There’s a fabulousness to fall. Homespun coziness wraps around anyone who pulls on a pair of old jeans, cuddles into a favorite sweater and kicks around in well worn weekend sneakers. There’s no glam, no glitz; just sun-kissed days with brilliant blue skies and crisp temperatures. The scents of the season are cool, fresh, and exciting — so are these activities! The best part is they’re all within an hour of Boston.
North:
APPLE PICKING
Applecrest Farm Orchards
133 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls, New Hampshire
603-926-3721
This is New Hampshire’s oldest and largest apple orchard.
On weekends you’re welcome to pick your own apples, pumpkins and flowers.
Saturdays and Sundays feature free live bluegrass concerts beginning at 1 p.m.
Inside the 200-year-old barn you’ll find apple cider, hot cider donuts and 25 varieties of old fashioned ice cream.
Free-for-all horse-drawn hayrides run throughout the weekend.
On Oct. 17, 18, 24, and 25, there will be special Storybook Hayrides for $7 per person. In and around the orchard paths, fairytale characters perform classic children’s vignettes from the Wizard of Oz, Little Red Riding Hood, and Humpty Dumpty. Costumes are not required but warmly welcome!
Applecrest also features a children’s petting zoo.
On Oct. 11, the farm hosts an antique car show.
Oct. 18 is Applecrest Plow Day, welcoming an army of antique tractors to it’s ninth annual event that rips and roars across the farm, turning the fields over for winter.
West:
APPLE PICKING
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
138 Sudbury Road, Stow, Mass.
978-562-5666
This orchard has been family owned and operated since 1926.
You’re welcome to pick your own apples and pears every weekend.
Outside their farm store you’ll be greeted by several silly goats, grazing sheep, and fluffy bunnies.
Inside the farm store they sell fresh-pressed apple cider, veggies, cider donuts, pies, fruit preserves, and mums.
This farm welcomes you to explore three hedge mazes on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.. $11.95 admits you to all three maze creations.
The ” Big Green Monster Maze” is 1.5 miles in length and takes about an hour to finish.
The “Mini Monster Maze” is an exact replica of the famous “Hampton Court” maze in England for $4 per person.
The “Tunnel Maze” designed for kids from 4-9 is included free after the cost of either of the other mazes.
Hayrides are $2 per person. Kids under 2 are free.
South:
APPLE PICKING
C.N. Smith Farm
325 South St., East Bridgewater, Mass.
508-378-2270
This farm has been family run for three generations.
On weekends you’re welcome to pick your own antique variety apples, which they claim are less attractive but more delicious than modern day fruits. Pumpkin patch picking is also available on weekends as well as Columbus Day after taking a hayride to the picking field.
Inside their garden center you’ll find a variety of seasonal plants as well as unique topiaries.
The farm stand sells homemade cider donuts which the Smith’s suggest can be stored in your freezer for winter-long snacking.
On Columbus Day weekend the farm promises great family fun with hayrides, moonwalks, pony rides and good eats from their farm kitchen.
Boston proper:
THE HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA [email protected]
Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Along the banks of the storied Charles River, watch the 51st Head of the Charles Regatta.
Spread out a blanket, unfold a chair or stroll the banks of the river that winds through 30 communities to watch 9,000 athletes compete in the world’s largest two-day rowing event.
HALLOWEEN FOR FAMILIES
Halloween Pumpkin Festival Bostonfrogpond.com Saturday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, Oct. 18)
Hosted by Mayor Martin Walsh, inside the Boston Common along the Frog Pond
The entire family is encouraged to bring an eight-inch or smaller carved pumpkin to a floating festival where each pumpkin will be illuminated then floated in the Frog Pond.
The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts will be on hand to help decorate luminary bags which will light the perimeter of the Frog Pond. Experiments with the Massachusetts Horticulture Society and Massachusetts Audubon Society as well as music, refreshments and a costume parade round out this “spook-tacular” child-focused event.
CANINE PROMENADE Halloween dog/human parade and demonstrations esplanadeassociation.org Sunday, Oct. 25. Registration begins at noon, the promenade begins at 12:30 at Fiedler Field on the Esplanade until 2 p.m.
Registration fee per pet before Oct. 23 is $15 or on the day of the event at $20 per pet.
This will be the fifth annual parade of pooches along a half-mile riverside stretch on the Charles.
Dress up your doggie and yourself to enjoy an afternoon of making new friends.
There will be a grand prize awarded for the best costume and best pet/human duet costume. Gift bags and dog treats are provided for all registrants.
Fees benefit the park, highlight area pet resources and raise awareness about park improvements.
Fabulous fall is finally here. Football, tailgating, tag sales and leaf peeping along the way are, as always, included!
Courtesy of Applecrest Farm Orchards 
