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• Halfway to Halloween Horror Movie Trivia Night May 2 (Plymouth, MA)
• The Midnight Games May 5 (Fall River, MA)
• The Deadwicks' Ethereal Faire: Cirque Du Lune (21+) May 10 (Ipswich, MA)
• The Deadwicks' Ethereal Faire: Cirque Du Lune May 11 (Ipswich, MA)
• The Midnight Games May 11 (Fall River, MA)

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Halloween New England feeds your inner monster with our interactive attraction guides to Haunted Houses, Trails, Flashlight and Haunted Corn Mazes, Haunted Hayrides, Ghost and Haunted History Tours, Horror Film Screenings, Costume Stores, Pumpkin Patches, and much more. We offer the most complete calendar of regional Halloween events anywhere to help you find pumpkin festivals, costume contests, graveyard walks, classic horror films, and much more!

September and October are when our historic region teems with Halloween fun, thrills, and adventures. Whether it is spine-tingling haunted trails, stomping through pumpkin patches, bumping along on a haunted hayride, or reveling in Salem’s pageantry that you crave, Halloween New England makes it easy to find everything you love about the season in one single place.   You've finally found a Halloween website  for  New Englanders,  by  New Englanders.

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HALLOWEEN NEW ENGLAND

Feed Your Inner Monster at New England's # 1 Website for Halloween Events, Haunted Houses, Haunted Corn Mazes, Haunted Hayrides, Pumpkin Patches, Ghost Tours, Horror Film Screenings, Halloween Supplies and Costume Stores.

25+ Frightful Halloween Events in New England for 2023

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Halloween in New England is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. From the spooky hauntings in Salem , Massachusetts , to the eerie coastal towns of Maine , you can enjoy the wonders of fall with a mix of frightful fun.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly events or after-dark thrills, there’s something for everyone this Halloween season in New England. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of our favorite events and attractions across the region so you can make the most of this magical time.

Here are the best Halloween events in New England!

Table of Contents

Halloween Events in New England

Halloween events in vermont, queen city ghostwalk in burlington.

One of the best Vermont Halloween events is the Queen City Ghostwalk ! This takes place in Burlington and has been going on since 2002, so you could pretty much say it’s a tradition at this point.

The tours begin in 2023, and tickets should be purchased in advance. The tours are fully outdoors. It’s consistently rated as one of the best spooky outdoor guided tours, and the tour guides are well-loved.

Read Next: 15 Haunted Places in Vermont: Ghosts & Paranormal Activity 👻

Hathaway Farm Corn Maze in Rutland

Head up north to Rutland , Vermont, to enjoy one of the state’s best corn mazes. Hathaway Farm Corn Maze is open during the fall months where you can go out and try to escape the maze on your own.

For a fun time, get involved in the Maze Scavenger Hunt. It’s always a fun challenge to partake in! Be sure to also stop by the on-site farm store where you can purchase some of the best maple syrup.

Dead North Farmland of Terror in Danville

Dead North Farmland of Terror in Danville has been going on for years! This is definitely one of the spookiest events, as you’ll walk for about a mile through straight terror. Get spooked as you meander through a dark cornfield plastered with special effects, animatronics, and more.

Some years, there’s even a short ride included. If you get hungry when spooked out, don’t worry. There’s normally food available for purchase before and after the event – last year, they had treats from the Boy Scouts.

Note that this is definitely one of the scarier Vermont attractions. It’s not recommended for younger children.

Nightmare Vermont in South Burlington

Head to South Burlington for one of Vermont’s best Halloween attractions at Nightmare Vermont . This is a charity Halloween event that is a combination of many things – think combat, interactive spookiness with special effects, and even an immersive theater. It started in 2004 and has been an annual event ever since.

Nightmare Vermont began to help support local charities, and in 2021 they even donated $30,000+ to the Champlain Vally Expo. In the past, they’ve also supported groups like Women Helping Battered Women and hurricane relief.

Reeve’s Haunted House in Essex

Essex, Vermont, is home to Reeve’s Haunted House. It’s recommended for those 10+ and they often have an early hour day where you can come earlier and experience it without any actors. (Which is perfect for kids!) When the actors are in place, though, it can get really freaky.

This is a self-guided haunted house, and it is a tour through more than ten different basement rooms that have been decorated. Prepare to be spooked!

Halloween Events in New Hampshire

White mountain oktoberfest in lincoln.

That’s right – New Hampshire has it’s own White Mountain Oktoberfest. This Halloween event is anything but spooky but always takes place during the month of October. It’s normally a 3-day weekend special event in Lincoln .

If you love German food and beer, then this is an event you won’t want to miss. You’ll be able to get close to the Bavarian traditions (or as close as you can get from New England) and enjoy tasty brats and beer. What more could you want?

Brew Festival in Bretton Woods

Brew Fest is an annual event in Bretton Woods. It’s another Halloween event that isn’t super spooky but still deserves a spot on this list because it has all the fall vibes. During this festival, you can try tasty drinks from many of New England’s best breweries.

Historically, the first 100 people to show up also get a commemorative glass. The event normally takes place during the month of November.

Read Next: 13 Most Haunted Places in New Hampshire: Paranormal Activity

Haunted Acres in Epping

Head to Epping to take part in Haunted Acres! They have a new theme every year, and in the past, they’ve had a graveyard theme and even an Area 52 theme. How fun is that?

During this event, you can explore haunted mazes, have drinks at the beer garden, or even ride a super long zip line. The entire area is spooky and dark, so hopefully you don’t get even more frightened when the lights are off! Don’t forget to take part in the haunted houses.

Fright Kingdom in Nashua

One of the best New Hampshire Halloween events is Fright Kingdom in Nashua , New Hampshire. This normally takes place in October and is one of the state’s best haunted house attractions, so you don’t want to miss it.

Tickets should be purchased in advance if you plan on attending. Some fun things they’ve done in the past include coffin rides, Krampus meetings, and of course, the haunted houses. (There’s normally 5 haunted houses going on at the same time – how fun is that?)

Halloween Events in Massachusetts

Halloween annual craft & vendor fair in chelmsford.

If you want a less spooky Halloween event, make your way to Chelmsford, Massachusetts. The Halloween Annual Craft & Vendor Fair is the perfect place to go where you can shop from more than 20 local vendors. Admission is normally free and there’s a cash bar and raffle table.

For fun, kids can dress up in costume and trick or treat at the different vendor stands. Usually, the first 100 kids or so will receive a complimentary gift, like a trick-or-treat bag or something else along those lines.

Haunted Happenings in Salem

Salem is the place to go for Halloween events in Massachusetts. You can’t miss out on the Haunted Happenings , which have been going on since 1982! The small town of Salem normally gets more than 500,000 visitors during this month, so they put on many special events.

With Haunted Happenings, stop by local museums, get spooked in haunted houses, go to special events, attend a night walking tour to get frightened, or even attend a seance or get a psychic reading.

Factory of Terror in Fall River

Fall River, Massachusetts, has its own special event with Factory of Terror . This is considered to be one of the best and scariest haunted houses, and sometimes they even do a special full-contact event if you’re into that and don’t mind extreme darkness and claustrophia.

To save money, be sure to buy your ticket online instead. You can normally save about $5 per ticket by doing this. 

Fright Fest in Six Flags New England Agawam

Six Flags across the country always get involved in some spooky events, and Fright Fest at Six Flags New England Agawam is no exception. During this event, go through scare zones (who knows, you might even see a ZOMBIE), get spooked in haunted houses, or even go on some spine-tingling rides in the dark.

Festival of the Dead in Salem

Another of Salem’s best Halloween events is Festival of the Dead . This is an annual event put on by Salem Warlocks where you will “step through the veil into a realm where spirits await.” How spine-chilling!

With this event, there are daily psychic readings at the witches’ market, a Halloween ball, and even story sharing circles at The Mourning Tea. 

The Official Halloween Bar Crawl in Boston

Obviously, this list of Halloween events in New England wouldn’t be complete without including one of the things Boston does best: a bar crawl. Throughout October, there are many pub and bar crawls throughout the city where you can go and jump from bar to bar!

Usually, you can dress up in fun costume with this event as you try out local brews from pub to pub. You may even be able to try a special Halloween ale or two!

Read Next: 13 Haunted Places in Massachusetts: Paranormal Hot Spots 👻

Halloween Events in Maine

Halloween bar crawl in portland.

Another city that has Halloween bar and pub crawls is Portland , Maine . In fact, the 6th annual one will be happening in 2023. The event normally takes place during Halloweekend, and be sure to don your best costume!

Fright at the Fort in Prospect

Fright at the Port is one of the more unique haunted attractions in Maine! This one takes place in Prospect, and after a two-year hiatus, returned in 2022. Recently, the theme was Stephen King !

This is a super scary haunted house that’s great for families and friends. Admission is normally $10 per person.

Trail of Terror at Aquaboggan Water Park in Saco

Another place that does great Halloween festivities is Aquaboggan Water Park in Saco , Maine. They have their own haunted walk, Trail of Terror. It’s usually rated as very scary and is best for kids age 9 and up. There’s normally an entire story made up to go along with the theme of the walk that year.

Read Next: 13 Creepy Haunted Places in Maine: Ghost Stories & Legends 👻

Farmington Fright Fest in Farmington

Farmington, ME, has its own Halloween event called Farmington Fright Fest . During this event, there’s usually three different haunted houses that you can enter, all for just one entry fee price. Plus, there’s many vendors on-site that you can purchase fun things from.

Halloween Events in Rhode Island

Seven cedars farm haunted hayride in smithfield.

Seven Cedars Farm has its own Haunted Hayride that’s tons of fun if you like being spooked. It’s right in Smithfield, and you’ll get taken through 21 acres of land for just $15 per person.

The event is normally on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of October, and there’s always a fun theme that helps tie it all together. One year they even did Jurassic Park!

Slater Park Haunted Tunnel in Pawtucket

One of the scarier attractions in Rhode Island is Pawtucket’s Slater Park Haunted Tunnel. It started out as a way to fundraise to help with the nearby farm’s animals and has since grown in popularity.

With this event, go through 200 feet of a concrete tunnel as you go through multiple rooms that are set up to spook. There’s also an on-site corn maze and pumpkin patch so the haunts can continue outdoors.

Read Next: 13 Wicked Haunted Places in Rhode Island: Real Life Hauntings 👻

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

For a family-friendly event, look no further than attending the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Zoon. It usually takes place throughout the month of October in the evenings, and is open no matter if it’s raining or not.

Throughout the event, you can walk around and check out some out-of-this-world pumpkins that have been carved to the nines. Your children may even recognize some of their favorite characters on them!

Halloween Events in Connecticut

Fright haven, stratford.

Stratford, Connecticut , has its own attraction called Fright Haven ! They like to say that there are more than 20,000 square feet of scares at this event – how spooky is that? This is said to be one of the best haunted houses in Connecticut.

In addition, Fright Haven has different events throughout the year, including a halfway-to-Halloween event in the springtime.

CT Horrorfest, Naugatuck

Connecticut’s Horrorfest in Naugatuck takes place every September! At this event, you can attend panels, shop from horror vendors, and even meet celebrities from horror media. In the past, they’ve had celebrities like Damien Leone and Cassandra Peterson attend.

Nightmare Acres, South Windsor

Nightmare Acres in South Windsor is an incredible haunted attraction for those who like to get spooked. Your worst nightmares will come to life during this event. It’s essentially a haunted trail that’s outdoors, and you’ll be frightened the entire way.

Phantom Fall Fest, Bristol

Last but certainly not least is Phantom Fall Fest in Bristol, Connecticut. This normally occurs on weekends in October, and they switch it up by having family-friendly activities during the day, while it gets more frightful at night.

During this event, you can check out scare zones, haunted houses, and even have spooky themed food. They like to say that  “the nights are for frights” and the “days are for play!”

Read Next: 13 Most Haunted Places in Connecticut: Ghosts & Ghastly Tales 👻

No matter what state you live in, there’s no shortage of spooktacular events to explore this Halloween season. From Maine all the way to Connecticut, New England has something for everyone looking for a good scare.

So if you’re looking for a frightfully fun time this Halloween, be sure to check out one of these amazing events throughout the region! We hope you enjoyed this post on the best Halloween events in New England.

Read these next:

• The Best New England Fall Foliage Tours Worth Your Money (2023)
• Fall in New England: The Best Towns, Orchards, Farms, Foliage, & Festivals
• 65 Magical Autumn Quotes – Inspiring Sayings About Fall
• New England Apple Picking: Top Spots in Each State
• New England Fall Road Trip: 8 Great Itineraries (+Bonus Ideas)
• 15 Haunted Hotels in New England To Stay in If You Dare
• 12 Charming New England Towns to Visit in the Fall

A New England Halloween Tour: Witches, Vampires & Phantoms (ft. Salem)

• INFORMATION
• BE LED BY...
• Trip Pricing

JOIN US OCT. 27TH- NOV. 5TH, 2024

10 days | starting at $4,595 (12-month payment plan option, starting at just around $382 per month).

Experience a spine-chilling Halloween in scenic New England on this 10-day tour centered around Salem, Massachusetts.

Encounter tales of witchcraft, explore historic sites, and delve into the supernatural. Led by international supernatural leaders Frightfully Good , you’ll embark on paranormal investigations armed with the latest ghost-hunting equipment. Uncover secrets as you communicate with spectral residents in iconic locations where legends meet reality.

(12-month payment plan option, starting at just around $382 per month!)

TREK LEVEL: 1 Low to moderate intensity, occasional walking, and slight elevation changes. (click here to learn more)

Experience: haunted explorations.

About Your Trip

🌙 step into the shadows of new england and salem’s haunted past 🌙.

Prepare to journey deep into the heart of the supernatural on our spine-tingling 10-day tour during the mystical week of Halloween. As the moon casts an eerie glow over New England, you’ll embark on a chilling adventure like no other.

👻 Guided by Renowned Practitioners

Our tour is led by international supernatural leaders and influencers. Frightfull Good , hailing from the ancient lands of Australia respectively, are distinguished practitioners in the realm of the paranormal. Their wisdom and expertise will guide you through the veil between the living and the dead.

🏛️ Explore Haunted Secrets

Wander through the cobblestone streets of Salem, Massachusetts,  and proximal small towns shrouded in undeniable mystery and history. Discover not only the well-known haunted sites but also hidden, forgotten corners where restless spirits linger, waiting to share their tales.

🕵️ Paranormal Investigations

Armed with the latest ghost-hunting equipment, you’ll venture into iconic locations where legends meet reality. Communicate with the spectral residents of these hallowed grounds and unlock the secrets they hold.

🎃 The Haunted Party

As the veil between worlds thins on Halloween night, join us for a Haunted Party like no other. Unearthly entertainment, mysterious elixirs, and a spectral ambiance will transport you to the realm of the supernatural. Dress in your most haunting attire, for the spirits may be watching.

🌌 New England’s Enchantment

Amidst your ghostly adventures, savor the beauty of New England’s fall foliage, explore picturesque landscapes, and savor local delicacies that will warm your soul.

✨ Limited Availability

This exclusive tour has but a few spots, ensuring an intimate, immersive experience for all who dare to join. Are you prepared to cross the threshold into the unknown?

This tour is not for the faint-hearted. It beckons those who seek the extraordinary, the unexplained, and the enigmatic. Beware, for you may find what you’re looking for and more in the shadows of New England and Salem.  Dare you to journey with us into the twilight of Halloween week? This is your chance to embrace the spectral energy that courses through New England and Salem, where every shadow is intentional and holds a story.

Welcome to our world in the most spectral time of the year, in one of the most haunted cities in America.

What's included / excluded, *** 10-day incredible package inclusions ***.

• Airport Transfers from and to Boston Logan International Airport
• 9 Nights of 3/4 Star Rated Hotel Accommodations
• Halloween Extravaganza party.
• Service charges and taxes at your hotels.
• Experienced tour guide and director during the duration of the trip.
• Fees for all venues and activities listed on the final itinerary
• 11 meals as described in the itinerary. This includes: A Breakfast each Morning, A Welcome Dinner, A Celebratory farewell dinner, a Luxury Coach with Expert Drivers
• Special Guests: Ambassadors including Frightfully Good leading us through Paranormal Experiences during this magical journey.
• Local historian tour guide with much interest and experience with the local haunts and regional lore.
• Use of Paranormal Investigation tools as made available (You may bring your own gear and protection tools)
• Snacks and soft drinks on the bus for longer transport days.
• Information of each location’s information, history, and tales of legends
• Our signature “Secret” whimsical surprise
• 24-Hour Emergency Customer Service
• A great group of fellow Mysterious Adventures Tours travelers, excited to explore all that Halloween has to offer!

*** PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS ***

• This is a Land Package only. Travel to/from Airfare, Bus, and rail Fare are not covered. (We will assist you in capturing the best route and rates.)
• Pre and Post Accommodations (may purchase separately; During the tour, accommodation not listed in the final itinerary)
• Any other destinations/services not listed on the final itinerary
• Any personal expenses, such as laundry, room service, mini bar, telephone, etc.
• Travel Insurance (recommended)
• Expenses incurred due to unforeseen travel disruptions such as catastrophic natural weather conditions/disasters, and local conditions (strikes, protests, political disturbances, etc.)
• Additional meals and drinks outside of the itinerary’s offerings, including alcoholic beverages
• Passport Fees
• Excess baggage fees
• Required (or elective) COVID-19 Testing
• Tips for MAT Tour Guide, location tour guides, Coach Driver, and hotel staff.

Where You'll Stay

Our accommodations.

• Incredible location close/near Salem Massachusetts (3/4 star quality)
• Spectacular location in Providence, Rhode Island

Our “Spectral Service” Package

Enjoy our personalized and enriched customer service, included with every booking at no additional cost: “our spectral service” package..

• Access to a private “Gateway” Portal: This is a private entry website, only for those traveling together on your tour. The Gateway will provide you with relevant information, resources,  and perks associated with the tour you have purchased.
• Private Livestreamed Live Gatherings: Four separate weekly Group Zoom Calls, 2 months prior to the tour, will be offered for you to attend. Each meeting is prepared to offer the information that most travelers need. Discussions of VISA requirements, money exchange, communicating internationally, and even what to pack will be held, to make you feel comfortable about such an important experience. Most importantly, here you will meet fellow travelers, exchange ideas, and even make plans together. Relationships are started and enriched with your fellow travelers!
• Flight Booking Assistance (Complimentary): Although we are not a travel agency, our experience will engage our skills to find you great flights! We offer a one-to-one session with someone on our team to suggest good flights that offer value and proper access to the destination. This will make sure that the arrival and departure times work well with the given itinerary.
• A Social Media (Facebook) Private Group Page: Communication is vital to share updates, ideas, notifications, and many other important segments in preparing for such an important experience. Facebook is the best place to do this, and it will be private only to our tour group. As we proceed to our destination, we will use a Chat Group that is pulled from this group to keep organized and well communicate with each other.

Terms, Policies & Recommendations

Terms of Agreement, Policies, and Recommendations  are offered for the purpose of assuring a safe, viable, and quality tour package. There are limitations, obligations, and responsibilities that we must make as Tour Operators to assure a most incredible experience at the most affordable package price.

These terms and conditions  constitute the entire understanding and agreement between you, the trip participant (“traveler”) (“Traveler”), and Mysterious Adventures Tours LLC (“Mysterious Adventures Tours”,” “we,” “our”, or “us”) with respect to any and all bookings, tours or transactions made with Mysterious Adventures Tours LLC.

Acceptance: By submitting a booking form and paying a deposit, and “checking off” the acceptance option on our checkout payment page, for yourself or the travel partner you are booking for you accept all of the terms in this agreement and direct us to perform services on your and any Travel Partner’s behalf.

NOTE: WHEN YOU BOOK THIS TRIP, IT CONFIRMS YOU READ OVER THE TERMS.

Read More….

Continue to View and Read the Entire “Terms, Policies, and Recommendations”.

LINK FOR REVIEW & DOWNLOAD

Flight (Please remember to book separately)

DAY 1- Welcome To New England! Providence, Rhode Island

DAY 2- Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Belcourt House

DAY 3- Old Sturbridge Village, Harrisville Cemetery

DAY 4- Supernatural Intensity of the Bridgewater Triangle

DAY 5- Welcome to Salem!

DAY 6- Exploring the Supernatural in Salem

DAY 7- Behold more of Salem's Wickedness & Lore!

DAY 8- Danvers, Rebecca Nurse Homestead,

DAY 9- Gloucester, Hammond Castle Museum, Dogtown Village

DAY 10- Good Bye New England!

Destination

From our gallery.

With over half a million visitors expected, the city is buzzing with parties, parades, vendor fairs, walking tours, museums, attractions, and special events.

DAY 1: Oct. 27, 2024

Breathtaking New England Welcomes you to her spookiest days!

We will start our adventure by embarking on an unforgettable journey through the shadowy heart of  providence, rhode island , where the past intertwines with the present and the eerie whispers of history beckon., 🍽️ included meal(s): breakfast and dinner, day 2: oct. 28, 2024.

The Legends of Rhode Island's History & Mansions are ready for you!

Today our journey begins at  chestnut hill cemetery , where centuries-old gravestones whisper secrets of the past that few know., day 3: oct. 29, 2024.

Challenge yourself with Paranormal Intensity

On this autumn day, we will continue our eerie explorations of rhode island with some of the most iconic properties in the supernatural world.,  🍽️ included meal(s): breakfast, day 4: oct. 30, 2024.

The Supernatural Intensity of the Bridgewater Triangle

Today we leave rhode island and journey up north into the wicked bowels of haunted massachusetts, 🍽️ included meal(s): breakfast, day 5: oct. 31, 2024.

Halloween Celebrated with It's Finest! Welcome to Salem!

On the most bewitching night of the year, when the ethereal veil is the thinnest, delve into the heart of salem, massachusetts, and uncover the chilling enigmas that can only be experienced here., day 6: nov. 1, 2024.

Exploring the Supernatural in Salem!

We’ve survived our halloween experience in salem, but nevertheless, our journey will continue as we continue to explore the wonder of salem., day 7: nov. 2, 2024.

Behold more of Salem's Wickedness & Lore!

Our journey commences today at the  joshua ward house , a dwelling steeped in unsettling legends., day 8: nov. 3, 2024.

Exploring the Original Salem

Our day begins in the original salem, now known as  danvers , where the eerie echoes of history still reverberate., day 9: nov. 4, 2024.

Gloucester, Hammon Castle Museum & Other Old Haunts

Our last full day together will be nothing less than spectacular spooky, day 10: nov. 5, 2024.

Good Bye New England!

Your Tour Ambassadors

Aussie's frightfully good.

• Awards 2020 – Female Paranormal Investigator of the Year (The Paranormal Awards USA)
• 2021 – Runner-Up Female Paranormal Investigator of the Year
• 2020 & 2021 Australian Ambassadors of the Year (Anne and Renata) 2021 – Best Podcast of the Year (True Hauntings)

Renata Daniel

Anne Rzechowicz

Double Occupancy (Shared): $4,595.00

Single occupancy: $5,595.00, sign in here.

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Salem, Massachusetts, Is an Iconic Halloween Destination — How to Plan a Trip

Here’s what you need to know to plan a spooky trip to Salem, Massachusetts this October.

Just an hour outside of bustling Boston, Salem attracts countless history-loving and thrill-seeking travelers for its fascinating — albeit infamous — history. “Salem is best known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, when 19 innocent men and women were hanged, accused of practicing,” says Stacia Cooper, interim director for Destination Salem . 

HABesen/Getty Images

Fast-forward 330-plus years later, the small city (population: 44,000) has become one of New England's most famous fall vacation destinations , especially around Halloween. While a trip here during spooky season is one for the books, be prepared to brace the crowds. Last October alone, Salem welcomed over 900,000 visitors. So, if you, like hundreds of thousands of others, are considering heading to Witch City during spooky season, fear not: We’ve rounded up the best things to see and do in Salem this Halloween — as well as expert tips and insight — so that you can make the most of your visit. 

JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images

Halloween Events in Salem 

While Salem is home to a slew of spooktacular events, attractions, and festivities all year long, the Haunted Happenings festival , which takes place every October, truly takes the cake.  According to Cooper, Haunted Happenings is “believed to be the largest celebration of Halloween in the world.” During this time, she says, “visitors can learn the history of the Salem Witch Trials, celebrate Halloween at a costume ball (there are ample to choose from ), and explore Salem’s witch shops.” Other can’t-miss events include the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade , psychic readings and seances, and The Salem Psychic Fair & Witches’ Market . Check out the official events calendar for a full rundown of this year’s festivities.

Spooky Things to Do in Salem 

It’s almost impossible to be bored in Salem — especially if you’re visiting in peak season around Halloween. Read on for a few of our favorite thrilling things to do in town. 

The best way to explore the city is arguably on foot, which is why Cooper recommends taking a walking tour. “There are dozens of thematic tour options that will provide you with an overview of Salem’s history [and] dive into the Salem Witch Trials history.” For one, you can’t go wrong with any of the guided ghost tours. Don’t feel like walking? Consider hopping aboard a trolley instead, which offers an equally fun experience. 

Haunted Houses

If you dare, step foot inside one of Salem’s haunted house attractions , including the Haunted Witch Village at The Salem Wax Museum . Open weekends in October, this haunted house is supposedly Salem’s largest and longest-running haunted attraction. Witch Mansion , which is open from May through October, is another option complete with witches, ghosts, vampires, and more.

Witch Shops

Historic downtown Salem is dotted with witch shops, most of which are within easy walking distance of one another. Visitors can pop into The Witchery to create their own brooms, attend bookbinding workshops, or sign up for tarot readings. At The Cauldron Black , travelers can sign up for a slew of spiritual consults, readings, and rituals, including an evil eye removal spell session to keep the bad vibes away. Lastly, Stardust Salem , Omen , Pentagram , and Hex all offer a wide selection of witchcraft supplies like candles, incense, and spell kits, to name a few.

Witch Museums 

Given its history, it is no surprise that Salem is home to several witch museums, including its Witch Museum , which has become one of the destination’s most beloved attractions. Housed in a former church, the museum offers immersive exhibitions to transport visitors back to 1692. Afterward, head to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial , which commemorates those who lost their lives as a result of the tragedy. Meanwhile, at the Witch Dungeon Museum , travelers have the unique opportunity to catch reenactments of the trials adapted from actual 1692 transcripts. Last but not least, no trip to Salem is complete without touring the Witch House , which is the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who helped investigate the so-called crimes. While unconfirmed, rumor has it that some of the examinations of the alleged witches — and their accusers — took place inside the house. 

Tips for Visiting Salem for Halloween

Put simply, says Cooper, visiting Salem in October requires savvy planning. “Accommodations book out a year in advance, and it is not uncommon for restaurants to have long waits.” That said, if you’re able, try to book everything — hotels, activities, dining reservations — as far in advance as you can. Speaking of lodging, staying somewhere downtown will be your best bet. In fact, some of Salem’s most popular attractions can be found within that same mile-long stretch, which means you can easily walk to and from the different shops and sights. If, for whatever reason, you’re unable to stay downtown, Cooper recommends taking public transportation since parking is near-impossible and traffic can be quite heavy. 

When to Visit 

“October is a great time to visit if you want to lean into the Halloween spirit, but the town will likely be crowded,” says Cooper. With this in mind, she’s also quick to note that Salem truly is an all-season destination. “There are festivals every month of the year, and most museums and attractions are open year-round,” she tells Travel + Leisure . 

So, while fall is arguably the most magical time to visit, it’s not the only option.  For example, those craving a quieter — albeit just as extraordinary — experience should consider visiting in late summer. What’s more, says Cooper, this is “a great time to visit and take advantage of the museums and landmarks” before the Halloween crowds begin to pick up. 

Where to Stay 

Staying downtown puts you within easy walking distance of Salem’s most notable attractions, and, fortunately, there are a handful of hotels here. The 40-room Salem Inn is spread across three historic homes in the heart of downtown, and two of the three buildings have outdoor courtyards and gardens. Take your stay to the next level by springing on a room with a Jacuzzi tub. Bonus: Breakfast is included in your room rate. 

The Merchant , which is part of Lark Hotels, is another excellent option — and history buffs will love that George Washington stayed here back in 1789. (The room where he stayed is now the hotel’s aptly named George Washington King Deluxe room.) Amenities include an outdoor second-floor deck, heated bathroom floors, en-suite gas fireplaces in every room, and complimentary daily breakfast. Also part of the Lark Hotels portfolio is the Hotel Salem , a 44-room property that features funky suites with pops of color plus an eclectic mid-century modern aesthetic. 

The Hawthorne Hotel is named after the famed American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne, who once lived in Salem. (Fun fact: The real House of the Seven Gables from his 1851 novel is located here, too).  With its central location, two on-site restaurants, and elegant accommodations, the property is another popular pick. Meanwhile,  The Daniels House , which dates back to 1667,  is known as Salem’s oldest inn. The rooms — some of which have luxe touches like tubs and four-poster beds — feature original beams, moldings, and wood floors.

If you don’t mind staying a few minutes away from downtown, The Coach House makes a great choice. The 1879 mansion-turned-boutique hotel has been completely reimagined with sleek rooms and suites featuring contemporary decor and a neutral color palette. 

Denis Tangney Jr/Getty Images

How to Get There

While you can easily drive to Salem from Boston and other nearby cities, Cooper recommends utilizing public transportation. “The MBTA Commuter Rail connects Salem with Boston, Gloucester, Rockport, and Newburyport, and there is a Salem Ferry with service between Boston and Salem,” she says. Meanwhile, those arriving by plane should note that the closest airport is Boston Logan International Airport (14 miles away), followed by Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire (46 miles).

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New England’s Dark Side: 10 Haunted Spots to Visit On Your Next Road Trip

by chelsea | Aug 18, 2016 | Haunted Houses , Haunted Places , Paranormal |

New England is home to some of the world’s most picturesque Fall scenery one will see,  but there’s an eerie side to this Northeastern region in the United States. With an endless amount of creepy destinations located throughout the six states that make up New England, some are more well-known than others and are said to have an enormous amount of paranormal activity.

Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or someone who enjoys a good scare around Halloween time, there’s something about these locations that are quite intriguing, causing people to gain interest on the subject. Take a peek below at these 10 truly haunted spots in New England and start planning your spooky road trip!

The Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, Massachusetts Now operating as a ghost-themed bed and breakfast, this home was once the residence of Lizzie Borden, a girl who was accused of the 1892 ax- murder of her father and stepmother. Lizzie’s father, Andrew Borden was a member of high society, which caused Lizzie to never return to the home after her trial and acquittal. In 1896, the house number was changed from 92 to 230 and has operated as a bed and breakfast since 1996. Reports say that the most requested room is the room where Abby Borden, Lizzie’s stepmother, was found murdered. The Fall River Historical Society currently promotes the home as a tourist attraction . Witnesses have reported seeing apparitions and have heard strange noises at the location.

Photo by WBUR Boston’s NPR News Station, via Flickr | https://www.flickr.com/photos/wbur/2739401554

Emily’s Bridge – Stowe, Vermont Also known as the Stowe Hollow Bridge, or Gold Brook Covered Bridge, the wooden, covered structure has quite a history surrounding it. Dating back to 1844, the bridge has witnessed some tragic incidences, including the death of a young woman, who is said to linger the area in spirit. Locals have reported eerie occurrences while near the bridge, including mysterious banging sounds that echo throughout the bridge, screams, footsteps, laughter, squeaking rope and scratch marks that appear on parked vehicles. Some have also reported seeing a white apparition that floats near the entrance of the bridge.

Photo by Gexydaf, via Flickr | https://www.flickr.com/photos/gexydaf/1262501437

The Sterling Opera House – Derby, Connecticut Dating back to 1889, this opera house was constructed by the same architect who designed the famous Carnegie Hall in Manhattan and became abandoned in the 1960’s. Believed to be truly haunted, the destination was investigated on an episode of Ghost Hunters in 2011 and many have reported suspicious occurrences at the location. Among the reports include orbs, shadowy figures and objects that move on their own. The opera house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1968.

Photo by Doug Kerr, via Flickr | https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougtone/4965587257

The Houghton Mansion – North Adams, Massachusetts Once featured on an episode of The Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventure’s, this mansion has been transformed into a Masonic temple that is said to be haunted. The home dates back to 1897 and was owned by Mayor Albert Charles Houghton, a real estate entrepreneur from Vermont. A tragic car accident occurred, killing family members and friends of Houghton, which was said to cause the suicide of his chauffeur just nine days after the horrific event. The chauffeur is rumored to linger the home to this day, along with Houghton himself and his daughter, Mary. Paranormal investigations are available at the location for those who are interested in seeking out the ghosts themselves!

Photo by Houghton Mansion Ghost Tours, via Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/571215622972789/photos

Pine Hill Cemetery (Blood Cemetery) – Hollis, New Hampshire One of the most well-known haunted cemeteries in all of New England, this old cemetery was established back in the 1700’s and is really named The Pine Hill Cemetery, but frequently goes by its nickname, Blood Cemetery. The name is attributed from the Blood family who is buried in the central region of the cemetery. According to the cemetery’s website , many believe Abel Blood wanders the grounds in spirit, his headstone a popular spot for paranormal researchers to study. There have been a number of investigations at Blood Cemetery, some where EVP’s have been recorded and orbs have been spotted. If interested in taking a look around, be sure to do so during daylight hours, the cemetery is closed from dusk to dawn and is sometimes patrolled by police, especially during the Halloween Season.

Photo by Lorianne DiSabato, via Flickr | https://www.flickr.com/photos/zenmama/1526677113

Captain Grant’s 1754 – Preston, Connecticut Located just a couple of miles from Foxwoods Resort Casino, this historic bed and breakfast dates back to 1754 and has quite the paranormal stories surrounding it. According to their website , Captain Grant’s was the location where soldiers of the Continental Army were garrisoned during the Revolutionary War, and where slaves were sheltered during the Civil War. There is one room that is said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity – The Adelaide Room. Witnesses have reported strange activity in this room, including the vision of a woman dressed in Colonial-era clothing, holding hands with two children. Other reports include the television working on its own and the shower curtain being knocked down by itself.

Photo by Captain Grant’s, via Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/305890859436871/photos

College Hall  – Montpelier, Vermont Located at Vermont College of Fine Arts, College Hall dates back to the 1830’s and started off as a seminary. It began to operate as a college in 1941 and is said to be haunted by a girl who may have been murdered there. Witnesses have reported hearing her play the pipe organ in the chapel area.

Photo by Sbjohnson, via WikiCommons

S.K. Pierce Mansion – Gardner, Massachusetts Built in 1875, this mansion was once owned by Sylvester Knowlton Pierce, founder of the SK Pierce & Son Chair Company. The Victorian-style home was originally located at 21 Union Street, but was moved to its current location on W. Broadway shortly after it was constructed. Featured on an episode of Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures and My Ghost Stories, the mansion is said to have a number of spirits lingering its halls – some friendly, some not so much. There have been reports of ghostly children running around and furniture that moves on its own on the top floors.

Photo by SK Pierce Haunted Victorian Mansion, via Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/skhauntedvictorian/photos/

Deerfield Inn – Deerfield, Massachusetts Now registered as a National Historic Landmark, the 1884 inn began operation when guests would arrive on horseback, in carriages and by stagecoach. According to the inn’s website , the location has been restored and renovated but still holds its rich history. Between the main inn and its carriage house, it now features 24 guestrooms. A hot spot for paranormal activity, the inn is believed to be haunted by more than one ghost. Apparitions have been spotted, furniture rearranged and some guests have even reported seeing a male’s ghost in the rocking chair on the front porch. His spirit is said to especially haunt room #48.

Photo by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, via Flickr | https://www.flickr.com/photos/masstravel/7656921670

America’s Stonehenge -Salem, New Hampshire This archaeological site features large rock formations and stone structures over about 30 acres of land. Over 4,000 years old, America’s Stonehenge could very well be one of the oldest man-made structures in the United States, according to its website . Although no one is quite sure who built the structures, many do know that it is said to be haunted by the spirits of Native Americans, among others. A cool site to visit, this spot is surely a great destination to see, whether you’re interested in its ghosts or not!

Photo by NikiSublime, via Flickr | https://www.flickr.com/photos/nikisublime/195100484

Whether you’re able to hit every haunted spot on the list, or just make it to a few of them, they’re sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Be sure to prepare yourself though, you never know when a ghostly friend may want to peek out and say hello!

If you’ve ever visited one of these real haunted destinations, please share your experience with us and fellow ILoveHalloween.com fans by commenting below!

Main Photo Credit:  Rhiannon Boyle, via Flickr

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New England Wanderlust

Connecticut , Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island , Vermont  ·  November 8, 2022

The Best 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary (+ 5 & 10 Day Options!) 2024

Having traveled through the entire New England region for 15+ years, I’ve been able to get a strong understanding on the best things to do, and I’m so thrilled that I’ve finally developed my ultimate 7 Day New England Itinerary to share with you!

A 7-day itinerary to tour New England has been one of my most requested topics, and I totally understand why. It’s so hard to look at a region comprised of 6 gorgeous states, and try to figure out what’s worth your time, and what you can leave out. Well, good news – I’m taking the guess work out for you. In all my years of traveling through this region, I’ve cherry-picked what I think is the best route to take to plan the perfect road trip in 7 days.

While I think everything is pretty much worth your time in New England (I’m a bit biased!), this itinerary focuses on the best of the best, and also takes into consideration efficiency so you have as much time as possible to also enjoy your destinations.

This itinerary is also geared toward those who are visiting New England for the first time. With that, let’s get into it, shall we?

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How Many Days Do You Need In New England?

You can easily spend anywhere from a few days to a month in New England, so this entirely depends on how much time you really have to dedicate to your trip. This post will prove that you can easily see some of the best things in this region with my 7 Day New England road trip itinerary.

But, that said, more is always more when it comes to time to travel, right? 😉 So of course, you can easily turn this itinerary into a 10-day adventure, or even two weeks. Under my 10 Day New England road trip itinerary option later in the post, you’ll see that I’ve made notes on side excursions where you can easily add in a day or two to extend your trip even further.

And of course, you can definitely see some of the best places in just 5 days, and I’ve included a 5-Day option at the very end for those who don’t have as much time (and don’t worry, it’s still pretty great!).

My motto is always, “Even if I just have one day, it’s better than not going at all,” so whatever time you have for your trip with definitely be worth it. I’m excited to cheer you on as you plan your trip 😊

Where To Start A 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary?

For any road trip through this region, Boston is the best place to start, especially if you’re flying in. Boston Logan International Airport typically offers the cheapest flights to this area, and is also a worthy destination to explore on its own.

Not only that, this city also incredibly convenient to most places in New England, and is centrally-located in the region, and therefore, is just the easiest starting point. For that reason, pretty much all of my itineraries on this website start in Boston because after years of experience, I’ve found this to be the absolute best option.

If you’re not flying in, however, and already live in this area, or are driving in from nearby, Boston is still a great starting point ( especially if you’ve never been!). But you can definitely adjust this itinerary to start from anywhere in New England that best suits your needs.

The only time I would suggest using a place like Portland, Maine as your starting point if if you plan to really only explore the northern areas of New England, like the rest of Maine or New Hampshire. But even in that case, Boston is still just as convenient, so it will then simply depend on personal preference at that point.

7 Day New England Road Trip Overview

Day 1: Boston – New England’s biggest and most exciting city!

Day 2: Woodstock – Vermont’s most beautiful town.

Day 2 Alternative Option : Skip Woodstock, and stay an extra day in Boston, with a day trip to Salem if you’d like.

Day 3: The White Mountains in New Hampshire – Home to breathtaking mountain views, and New England’s highest peak.

Days 4-5: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park – One of the most charming coastal towns in New England, and the spectacular views in the park make this destination worthy of two nights.

Day 6: Drive to Portland, Maine , with optional stops along the way.

Day 6 Alternative Option : Stay the night in a smaller coastal town if that’s more your speed!

Day 7: Head back to Boston , with some great stops along the way.

Notes About This Itinerary

→ For some stops along this route, I also suggest other options to really help you create the ultimate road trip for you based on your preferences. So keep an eye out for those, and get ready to take some notes!

→ This 7 Day New England road trip itinerary also follows a true road trip style , meaning you’ll be in a different town each night of your stay (with one exception, which is Bar Harbor). You can certainly tweak that to your liking if you prefer to stay in one place for two or more nights – do what feels right for you.

→ Lastly, this itinerary was intended to show you around all the different landscapes New England has to offer, so I wanted to include a mix of urban, countryside, mountains and coastal to show you the very best of it all. I also focused on locations that are largely perfect to visit year-round, so seasonality was not factored in.

Day 1: Boston

Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities, and as mentioned, it’s the absolute best place to start your road trip – especially if you’re flying in. I love that it feels like an exciting city, but is also incredibly charming, historic and packed with character. There’s just something very cozy about it, and it’s most definitely worth spending a day exploring during your 7 day New England road trip.

An alternative option, depending on how tired you’ll be once you arrive, is to tack Boston on at the very end. In this case, you’ll want to immediately depart for Woodstock once you arrive, and then spend your last day in Boston (but follow this itinerary for everything else in order).

Here are some awesome things to consider doing on your day in Boston:

• Walk the Freedom Trail: this group tour is an excellent choice!
• Meander through my two favorite neighborhoods: Beacon Hill & the North End.
• Stroll along the waterfront areas – the Charles Esplanade is especially beautiful.
• Walk through the Public Gardens – the bridge is such a great spot for gorgeous photos.
• Eat, eat, and then eat some more. The culinary scene in Boston is incredible, and seafood here is a specialty.
• In fact, take a food tour for the inside scoop on all the best places: here are my favorite food tours in Boston .
• Grab some cannoli at Mike’s Pastry.

Hotel suggestions in Boston:

Splurge: Boston Harbor Hotel . A 5-star waterfront hotel that’s more than worth the splurge to kick start your amazing road trip through New England. The location is also convenient to a lot of attractions.

Moderate: Revere Hotel Boston Common . I stay here a lot when I visit Boston. It’s a great location that’s walkable to a lot.

Budget: HI Boston Hostel . Boston is typically an expensive city to visit unless you’re coming in the winter, and this hostel is a great option to save some money during your stay. It also has an awesome location.

Day 2: Woodstock, Vermont (2h 15m From Boston)

Why Woodstock Next? No trip to New England is complete without a stop in a charming Vermont town, and Woodstock is the best of the best when it comes to idyllic scenery and character. It’s also home to “Vermont’s most beautiful address,” which I’ll tell you about under the suggestions on where to stay.

Woodstock has a wonderful town center, where you’ll find independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, covered bridges, farms, and it’s also surrounded by beautiful rural scenery once you drive outside of town. It’s the perfect option for this itinerary if you’re hoping to get a glimpse of Vermont.

Here are some awesome things to do in Woodstock, VT:

• Meander through the most adorable village where all the shops and restaurants are. This part of town is entirely walkable, so park and enjoy!
• Visit the three covered bridges: Middle, Taftsville and Lincoln.
• Explore Billings Farm & Museum.
• Taste local maple syrups and cheeses at Sugarbush Farms.
• Take a drive to Farmhouse Pottery, just outside of the town center, which is now a famous ceramics shop – they have a studio on-site where you can watch artisans at work, or you can book a pottery session with them!

Psst! I have an entire post all about the best things to do in Woodstock, VT , if you’d like more ideas and info 😉

Where to stay in Woodstock, VT :

Luxury option : Woodstock Inn & Resort (Vermont’s most beautiful address!). It’s a splurge, but located right in town, and the perfect way to treat yourself for a 1 night stay.

Moderate: 506 On The River Inn . Very beautiful hotel that’s right on the river and feels cozy.

Budget : The Vesper . A cute little B&B with modern rooms, great prices, and walkable to the village.

Insider Tip s: Woodstock tends to be an expensive place to visit, so if you’re on a budget, the nearby town of Quechee is a great alternative, and is only about 15 minutes from Woodstock. Quechee is also very cute and I love visiting both towns when I’m in the area.

Also, if you visit in the fall during foliage, or your stay happens to be on a weekend, some of these hotels may have a 2-night minimum stay requirement, so keep that in mind.

Alternative Option: If you would prefer to spend 2 nights in Boston and skip Woodstock, you can most definitely do that. Boston is a great place for day trips to other nearby areas, including Provincetown on Cape Cod, as well as Salem. A ferry will take you from Boston to Provincetown, and to Salem, so you still won’t need to pick-up your rental car right away if you choose this option. These ferry options are seasonal, so plan accordingly.

→ Click here to check out ferries from Boston to Provincetown

→ Click here to check out ferries from Boston to Salem

Psst! I have some helpful guides including planning the perfect Salem, MA day trip , and the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉

Day 3: The White Mountains, New Hampshire (1h 30m From Woodstock)

Why White Mountains Next? They’re on the way to Acadia National Park (which is the next stop!), and they’re very worth your time ( especially if you’re traveling in the fall season). The White Mountains are home to a great mix of cute towns, epic mountain views, and amazing parks or hiking and scenic drives.

While the White Mountains doesn’t necessarily offer that New England charm you’re probably expecting, I still think this region is worth visiting on your way to Acadia for the reasons mentioned above. The drives through the White Mountains National Forest, and Crawford Notch State Park is so beautiful, and offer such a well-rounded perspective of New England’s beauty, when you combine this region with all the other coastal stops on the rest of this itinerary 😉

Here are some awesome things to do in the White Mountains:

• Explore Franconia Notch State Park , and with 1 day, I suggest prioritizing Flume Gorge, which is perfect for all ages, and one of the most popular attractions in the entire state that’s worth your time.
• If you’re looking for a fun hike, the Artist Bluff Trail offers incredible views of Echo Lake.
• Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to the mountain’s summit for awesome views.
• Explore The Basin, which is very close to Flume Gorge, and is very quick and easy.

Where to stay in the White Mountains? I highly suggest Littleton . It’s a charming little town with awesome shops and restaurants (it’s often regarded as having one of the best Main Streets in the U.S.!), and it’s also very close to some of the top must-see things from my list above, making it super convenient and efficient for 1 day.

However, I have an entire detailed post on where to stay in the White Mountains , if you’re looking for more of a breakdown of the towns, and my hotel suggestions.

Hotel suggestions in Littleton :

Thayers Inn : Located right on Main Street in the heart of downtown, and very cozy. Keep in mind that this is a historic hotel, so they’re not able to make a lot of modern updates, so it’s not for everyone – but I really enjoyed my stay here and appreciated how it felt like I was stepping back in time!

Hampton Inn : A nice option that’s on the commercial side of town, but very close to the highway to get around quicker.

Pro Tip: You’ll drive right past Hanover, NH on your way from Woodstock, which is home to Dartmouth College, and is a really adorable little town to stop in for lunch, or to take a driving break. Right in the same area is Norwich, VT, which is home to the King Arthur Baking Company campus , and is a really fun spot to pick up some baked goods (especially breads and pastries!) and also have lunch outside on their lawn.

Here are some posts you may find helpful while you plan your time in the White Mountains:

• Things To Do In Franconia, NH
• Things To Do In Littleton, NH
• Things To Do In Lincoln, NH

Days 4-5: Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor (4h 30m From The White Mountains)

Why Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Next? Acadia is one of the most incredible and iconic destinations in the Northeast, and definitely one of the best places to visit in New England . Even though it’s pretty far north, it’s so worth it for the stunning views. I’ve budgeted two nights here because your drive from the White Mountains to Acadia is a bit longer, and because Acadia just warrants extra time.

Also, Bar Harbor, I think, it’s such a quintessential coastal New England town filled with character. The town is small, and very walkable, and you’ll get some nice views of the bay and harbor just by walking along the town’s waterfront.

There’s also opportunities for boat tours from town, great restaurants to choose from, and of course, quick access to Acadia!

Here are some awesome things to do in Acadia National Park for a short trip:

→ Walk Ocean Path , which connects Sand Beach to the Otter Cliffs. This is the perfect scenic walk to tackle with a short amount of time because it’s easy, and offers some of the best and most iconic views of the coastline.

→ Thunder Hole is along Ocean Path, so you’ll pass right by it if you walk this trail. If you’re there on a windy day, the waves will crash so loudly that it sounds like thunder. Otherwise, it’s just a scenic overlook that’s still worth a stop.

→ If you’d like to tackle a hike, a nice one for a quick visit to the park is Great Head . This starts at Sand Beach, and is pretty easy (with some rock scrambling at the beginning), but offers incredible views along the way). After this, you can walk back across Sand Beach and do the Ocean Path for the perfect day in Acadia.

→ Lunch at the Jordan Pond Restaurant is also really fun, and a more relaxing way to spend some of your time in the park. It’s open seasonally only, so plan accordingly, and is famous for their popovers, and incredible views of the famous Bubble Rocks.

→ Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain is one of the most popular things to do, and definitely worth your time! This location is one of the first places in the U.S. to watch the sunrise, and it’s the actually first sunrise spot between October 7 through mid-March. This is another great reason to spend two nights here. Note : Reservations are now required when taking the auto road to Cadillac Mountain’s summit mid-May through October . Click here for more info!

→ Cover more ground by renting E-bikes to explore the park!

→ Click here for more info on renting E-bikes for your trip to Acadia

Psst! I have a few posts on Acadia that you may find helpful, including:

• My Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary
• The Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park
• Visiting Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park In The Winter

Where to stay while visiting Acadia National Park? Bar Harbor! This lovely little coastal town is the gateway to Acadia, and where most people stay when exploring the park. This is another reason why I’ve given you two days because Bar Harbor is also a worthy town to explore on its town.

Hotel Suggestions in Bar Harbor :

Bar Harbor Inn & Spa : Located right on the waterfront in town, it’s a great place to stay for walkability to town, and if you’re looking for the best amenities and a nicer place to stay.

Bar Harbor Villager Motel : An awesome motel in the center of Bar Harbor’s village, with spacious and updated rooms, and walkable to everywhere in town. I like to stay here when I plan to spend most of my time hiking in the park, and just need a cozy place to crash at night.

Pro Tip : When driving from Littleton to Acadia, I suggest driving to Lincoln, NH first, and then taking Route 112 to Conway, which is the famous Kancamagus Scenic Highway. This drive takes you through the heart of the White Mountains with some really nice overlooks to stop at, and only adds 30 extra minutes to your drive (plus extra time for any stops you make).

Pro Tip : The Kancamagus Scenic Highway does not have bathrooms, gas stations or cell service, so plan accordingly!

Day 6: Portland, Maine (3h From Bar Harbor)

Why Portland Next? Not only is Portland a very cool city with lots of history and an awesome culinary scene, it’s also on the drive back toward Boston. Portland has a great mix of urban vibes and authentic fishing port scenery, so it offers the best of both worlds, too.

Here are some awesome things to do in Portland:

→ See all 3 of Portland’s lighthouses . If you only have time for one, however, make it Portland Head Lighthouse. This is one of the best lighthouses in New England, and definitely worth your time! But keep in mind that the other two lighthouses (Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge Light) are a very short drive away, so it’s easy to see all three in a few hours at most.

→ Take a tour! This culinary walking tour of the city is a great way to enjoy the best food, and this tall ships cruise around the bay is an awesome scenic option to get the most out of your visit.

→ Go beer tasting . Portland is home to some of the best breweries in New England, and the city has tons of them. I have an entire guide on my favorite breweries in Portland, Maine , if you’d like some suggestions 😉

→ Wander through Old Port , the most historic and charming part of the city.

Hotel Suggestions in Portland:

Splurge : The Press Hotel . It’s right on the water and in the center of Old Port, making this an awesome hotel to splurge on for a fancier stay in Portland.

Moderate: Cambria Hotel . Also in the Old Port district, this lovely hotel has modern rooms and a great location.

Budget: Black Elephant Hostel . Portland tends to be a pricey city to visit, and even though this is the only hostel in the city, it’s incredibly well-regarded, and will be significantly less expensive than a hotel.

Pro Tip : If you would rather spend your first day in Portland exploring the city, you can do the lighthouses the next morning on your way back to Boston. The lighthouses are located outside of the city’s downtown in South Portland, which you’ll pass through on your drive to Boston.

Optional stop to make on the drive : There are some wonderful towns to explore on the drive from Bar Harbor to Portland, and I detail my favorites to suggest in my guide on driving from Portland, Maine to Acadia National Park . Many of these stops will add extra time to your drive, but depending on your road trip style, they may be worth it for you!

Day 6: Alternative Option: Stay In A Smaller Coastal Town Instead

If staying in a city isn’t exactly your speed, and your goal is to visit more of the smaller towns along the coastal, well I’ve got you covered. And honestly, that’s usually my preference, too 😉 While I love Portland, and think there’s some very cool things to see there, one of the best parts of New England is the charming smaller towns to explore.

My favorites to suggest for this road trip are: Boothbay Harbor, Kennebunkport, and Ogunquit.

Boothbay Harbor is a wonderful, charming little town on the water, and has a more fishing village vibe to it. Lots of awesome boat tours depart from here, too.

Kennebunkport perfect encapsulated New England coastal beauty with a wonderful town center called Dock Square, and beautiful coastline near the beaches and on Cape Porpoise.

Ogunquit is also very idyllic, and is known for having one of the best beaches in New England. I love the walkable downtown that’s also walkable to the beach. Ogunquit also has one of my favorite things to do in all of New England: the Marginal Way coastal walk.

All of these places will make a great place to spend a night on this road trip if you’d prefer a small coastal town over staying in a city like Portland.

Psst! I have detailed guides that may help you decide, which are the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor , and the best things to do in Ogunquit .

Day 7: Back To Boston With Stops Along The North Shore (2h Without Stops)

Why The North Shore Next? As you make your way back to Boston, you’ll drive down the Massachusetts North Shore, which is packed with gorgeous and charming little coastal New England towns . These towns are all pretty close to another, too, which makes it easy to stop in quite a few during your drive. These towns are actually some of my favorites in all of New England.

Here are some more towns you can choose to stop in on your drive back to Boston:

→ Portsmouth, NH – while not technically part of the North Shore, it’s along the route, and a very beautiful coastal city with awesome shopping and restaurants.

→ Newburyport, MA – Some of the best shopping in New England can be found here in Market Square and Tannery Marketplace. It’s also home to Plum Island.

→ Rockport, MA – One of my all-time favorite coastal towns because it’s so unique and loaded with character. This one is a bit of a detour off the main route, but not by much (and worth it, in my opinion).

→ Salem, MA – Most known for its Halloween celebrations, but is a very beautiful and charming city that’s awesome year-round.

→ Marblehead, MA – An underrated town that’s very beautiful and historic, and loaded with gorgeous coastline.

Where you choose to stop will largely depend on how much time you have, and I honestly think they’re all worth your time! Of them all, I think I prefer Rockport the most, as I think it has the most unique scenery,, but you can’t go wrong with any of the places I mentioned above. I’ve been to them all, and continue to visit them all regularly 😉

Here are some posts that will help you plan your drive down the North Shore:

• Best Things To Do On Cape Anne (part of the North Shore)
• Best Things To Do In Marblehead, MA
• Best Things To Do In Rockport, MA
• Best Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine
• Best Things To Do In Newburyport & Plum Island

Alternative option : If you didn’t stop in Ogunquit or Kennebunkport the night before, these two coastal towns are also worthy of your time!

10 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

With 10 days for your New England road trip, we can pack even more exciting places to visit into your itinerary!

I’ve broken down this 10 Day New England road trip itinerary for you below, and since many of the same stops are included, I’ve done a more abbreviated version. You’ll want to refer to the above 7 Day Itinerary for all the important information. But don’t worry! I’ve included all my pro tips for the new additions to this option, too.

Days 1-2 : Boston , with an optional day trip to Salem, Provincetown or a whale watch tour from Boston’s Harbor. Since you have the extra day, I suggest taking a day trip to one of these 3 destinations, but if you would prefer to relax and explore the city even more, you can do that, too.

Day 3 : Newport, RI .

Why Newport, RI Next? It’s only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Boston, and such a beautiful coastal town to visit in New England. Because of its location, it makes it easy to squeeze into a 10-day New England itinerary, too.

Here are some suggestions of awesome things to do in Newport, RI:

• Explore Cliff Walk.
• Tour the stunning Gilded Age mansions.
• Have lunch at Cliff House.
• Take this awesome morning mimosa boat tour in Newport!
• Explore the city by trolley, which includes The Breakers mansion!

Psst! I have a detailed guide on the a Newport, RI day trip , which is helpful for 1-night stays, too 😉

Newport, RI hotel suggestions:

Splurge: The Cliffside Inn , which is walkable to Castle Hill Lighthouse, pictured above!

Moderate: Mill Street Inn , which is in a historic building that’s walkable to a lot of places downtown, including the waterfront. They also have a great rooftop patio!

Day 4 : Woodstock, VT

Days 5 : White Mountains, New Hampshire

Day 6-7 : Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor

Day 8 : Boothbay Harbor, ME

Why Boothbay Harbor Next? As mentioned, one of my favorite little coastal towns in Maine is Boothbay Harbor because it’s loaded with charm and character, and offers so many incredible opportunities to get out onto the water with boat tours. Of all the places you can stop at on your way from Acadia to Portland, this is one of my favorites.

Here are some wonderful things to do in Boothbay Harbor:

• Take this awesome boat cruise to see seals, lighthouses and a lobster haul tour!
• Stroll through the adorable downtown area.
• Take in the views from the footbridge.
• Have a delicious lobster roll at Shannon’s Unshelled.

Hotel Suggestion in Boothbay Harbor:

The Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront is my favorite place to stay in Boothbay Harbor. The location is perfect and walkable to town, but set back enough so that it’s very peaceful. If you can, splurge on Room 8 for panorama views of the water (it seriously feels like you’re floating on water).

Day 9 : Portland, ME

Day 10 : Back to Boston, making stops along the North Shore on the way.

A lternative suggestion : If you wanted to skip Woodstock, VT for this option, you could add an extra day in the White Mountains. You could also skip Woodstock and add a night in the North Shore on your drive back to Boston. For this option, I would suggest Newburyport.

Do I still think Woodstock, VT is worth the excursion? Yes! But an extra day in the White Mountains or a night in the North Shore may appeal more to some of you, too. Do what fits your preferences the most 😊

I love Newburyport because it’s a wonderful balance between charming coastal town and historic shopping village. It pretty has much something for everyone, including a beautiful waterfront park, the nearby Plum Island for beaches and nature trails, and some of the best shopping in New England. For this particular itinerary, I think it’s a great option because it’s also the furthest north, and will break up your trip nicely.

Here are some fun things to do in Newburyport:

• Induldge in some retail therapy in Market Square and Tannery Marketplace.
• Walk the path in the Waterfront Park.
• Explore Maudslay State Park .
• Drive to Plum Island to see the beaches and the nature trails at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Newburyport hotel suggestion:

Compass Rose Inn is the best place to stay in Newburyport and feels like a big, warm hug when you arrive. In a beautiful and historic home, and each room is a suite with a fireplace. It’s also walkable to town, and a complimentary breakfast is included.

5 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

Don’t have 7 or 10 days for a New England road trip? No problem! Having put a lot of thought into the best 5 Day New England itinerary, you can easily make this a jam-packed road trip style trip, or a more relaxing getaway that allows you additional time at each destination, but doesn’t get to as many places. Not sure which is right for you? I’ve outlined both to help you decide.

As before, refer to the first 7 Day New England road trip itinerary option for more detailed information on each destination.

5 Day Road Trip Itinerary From Boston

Day 1 : Boston

Day 2 : The White Mountains, New Hampshire

Day 3-4 : Acadia National Par k

Day 5 : Drive back to Boston , stopping at the Portland Lighthouses, and 1-2 towns along the North Shore region on your way.

5 Day Relaxed Itinerary From Boston

Days 1-2 : Boston. Two days will allow you to settle in and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Pro Tip : If you’re not flying into Boston (ie, you’re driving in), you don’t have to stay right in Boston. You can definitely stay in a cute nearby town like Salem or Gloucester, and then take a day trip to Boston for a more relaxing getaway.

Days 3-4 : Newport, RI & Mystic, CT. From Newport, Mystic, CT is only about a 1-hour drive, which makes this an easy and relaxing afternoon excursion that’s stress-free.

Psst! I have a detailed guide on the best things to do in Mystic, CT , if you need more ideas 😉

Day 5 : Back to Boston, with stops in either Plymouth and Scituate on the way back (or both!). These two towns are south of Boston, and more convenient to visit when driving from Newport. I love them both, and they offer lots of charm, shopping, dining and beautiful sites to see. Of the two, Scituate is smaller with fewer things to do, but very beautiful.

Alternative suggestion 1 : Stay right in Boston for all 5 days, and take day trips! Since Boston is in such a great area, it’s very easy to get around. And as mentioned before, you can take a ferry to Provincetown on Cape Cod, or over to Salem, and you won’t need a car for either of these two excursions.

Alternative suggestion 2 : Stay in Boston for 2-3 nights, and spend 2-3 nights on Cape Cod with a day trip to one of the islands (Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard). This option will be very coastal, and provides you with some of the best beaches and coastal towns in Massachusetts.

Here are some posts that may help you if you like this option:

• Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod
• Best Things To Do In Provincetown, MA
• Cape Cod Day Trip Guide
• Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Guide
• Nantucket Day Trip Guide
• Is Nantucket Or Martha’s Vineyard Better For A Day Trip?
• How To See Martha’s Vineyard Without A Car

Alternative suggestion 3 : Stay in Boston for 2 nights, and then drive to the North Shore for 2 nights, and then maybe Portland for 1 night. Just north of Boston, the North Shore region includes Salem, Marblehead, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Newburyport. All of these towns are pretty close to another another, and it would be easy to pick one to stay in, and take afternoon trips to the others.

Portland is also within 1 hour and 30 minute at the most from these towns, making it easy to pop over for the day, or a night.

Best Way To Get Around New England

The best way to see New England is definitely by car. If you fly in, I suggest renting a car from the airport to begin your road trip. If you plan to spend a day or two in Boston before beginning the road trip, I would say to hold off on renting your car until you’re ready to leave Boston.

Boston has an awesome public transit system, and Uber and Lyft are readily available, so a car will be more of a hassle to park in the city.

What To Pack For A New England Road Trip

This will, of course, depend on entirely on the time of year you visit, as New England is a four-season climate. I always suggest checking the weather reports a few days before leaving to get a more accurate idea of what the weather and temperatures will be like.

I love to remind people that New England can be moody and weather can change frequently. Even in the summer, you could have chilly days, and in the winter, you might experience a warm day. Although, generally speaking, you’ll find it’s pretty much what you would expect of a four-season climate: A wet and rainy spring, a warm or hot summer, a chilly fall, and cold and snowy winter.

Here are a few suggestions and tips on packing for a New England road trip that you not have thought of:

→ A reusable water bottle to reduce single-use plastic.

→ Dramamine if you plan to do any boat tours, and you’re prone to seasickness.

→ Day pack for essentials like your water bottle, camera, sunscreen, etc.

→ Comfortable shoes for exploring towns. Keep in mind that places like Boston, Nantucket, and historic small towns often have uneven cobblestone or brick streets.

→ Hiking boots if you plan on doing any hikes.

→ In general, plan to keep your clothes fairly casual. New England can be fancy if you plan a special dinner out, but is overall pretty casual. Take a look at your specific plans and eliminate any extra fancy outfits that you likely won’t need. You probably won’t need any if you don’t plan to dine out anywhere upscale.

→ Light jackets or sweaters for mornings and evenings (even in the summer!).

→ Waterproof jacket and boots if you plan to visit in the spring or fall.

→ Don’t forget your camera! You may also want to consider an iPhone tripod with a remote shutter to elevate your travel photos from selfies to wall-worthy shots. This one on Amazon is inexpensive and perfect for the average traveler!

New England Road Trip FAQ

Is new england easy to drive around.

Very! Of course, you’ll experience traffic when you’re close to, or in, a city like Boston or Portland. In that case, it’s just like driving in any other city. But overall, New England is very easy to drive around.

One thing I like to remind people is that in the more rural places, you will likely drive on a lot of dirt roads, so just be careful of any pot holes and go slowly, especially in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Is It Safe To Take A Winter New England Road Trip?

Yes! As long as you’re comfortable driving in the snow, you’ll be totally fine. Chances are, if you’re visiting in the winter, you’re excited to check out places like New Hampshire or Vermont, and those two states are among the top 3 snowiest in the whole country. So, just know that you will experience snow, and you’ll definitely be driving in it.

But generally speaking, most places are great at plowing roads, so unless you happen to visit during one of our big nor’easter storms, driving is easy. Just practice normal precautions, and don’t drive if the snow is coming down really hard.

I have an entire guide on all my favorite New England winter getaways , if you’re looking for the best winter destinations in this region.

Is Cell Service Reliable All Over New England?

Yes and no, and it depends on where you’re going. For the most part, cell service is completely reliable, and Google Maps will be able to take you everywhere.

However, in more remote places, again like in Vermont or New Hampshire, or even along the coast at some lighthouses or in Acadia, you will lose cell service more than you think! I highly recommend offlining maps for your entire route just to be safe . I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost service while driving in VT and NH and didn’t offline maps, only to very much regret it in the moment!

Why Is Connecticut Not Part Of Your Itineraries?

I love Connecticut! But the hard thing about it is its location. It’s so far southwest, in the exact opposite direction of Acadia National Park, and most of the other top destinations to visit. And since Acadia is one of the most amazing New England locations that everyone should see when they visit, I had to exclude Connecticut from the itinerary options only for the sake of time. I personally think Acadia, and the other places I’ve mentioned, offer much higher payoff for your driving time than destinations around Connecticut.

That’s why I was only able to squeeze in a quick afternoon trip to Mystic, CT in the 5-day option.

What About A Fall Foliage Road Trip?

I’ve got you covered! I have an entire post on the perfect New England fall road trip , which is one I’ve perfected over many years of exploring this region in the fall season. This road trip makes stops in similar places, but has more of a focus on the best places for foliage.

You May Also Enjoy Reading:

• Best Things To Do In New England
• Best Time To Visit New England
• Incredible New England Resorts & Spas
• Best Boston Hotels Near The Aquarium
• Awesome New England Gifts & Things To Buy During Your Visit
• Best Christmas Towns in New England
• Best New England Day Trips
• Summer In New England: Best Places To Go & Things To Do!
• Best Beach Towns In New England
• Things To Do In Boston In The Fall
• Gorgeous New England Islands Worth Visiting
• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary

That’s A Wrap On The Best 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary

Hopefully you’re now feeling ready to tackle planning your own adventure with this 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary! Even with 7 days, you can see so much of this gorgeous region and really cover a lot of ground. And, of course, if you have time to follow along on my 10 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary, that’s even better. But regardless of what you have time for, New England is always a good idea, and is always worth making time for. Happy planning!

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2-Week New England Fall Road Trip to the Less-Traveled

A New England fall road trip is what bucket lists are made of. I don’t care where you’re from but fall just hits differently in New England. 

If you time things right, you may just be able to follow the leaves from north to south. How magical does that sound?

What I’m sharing with you here is the route we took on our own adventures throughout New England .

Some of the stops here are likely destinations you wouldn’t expect on fall foliage trips throughout New England. We had cost and efficiency in mind, but I’ll make suggestions on alternatives and offer the more popular stops where appropriate, too.

Are you ready? Let’s get peepin’ with the ultimate New England fall road trip. (I’m talking about leaf peeping, friends.)

Disclosure: Please note that the post below contains affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .  At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

How many days do you need to see New England?

There is no minimum amount of days that you need to see New England. If you only have a long weekend, you can pick and choose what intrigues you and stick to one state . A week will give you a taste of the best New England fall foliage if you time things right.

This New England fall road trip guide will take you across all six New England states over the course of two weeks. You’ll get not only the best fall foliage but delicious eats, outdoor adventuring, and even tips on where the dog is welcome if you’re bringing a furry friend.

Note: Keep in mind that this is limited to New England fall road trips, as per your search request. You’ll see some jokers including states like New York in their roundups, which is fun but inaccurate. New York isn’t part of New England, so you won’t see Lake Placid represented here. I’ll cover all of the six New England states on this road trip!

How do you spend a week in New England in the fall?

You can spend a week in New England in the fall like this:

• Day 1: Woodstock, VT
• Day 2: Stowe, Waterbury, and Montpelier, VT
• Day 3: Lyndon, VT
• Day 4: Burnham, ME
• Day 5: Acadia National Park, ME
• Day 6: Bangor, ME
• Day 7: Rockland, ME
• Days 8-9: Portland, ME
• Day 10: Portsmouth, NH
• Days 11-12: Boston, MA
• Day 13: Providence, RI
• Day 14: New Haven, CT

How to Plan a New England Road Trip

Where is the best place to start the New England road trip? The best place to start the New England road trip in Vermont, arguably the most spectacular state when it comes to fall foliage. A Vermont fall road trip itinerary all on its own would be enough to give you that fall foliage fix.

How you get there depends on where you’re starting. We were driving from the Finger Lakes region of New York to kick off our fall road trip in New England. 

We were also on a two-month journey throughout New England, with long stretches of time in areas we felt might be conducive to slowing it down and getting some actual work done. This is then a truncated version of that New England tour.

As you’ll need a car for this excursion, if you’re flying, find an airport within a few hour’s drive that’ll offer you a decent deal. Albany, New York, is a good option, as it’s only a couple of hours from Woodstock, Vermont, our first stop.

Book a car well ahead of your travel from a price aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline . I typically just book the cheapest car, especially when I’m dropping it off at a different location than where I picked it up.

Interested in a map of everything I’ll highlight for you here over the epic weeks to come? Follow the Google link below:

GIMME MY NEW ENGLAND FALL ROAD TRIP MAP!

Day 1: woodstock, vermont.

Driving from New York, we stopped in Woodstock on our way to where we’d be staying the next little while: Lyndon, Vermont. I’ll get into that in a minute, but first, Woodstock.

This one is billed as the quintessential New England town. That also means the leaf peepers will be in full effect if you’re there for fall road trips in New England.

That’s OK. Embrace it. Crunch along some leaves. It’s a beautiful place. Woodstock highlights include:

• Downtown Woodstock: Start here to get yourself situated in Woodstock. You can stroll around to go tchotchke shopping at any of the nearby boutiques or walk off of Main Street for the most delightful architecture. Fall means spooky season, so find all of your favorite pumpkins.

• Sleepy Hollow Farm: If you want to peep at leaves against rolling pastures, head to Sleepy Hollow Farm. This is one of the most photographed rural spots in the country and has been here since the 1700s. Remind yourself of that history when you’re vying for a position with your camera.
• Sugarbrush Farm : Sample Vermont maple syrup and over a dozen different kinds of cheese at this third-generation family farm. The cheeses here come with a special wax coating to lock in all of that cheesy goodness and allow you to keep them for longer…although that sounds impossible to me.
• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park: This is Vermont’s only national historical park, but it’s a beauty in the fall. Take a tour of the Marsh-Billings House and find The Pogue, a pond tucked away in Mount Tom Forest. Locals like to say it’s bottomless. Try to find out, or not.
• Middle Covered Bridge: This scenic bridge on Union Street was the first covered bridge built by the state of Vermont after 1889. It replaced an 1870s-era iron bridge that had been condemned for several years. I’m here for all the facts, people.

The small town of Lyndon was our base for Vermont, and we’d recommend it to see some excellent Vermont highlights within a short drive of town. It was also quiet and mostly void of leaf peepers, which pleased me very much. 

We’d also highly recommend it to see some excellent Vermont highlights within a short drive, including access to magical Dog Mountain for the pet owners amongst you.

Some of you may prefer to keep things efficient, and you have options for accommodations in Woodstock proper. The Woodstocker B&B would be my pick for a return visit. If you’re traveling as a couple, this one is adults-only. Guests love the fresh brioche in the mornings and warm cookies in the afternoons. It’s the little things.

Use the map below for more options:

Day 2: Stowe, Waterbury, and Montpelier, Vermont

It sounds like a lot, but I promise it can be done. All three towns are in close proximity to one another, and if you meet the crowds in Waterbury that we did, the much-talked-about whimsy of the place will die down a bit and cause you to flee elsewhere.

Start in Stowe. As soon as we left this town, I knew I had to go back. Brian loves to ski, so a repeat visit to check out Stowe Mountain Resort is certainly a possibility. I like to lounge, so a visit to Stowe during any season is a possibility for me.

If you have more time, check out my guide to Stowe . Otherwise, don’t miss these Stowe highlights:

•   Trapp Family Lodge : If you love Austria, you’ll love this property. You can hit several trails around the property for panoramic views, snack on brats at the Bierhall at von Trapp Brewing, or even stay at the lodge if you want to put down some cash.
• The Alchemist Brewery : Many beer lovers make the pilgrimage to Stowe to try Heady Topper, one of the most drinkable double IPAs you’ll find anywhere. If you’re visiting on a warm day, get yourself a can to enjoy in one of their Adirondack chairs. It’s blissful, basically.

• Gold Brook Covered Bridge: You may see this one labeled as the Stowe Hollow Bridge or Emily’s Bridge on your map apps. They’re all the same and they’re all lovely.
• Mount Mansfield: If you’re visiting up to about mid-October, you can drive to the top of Vermont’s tallest peak on the Auto Toll Road . The parking area at the summit sits at 3,850 feet, so the panoramas are lovely up there.
• Stowe Cider : I had a sour candy-infused Gummy Bears hard apple cider here that sounds like it should be a mistake, but it definitely wasn’t. Try a flight for a taste of some more unique or classic flavors. My fave was the High & Dry.

Waterbury is next and just a short drive from Stowe. It was quite thick with the leaf peepers by the time we got there mid-afternoon, but that’s what you get when you’re all cute and offering people all of the fall things.

This place has hot cider, hot cider donuts, all of the pumpkin things, and cheese. For a quickie visit, don’t miss:

•  Cabot Farmers’ Store : Sample all the Vermont cheddar you can handle and buy a novelty T-shirt while you’re at. I mean, that’s what I did, but do whatever strikes your fancy.

• Cold Hollow Cider Mill : When I was talking about all of the cider things, this is the best place in Waterbury to make that happen. If you’re traveling in a pair, have your honey stand in line for their legendary cider donuts while you browse the rest of the shop. Return when donuts are in hand.
• Vermont Beer Collective : Formerly called Craft Beer Cellar, this Waterbury beer shop is the spot if you’re looking for that one craft beer you had in New England back in the day. Their selection can’t be beat, or beaten if you’re some grammar purist.
• Prohibition Pig : Delicious meats and a good variety of craft beers are all allowed and welcome at this Waterbury eatery and brewery. Come for drinks or stay for smoked wings, brisket, or their epic whole hog group experience.
• Ben & Jerry’s : I’m not telling you to go to the grocery store and pick up some ice cream treats for your travels. This is the Ben & Jerry’s factory. It’s the only one you can tour in the country and is home to the hilarious Flavor Graveyard.

Montpelier was so close to Waterbury that we had to pop by for a visit if only to check out the state capitol. Here are some highlights in Montpelier with a few in nearby East Montpelier for good measure:

• Vermont State House : The golden dome on this capitol building is worth the price of admission. That admission is free, by the way, so if you want a guided tour you can make it happen at no charge.

• Hubbard Park: If you’re already visiting the state house, visit this 194-acre green space next. It’s a short walk just north of the capitol building to perfect picnic spaces and hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs.
• Coburn Covered Bridge: If you’re really into covered bridges, you should just move to Vermont because this state is just lousy with ’em. This one is the only surviving 19th-century covered bridge left in East Montpelier.
• Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop : It’s time to get a taste of pure and yummy Vermont maple syrup. This farm has been operating for eight generations. If you’d like to go on a guided tour, they’re free, but don’t leave before deciding on your favorite grade of maple syrup.
• Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks : I can’t just leave you here with just one maple syrup operation running for eight generations, can I? Here’s another. If you didn’t get enough of that sweet stuff at Bragg Farm, have yourself a few more samples at the Morse Farm.
• The Quirky Pet : Folks with pets won’t want to miss this place. It’s a pet shop essentially run by two mops and two kind humans who helped me pick out some bones and treats for Kimmy.

You have some options for accommodations tonight, but if you want to be in on the action for Day 3, stay near Lyndon just as we did. This country cottage in Lyndon is where we stayed during our own New England fall road trip. The layout was a little wild, but it was spacious and in a country setting that really fit the trip’s vibes.

If you don’t mind spending a bit more to stay in Stowe because you’ve fallen in love with the place, use the map below:

Day 3: Lyndon, Vermont

If you’re staying near Lyndon, you’re off the beaten path. Take advantage of that. Lyndon is a short drive to some pretty fantastic spots, namely Dog Mountain and Lake Willoughby.

I have a full love letter/ blog post on Dog Mountain that you can peruse at your leisure, but if you’re traveling with your pup, it’s basically a must. It’s a wonderland for dogs, and the only leash requirements are inside the gift shop.

Lake Willoughby is another must-stop if you’re already in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. It’s been compared to Norwegian fjords for a reason and likely won’t be one of the state’s most impressive hidden gems for long.

Fun fact: This dramatic landscape was carved out by glaciers. I’m telling you, this is one of those comparisons that tracks.

Stay another night in or around Lyndon at one of the properties I mentioned on Day 3, or return to your hotel in Stowe. If that’s the case for you, you’ll just have an extra hour of driving on Day 4.

Day 4: Burnham, Maine

You’ll have about four hours of driving today to Burnham if you stayed in or around Stowe. This will be your home base for adventures in and around Bar Harbor.

Why not just stay in Bar Harbor, you ask? Well, traveling regularly and in a regular fashion sometimes (er, usually) means you’re traveling on a budget. It’d be great to stay near Acadia National Park if you plan on visiting as we did, but you have to plan well in advance to find anything within a short drive of the park.

Note: I’m talking like, many months in advance, tacking on a few additional months for good measure if you’re visiting in the fall for that New England foliage.

It’s also expensive, especially if you’re traveling in the fall. I’m talking VERY expensive. If you’re good with that and would rather prioritize efficiency over cost, I feel you. I’ve been there, and I get that. 

We were working with more time, though, so that’s how we came to be a little further out. If you’re in Burnham as we were, take it easy today after the drive. Stroll Unity Pond or visit the Field of Dreams. 

Fun fact: No, it’s not that Field of Dreams . You’ll need to travel to Iowa for that. It’s still not bad.

I watched that movie well into adulthood, by the way, and it is creepy and weird as heck. Does anyone else concur?

Want to follow this New England road trip itinerary to the letter? We stayed at this secluded Burnham retreat during our East Coast road trip. You’ll need to drive to anything you need, but that’s the point of seclusion, right? I’d highly recommend this one.

If you planned better (and in advance), you may just want to stay in Bar Harbor. Use the map below for those:

Day 5: Acadia National Park, Maine

We were about 90 minutes outside of the park, so we hit the road early with our pup in tow to make the most of that hike. If you’re visiting with your furry friend, check out my guide to making a similar day trip to Acadia happen. I include dog-friendly trails and where they’re not allowed, too.

Whether you’re traveling with a pup or on your own, Acadia is a hikers’ paradise with some of the best views anywhere in the United States. Don’t miss these trails and attractions if you’re here for all of that:

• Bass Harbor Head Light Station, or more casually known as the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, isn’t the most photographed lighthouse in Maine. It’s still worth a stop if you’re early on in your lighthouse exploration. Visit this one on Mount Desert Island.

• If you’re here for the leaves and not the hikes, the Park Loop Road is 27 miles worth of scenic driving through some of the best views in the park. There are all kinds of short loop hikes that start along this path if you’re looking to stretch your legs as you drive.
• Reach Cadillac Mountain with either a steep 3.1-mile ascent to the summit or a scenic drive complete with pullouts along the way. We did the drive up and didn’t feel like we missed out on anything.
• Stroll the Ocean Path Trail to quintessential Acadia attractions like Sand Beach, Otter Cliffs, and Thunder Hole. Thunder Hole sounds more menacing than it is. It’s named for the waves that crash against the rocks here. On ideal days, the spouts can go as high as 40 feet.
• If you’re traveling with a pup as we were, the Wonderland Trail is much less crowded than the trail I just mentioned and just as fun. Make sure your pup can handle rocky areas and a little scrambling if you go that route.

Day 6: Bangor, Maine

Stephen King fans won’t want to miss this one. The town was the home of the horror author for decades until he decided to split his time between his other home in Maine and a Florida home.

You can still visit the mansion’s gates as I did, likely with other fans giggling about the wrought iron accents.

Yes, that’s a red balloon in the photo.

For a full day of fun, check out a few more Bangor highlights:

• Paul Bunyan Statue: This 31-foot-fall statue is here to tell all who visit Bangor that the town was his place of birth. That’s what locals say anyway. He’s very tall, a little bit creepy, and an easy stop while in Bangor.
• Mount Hope Garden Cemetery: If you love a good cemetery, don’t miss the second-oldest garden cemetery in the country. Oh, and it was also a filming location for Pet Sematary . (Did you know that was spelled that way?!)
• Hollywood Casino: If you want to try your luck at some card tables or whatever else people do at casinos, head to one of only two casinos in Maine at the Hollywood Casino Bangor . Can you tell I prefer spending my money elsewhere? I don’t judge you, though.
• Penobscot Narrows Bridge: You’ll need to travel about 30 minutes south of Bangor for this attraction, but if you’re a bridge nerd at all, you’ll want to see this one. Connect to the Fort Knox Historic Site and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory on the other side.

Day 7: Rockland, Maine

This is peak coastal Maine right here and the part of the state that made me consider Maine as a potential new home for us. Yes, there will be lighthouses and plenty of them. For the best of Rockland, check out these highlights:

• Rockland Harbor Trail: Embrace those maritime vibes with this stroll along Rockland Harbor. If you’re visiting in the fall as I did, expect vibrant foliage on the side that isn’t the waterfront.

• Jess’s Market : If you’re not sure where to get started for delicious seafood in town, start with this fish and lobster shop. Visiting on a chilly day? They’ll likely have chowder for you to slurp up, too.
• Marshall Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse is about a half hour south of Rockland in Port Clyde, but it’s one of the most picturesque scenes you’ll encounter in this part of the country. Oh, and it was also featured in Forrest Gump , so run right over, k?
• Owls Head Lighthouse: This stunner was built in 1825 and has since become one of the most popular lighthouses in MidCoast Maine. It’s a short 10-minute drive to this one from downtown Rockland, so I think I’m cheating even less with this one.
• Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse: If you haven’t navigated breakwater with a dog yet, this is a great place to test out your pup’s mettle. Watch your step — the breakwater is nearly a mile long here! — and head all the way up to the lighthouse for panoramic views at this safe harbor.

We stayed in Owls Head, Rockland’s neighbor, as our overnight in the area. Both are adorable and great places to stay overnight.

If you want to stay in Rockland proper, use the map below for some options:

Days 8-9: Portland, Maine

You’re only a few hours to Portland from here. Portland is Maine’s most populated city, the cultural heart of the state, and my preferred Portland. While you know how much I love coastal Oregon and the other Portland , Maine just hits differently. 

Take some time to enjoy those (hopefully) sunny autumn days in Portland and the best of the Maine city’s attractions: 

• Portland Head Light: This historic lighthouse is in Cape Elizabeth, but that’s just a 15-minute drive from downtown Portland. You’ll drive through South Portland to get to Portland Head Light, one of the state’s most photogenic spots.

• Old Port: Start in this charming historic district and fall in love with Portland just as we did. The Old Port boasts a great dining and live music scene on top of that adorable cobblestone.
• Eastern Promenade: This harbor-side stroll is 2 miles from end to end, but you can do as much as you please. This promenade comes to us courtesy of the same folks who brought us Central Park in New York and the Boston Commons.
• A Piece of the Berlin Wall: There is an actual piece of the Berlin Wall right here in Portland. Find the trio of slabs at Long Wharf, a harbor that’s worth your time with or without a visit to this literal piece of history.
• Bug Light Park: If Portland Head Light didn’t do enough for you, head to Bug Light. This one got its name for its small size, but it’s not the size that matters. It’s how a lighthouse keeper uses their…light? I don’t know. It’s cute.

Once you’re done with the sightseeing, indulge in some of Portland’s best eats. If you haven’t had at least half a dozen lobster rolls yet, grab another at Portland Lobster Company . The outdoor tented bar is a great place to grab a drink and chow down.

Here are a few more food recs as you eat your way through Portland:

• Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room : Slurp up more oysters with your waterfront dining or opt out as I would with their chowder and delectable mussels. Yes, you’ll want to add more bread.
• Duckfat : If you’re still thinking about the fries you housed on that one trip to Brussels , make a beeline for Duckfat and their Belgian-style frites. They’re double-fried. In duck fat. You’re welcome.
• Eventide Oyster Co. : I’m honestly not the right person to ask about oysters, as I call them the boogers of the sea. Outside of their well-known oyster program, though, this eatery does it up with crab buns, lobster stews, and some bangin’ ceviche. All of that is much more up my alley.
• Terlingua Restaurant & Market : Portland has incredible seafood. If you’re craving some hot meats — get your head out of the gutter — plan to taste some Maine barbecue at this casual eatery. (It’s a blend of Caribbean, Southwest, and Mexican flavors, not an actual state-sanctioned BBQ style.)

Interested in a drink before or after to build that base? Portland’s beer scene is unmatched. Allagash Brewing Company is where you should start.

If you’re planning on crawling to your Portland accommodations, Austin Street Brewery , Rising Tide Brewing Company , and Oxbow Blending & Bottling are all a good time, too.

Stay in Portland for a couple of nights so that you’re able to spend at least a full day sightseeing and another full day eating your way through all of that delectable seafood. We stayed at the La Quinta by Wyndham Portland with our pup in Portland.

We generally love the La Quinta brand when we have our dog along because they don’t slap you with excessive fees and parking is easy. I’d recommend it anyway!

Use the map below for more options in Portland:

Day 10: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth is a lovely place that deserves a day of your time, especially if you’re visiting in the fall when the sun’s still shining and the leaves are crunching. For more on what we did there, visit my guide to this New Hampshire town .

If you don’t want to leave this post just yet, here are the Portsmouth highlights:

• Market Square: This is basically Portsmouth’s beating heart. It’s where you’ll find the bulk of the town’s boutique shopping, cafes, and art galleries. They do it up around Halloween with their decor, too.

• Portsmouth Book & Bar : Their motto is “Eat, drink, read, repeat,” and you can certainly make all of that happen at this wine-coffee-bookstore. Watch their website for upcoming live music, too.
• Prescott Park: Take in the views along the Piscataqua River with a stroll at Prescott Park. This is also where you’d check out the Prescott Park Arts Festival if you weren’t visiting in the fall. (Fall in Portsmouth is still the best, by the way!)
• The Warner House: This is just one of Portsmouth’s historical homes, but it was the one we chose to visit during our own Portsmouth trip. This house is over 300 years old, making it one of the oldest brick structures in New England.
• Memorial Bridge: Want to do something fun? Walk across this bridge. You’ll be in Maine on the other side. Just make sure you don’t time your stroll around the regular bridge lifting.

You’ll need somewhere to stay in or near Portsmouth. We’ve stayed at the  Ale House Inn , a historic property that once housed a brewery.  It was more than a novelty. This was a fun, comfortable stay with possible deals in the off-season.

More Ideas for a New Hampshire Fall Road Trip

Now, you may be wondering where the White Mountains and Mount Washington are in this tour of New England, particularly in the fall. Well, those mountains are thick with peepers in October. You need to book well in advance if you don’t want to spend $400/night on accommodations in and around the White Mountain National Forest.

We just couldn’t do it.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. It’s still firmly on our list, and we plan on returning. Specifically, I imagine myself snapping pics overlooking Crawford Notch State Park and bopping around North Conway on the regular.

Here are a few more items on my New Hampshire bucket list:

• Franconia Notch State Park
• The Conway Scenic Railroad
• Dixville Notch State Park
• Kancamagus Highway
• Lake Winnipesaukee
• Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

I know. It’s a lot to return to, and I could basically have myself a New Hampshire fall road trip and still not see it all. While just driving through the state and its surrounding mountainsides was spectacular in the fall, I’m certainly not opposed to doing so in seasons that aren’t at the peak time for New Hampshire.

Days 11-12: Boston, Massachusetts

In just two more hours, you’re in Boston. If you’re flying into New England for less than the length of this itinerary, this is a great hub to choose for some excellent leaf-peeping drives from Boston, especially if you’re short on time. 

As we have so much to see, I’m only dedicating two full days to one of the best cities in Massachusetts , but you’ll certainly want to come back. 

With more time, you’ll be able to tack on a few day trips from Boston. Salem is all kinds of fun if you’re visiting around Halloween time. Want to have yourself a spooktacular time? I have a guide to visiting Salem in the fall .

Cape Cod is perfect for lovers. I don’t know. I just think about all the mayhem those Kennedys got into on the Cape.  For more, check out my post on day trips from Boston .

If you’re staying in Boston proper, you’ll have so much to do to fill your time. If you’ve never done the Freedom Trail, you can spend at least a full day doing that. On top of the historical attractions along the Freedom Trail, don’t miss:

• Boston Common: This is a great place to lounge and people-watch if your legs are tired from the Freedom Trail. It’s also the oldest park in the United States.

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum : Visit this art museum for the art, certainly, but stay because its courtyard is one of the loveliest places in the city. You’ll feel like you’re anywhere but Boston and that’s purposeful. This place was modeled after a Venetian palace.
• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston : This museum isn’t just a jewel of Boston’s art scene. It’s well-regarded as one of the best art museums in the United States. It boasts the only permanent exhibition of ancient coins in the U.S. and an impressive Claude Monet collection, among so much more.
• Harvard Square: You’ll have to travel a bit to get to Cambridge, but how can you not visit the home of Harvard University and practice those Good Will Hunting accents you pull out after a good brewery? Start with Harvard Square, the town’s arts and eats center.
• Boston Breweries: Speaking of good breweries, Boston has plenty of them. Trillium Brewing Company , Aeronaut Brewing Co. , and Harpoon Brewery , the local staple, are the top stops I’d recommend if you’re planning to return to the hotel a little tipsy.

We stayed in Lexington on our last visit to Boston, but I’d probably just stay in Boston proper if I was to do it again. The traffic in the city can get intense and if you’re short on time, you’ll want to be in the thick of it all.

Just book well ahead of your travel during fall foliage time, as things can get expensive in Boston.

Use the map below for options in Boston proper:

Day 13: Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is an excellent city to spend the day. For whatever reason, it hasn’t arrived as a popular fall foliage road trip destination, so you’ll compete with fewer leaf peepers while you’re there.  If you’re still not convinced, I have a post on all of the reasons you should make a trip to Providence happen.

Interested in the highlights? While in Providence, don’t miss:

• The First Baptist Church in America :  This is the oldest Baptist church in the United States. Check out the exterior at the very least unless you’d like to time a visit during a worship service.

• Trinity Brewhouse : I had a hard cider here that tasted like apple pie with this sugar rim that caused me to melt into my booth. Yes, I still think about it. I also still think about the incredible mural this place has over the bar. It’s a version of The Last Supper with dead musicians. You’ll want to see it.
• Brown University: Walk the campus or head straight to Thayer Street. This is where both locals and Brown coeds go for casual eats and some of the city’s best ethnic cuisine.
• West Side Diner : This classic diner has been operating out of a diner car on this spot since 1947. It was just known as Poirier’s Diner back then. Order yourself a patty melt and feel yourself go back in time.
• The Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design : You’ve probably heard of this one by its shortened name: RISD. The museum’s impressive exhibits touch on a little bit of everything, including fashion. It’s a must-see while in Providence.

If you have more time to explore Rhode Island, don’t miss Newport. It’s very different from Providence, just from a point of fanciness. I put together a guide to its mansions , one of the most popular things to do in Newport if you want an idea of how fancy things get around here.

If you only have time for one Newport mansion, by the way, make it The Breakers. The old Vanderbilt pad is the most popular for a reason.

Providence offers more budget-friendly stays than Newport as you look to book your overnight at this point. I’ve stayed at the Residence Inn Providence Downtown on stays in Providence. What it lacked in charm it made up for with charming prices.

Use the map below for some more options:

Day 14: New Haven, Connecticut

New Haven quickly became one of my favorite New England cities on our New England fall trip itinerary. That one prestigious university adds quite a bit of cultural heft to any visit there, with several of the country’s top museums all in one place. Already into it? I’ve got a New Haven guide . 

At the very least, you’ll want to eat your way through the best New Haven pizza .

Spoiler alert: It was Pepe’s for me. While Pequod’s in Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart, New Haven-style pizza is also quite special. 

If you want the quick ‘n dirty highlights on New Haven, don’t miss:

• Harkness Tower: This is a symbol of the city and a symbol of Yale University. Tours to the top are available during certain times of the year, so check that out if you want the best view of the campus.

• Yale University Art Gallery : See works from van Gogh, Monet, and Rubens without paying a dime to do so. Expect to spend a few hours at this one. It’s also my favorite rainy-day activity in New Haven.
• PEZ Visitor Center : This one is technically in Orange, but it’s close enough that I wouldn’t get upset by another travel blogger sending me outside of the city. It’s a no-brainer whether you’re traveling with kids or just PEZ-loving adults.
• Marjolaine Pastry Shop : Reward yourself for all that learning with some high-end sweets. We visited on a gloomy day, so I had to get myself a decadent hot chocolate. It was a “yes” on the whipped cream, too.
• Yale Center for British Art : Start at the gallery above, but continue with this art museum, the largest collection of British art outside of the U.K. The halls inside are impressive all on their own.

We spent a full week in New Haven because it was one of the more budget-friendly stays in New England during our fall travels. I wouldn’t recommend where we stayed, so you won’t see it here. It was the size of a shoe, not even the full shoe closet.

If you’re lucky enough to be overnighting in New Haven, check out the map below:

With More Time on a New England Road Trip

If you want to stay in New England for a bit longer, I don’t blame you. New Haven is a great base for day trips to other Connecticut fun. Julia Roberts fans won’t want to miss the place that gave us Mystic Pizza just under an hour from New Haven.

Hartford, Connecticut, is another great day trip, particularly if you’re a fan of Mark Twain. It’s home to the Mark Twain House & Museum . Their excellent tours will tell you all about the life of Twain and his family in that house from 1874-1899. 

We booked one of their living history tours. Twain’s former maid, costume and all, told us about all of the gossip she overheard while living in the house with his family. It was very entertaining and very well done.

With more time in Hartford, visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and both capitol buildings. There’s the current Connecticut State Capitol and Connecticut’s Old State House. Both are worth your time.

Art fans won’t want to miss the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art . It has a little bit of everything, whether you’re a fangirl for the Impressionists or were obsessed with ancient Egypt as a kid.

This is where I leave you, a full two weeks after you began your New England fall road trip. We continued traveling south for the winter from here, driving down into Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia along the way.

You can certainly extend your time at any point during your trip. I could bop around Maine indefinitely, to be honest.

New England Fall Road Trip FAQs

Which new england state has the best fall foliage.

Vermont is the New England state with the best fall foliage. To be honest, if you can’t make it to Vermont, you’ll have vibrant colors in any of the New England states. That includes Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

What is the best time to see fall foliage in New England?

The best time to see fall foliage in New England is when the leaves start changing colors. This sounds vague on purpose. The timing changes somewhat from year to year. Mid-September through the end of October is usually the best time to see New England fall colors.

The New England fall road trip itinerary you read about here happened around the start of October into the middle of the month, and the colors were spectacular.

Is New England expensive to visit?

New England can be expensive to visit, especially if you want to live off of lobster rolls for the duration of your visit. 

Visiting in the fall in particular on a New England itinerary can really test your budgeting skills. It can cost a pretty penny to stay in the most well-known towns around New England if you don’t plan far in advance. 

We booked our accommodations a few months ahead of our own trip, and it really wasn’t enough time. The highlight, though, was experiencing the smaller, less popular stops along the way.

Is a New England road trip worth it?

A New England road trip is absolutely worth it. New England is already one of the most beautiful regions in the United States. Add the vibrant hues of fall and it’s all almost overwhelming.

It’s what made me seriously consider moving to New England until I started thinking about winters , too.

Ready for Your New England Autumn Road Trip?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. autumn in New England), you should use  Skyscanner . It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

Scroll up for logistics around East Coast fall road trip travel and good starting points for a New England fall foliage road trip.

Adventurous folks may love subscribing to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get all kinds of deals in your inbox throughout the year, including those targeting New England road trips.

Your Accommodations:  I usually use  Booking.com  and  Hotels.com  for our hotel needs. Both offer loyalty programs, and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety, which is great. Vrbo is my preferred Airbnb alternative. Scroll up for my top picks on accommodations throughout your New England fall road trip.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try  Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

Love this New England fall itinerary? Pin me!

Interested in more travel over this way? Check out these posts:

• Marvel at A Christmas Story  House in Cleveland
• Visit Virginia’s Underrated Natural Bridge State Park
• Plan a Southern Road Trip While You’re Here
• How to Spend a Weekend in Asheville, NC

Ready to see more?

Subscribe to my biweekly newsletter for hot travel tips I come across, weird stories you won’t see elsewhere and perhaps lifelong friendship.

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Agnes Groonwald

Best 5 New England Halloween Towns

Halloween is an entire season — not just one day — in these spirited New England Halloween towns.

By Kim Knox Beckius

Oct 12 2021

Salem, Massachusetts | The Best 5 Halloween Towns in New England

Days grow shorter, pumpkins swell on the vine, and wee werewolves aren’t the only ones who crave a howlingly good time. Halloween has become the one holiday that anyone with a creative bone in their body can embrace — and these New England Halloween towns offer treats for all ages as October 31 sneaks up.

Salem, Massachusetts

New England’s Halloween capital has a remarkable knack for playing up the wart on its history left behind by 17th-century witch hysteria. Psychic fairs and séances, haunted tours and masquerade balls, chilling storytelling, and Killer Karaoke add an extra cloak of frightful fun to Salem’s always fascinating collection of witch-focused shops and attractions. The city’s October-long lineup of Haunted Happenings keeps magically expanding. The Haunted Harmonies a cappella festival has become a tuneful tradition. The  Salem Horror Fest  delivers scary screenings, and Wicked Wednesdays feature family-friendly activities like the Great Salem Pumpkin Walk.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Suddenly, they’re everywhere: pumpkin-headed scarecrows with ghoulish grins. It’s October, and Portsmouth’s Halloween genies are hard at work, creating the sort of enchantment that only happens in the shadows. Queen of Halloween Diana Kirkpatrick opens her Haunted Halloween Barn  to all who dare venture inside(free, but donations are requested). Strawbery Banke wakes its ghosts for two eves of trick-or-treating at historic houses. And “The Coven” invites revelers to a series of fund-raising events: the Rock Show, Undead Beat Night, and the Pumpkin Smash, where a small fee allows you to inflict mighty harm on a mushy orange squash. These secretive organizers of the city’s famed Halloween-night parade take pride in keeping this march through downtown one of the last parades in the country free of corporate sponsorship. There are more costumed participants than spectators most years, including a well-rehearsed contingent of “Thriller”-dancing zombies.

Bucksport, Maine

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Even on summer days, there’s a dank chill inside Fort Knox, and when the mid-19th-century granite fortress gets a macabre makeover for Fright at the Fort nights, thousands travel to this Penobscot River town to have their spines tingled. You don’t need just a bold backbone to make Bucksport your Halloween go-to spot, though: Brace your funny bone, because the community becomes “Ghostport” for one 12-hour day of madcap, all-ages activities. March in the costume parade, have brunch with the witches, cast your vote in the chili cook-off, launch pumpkins into the river with a trebuchet, and be sure to find a spot on Main Street for the coffin race. If a Ghostport Ghoul nabs you, you’ll receive a wicked-good cash prize. As night falls, jack-o-lanterns are brought to the waterfront for judging, free movies are screened, costumed revelers dance under a tent, and surprises are unveiled right up until the fireworks display.

Putnam, Connecticut

Have you dreamed of dressing your undead best and lurching down a catwalk? If so, you need to be in this reawakening mill town (with plenty of free parking) for October’s First Friday, when anyone can enter the annual Zombie Fashion Show . It’s the first of several Halloween spectacles in Putnam’s harvest-bedecked downtown. Next up: the  Great Pumpkin Festival , featuring pumpkin-themed restaurant specials, a street fair, entertainment, and a sincerely enormous pumpkin. The town crier welcomes a trainload of passengers, who arrive via rail from Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley station, lending a spark of nostalgia. Then, on the Friday eve before Halloween, costumed kids and parents swarm downtown as business owners take to the sidewalks to dispense treats.

Jackson, New Hampshire

Each October, this serene White Mountains village is the target of a monthlong invasion. But don’t fear! There’s nothing sinister about the Return of the Pumpkin People . Pick up a map and go meet the more than 100 gourd-geous characters who pop up at businesses in Jackson and surrounding towns. The pumpkin flavor — and the photos ops — intensifies during the All Things Pumpkin Festival, which features tastings, tours, pumpkin carriage rides through the village, and New England’s most competitive pumpkin carving contest. Bring your trick-or-treat-loving offspring to town October 31 for Sweet Street, a candy-filled final Halloween hurrah on the lawn of the Snowflake Inn.

What New England Halloween towns would you add to the list?

This post was first published in 2018 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE: Best Halloween Events in New England 5 Best Pumpkin Festivals in New England Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts

Kim Knox Beckius

Kim Knox Beckius is Yankee Magazine's Travel & Branded Content Editor. She is a Connecticut-based writer and photographer whose passion for New England inspires everything she does, whether it's riding a giant inflatable lobster in her wedding gown, naming her daughter so she shares initials with L.L. Bean or sending free fall leaves in the mail to autumn lovers around the world. She’s the author of six books on Northeast travel, including New England’s Historic Homes & Gardens, and has been the voice of New England travel for About.com since 1998. GoNewEngland.about.com

15 Weekend Getaways in New England

T he New England region of the northeastern United States is an ideal location for a weekend escape. There are so many quaint towns, historic sites, and natural beauty that it’s easy to set your sights on New England for your next weekend getaway. But where exactly should you plan to spend your time?

In this article, you'll find the 15 best weekend getaways in New England , and it's designed to help you figure out where exactly you should go. This list has everything you could be looking for, from lovely seaside towns to places primed for outdoor adventures.

It’s just a matter of seeing which one is right for you. So, let’s check out each one.

In no particular order, here are 15 great New England weekend vacation spots.

1.    Portland, Maine

Starting off this list of the best weekend getaways in New England is Portland, Maine . It’s a fabulous place with tons to do and see.

Check out the historical sites in Portland, like the Tate House Museum . Visit the Portland Head Lighthouse and walk the coastal trail.

Make sure to spend some time at the Central Waterfront. From there, it’s easy to get to historic downtown and the Old Port shopping district.

Consider taking a boat tour to see Portland from the water. And yes, of course, you've got to try the lobster rolls in Maine!

LEARN MORE: 15 Epic Places to Visit in Maine

2.    Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a special place full of things to do and see, making it one of the best weekend trips in New England.

As a major port, this town is known for everything maritime. You’ll find that Newport is home to the Maritime Museum and several regattas throughout the year.

Make sure you spend some time hiking the Cliff Walk and checking out the Gilded Age Mansions in town.

LEARN MORE: 15 Best Things to Do in Rhode Island

3.    Burlington, Vermont

Up north in the great state of Vermont, you’ll find Burlington, one of the best places for a weekend getaway in New England.

This lovely city has everything you need to make your time the absolute best. Head to Church Street for unique shops, places to eat, and entertainment right on the street.

On the shores of Lake Champlain , you’ll find the Greenway, where you can stroll and enjoy the view.

Get out on the water or head up one of the nearby mountains for outdoor fun.

4.    Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth is an absolute favorite when it comes to New England vacation spots . The picturesque seaside town is one that has tons to do. You’ll love perusing the unique shops in Market Square.

Stopping by cafes and restaurants is a delight. Learn about the past on a walking tour and at Strawbery Banke Museum .

Enjoy the view of the water at Prescott Park or Odiorne State Park .

5.    Bar Harbor, Maine

Seriously, one of the best places to have a weekend getaway in the Northeast has to be Bar Harbor.

As the gateway to Acadia National Park , you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore the great outdoors.

Venturing into the park and climbing Mt. Cadillac is top on any Bar Harbor itinerary. But the town itself also provides a great time.

It’s where you’ll find lovely places to stay, eat, and explore, like Frenchman Bay and the Great Harbor Maritime Museum.

It's easy to see why Bar Harbor is also on our list of beautiful coastal towns in Maine!

6.    Ludlow, Vermont

Looking for a quaint town to spend one of your New England vacations in?

Definitely consider Ludlow, Vermont. You’ll love this town with its unique shops and places to eat.

As for daytime activities, Ludlow is home to Okemo Mountain Resort. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll have something to do at Okemo.

There’s skiing in the winter and hiking, biking, adventure courses, and scenic chairlift rides during the warmer seasons.

Ludlow is great for scenic drives as it’s located just off Vermont Scenic Route 100 Byway. Some say this is the most scenic road in the whole state.

LEARN MORE: 10+ Epic Places to Visit in Vermont

7.    Providence, Rhode Island

Something is always happening in Providence.

As the state capital and home to both Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), there’s a constant buzz of activity and energy, making it one of the best places for a New England getaway.

During a weekend in Providence, you can check out art at the RISD Museum , stroll through Waterplace Park , and enjoy Italian food on Atwells Avenue in Federal Hill.

8.    Boston, Massachusetts

No list of the best weekend vacations in New England can be complete without the great city of Boston.

This city, one of the oldest in the country, has so much to do on a weekend getaway.

Spend your days exploring the history of the city on the Freedom Trail  in Boston Commons and seeing the historic ships in the harbor.

Later, you'll have so many great places to have dinner and enjoy a night out on the town.

9.    Stowe, Vermont

Another wonderful destination for one of the best vacations in New England is Stowe, Vermont.

No matter the time of year, Stowe is the perfect place to spend a few days away from it all.

In the winter, you’ll be hitting the slopes by day and snuggling up in front of a fire by evening.

During other seasons, you’ll be out exploring the beautiful Vermont landscape and enjoying the lovely town of Stowe. In summer and fall, explore the nearby hiking trails, and, of course, the fall foliage is spectacular.

10.    Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic is a major destination in New England, especially for vacationers in the Northeast; it’s only 135 miles from New York City.

With its long history steeped in its proximity to the water, Mystic is known for shipbuilding.

Today, a favorite activity is to visit the Mystic Seaport Museum to see the historic vessels.

You’ll love historic downtown Mystic.

It’s the place to see historical architecture while checking out the shops and restaurants.

The Mystic Darkroom is a top date night pick for a unique entertainment experience.

11.    Camden, Maine

Located on Penobscot Bay in mid-coast Maine, the picturesque town of Camden is an idyllic New England vacation spot.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking, biking, and boating opportunities around Camden, including the gorgeous Camden Hills State Park .

In town, you stroll to cute shops, art galleries, and museums.

Be sure to visit Penobscot Marine Museum and also check out Camden Opera House for the latest concerts and events in town.

12.    Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha’s Vineyard is well known as a classic New England summer vacation spot.

But the truth is, this island is absolutely lovely all year round, making it one of the best vacation places in Massachusetts.

Uniquely, Martha’s Vineyard is an island located just off the coast of Cape Cod.

You’ll find fewer crowds than on the Cape, but Martha's Vineyard has stellar beaches, great accommodations, and a chill, laid-back vibe perfect for a weekend getaway.

13.    Kennebunkport, Maine

Does the unique name of Kennebunkport ring a bell? This seaside town is known as one of the best New England summer destination spots.

It’s also home to the summer estate of the Bush family (Pres. George H.W. Bush and Pres. George W. Bush).

The beaches are a major draw in Kennebunkport, while the town is the perfect place to enjoy a meal and stroll around the unique shops.

Whale watching and boat tours are also favorites in Kennebunkport.

14.    Cape Cod, Massachusetts

The land that stretches out in the Atlantic just south of Boston is the historical and fabulous Cape Cod.

Since the early days of the nation, The cape has been a favorite destination, clearly making it one of the best vacation getaways in New England.

The Cape has adorably quaint cottages, pristine beaches, and a vibe that is truly chill and laid-back.

You’ll love putting your toes in the sand, watching the boats on the water, and learning about the area’s past at the many historical sites. 

15.    North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway is a lovely town perfectly positioned for ventures into the beauty of the New Hampshire landscape.

Mount Washington is just a short drive from North Conway, making the town the perfect home base.

Don’t miss Cathedral Ledge and Diana's Baths , both nearby. For a more leisurely venture into the great outdoors, consider a ride on a scenic railway.

In the village of North Conway, you’ll find historic buildings with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

As you can see, there are so many fabulous destinations, from Maine to Connecticut. This list has the 15 best weekend getaways in New England. So, no matter what type of escape you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

The article 15 Weekend Getaways in New England first appeared on Solo Trips and Tips

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Haunted Halloween Events to Attend in October in New England

What could be more charmingly spooky than spending a few days in October in New England, gearing up for the Halloween holiday? New England is the perfect cozy fall destination in the United States — the air is crisp, the leaves are vibrant and there’s plenty of history around every corner (and everyone knows that with lots of history comes a ghost or two). So, check out one of these seven haunted New England Halloween events to attend in October, throughout the entire region.  Scare up some amazing treats for your budget by visiting our Ghoulish Getaways Page that offers discounts and deals on October lodging packages and getaways!  Boo!

                                                 Explore Other Spooky Fall Offers

Family-Style Scares

Of course, not everyone in your family may be up for some truly bone-chilling experiences this month and that’s okay. New England has plenty of family-friendly Halloween activities that are appropriate for everyone in your clan, whether you’re looking out for your brave-faced little ones or you know that even the adults in your crew can scare just as easily as the kids.  

Animal-loving children will be thrilled with Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo’s annual Zoo Howl, which takes place Oct. 26 and 27, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Kids are invited to dress up in their Halloween finery and trick or treat among the animals (who, by the way, maybe doing a little celebrating of their own, complete with festive pumpkins). Special zoo activities that are additionally taking place during Zoo Howl include a costume contest, howling contest, and puppet shows. 

Enhance your trip to Boston with a stay at XV Beacon, which is offering a special Halloween on the Hill package just a few days later. Guests who stay Oct. 29–31 enjoy 20 percent off room rates and a trick-or-treat turndown service. Plus, the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston is just a great place to be during the fall season!

Another zoo-centric event takes place at Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. The Roger Williams Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular occurs regularly all the way through Nov. 3, so you have plenty of time to catch the event. During this time, the zoo’s Wetlands Trail is home to thousands upon thousands of beautifully carved jack-o-lanterns, to thrill every member of your family, and, on weekend nights, guests are invited to dress up and enjoy some live entertainment. 

Just a short drive away, you can book a stay at the Hotel Viking in Newport. Just make sure to book the hotel’s Fall in New England bundle, which is available through Nov. 30. The bundle comes with discounted parking, a $50 gas card to get you around this tiny state and even a picnic basket filled with goodies!

In Vermont, the state’s largest Halloween event is the Halloween Family Fest , a free admission, indoor attraction everyone will love. There’s trick-or-treating, of course, but also a costume parade, face painting, storytime, games, giveaways, and even bouncy houses. The event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1–4 p.m. 

Stay at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa while you’re in the area. There’s no better time to experience the wondrous beauty of Stowe’s fall foliage. The resort will even help you out with its Stowe Glow package, which includes 20 percent savings on accommodations, daily breakfast, 20 percent savings on lunch and dinner at on-site restaurants, Vermont maple treats, self-guided foliage and brew tours, 20 percent savings on spa treatments and full access to all the resort’s amazing amenities. It’s the perfect choice for families looking for a resort where everyone can have a good time. Kids can enjoy a trip to the pool, while parents relax at the spa (you won’t want to miss one of the locally-inspired treatments, like the Vermont maple sugar body polish) or in the steam room.

Scream-Abundant Scares

All of the above might seem far too tame for you and your friends. If that’s the case, and you want to go somewhere you can find real terror, then look no further, because New England certainly isn’t limited to Halloween treats. It has plenty of terrifying tricks up its sleeves as well. 

One of your options is The Ghoullog , an annual event that takes place at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire. The Ghoullog has been running for 13 years and its heavily advised that children do not attend, as things can get pretty gory. Over nearly an hour, guests wind their way through 15,000 square feet of scares. 

Once it’s time to lay your head on your pillow (if you can sleep, that is!), you can at least rest easy knowing that you saved a few dollars on your stay. North Conway’s Red Jacket Mountain View Resort & Indoor Water Park is offering 20 percent off stays of three or more nights, through Nov. 21. 

If you’re planning to visit Connecticut this fall instead, you can still get your spooky fix there. The Haunted Graveyard thrills adults only with New England’s largest Halloween attraction. Every weekend, visitors traverse a mile of terrifying terrain that includes a creepy graveyard, vampire lair, spooky temple, and a witch’s abode. One of the best parts of it all, though, is that the money from your ticket purchases all goes to a good cause — the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

There’s a great spot to stay just a half-hour’s drive away. The Manor House Inn in Norfolk offers “Falling for Fall” savings through Nov. 21. In addition to saving on your room rate, you’ll enjoy perks like free WiFi, a free welcome drink and free gourmet breakfast created using local ingredients. 

Historic Haunts

How could there be any other first stop on your list of New England Halloween destinations with a touch of history? Salem has it all — the history, haunts, the legends, the scream-tastic events every single night of the month. Whether you’re more interested in the town’s infamously witchy past, or you’d like to tap into some more modern witchcraft, you can find it all in Salem. Check out Salem’s Haunted Happenings calendar for a full list of the month’s activities. There are special tours, performances, readings, dinners and more. The big finale occurs the Saturday before Halloween when you have not one, not two, but three costume balls to choose from. 

Looking for a place to stay while you’re in town? Go with The Hawthorne Hotel to rest your weary head. It hosts its own Halloween ball and, yes, it is rumored that the hotel is haunted. 

If your interest in haunted history also blends quite nicely with an interest in spooky literature, then you’re in luck if you’re visiting Maine this month. Sign up for the annual Longfellow’s Haunted House tour that takes place at the Longfellow House in Portland. Evening tours are held Oct. 27–Oct. 30 and are all about the various deaths that have occurred in the house. 

Cap off your Halloween getaway to Maine with a stay at Meadowmere Resort Ogunquit. The property’s Ghoulish Maine Halloween package includes accommodations (will you brave a stay in haunted Room 2?), dinner at the famous Old Village Inn, daily breakfast, wine and cheese, and late checkout. Plus, you’re just minutes away from a famous corn maze that’s sure to give you Children of the Corn flashbacks. 

More Fall Trips, Halloween Events, and Activities in New England

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Cool it now

WINDS OF CHANGE

A wind shift to the northeast will mean a return of cooler air across the region. The coolest will be at the coast with highs stuck in the 50s through the weekend. Town in central New England and Massachusetts will reach the 60s. You won’t find 70s until at least western Massachusetts and Connecticut into New York. At least it’ll be dry through Saturday!

NEXT RAIN IN VIEW

Sunday will start with clouds and a few showers, especially west of 128. After 2 p.m., more significant showers will move into Worcester County and march east to the coast. Rain will likely fall into the night, leaving early Monday morning.

Sunshine Monday will warm us back into the 70s.

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Will Messi play at Gillette Stadium? New England hosts Inter Miami: Here’s the latest

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are making the trip to New England, but will they play in Saturday night’s soccer match against the Revolution? 

Lingering concerns about the field surface at Gillette Stadium have raised doubt about whether they will play. Messi, who played on turf at Charlotte last year, appears more likely. Suárez, who has chronic knee issues, could be another story. 

Messi is second in MLS with seven goals scored, while Suarez is tied for third with three other players who have scored six goals. Inter Miami also enters the New England match ranked first in the MLS Eastern Conference and needing to accumulate as many points as possible before Messi departs for Copa America 2024 with Argentina this summer. 

“The players are all available. They are all able to travel. And, well, then we will see the formation to face New England,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said Friday without revealing his lineup. 

“We have already played in Charlotte, which was artificial, last year," he continued, adding it wasn’t a problem then for the club and its players. 

At least 64,000 fans are expected in attendance Saturday , which will likely set a team record for the Revolution, and potentially be one of the top three most attended soccer matches in Gillette Stadium’s 23-year history. 

How to watch New England vs. Inter Miami live stream 

Inter Miami faces the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday night. The game will be streamed via  MLS Season Pass on Apple TV . 

WATCH :  Messi and Inter Miami at New England on Apple TV

TICKETS :  See Messi and Inter Miami take on the New England Revolution at Gillete Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.

SHOP :  Get the latest Messi and Inter Miami gear from the MLS Store

More on New England’s playing surface before Inter Miami game 

The soccer playing surface at Gillette Stadium is the same field used by the New England Patriots for NFL games and similar to the turf Messi played on in Charlotte, a Revolution team spokesman told USA TODAY Sports earlier this week. 

"Same high-quality surface you’ll find at stadiums like Portland, Seattle, Charlotte – where Messi did play 90 minutes on the same type of surface," the spokesman said.

“All of my lower leagues, I’ve always played on turf,”  Messi said last August . “That was a long time ago, and it’s been a long time since I played on synthetic turf. But I have no problem adapting to turf again.”

Inter Miami is relatively healthy for New England match 

Messi’s Barcelona sidekick Jordi Alba will miss his second straight game due to a right hamstring injury. Midfielder Diego Gomez will miss the next six weeks with an ankle sprain. And midfielder Federico Redondo is still a month away from returning from a knee injury. Otherwise, Inter Miami is healthier than it’s been in a while. 

Messi will play in his fifth consecutive game since returning from a hamstring injury that kept him out March 13-April 6. Midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi also returned to the lineup to play sparingly in the last two games after sports hernia surgery. His presence, along with newly signed midfielder Matias Rojas, should help in Gomez’s absence. Strikers Leo Campana and Robert Taylor could return from hamstring injuries to play New England.

Asked how he feels about his team with some players returning from injury, Martino joked: "I’d like to start the 'ConcaChampions' tournament again."

Inter Miami was eliminated by Monterrey, which lost 2-1 to MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew earlier this week in the first of two matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal. 

Inter Miami upcoming schedule 

Here are the next five Inter Miami matches after visiting New England:

∎May 4: Inter Miami vs.  New York Red Bulls , 7:30 p.m. ET

∎May 11: Inter Miami at  CF Montreal , 7:30 p.m. ET

∎May 15: Inter Miami at  Orlando City , 7:30 p.m. ET

∎May 18: Inter Miami vs.  DC United , 7:30 p.m. ET

∎May 25: Inter Miami at  Vancouver , 10:30 p.m. ET