Sponsored by the Florida Department of Citrus

A New Year is a fresh start to cultivate your relationships and health. One way to send a thoughtful symbol of care is to ship a care package of healthy and delicious Florida Citrus.  

Your family, friends, and loved ones may have recently adopted a resolution for better wellness, which often includes diet changes or increased activity. By choosing Florida Citrus Gifts, you’re giving more than the gift of fruit, you’re supporting their health and cheering on their New Year goals. Head to PickFLA.com to explore the various gift options handpicked by dedicated growers in Florida. 

Of course, that isn’t the only reason to send Florida Citrus Gifts. Each gift has been carefully curated to suit any occasion — from birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day to housewarming parties or major milestones. Boxes and baskets of Florida Citrus Gifts include varieties like oranges, mandarins, grapefruit and tangerines — perfect for enjoying on their own or for adding to a favorite recipe. Many gift options also include beautiful jams, chocolates, nuts and more special treats.   

Support Overall Wellness with Florida Citrus  

Florida Citrus isn’t only a perfect gift for supporting New Year health goals. Cold and flu season, with the sneezing, fevers, and chills that come with it, can bring resolutions to a grinding halt — but a bright slice of sunshine can make all the difference in supporting wellness amid dreary winter days. A citrus care package in the form of Florida Citrus Gifts could make all the difference in showing your friends and loved ones some support as they work toward their goals. 

If you’re looking for ideas for healthy gifts or get-well kits, skip the chicken soup and consider a beautiful and delicious gift of Florida Citrus that offers an array of health benefits. Florida Citrus varieties such as oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, or mandarins offer a unique package of nutrients including vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps support your immune system.  

The benefits of daily citrus consumption from varieties found in Florida Citrus Gifts include supporting hydration, heart health, brain health, and more.  

In fact, citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges have been shown to support heart health in various ways from reducing blood pressure and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol to increasing “good” (HDL) cholesterol. They can also help keep your skin hydrated including nutrients such as vitamin C and plant pigments called carotenoids that may help maintain a youthful glow. 

Florida Citrus like tangerines and mandarins also deliver key nutrients to help support your body’s health. Those nutrients may help support lung function, improving asthma symptoms, and kidney health, reducing the risk of kidney stones.  

While all that citrus is great for your body, it’s great for your tastebuds too.  

Florida Citrus Gift fruit is picked at the peak of freshness, so you can be assured that any option you select will be like unwrapping a box of sunshine — much needed during these shorter winter days.  

Each gift is specially curated to include a variety of your favorite citrus that can be peeled and enjoyed right away or used in endless recipes creations from orange cake and citrus-glazed salmon to freshly squeezed Florida Grapefruit Juice mocktails or cocktails. The fruit shipped in Florida Citrus Gifts is perfect for adding sweet, tangy citrus flavors to any dish — whether it’s sweet or savory. Plus, the essential nutrients found within each fruit bring a healthy balance to each bite. 

Need some inspiration for enjoying your gift box or basket? This simple and versatile Grapefruit Salsa is great with tortilla chips or as a topping for fish tacos. You can also serve as a side to barbecued chicken or pulled pork, too. 

GRAPEFRUIT SALSA 

• 1 large Florida Grapefruit, peeled, membrane removed, sectioned, chopped 

• 2 tablespoons lime juice 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno 

• 1/2 red bell pepper, minced 

• 1/2 avocado, diced 

• 2 tablespoon minced red onion 

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves  

Simply toss together the ingredients and serve.  

With citrus this delicious, you’ll want to share the love with all your friends and family by sending them their very own gifts to enjoy. Explore all your Florida Citrus Gift options at PickFLA.com and choose a package that delivers sunshine, health, and love. 

The post Gifts from Florida Citrus Celebrate Health This New Year  appeared first on New England.

Sponsored by The Vermont Country Store

Weston, Vermont, a pretty village with a river flowing through it, is famous for having the state’s longest-running professional theater—and it’s unlikely that there is more talent seen onstage in a town of this size anywhere in the country. If everyone is home and relatives are visiting, there may be about 650 people residing here. Each day, however, many more make the pilgrimage to The Vermont Country Store, the North Star of Main Street. It’s a cozy nest of nostalgia that’s hard to shake even after leaving, as the entire town center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Here, on the first Saturday of December, Weston greets the yuletide season with Christmas in Weston, an event founded more than 30 years ago that distills the holiday spirit to its essence of goodwill, far from the furious pulse of packed malls. Supported by local nonprofits and businesses—like The Vermont Country Store and Weston Theater Company—this free day of family fun has all the essentials. Marshmallows are roasted over an open fire on the village green and at The Weston Village Store. There are horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting farm tucked into a barn, visits to historic museums, kid-centered craft activities, a tree lighting, and a live fireworks show. And, of course, there’s Santa.

Before Santa and Mrs. Claus make their appearance at 11 a.m. at the Weston Village Christmas Shop, a visitor stopping into the town’s tidy post office might encounter Melvin Twitchell. He’s been a postmaster in southern Vermont for more than 40 years, and has all the small-town stories that go along with that—like the tale of a postman whose vehicle had a hole in its muffler, and how the 200 or so families on his rural route didn’t want him to fix it. “They wanted to know when he was on his way,” Twitchell recalls with a laugh. A local resident comes in and hands him a brown paper bag, and he smiles: Inside sits a pear the size of a softball. “She just came back from California,” he explains. “Merry Christmas,” she calls out as she leaves.

Outside on the village green, a lovely pocket of land rimmed by vintage iron fencing, a Christmas tree festooned with unlit lights stands in the bandstand. The tree won’t spring to life until dusk, but long before then, the green and its surroundings are bustling with activity. Families gather around the bonfires, while food trucks stand by with delicious fuel for the day’s merriment. The Vermont Country Store sponsors wagon rides drawn by sturdy draft horses, and the clip-clop of their hooves punctuates the chatter and laughter of the crowd. And for those who want to warm up indoors and enjoy a good meal while they’re at it, the new restaurant at The Vermont Country Store, Leyla’s, has tasty lunch options.

When Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the scene, they take up their post at a special Santa Claus tent at the Weston Village Christmas Shop. From his cozy chair, Santa will listen to a litany of Christmas requests from children both shy and bold. “Oh, you have the devil in your eyes,” he teases one boisterous youngster, before adding, “You wish real, real hard, and I’ll try and get my elves working.” As each child climbs off Santa’s lap, Mrs. Claus hands down a candy cane.

More holiday cheer awaits across the street at The Vermont Country Store, whose front-door bell rings all day long, just as it has for decades. Whimsical and one-of-a-kind, the business that Vrest Orton and his wife, Mildred, created in 1946 pays tribute to the powerful tug of memory and the appeal of nostalgia to our imagination—and they packaged that shopping experience not only on store shelves but also in catalogs that have found their way around the world.

Here, grown-ups reminisce about favorite childhood flavors as they peruse glass jars full of penny candy, and shoppers stroll the jam-packed aisles in search of that perfect holiday gift. In recent years the retail treasures have grown to include products celebrating Christmas in Weston itself, with proceeds going toward the Weston Volunteer Fire Department and The Little School, a local nonprofit preschool. Special in-store events also add to the festive spirit: For instance, during the 2024 Christmas in Weston celebration, The Vermont Country Store will host R.W. Alley, famed illustrator of the Paddington Bear books, as he creates an artwork on-site to be auctioned off, as well as spends time with kids reading from his new book. And so typical of the hospitality in this town, the new owners of COHO Inn and Motor Lodge—formerly The Colonial House—have welcomed the Alleys to spend the weekend at their inn. 

During the afternoon, visitors may find themselves drawn to The Church on the Hill, an 1838 house of worship that’s just a short stroll from the village green, where the music of holiday carols is ringing out. A woman named Pat Connelly is leading the singing while playing guitar. Her voice is easy to listen to, and songs fill the room. “I can hear your spirits in your voices,” she says. At the other end of town, The Old Parish Church hosts its annual reading of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, in which the voice of the narrator is provided by professional actors who live in Weston and the parts of the characters are read by volunteers in the audience.

Meanwhile, the action on the green is far from over. Santa Claus makes a dramatic entrance aboard the Weston Volunteer Fire Department truck, siren blaring and lights flashing. After greeting all the kids on the green, he makes his way to the bandstand to kick off the tree lighting.

As dusk falls, seemingly everyone in Weston is gathered around the bandstand. When the tree blazes to life, it feels like a shared amen on the day—followed by a fireworks display as exuberant as the Hallelujah Chorus. Many will choose to round out the evening by heading to dinner at either The Left Bank at The Weston or to The Hub at Weston before attending Weston Theater Company’s annual Winter Cabaret; others will bundle into their cars to make their way home.

Everyone who attends Christmas in Weston, though, will be left with memories of timeless moments: songs in a church, chimes from a shopkeeper’s bell, the sight of children nestled in their parents’ arms. Like many Vermont towns, Weston has faced big challenges in recent years, from population swings to flood recovery, that have brought change to this historic village. Yet one thing that hasn’t changed is Weston’s heart, and the gifts it bestows at Christmastime.

This sponsored post is adapted from a 2018 article published in Yankee. For more information about Christmas in Weston, which this year is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, go to westonvt.net.

The post Santa’s Big Day in Small-Town Vermont appeared first on New England.

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

From seeing Santa on the seashore to raising a glass to peace and goodwill at a cozy craft brewpub, there are endless ways to get into the holiday spirit in Massachusetts. You can stroll Main Street for one-of-a-kind gifts, be dazzled by light shows, or enjoy a festive meal at a classic New England inn. Whether it’s a solo outing or a special event with family and friends, Massachusetts is filled with so many merry destinations for making the most of the holiday season, you’ll wish it lasted all year long.

1. Check out the festive scene at a historic inn or hotel.

At this time of year, inns and hotels across the Commonwealth are decking their halls (and check-in desks) as they invite guests and visitors alike to partake in seasonal treats. Among those celebrating the holiday spirit is the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, which hosts a Santa Tea at the inn’s Town Meeting Bistro on Dec. 14, 15, 21, and 22. All ages can enjoy a high tea service, sweet and savory bites, gingerbread decorating, crafts, and time with Santa Claus (plus holiday cocktails for the grownups). More of a morning person? The Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge offers Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 8, 15, and 21), featuring a full breakfast buffet and the chance to hit up St. Nick with any last-minute requests for Christmas delivery. 

With the museum village of Old Deerfield providing a suitably picturesque setting, the Deerfield Inn’s on-site restaurant, Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern, holds a Dinner with Santa & Mrs. Claus on Dec. 1-3, 9-10, and 16-17. The event boasts a full dinner menu (with the addition of Mrs. Claus’s cookies) and the chance to spend time with the North Pole’s most famous couple. Those wanting a more decadent dining experience can head to Cape Cod for the Christmas Grand Buffet on Christmas Day at Chatham Bars Inn, with harbor views, seafood displays, holiday roasts, and desserts galore. Back in Boston, the Dec. 25 Christmas Brunch at Boston Harbor Hotel’s Rowes Wharf Sea Grille is a luxe spread of baked ricotta crepes, dry-aged prime sirloin, raw-bar seafood, and more, all served with Boston Harbor as the backdrop.  

2. Hit the streets for some downtown revelry. 

If you’re looking to join a joyful crowd, downtown is the place to be. On Dec. 6-8, head to Provincetown for Holly Folly, the nation’s oldest and largest LGBTQ+ holiday celebration, where you can stroll the boutiques and galleries of Commercial Street, take in a drag show at Provincetown Town Hall, or hit up The Canteen’s Holiday Market (which runs every weekend from Nov. 29 to New Year’s) for everything from mulled wine to Christmas ornaments both naughty and nice. 

Boston’s SoWa Winter Festival is set to make its ninth annual rollout this year from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22. Pop into this holiday shopping extravaganza at the SoWa Power Station in the South End for a mix of vendors selling unique gifts for your friends, family, and four-legged companions. There are food trucks, too, as well as a bar and beer garden to keep you fueled for further retail adventures.

For a dose of holiday spirit on wheels, explore downtown Salem while enjoying “A Christmas Carol” aboard the Salem Trolley (Dec. 1-23), which brings Scrooge along for the ride as Charles Dickens’s classic tale is brought to life. 

3. Get your glow on at a seasonal light show.

The lights are shining bright at spectacular displays across the state this holiday season, such as Night Lights at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston. Running Nov. 23-Jan. 5, this year’s event is themed “Color Cascade” and also ushers in a new attraction: Guests can now skate under the stars at an outdoor skating rink. After taking a twirl and exploring the vibrant displays, guests can warm up by firepits with hot cocoa or hunt for gifts in the Garden Shop. 

A marquee event for The Trustees, Massachusetts’s largest preservation and conservation nonprofit, Winterlights runs Nov. 29-Jan. 4 at three of the group’s properties this holiday season: Naumkeag in Stockbridge, the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover, and the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton. Each features thousands of shimmering lights as well as festive music, seasonal treats, and the chance to wander some gorgeous garden landscapes. 

Little ones won’t want to miss out on Zoolights, which runs through Jan. 5 at Stoneham’s Stone Zoo. A constellation of lights fills the tree-lined paths of the 26-acre zoo, and visitors can even stroll through a festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to the zoo’s black bears, Canadian lynx, and reindeer. (Be sure to check out the zoo’s website for Hot Chocolate with the Reindeer special events, too.) Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon has its own light-filled spectacular with Winter Wonderland, which runs through Dec. 29 and features more than 4 million lights and displays that turn the zoo into a land of enchantment. There’s a nightly holiday variety show as well as meet-and-greets with Santa, plus holiday shopping at the Purple Peacock Gift Shop. 

4. Blend holiday hops and shopping at a local brewpub. 

’Tis the season for multitasking, so why not enjoy the seasonal flavors of local craft brewers across Massachusetts while also getting in some gift shopping and holiday crafting? At the 2024 Holiday Market at Southwick’s Westfield River Brewing Co. on Dec. 8, guests can enjoy an afternoon of live music and food trucks with a side of local gift shopping, plus plenty of craft beers and cocktails to choose from. In Cambridge, meanwhile, Lamplighter Brewing Co. hosts a wreath-making workshop on Dec. 11 for those looking to DIY their holiday door decor. 

On Dec. 15, Notch Brewing’s Salem taproom hosts its annual German Holiday Market, showcasing one-of-a-kind finds from local artisans and makers alongside German sausages, leberkäse, and pretzels — a true taste of Bavaria on the North Shore. Also on Dec. 15, A Very Merry Market returns to Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis, affording the chance to sip an Old Man Winter ale while perusing the wares of vendors and makers throughout the taproom and warehouse. 

Closer to Boston, check out the annual Holiday Market at Trillium Brewing Co.’s Canton and Fort Point locations (Dec. 7 at Fort Point; Dec. 7-8 and 14-15 at Canton). Enjoy live music and local brews, and browse a lineup of handmade goods that is sure to make your gifts the favorites under the tree.

5. Enjoy all the festive feels along the waterfront.

While Santa Claus and his trusty reindeer might feel most at home in the sky, you can find festive reasons to head down to the sea during the holidays in Massachusetts. Enjoy lunch with Santa and soak in harbor views during a special two-hour Lunch with Santa voyage with Boston Harbor City Cruises Dec. 7 and 14, where kids can deliver their Christmas lists to St. Nick and pick up a goodie bag of their own. Boston Harbor City Cruises also operates a Christmas Eve Premier Brunch Cruise that delivers festive cocktails, live music, and a full brunch spread alongside views of the USS Constitution and the Boston waterfront. Classic Harbor Line offers a variety of holiday cruises on Boston Harbor, including a 1.5-hour sunset cruise whose “golden hour” light is perfect for taking that family holiday-card photo. Beyond Boston, Gloucester’s Beauport Cruiselines invites you to experience “Santa at Sea” on Dec. 15, when passengers can take pictures with the guest of honor, enjoy holiday tunes and treats, and take part in a toy drive. 

For those who like to stay on land but still enjoy the waterfront, a number of Massachusetts coastal towns have made a delightful tradition of welcoming Santa by boat during the holidays. On the morning of Dec. 7, for instance, Marblehead will cheer the arrival of the jolly old elf via lobster boat, a highlight of the town’s annual Christmas Walk. That same day in Scituate, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will come gliding in on the harbormaster’s boat and be on hand for photos on the harbormaster’s deck as part of Scituate’s Holidays in the Harbor fun.

For more Massachusetts holiday travel ideas, go to VisitMA.com.

The post A Toast to Holiday Joys in Massachusetts appeared first on New England.

Sponsored by Aroostook County Tourism.

Winter comes early to Aroostook County, snow illuminating the rolling farm fields and wooded trails, a holiday glow lighting up the towns and villages. Along the quiet country roads of Maine’s northernmost county, potato-barrel “Christmas trees” are wreathed in garlands and greenery. From churches and downtown storefronts drift familiar melodies of carols, words of comfort sung in English, Swedish, and Acadian French.

No place in New England embraces the holiday spirit as fervently as the Crown of Maine, where layers of history and heritage, cherished culinary traditions, and a reliably wintry sparkle all make for a spirited end-of-year escape.

The season begins as soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared, with tree lightings and sleigh-bell parades from Houlton, in the south, to Madawaska, at New England’s northern tip, overlooking New Brunswick across the Saint John River. In Caribou, a pop-up artisan village magically appears on Small Business Saturday, with gifts galore through Christmas Eve. In Presque Isle, Victorian celebrations at the 1875 Vera Estey House are as lively as Christmas Eve at Fezziwig’s, with lavish period decorations, caroling, and plenty of wassail.  

On Saint Lucia’s Day, December 13, pageants celebrate the patron saint of light, with white-robed girls donning crowns of candles to brighten the shortest day of the year. This Scandinavian tradition is part of the holiday magic in Aroostook, where a wave of Swedish immigrants settled in the late 19th century. At Monica’s Scandinavian Imports in Caribou, schoolkids carry out the candlelit procession, while fiddlers and accordionists play old-world folk tunes and revelers pass plates of gingery pepparkakor cookies and the soft saffron buns called lussekatter.

Another revered tradition the Swedes brought to Maine: Nordic skiing. Some of the earliest snows in the East fall on Aroostook County, home to world-class cross-country trails that have hosted World Cup events and to family ski mountains where there’s no such thing as a lift line. BigRock Mountain, in Mars Hill, has 26 trails and some 1,000 feet of vertical, with skiers typically hitting the slopes by mid-December. At the Fort Kent Outdoor Center, Nordic skiers watch for snowy owls while exploring more than 19 miles of impeccably groomed backcountry. It helps to fuel up at one of the restaurants in the St. John Valley, the heart of Maine’s Acadian country, where a slice of tourtière, a spiced holiday meat pie, is a requirement for any joyeux noël.

Ready to gift yourself a joyful Maine winter vacation?

Lodging with a Backstory: Where to Stay in Aroostook County

The grand brick edifice of the Northeastland Hotel has anchored Presque Isle’s downtown since 1932. Highlights of its ongoing renovation: a state-of-the-art coworking space (settle in, business travelers) and a sleek lobby gallery highlighting local art and the landmark hotel’s fascinating history (Clark Gable and Eleanor Roosevelt have both enjoyed its hospitality). 

In Caribou, the Old Iron Inn Bed and Breakfast is one part comfy guesthouse, one part repository for innkeeper ​​Kevin McCartney’s more than 500 antique clothing irons—did you know some used to run on gasoline?

In the heart of the Saint John Valley, Madawaska’s Inn of Acadia first opened as a convent in 1956. Today, boutique-y touches include plush bedding, rain showerheads, and a local woodworker’s handsome custom furniture.

Three Squares: Enjoy Hearty Fare in Aroostook County

Do breakfast in Houlton, where Sadie’s Bakery has been selling out of its legendary cake donuts—plain, molasses, pumpkin, or chocolate—morning after morning since 1948. Around the corner, the County Co-op and Farm Store has breakfast sandos, creative quiches, and tables full of regulars doing the morning coffee klatsch. Both spots overlook the stately brick and stone facades of Market Square, on the National Register of Historic Places.

Head to the Saint John Valley for lunch. In Van Buren, Northern Maine Kolache Co. packs them in for pillowy little hand pies, baked fresh and stuffed with everything from pizza to pulled pork to pecan-pie filling. Up the road, in Frenchville, the menu at Dolly’s Restaurant is full of Franco diner delicacies: indulgent poutine, the savory pork spread called cretons, and fluffy ployes, buckwheat pancakes that complement any Acadian meal. 

Pubby eats at Caribou’s Northern Maine Brewing Company include hefty burgers you can wash down with Maine Logger pils. On the shore of Portage Lake, the lively dining room at Dean’s Motor Lodge is where to find big plates of homestyle comfort food: prime rib, grilled seafood, mom’s meatloaf. Look for the spot with the rows of snowmobiles parked out front—legions of Aroostook sledders can’t be wrong.

First Tracks: Early Season Skiing in Aroostook County

Early winter and state-of-the-art snowmaking summon skiers and snowboarders to Presque Isle’s BigRock Mountain and Fort Kent’s Lonesome Pine Trails during the holidays. BigRock’s brand-new Sunrise quad reaches some 1,600 feet on Northern Maine’s highest peak, with views to Mount Katahdin on a clear day, 29 varied trails and glades, and a tubing park that’s fast, fast, fast. Lonesome Pine buzzes during the day and glows in the evenings, with lit-up trails for terrific night skiing. Plus, it’s the rare in-town hill, a 10-minute walk from the lodge and T-bar to après drinks at the Swamp Buck or 47 North downtown. 

Happy Trails: Aroostook County’s Best Places to Get Outside

Cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and fat bikers will find three of New England’s finest trail systems within a few dozen miles of one another. Some 19 miles of ski trails at Fort Fairfield’s Nordic Outdoor Heritage Center include lighted loops for evening outings and warming huts with blazing wood stoves. In Madawaska, the Four Seasons Trail network includes a sledding hill (with a ski tunnel running through it) and terrain park. Both offer ski and snowshoe rental packages, as does the 10th Mountain Lodge at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center, where a huge fieldstone fireplace beckons worn-out winter adventurers.

More Maine winter vacation planning ideas and tips await at visitaroostook.com.

The post Winter’s Earliest Blast appeared first on New England.

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

October in Massachusetts means more than leaf peeping. It’s also a time for Halloween fun, PYO bounty, and hunting for the perfect cider doughnut. Here’s how to make the most of this magical month — and plan a day outing, weekend escape, or leisurely road trip to remember.

1. The Creature Features

Expect to see everything from tiny dinosaurs to rainbow unicorns galloping around Stone Zoo in Stoneham during its Boo at the Zoo weekend (Oct. 19 and 20), which invites kids to put on their Halloween best and explore a trick-or-treat trail through the animal habitats. Adding to the family festivities are arts and craft stations, music from a live DJ, storytelling, and a costume contest. And of course, there are the zoo residents themselves — including the recently arrived cougar sisters Maple and Willow — who might just get in on the action, too, by snacking on or playing with pumpkins of their very own.

Doubling the Halloween delights is Zoo Howl (Oct. 26 and 27) at Stone Zoo’s sibling facility in Boston, Franklin Park Zoo. Home to more than a thousand animals from 220-plus species, Franklin Park Zoo is also hosting a special nighttime event, Boston Lights (through Nov. 3), that features awe-inspiring lantern displays, a treasure hunt, and Chinese classical dance performances.

Beyond Greater Boston, New England’s largest zoo invites visitors to get into the spirit, too. The 200-acre-plus Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon holds a week of family Halloween adventures called Zoo Boo Days (Oct. 25-31), while evenings at the zoo come alive with thousands of glowing, intricately carved pumpkins during The Great Jack O’Lantern Journey (through Oct. 31). And south of Boston, take your pick of three whole weekends tailored for little ghouls and goblins at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, as its annual Boo at the Zoo event returns for its 23rd year (Oct. 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27), along with a version aimed at ages 5 and under, Baby Boo at the Zoo, on Halloween day.

2. The Haunted History

When the nation’s 250th birthday arrives in 2026, Massachusetts will be front and center as the birthplace of the American Revolution. But its legends and lore go even further back in time, and revisiting them during October can make for a singularly spine-tingling adventure. First settled in 1626, Salem is a city where the past — and more than a few ghosts — seems to lurk around every corner. It’s also the site of the largest Halloween celebration in the world, Salem Haunted Happenings, now in its 42nd year. More than 1 million people are expected to visit the Witch City throughout the month of October, drawn by haunted-house tours, a “zombie walk,” costume balls, parades, and much more. Hocus Pocus fans shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the circa-1727 house that starred in the cult-favorite film, Ropes Mansion, which will be decked out in Hocus Pocus style from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31.

The living history museums Old Sturbridge Village and Hancock Shaker Village offer two very different windows on early Massachusetts life, but this month they celebrate the same spooky spirit. Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village (Fridays through Sundays Oct. 4-27) weaves eerie encounters throughout this recreated 19th-century community; see fire dancers, listen to ghost stories, and dare yourself to experience the Reaper’s Labyrinth corn maze. Pair that with a visit to the Berkshires for the Halloween Pumpkin Extravaganza at Hancock Shaker Village (Oct. 19), which invites visitors to come in costume for a day of family fun, or register for a Haunted Hancock tour (Oct. 17-19, 24-26, and 31), complete with true tales of ghostly sightings.

Still hungry for some hair-raising history? Try Frightful Fridays at Gore Place in Waltham (Fridays through Oct. 25); Trick-or-Treat at Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester (Oct. 30), and Spirits of the Old Manse in Concord (Oct. 18, 19, 25, and 26).

3. The Monster Mazes

Though many corn mazes open in late summer as fields of green, by October the stalks have dried to create whispering labyrinths that lean more toward Halloween while still being terrifically family-friendly. One of the biggest corn mazes in Massachusetts is the Sterling attraction Davis Mega Maze, which was ranked among the country’s top 10 best in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards this year. The eight-acre maze has three miles of pathways and seven intensity levels to test participants, while beyond its borders are dozens of other attractions, from paintball and ziplining to live music and fair foods. (Open weekends through Oct. 27, plus Columbus Day; check website for updates.)

More mind-bending fun awaits at Mike’s Maze on Warner Farm in Sunderland, which boasts not only an eight-acre circus-themed maze but also a separate maze for grownups that mixes puzzle solving and beer tasting. The on-site Corn Café serves farm-fresh food, and diversions including a playground with giant versions of chess and Jenga will keep kids entertained for hours. (Open Friday-Sunday through Nov. 5, plus Columbus Day; check website for updates.)

For a truly terrifying twist, head to Connors Farm in Danvers. By day it offers a non-haunted seven-acre corn maze, along with apple picking, pumpkin picking, and other family fun. But by night it uses those same fields as part of its Hysteria haunted farm walking trail, an unforgettable 45-minute voyage into the world of ghouls and ghosts. (Open daily through Nov. 3; Hysteria open Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 26, plus Oct. 13 and Oct. 31; check website for updates.)

4. The Prime Pickings

With Halloween as its signature event, October is all about dressing up — and that goes for the trees and fields on Massachusetts farms, too. Apple trees are bursting with clusters of red, yellow, and green fruit, while orange pumpkins add splashes of color to the ground. It’s a treasure trove for PYO enthusiasts, who can harvest their fill at countless orchards and pumpkin patches across the Bay State this month, including:

• Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro: Recently named the best apple-picking spot in America by Newsweek, it has more than 20 varieties of apples, with hayrides into the orchard offered on weekends. There’s also 13 acres of pumpkins here — more than 40,000 specimens in all.

• Belkin Family Lookout Farm in South Natick: One of the oldest working farms in the country, Lookout Farm has been run by the Belkin family for the past two decades and is a favorite U-pick spot close to Boston.

• Smolak Farms in North Andover: Apple picking may already be over at this family favorite, but the pumpkin patch is going strong as the farm’s Halloween Fall Festival continues.

• Coonamessett Farm in East Falmouth: This 20-acre member-supported farm is a prime pumpkin-picking spot on the Cape. Look for weekend hayrides, friendly farm animals, and a farm store, too.

• Apex Orchard in Shelburne Falls: One of the most scenic orchards in Massachusetts, this hilltop destination has apple picking, weekend tractor-drawn trailer rides, and a pumpkin patch stocked with all-new varieties for 2024 (such as Polar Bear, Black Bear, and “extra warty” pumpkins).

For more PYO spots, see the MassGrown Map.

5. The Slam Dunks

A warm, spicy, and sweet confection like no other, the cider doughnut can bring out the fall fanatic in anyone. Just ask Alex Schwartz, who was a Cambridge programmer in 2020 when he began his quest to taste as many cider doughnuts in New England as he can. He continues his mission as the “Cider Donuteur,” and his continually updated map shows just how many Massachusetts options await those with a passion for autumn’s favorite dessert.

Orchards and farm stands are fertile hunting grounds for cider doughnuts, since the essential ingredients are often sourced on-site. On the North Shore, you can compare the sugar-coated version from Cider Hill Farm with the equally delicious plain version from Russell Orchards. In North Central Massachusetts, aka Johnny Appleseed Country, Bolton Spring Farm is among the orchards that fry ’em up hot — so is Bartlett’s Orchard in Western Massachusetts. But don’t overlook the options at bakeries around the Commonwealth, either, ranging from Cape Cod’s Hole in One to Worcester’s Crust Bakeshop to Greater Boston’s Blackbird Doughnuts, Kane’s Donuts, and Union Square Donuts.

And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try sampling this seasonal treat in liquid form: Downeast Cider’s “Cider Donut” blends fresh-pressed cider with vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar, available in stores and at its Boston taproom.

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By Andrea McHugh | Sponsored by The Heart of MA

With fall foliage that dazzles the eye and delights the soul, and the cozy aroma of warm cider doughnuts wafting through the air, sweater season is in full effect in the Heart of Massachusetts. Less than an hour’s drive from Boston, Providence, and Hartford, this enchanting region seems a world away: Life moves slower here, but never feels sleepy. Communities are close-knit, yet ever-welcoming. And while these towns and cities have long histories, there are always new discoveries — and memories — waiting to be made.

The Heart of Massachusetts woos visitors in a special way this time of year. Autumn leaves paint the landscape in hues of blazing reds, rich bronzes, and sunny yellows, creating a one-of-a-kind backdrop for any kind of travel itinerary, from solo adventures to family getaways. And when the first sparkling touch of frost appears, this region embraces the serenity of early winter, leaning into simple pleasures: a roaring fire in the hearth, hands wrapped around mugs of cocoa, twinkling white lights that illuminate mom-and-pop shops and town squares with a distinctly Rockwellian vibe. 

Even as one lovely season gives way to the next, the central appeal of the Heart of Massachusetts remains unchanged. Year in and year out, there are fascinating historical and cultural attractions, lively Main Streets and city centers, and outdoor adventures both rugged and relaxed that urge you to dive deep into the Heart of it all.

Harvest Fun & Holiday Happenings

Though the leaf-peeping action in the Heart of Massachusetts is second to none, the foliage season here is about so much more than scenery. It’s a harvest celebration, too — one that sees orchards bejeweled with red and gold apples and farmstands filled with fresh-picked bounty. Family-run farms are a cornerstone of this region and stand as a testament to its rich agricultural past; many have operated for generations, with views largely unchanged over the centuries. No matter where you travel in this part of the Commonwealth, you’re likely to be near a picturesque spot for picking your own apples and pumpkins, while a back-road drive may yield an old-fashioned farmstand where you can load up on local flavor — squash, corn, and more — on the honor system.

Many farms are also social hubs this time of year, hosting hayrides and corn mazes and other kinds of agri-fun for all ages. The community-owned Sholan Farms in Leominster, for instance, throws an annual Harvest Festival (Oct. 12) that features food trucks, music, crafts and games, and wagon rides alongside the chance to fill up on homemade apple crisp, caramel apples, and other sweet treats. Throughout the season, meanwhile, folks are welcome to picnic or hike the trails at this 169-acre hilltop farm, where views stretch all the way to Boston on a clear day.  

For those who like their crisp autumn days to include a few Halloween shivers, The Great Jack O’Lantern Journey is underway at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon (Sept. 26-Oct. 31). Thousands of intricately carved pumpkins are the stars of this after-hours walk-through event at New England’s largest zoo, but there’s more on tap in the form of live music, seasonal treats, craft brews for the grown-ups, and a new “Haunted Outpost” with ghouls lurking around every corner.

Another don’t-miss event is Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village (Fridays through Sundays Oct. 4-27), which weaves spooky and exciting encounters throughout the living history museum’s 19th-century village. See fire dancers, listen to ghost stories, and dare yourself to experience two new attractions: the Reaper’s Labyrinth corn maze and the Wicked Games Alley. Even more chills await deep in the Hopkinton woods, where the outdoor theatrical experience “The Haunt: A Wedding in Deadwoodville” (Oct. 18-20 & 25-27) plunges its audience into the world of the living dead for a frightfully good cause: Proceeds benefit the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and the MetroWest YMCA. 

Come the holiday season, “merry and bright” is taken to new heights at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Bolyston. During its annual Night Lights event (Nov. 23-Jan. 5), the 200-acre property comes alive with a quarter-million lights in all colors of the rainbow, as visitors enjoy everything from s’mores and shopping to ice skating. Another favorite holiday display is the annual Festival of Trees (Nov. 29-Dec. 29) at the Garden at Elm Bank in Wellesley, which showcases dozens of decorated Christmas trees, fills the grounds with holiday lights and decorations, and delights kids of all ages with the Snow Village model train display.

Outdoor Escapes & Wildlife Wonders

Set in the gentle valley between the warmest and coldest seasons of the year, fall has always been a sweet spot for outdoor recreation lovers. If the brisk air is calling you to get outside, grab that bike, paddle, or hiking gear and head into the Heart of Massachusetts. 

The region is threaded with rail trails of varying lengths to suit any rider’s schedule and stamina. Near Hopkinton, the Upper Charles Rail Trail runs nearly 14 miles from Sherborn to Milford (and is planned to grow to 25 miles in total). The mostly bucolic route encompasses a number of easy paved sections and interesting sights such as the Eight-Arch Bridge, built in Holliston in 1846. More scenic bridges — eight in all — greet you along the Blackstone River Bikeway when you pedal the 3.5-mile stretch from Uxbridge to Blackstone; riders exploring the Worcester area, meanwhile, can hop on the bikeway’s 2.5-mile section from that city to Millbury. Other rail trails worth checking out in the Heart of Massachusetts include the Nashua River Rail Trail, the Cochituate Rail Trail, and the Wachusett Greenways section of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail (MCRT). 

Hikers will want to make tracks for the region’s beautiful public lands, such as Purgatory Chasm State Reservation in Sutton, where granite walls soar as high as 70 feet and well-marked trails weave through eye-catching rock formations with names like The Corn Crib, The Coffin, and Lovers’ Leap. Farther north is the 3,000-acre Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, a major recreational playground where folks can hike and bike 17 miles of trails amid woods, meadows, and sparkling ponds (through the end of October, you can also opt to take your car straight to the summit of 2,006-foot Wachusett Mountain for a gorgeous 360-degree view from the peak). And while Hopkinton State Park is a top spot for swimming and sailing in the summer, it offers autumn visitors a painted forest that becomes even more breathtaking when reflected in the 181-acre Hopkinton Reservoir. 

A hidden gem of a hike can be found at Framingham’s Garden in the Woods: As the headquarters for Native Plant Trust (formerly the New England Wild Flower Society), this 45-acre property holds the Northeast’s largest landscaped collection of native wildflowers and woody plants. Open to the public until mid-October, its paths meander through tranquil woods and garden areas that showcase iconic New England plants. 

For a water’s-eye view of cascading foliage colors, try paddling the Sudbury River: Navigable by kayak and canoe, the section from Saxonville Dam in Framingham to Egg Rock in Concord is federally designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Along the way, take in sights including the 19th-century Stone’s Bridge, a landmark memorialized in Henry David Thoreau’s journal, and the Sudbury portion of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a pristine wetlands conservation area.

If Great Meadows stokes your interest in local flora and fauna, grab your binoculars and continue watching nature’s little dramas at places like Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick, where birders have identified more than 175 avian species. Among the eight miles of well-groomed trails that crisscross mature woodlands, the 0.6-mile universally accessible All Persons Trail follows a wide path and boardwalk that can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers, while a downloadable audio tour describes what you’re seeing and hearing at a dozen stops along the way. 

More than a dozen Mass Audubon properties have similar All Persons Trails, including Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester, which ranks as the largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England, and Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, a former historic farmstead in Princeton that offers 1,000 acres of protected land, several scenic overlooks, and an awe-inspiring granite boulder deposited by retreating glaciers eons ago. (Looking ahead to deep winter, make a note to visit Broad Meadow Brook or Wachusett Meadow after a snowfall: Snowshoes are available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a wonderfully peaceful way to go wildlife-watching.) 

Historical Treasures & Cultural Gems

As the cradle of American history and birthplace of the American Revolution, Massachusetts is already humming with activity in the run-up to our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The story of this “colonies to country” journey comes alive in the Heart of Massachusetts, a region brimming with historical attractions. Discover a window into more than 300 years of American history at The Wayside Inn in Sudbury, the nation’s oldest operating inn, whose 100-acre property hosts nine landmark structures including a working grist mill. Or experience an entire re-created 19th-century village at New England’s largest outdoor living history museum, Old Sturbridge Village, where costumed historians, craftspeople, and artisans take visitors back in time.

Military history from the Revolutionary War to today comes into focus at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, home to a vast collection of tanks, historic aircraft, and automobiles. Look for its thrilling “Battle for the Airfield” WWII Re-Enactment Weekend on Oct. 12-13, an autumn highlight among the museum’s many living history events. Offering equally immersive exhibits is the Samuel Slater Experience in Webster, which invites you to follow the historical journey of the man some call “the Father of the American Industrial Revolution” via theatrical presentations and digital wizardry.

Visitors’ imaginations are captured by artworks as well as artifacts at places like Fruitlands Museum, a Trustees property in Harvard. Set in a lovely rural landscape overlooking the Nashua River Valley, the museum encompasses several galleries and historic buildings, including a gallery of 19th-century paintings and another dedicated to Native American art. In Framingham, the Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University is a must-visit for its Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller collection, the largest assembly of artwork and ephemera by the celebrated African-American sculptor and forerunner to the artists of the Harlem Renaissance. Not to be outdone, the Icon Museum and Study Center in Clinton boasts the biggest collection of its kind in North America: an array of more than 1,000 Russian, Greek, and Ethiopian icons and Eastern Christian works of art.

Discover more things to do and see in the Heart of Massachusetts by downloading the four-season regional travel guide. You can also check out the latest news from the region’s three member organizations: Discover Central Massachusetts, Visit North Central Massachusetts, and MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau.

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By Andrew Collins | Sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

From the intricately handwoven baskets of indigenous peoples to the elegantly simple furniture produced by Shaker communities, crafting items for daily living and lifelong inspiration has always been a part of Massachusetts history. So many products of the Commonwealth’s past are still treasures today: Dedham pottery, Sandwich glass, and Nantucket lightship baskets, to name a few.

This rich lineage continues into modern times, thanks to the artisans and expert makers thriving in every corner of Massachusetts. Often drawing on the colors and even the materials of the state’s landscape, their creations fill workshops, studios, and galleries across the Commonwealth — a lure for holiday shoppers, but a gift to all in every season.

Industrial Heritage

Even while they proudly handcraft their wares, many Massachusetts artisans call back to the state’s industrial past, when towns and cities including Lowell, Sandwich, and Gardner were famed for their production of textiles, glassware, furniture, and more. At Nantucket Looms, founded on Nantucket’s Main Street in 1968, traditional handlooms are used to turn all-natural fibers into soft, luxurious blankets and other home textiles. At the other end of the state, the Housatonic family behind Mostrom & Chase Handweavers make everything from table linens to scarves with a craftsmanship that befits Hancock Shaker Village, one of the many museums and craft shops that stock their offerings.

One of the biggest names in the glassblowing world can be found in the village of Shelburne Falls, the home of Josh Simpson Glass. Having honed his craft for more than 50 years, Simpson is widely known for one-of-a-kind “Planet” orbs that hold fanciful swirls of shapes and colors. His work is held in the collections of such institutions as the Corning Museum of Glass and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; you can also see it at Simpson’s own Salmon Falls Gallery. About half an hour to the east, in Gill, Sam French reveals the artistry at the heart of fine furniture with his Gill CC Woodworks. In French’s hands, sustainably harvested lumber becomes beautiful custom-made tables, desks, and other wood creations. A recent commission for Smith College’s Neilson Library shows how his work complements a space designed by one of the world’s greatest architects, Maya Lin.

Even the humble candle ties back into Massachusetts’s industrial history — after all, New Bedford was once known as “The City That Lit the World” for all the oil and candles it produced at the height of the whaling era. That time is long past, but the state’s artisans still help light the way with unique hand-poured candles, including those from small, women-owned businesses such as Maggie Dwyer’s Cape Cod Soy Candle in Barnstable, and Kerry Kip’s Minot in Hull.

Timeless Crafts

In the Wampanoag culture, clam shells were fashioned into wampum beads for ceremony, adornment, and trade—a tradition that comes to life in the work of Elizabeth James-Perry of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe. Named an NEA National Heritage Fellow in 2023, the Dartmouth-based artist hand-carves wampum to make exquisite necklaces, earrings, and other expressions of indigenous artistry.

Another craft rooted in natural materials, pottery, takes all forms across the Commonwealth. Acclaimed Northampton potter James Guggina makes intricately decorated ceramics using a variety of techniques, including sgraffito, and fires them by hand in his kiln. Boston-based Jill Rosenwald and her team of artisans create a widely popular line of cheerfully painted bowls, trays, pots, and even lamp bases in Rosenwald’s Fort Point studio. In Shelburne Falls, meanwhile, Stephen Earp plays with ceramic styles and traditions to create eye-catching redware and delftware.

A member and past president of the Northeast Basketmakers Guild, Wendy G. Jensen incorporates Shaker and indigenous influences into her hand-shaped baskets, which often feature willow that she grows and harvests herself on her Monterey property. For Nantucket lightship baskets, head to the island itself to see how this Massachusetts-grown craft is still flourishing in the hands of modern-day artisans such as Tim Parsons and his daughter, Caitlin Parsons.

North Chelmsford woodworker John Welch of John Francis Designs became known to restaurant chefs and passionate home cooks for his spoons and serving boards; lately he’s been making a splash with his artful ravioli molds. For hand-turned bowls beloved by Oprah Winfrey, look to the Gill workshop of Spencer Peterman, who upcycles maple, oak, cherry, and other wood from fallen trees, mainly in Western Massachusetts.

Having perfected his skills for more than a half century, master silversmith Peter Erickson represents a family business that dates back to 1932. At its studio and showroom in Gardner, Erickson Silver uses hammers, anvils, and torches to hand-fabricate flatware, utensils, and jewelry in meticulously detailed patterns.

And on Martha’s Vineyard, Tuck & Holand carries on a folk art that’s long been an icon in Massachusetts coastal communities: weathervane sculptures. For more than two decades, artist Anthony Holand has helmed the studio founded in the ’70s by his late business partner, Travis Tuck. Their art has earned fans worldwide (including Steven Spielberg) but is also well loved at home, where a Tuck & Holand weathervane sits atop the Steamship Authority terminal in Oak Bluffs.

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By Andrew Collins | Sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

As summer gives way to autumn, another kind of season hits its peak in Massachusetts: fair season. More than 40 agricultural fairs take place in this state every year, many of them in August and September. Celebrating the Commonwealth’s rich farming heritage, these time-honored family events have roots here that go back to 1811, when America’s very first agricultural fair was held in Pittsfield.

Massachusetts fairs draw excited visitors of all ages to see prize-worthy displays of everything from plump heirloom tomatoes and juicy peaches to handsome dairy cattle and playful goats. Crowd-pleasing shows come in the form of demolition derbies, tractor pulls, high-energy concerts, and colorful parades. There’s usually a midway filled with both thrilling rides and gentle, tot-friendly options, plus food vendors offering up every kind of tasty treat. 

Autumn sees the annual return of three of the state’s most celebrated fairs, each with its own unique history and special appeal: the Franklin County Fair, The Big E, and the Topsfield Fair. They show why Massachusetts is the place to be for fall fair fun — and inspire visitors to seek out all the other fairs that fill the Commonwealth’s calendar beginning in late spring, when the season begins anew. 

The Franklin County Fair

Set in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, the Franklin County Fair has 175 years under its belt, making it the longest continuously held event of its kind in Massachusetts. Plenty of action is packed into the fair’s four-day run in early September, which kicks off with a 2½-mile parade through historic downtown Greenfield to the fairgrounds, recently refreshed by $1.4 million in upgrades.

In the fair’s 125-year-old Roundhouse, visitors browse handcrafted quilts and hooked rugs, jams and relishes, jewelry and stained glass, and more. Must-see entertainment includes racing (and squealing) pigs, the Flippenout “extreme trampoline” show, the Axe Women Loggers of Maine, and the Overdrive Monster Truck Show. And you won’t want to miss the kids-only Power Wheels Demo Derby: Barreling toward one another in toy cars at speeds approaching 2 mph, these youngsters give it everything they’ve got!

The Big E

Starting in mid-September, more than one million visitors flock to the Eastern States Exposition grounds in West Springfield for 17 days of excitement at The Big E, the largest agricultural event on the East Coast. Established in 1916 and representing all six New England states, this supersized spectacle features endless exhibits and amusements, plus big-name concerts in a smorgasbord of genres. (The 2024 headliners, for example, include Ludacris, Chubby Checker, Lisa Loeb, Public Enemy, and Asia.)  

A map comes in handy for navigating the 175-acre-plus fairgrounds, but one iconic attraction is easy to spot: The Avenue of States is lined with replicas of New England statehouses, with the Massachusetts building being the very first one constructed, back in 1918. Each building offers exhibits on its state’s history and lore, state-specific souvenirs, and food stalls serving signature fare like lobster rolls (Maine) and Del’s Lemonade (Rhode Island). 

Food plays a starring role at The Big E, whose tempting slate of treats includes the beloved Big E Cream Puff. You’ll find anything from Oreos to Kool-Aid among the deep-fried delicacies, while savory dishes comprise everything from fall-off-the-bone barbecue and corn dogs to a veritable United Nations of international foods, like Lebanese falafel and Indian curries. 

Other highlights include the Eastern States Exposition Horse Show and the Big Parade, a nightly extravaganza that doubles as Massachusetts’s own Mardi Gras. Take a stroll through New England’s rich history at Storrowton, a reconstructed village of 18th- and 19th-century buildings where visitors can take guided tours and participate in hands-on educational programs. Meanwhile, the permanent exhibit “Eastern States Exposition: A Walk Through History,“ with its memorabilia and vintage photos, is a captivating way to learn about The Big E across the decades. There’s so much to see and do at The Big E that repeat visits are common — you can even buy a pass that’s good for admission all 17 days. 

The Topsfield Fair

Hailed as the oldest agricultural fair in the country, the Topsfield Fair began in Essex County as a cattle show in 1820, and has grown into an 11-day celebration held each October at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. Among its colorful lures are the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off (the current record holder tipped the scales at 2,480 pounds), a family-friendly rodeo event, and North America’s largest beekeeping and honey show, complete with observation hives and lessons in candle-making.

Along with concerts by national headliners such as 38 Special and Three Dog Night, entertainment highlights include Dock Dogs, whose playful pups demonstrate their incredible athletic abilities, and the legendary Flying Wallendas. There’s also a hot dog eating contest, racing and swimming pigs, arts and crafts displays, a demolition derby, livestock shows, parades … and the list goes on. 

The Topsfield Fair leans into its autumnal timing with Thanksgiving dinner–inspired “Gobbler” sandwiches, candy and caramel apples, and apple crisp à la mode — and with the holiday season fast approaching, there’s even a wonderfully fragrant Christmas tree exhibit.

More Massachusetts Fair Highlights

The following is just a sampling of the Commonwealth’s agricultural fair season. To find a Massachusetts fair near you — as well as farmers markets, PYO farms, Christmas tree farms, and other agritourism highlights — check out the MassGrown Map.)

Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair (May): Launched as a spin-off of a youth sheep judging contest, this event has evolved into a one-of-a-kind agricultural fair. From shearing competitions and sheepdog trials to crafting workshops, a spinning contest, and a petting barn, the Cummington Fairgrounds are the setting for two days of all things sheep and wool. Cummington, MA

Barnstable County Fair (July): The event that now ranks as the biggest fair in the Cape & Islands region traces its beginnings back to 1844. Brought back from its near demise in the 1950s by a committee of local residents, it’s been going strong ever since. For a full week at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds, it offers livestock shows, live entertainment, a midway, and every kind of classic fair food you could want. East Falmouth, MA

Marshfield Fair (August): The first Marshfield Fair was held in 1867. That same year, Nebraska became the 37th state, the United States purchased the Alaska territory, and Harvard established the first dental school in the country. A lot has changed since 1867, but the fair remains largely the same, offering up a full slate of agricultural and horticultural demonstrations, crafts, rides, games, livestock contests, and a demolition derby at the Marshfield Fairgrounds over 10 days in August. Marshfield, MA 

Three County Fair (Labor Day Weekend): Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties have been showcasing the bounty of the Pioneer Valley and Western Massachusetts for more than two centuries. Staying true to its mission of promoting “agricultural education and science,” the four-day fair draws farmers sharing techniques and families viewing livestock and prize produce, while offering food and fun that the founders never imagined back in 1818. Northampton, MA

Sterling Fair (September): The largest free-admission fair in the Northeast (rides do require tickets) is held over two and a half days at the Sterling Airport. There’s an antique engine and machine show; frog jumping and skillet tossing contests; horse, oxen, and tractor pulls; and the judging of crafts and goodies ranging from photography to chocolate chip cookies. The annual Lego show sees kids up to age 17 bringing their creations to compete for awards. Sterling, MA

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By Andrew Collins | Sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Nicknamed the Bay State, Massachusetts has one of nature’s most awe-inspiring food sources, the Atlantic Ocean, right on its doorstep. But heading west from the coast into river valleys and hilltop villages reveals a centuries-old agricultural scene whose bounty is just as delicious and diverse. Dairy farms with herds of sleek Holstein and Jersey cattle dispense the creamiest cheese, milk, and ice cream. Orchards and other produce growers offer locavores the chance to stock up on apples, berries, and vegetables at peak freshness.

Often owned by the same family for generations, many of these pastoral spots welcome visitors with farm markets, barnyard animals, kids’ entertainment, and guided tours. It’s an invitation for folks of all ages to have fun while learning about the benefits of sustainable agriculture and, of course, to feast on local food. Here’s just a sampling to whet any visitor’s appetite. 

Dairy Delights

Just a few years after establishing the Plymouth Colony in 1620, the Pilgrims brought dairy cows over from Europe, laying the groundwork for a vital part of Massachusetts’s agricultural scene. More than 100 dairy farms thrive in the Commonwealth today, with many selling their milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream directly to eager customers. 

In 2024, the state went all in on the sweetest of treats as it debuted the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, which highlights farms and scoop shops whose ice cream is made with milk, cream, or both from Massachusetts dairies. Ice cream lovers can single out a few favorites to try from the list of 100-plus locations, or plan a road-trip pilgrimage to fit in as many as they can. Either way, they’ll be satisfying their sweet tooth while supporting the hard-working farmers who provide all that fresh milk and cream, along with ingredients like strawberries, peaches, and raspberries.

Stops on the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail include Middleton’s Richardson’s Farm, a working dairy farm that dates back some 300 years, and Smolak Farms in North Andover, an innovative agricultural tourism destination that offers an ice cream stand, bakery, and farmstand; a playground and farm animals for the kids; and a variety of special events. Sprawling High Lawn Farm in the Berkshires village of Lee earns raves for classic flavors such as cookies & cream as well as seasonal specials like lemon poppy seed. At Sterling’s Rota Spring Farm, which promises “a herd of flavor in every scoop,” you can choose from more than 50 kinds of premium ice cream — perhaps the Red Raspberry Rage, studded with chocolate-covered raspberry truffles? From Flayvors of Cook Farm in the Pioneer Valley to Sundae School on Cape Cod, the list of great ice cream makers in Massachusetts is as varied as the landscapes they call home.

If cheese is what you’re after, Massachusetts’s dairy farms have you covered there, too. The Commonwealth boasts an array of rich and complex artisanal cheeses, such as freshly smoked Gouda from Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon, zingy blue cheese from The Grey Barn on Martha’s Vineyard, and even “toma”-style cheese inspired by the flavor of the Italian Alps at Cricket Creek Farm in Williamstown. These and many other cheese-centric dairies have retail outlets right on the farm — which means visitors might catch a glimpse of the grazing cows themselves while shopping for the tasty end results. 

Prime Pickings

Side by side with Massachusetts dairy producers are hundreds of farms throughout the state that cultivate other kinds of bounty that spring from the earth. From sweet corn to tomatoes to apples and more, their wares are ripe for sampling at the Commonwealth’s 200-plus farmers markets — as well as, in many cases, at the farms themselves. 

Visiting an actual farm is a wonderful way, especially for kids, to see where and how food is raised (and maybe even visit with some adorable barn animals). These farms often have pick-your-own harvesting of fruit and other crops, or generously stocked farmstands and shops, or both. At the seventh-generation Apex Orchards in Shelburne, apples and peaches are big draws, along with some of the area’s most beautiful views. Russell Orchards offers fruit picking on its 120-acre property in Ipswich, as well as a bakery, winery, and animal barnyard. At South Natick’s Lookout Farm, which presents family entertainment and occasional concerts, an afternoon of picking fruit and navigating the corn maze might conclude with a glass of farm-crafted hard cider or beer. 

Other showcases of seasonal abundance include Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, where you can pick up some strawberry shortcake and blueberry doughnuts at the on-site Mary’s Country Kitchen; Nantucket’s Bartlett’s Farm, which gives guided PYO veggie and flower tours on its stunning island property; and Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, which grows more than 60 varieties of apples alongside other crops, crafts its own award-winning ciders, and runs everything largely on wind and solar energy. 

At Massachusetts farmers’ markets, meanwhile, you can fill your bags with tasty produce as well as baked goods, gourmet snacks, and handcrafted gifts and artwork. The nonprofit Mass Farmers Markets, which runs five Boston-area markets, provides a handy farmers’ markets map to guide local-food adventures. Seaside options include Cape Cod markets run by Sustainable CAPE in Truro and Provincetown, the Nantucket Farmers and Artisans Market, and the North Shore’s Newburyport Farmers’ Market. Popular with students and university staff in the central “Five Colleges” area, the Northampton Farmers’ Market goes beyond a plentiful offering of farm-grown foods to include perennials, houseplants, and bouquets. In western Massachusetts, the Williamstown Farmers’ Market is strong on arts and crafts, and the nearby Pittsfield Farmers’ Market is run by teens through Roots Rising, an organization focused on empowering young people and building community.

The Commonwealth’s bigger cities host some outstanding events, too, including Mass Farmers Markets’ new Fish & Farm Market at Boston Fish Pier and bustling Copley Square Farmers’ Market in Boston, and the Farmers Market at Forest Park in Springfield. And if you happen to be at the Boston Public Market on just the right day in August, you can watch as winners are announced during the always-popular Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest. 

Heritage Flavors

Among the array of locally grown products you can find across Massachusetts, three uniquely regional foods stand out for their historical significance and deliciousness: maple syrup, cranberries, and oysters. 

A food whose history goes back to indigenous peoples, maple syrup became a staple among European settlers in the region we now know as Massachusetts — and seeing how it is made is one of the Commonwealth’s most fascinating agricultural attractions. During sugaring season (roughly mid-February to early April), you can watch as freshly collected maple sap is boiled into syrup at places like Hancock’s Ioka Valley Farm, where you can also sample the sweet elixir drizzled over pancakes and waffles at the farm’s on-site café. North Hadley Sugar Shack in North Hadley likewise opens its sugaring operation to the public in early spring, while it sells syrup and other maple products, from salad dressings to candies, all year round. Another way to experience some maple magic is with Mass Audubon, which offers sugaring interpretive programs at a number of its locations, including Drumlin Farm in Lincoln and Boston Nature Center in Mattapan. 

Harvested in late fall, cranberries were first cultivated in 1816 in Dennis, Massachusetts. These days, there are more than 300 cranberry growers in the southeastern part of the state, whose roughly 13,000 acres of crops make Massachusetts the third-largest cranberry-producing region in the world. Learn more about this radiant red superfood through the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association, which lists farms and shops selling fresh cranberries as well as specific places that offer bog tours, such as Red Meadow in Carver and Annie’s Crannies in Dennis, the town where cranberry farming all began.

Oysters have been a fixture on the local-food scene for generations, harvested both by indigenous peoples and by later arrivals. So impressed was explorer Samuel de Champlain by the local oyster beds that he named what is now Wellfleet Harbor “Port aux Huitres” (Port of Oysters). Today, oysters are the most valuable species in the state’s aquaculture portfolio, with an annual harvest whose worth was recently estimated at $30 million.

Operating mostly around Cape Cod and the South Shore, the Commonwealth’s oyster farms include Island Creek Oysters, which offers seasonal tours of its farm and operates a raw bar year-round, with a patio overlooking Duxbury Bay. Seafood enthusiasts can also take a private oyster farm tour with Martha’s Vineyard’s Cottage City Oysters, which leads a one-hour “floating raw-bar experience“ through its oyster beds. 

To discover more inspiration for visiting Massachusetts farms and discovering their fresh flavors, click here. 

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Sponsored by Renys

When the first hints of autumn color return to Maine, so does an age-old quandary: As the days grow shorter, the list of things you want to do gets longer. There’s so much to squeeze in before winter comes knocking: Fall is the time for that last lobster roll at the Wells Beach Lobster Pound, that gorgeous foliage hike up Camden’s Mount Battie, and that colorful Pumpkinfest in Damariscotta. Whether you’re filling a bag with fresh-picked apples or tailgating at a local football game, it’s hard not to breathe it all in and wish the magical crisp-yet-cozy vibe of autumn would last.

But step inside a Renys store, and you’ll discover endless ways to bring that feeling home and bask in its glow even after the leaves have fallen. Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, the family-owned department store chain is a true autumn cornucopia of clothes, home decor, and other products that add a bit of seasonal spice to everyday life.

Even better, there are Renys locations in Wells, Camden, Belfast, and 15 other towns and cities across the Pine Tree State (including two in Damariscotta and Renys’ newest store, in Bangor, opened just this year). All of which might inspire one more item for an autumn traveler’s to-do list: Join the Renys Passport Program and collect a stamp for each store you visit. With the chance to earn prizes, the Passport Program is a one-of-a-kind Maine treasure hunt—although just by stocking up on Renys’ cozy autumn essentials, you’ll already be a winner.

Fall Flavors

Few things warm the heart and soul like a kitchen filled with the scent of home cooking. Want to transform those just-picked autumn apples into a pie? Renys has bakeware at the ready, along with baking supplies from top names like Bob’s Red Mill. If you long for pumpkin flavor, load up on spices and canned pumpkin puree to make a dessert worthy of any Thanksgiving spread (there’s real maple syrup for a scrumptious glazed turkey, too). Or think long-term and prep for winter with veggies and fruits that you’ve preserved yourself with Renys’ extensive stock of canning supplies.

Round out the scene with Renys’ harvest-themed dish towels and potholders, and don’t forget to pick up some seasonal tea or gourmet coffee like Maine’s own Katahdin Coffee Co.—in a kitchen so warmly welcoming, your friends and family will want to linger over a mug or two.

Cozy Fabrics

For many, the physical sensations associated with fall can be summed up in three words: wool, fleece, and flannel. This time of year, Renys’ shelves and racks are overflowing with brand-name clothes that deliver these snuggly fabrics at equally comfy prices. Rich fall colors and classic plaids abound in flannel shirts, sweaters, and outerwear from the likes of Carhartt and Columbia. Throw on some timeless denim or cords, sturdy sneakers or hiking boots, and toasty footwear (like Smartwool socks, which Renys carries in a huge selection of sizes, colors, and patterns), and you’ll complete your autumn look from head to toe.

Your closet isn’t the only thing, though, that will benefit from some cuddle-up warmth. With things like flannel sheets, fleece throws, and wool blankets, Renys can help wrap your whole home in that cozy autumn vibe.

Autumn Accents

Whether for holiday feasts or just casual get-togethers, the entertaining scene moves indoors in fall. Renys has everything you need to set the stage for seasonal hosting, beginning right at the front porch with pots of locally grown mums in vibrant yellows and reds, and a welcome mat adorned with turning leaves or other autumn icons.

Inside, continue the rustic warmth with wooden accents—Renys offers a wide range of picture frames, décor, and storage—brightened by the greens, scarlets, and golds of everything from table linens to harvest-themed wall hangings. Finally, fill your home with the scent and warmth of candles that Renys stocks in all sizes and every seasonal scent, such as apple pie, cranberry, balsam fir, and (of course) pumpkin spice.

To learn more about the Renys Passport Program or to find a location near you, go to renys.com

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