discover more travel deals across New England in October. Looking for things to do in Boston? Discover 10 free things to do in Boston in October.
I’ll leave you with this photo I took at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury over the weekend.
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 Palma
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