This New England Fall Road Trip Is All About Local Color

Join the editors of Yankee magazine as we explore seven of the most picturesque foliage views around. Don’t miss the stunning colors of fall in New England.

It starts as early as mid-September. You can feel a change in the breeze or smell something new in the air. But in the North Country of New Hampshire, you can see it – those first dapples of color on the mountain ridges that let you know fall is on the way. From those high peaks to the lighthouses along the shores of the Atlantic, New England is alive with brilliant colors. They roll down from the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire and across the valleys of Vermont. They paint Massachusetts in crimson and gold, and by the end of October, the Autumn splendor meets the ocean in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Gorgeous color is never far away in New England, whether you’re looking for an urban stroll, a relaxing drive, or a thrilling hike. There are, however, some views that are simply breathtaking. One of our favorite spots is in Maine, where you can relax and take in the panoramic vista of the sparkling ocean and fiery foliage. Birch, aspen, maple, oak, and beech trees fill the coastline with color. And when you get hungry, you can kick back at a seafood shack and claim some of the best lobster of the year, then visit one of the handful of award-winning wineries nearby. In Vermont, the onset of fall foliage also marks the end of the region’s bountiful growing season. Farmstands and markets offer an edible rainbow of red-orange tomatoes, jewel-like yellow raspberries, giant blue Hubbard squashes, purple cabbages, and world-class local cheeses. And while antique shops and a 24-acre corn maze are worthy attractions, a week-long fall festival will give you the chance to dance to live music, enjoy a parade, and shop at craft sales. That’s a fall festival you don’t want to miss. And the best way to find out more about it, and discover the perfect selfie stop, scenic drive, and quaint fall destinations is to read Peak Perfection: How to Find Peak Foliage Color in New England. Of course, fall colors aren’t just in the forest. Stunning foliage comes with the university culture in Massachusetts. A funky, bohemian vibe permeates the scenery with indie music, film screenings, book readings, and artisanal coffee. You won’t find sleepy B&Bs here, but the swaths of woods and farmland, and the surrounding mountains provide plenty of opportunities for panorama-laden hikes.

For those who prefer pavement over paths, you can walk the tree-lined neighborhoods dotted with dining and shopping in one New England town. Stroll the streets and take in the historical architecture of restored colonial homes and grand mansions, 100-year-old elm trees and plenty of showstopping red maples. The changing leaves share space with street art, large murals, independent shops and restaurants, and an expansive farmers market and craft fair. For leaf peepers craving urban comforts, it doesn’t get much better than this. Where are these magical places? Read Peak Perfection: How to Find Peak Foliage Color in New England to find out. Your Yankee All-Access Charter Membership gives you instant access to all seven dramatic locations in Peak Perfection: How to Find Peak Foliage Color in New England. Plus you get the insider’s guide to tons more fall foliage drives, antique shopping stops, quaint New England towns, local restaurants, romantic inns, family-friendly excursions, and exciting destinations, all as part of the Yankee Special Collection: Fall Destinations. Discover your new favorite day trips, weekend getaways, hidden treasures, and more all across New England. This is the ultimate guide to fall foliage and fun in New England. Find out more in our Yankee Special Collection: Fall Destinations Discover the best scenic views in New England in our Yankee Special Collection: Fall Destinations. With your Yankee All-Access Charter Membership, you have full access to everything in the Yankee Special Collection: Fall Destinations, including:

• Over 125 events, hikes, destinations, museums, vistas, resorts, inns, drives, and restaurants you don’t want to miss, in 10 Perfect Fall Weekends in New England
• Quiet spots throughout New England where you can get off the beaten path and discover your own favorite view, in New England Foliage Without the Crowds
• 10 New England Foliage Towns Not to Miss This Fall, where you can discover your new favorite apple picking spot, wander into unique small shops, and fulfill your dream of finding the best apple cider donut
• Driving directions to some of the most vibrant foliage in each New England state, in 6 Slow Drives Through Fall Color

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