It’s harvest time throughout rural New England, with fairs, cider days, pumpkin-patch pickings, and other celebrations taking place throughout the region. Why not make your day in the country truly seasonal with an autumn amble at one these Trustees properties? Feel free to add your own favorites.
LOWELL HOLLY, Sandwich and Mashpee – The American Holly trees for which this property is named are already starting to show their red berries. But a more familiar scarlet fruit awaits just one town west, where the Falmouth Cranberry Harvest & Farm festival takes place Saturday, October 18.
APPLETON FARMS AND GRASS RIDES, Hamilton and Ipswich – Enjoy special foliage events on Wednesday, October 15, and Wednesday, October 29, at one of the most spectacular farm landscapes in Massachusetts. Learn why leaves change color. Call 978.921.1944 x8815 for more information.
WEIR RIVER FARM, Hingham – It’s quite a color show: The hilltop corn fields are going from emerald green to gold and brown while farther down the pastures, black-and-white Belted Galloways and Red Holsteins make for the iconic red barn. The farm’s “Open Barnyard Saturdays” continue through October.
PEAKED MOUNTAIN, Monson – Climb the 1,200-foot summit and imagine you’re in the Scottish Highlands, ancestral home of long-horned, shaggy-faced Highland cattle. In fact, on Saturday, October 11, you can see them up close with a drive over to The Big E in Springfield, for the Northeast Highland Cattle Association’s Fall Gathering.
BEAR’S DEN, New Salem – New Salem Orchards hosts its annual Apple Festival on Saturday, November 1, with child-friendly apple pressing, live alpacas, cider donuts, caramel apples, roasted hot dogs over a bonfire, and more. But first, stoke your appetite with a post-Halloween walk to this six-acre property’s intriguing cave and gorge.
PETTICOAT HILL, Williamsburg – The resurgent forest now hides views of the Connecticut River enjoyed a century ago. But plan your hike here for Saturday, October 25. After your walk, reward yourselves with a visit to the Connecticut River Valley town of Hadley and its annual Harvest Moon Pumpkin Festival & Tractor Parade.