A Guide to Fall in the Monadnock Region

Fall in New England is a unique and special time!. From the change in weather towards cooler days, harvest festivals and the changing of the leaves, there’s something to do and see in almost every corner of our chunk of the country. Monadnock Region especially offers up spectacular foliage views mixed with fun activities with loved ones that will truly put the season in full swing. We’ve compiled a few spots in blog posts over the years, but here’s our own guide to enjoying the fruits of fall.

We love to get out to admire the Fall foliage! Even though I’ve lived in New England my entire life, the colors of the leaves once it’s cool out after summer will never cease to amaze me. Last year we posted about drives around the area for getting great views of the foliage for those that prefer to take a cruise. Don’t miss a stop in Hancock and Greenfield center, where the foliage pairs beautifully with traditional and historical New England buildings for a picture perfect moment. If you’re more interested in not only checking out the foliage but also doing some hiking, then you’ll be pleased to know just how many places in Peterborough there are to hike alone. Miller State Park and Temple Mountain State Reservation offer great views of the surrounding areas on those clear days. Both have different levels of intensity, but the view from the top with the leaves all changing their brilliant colors is spectacular. If you want something a little more casual, take a stroll through the woods at Edward MacDowell Dam and enjoy the lake’s backdrop of leaves as you walk. There’s also the Common Pathway in Peterborough that cuts through most of downtown and hugs the river north  towards Hancock. This continues for several miles and has some hidden gems that are definitely to be admired, coupled with the bright colors of fall.

We’ve posted about the different orchards that you can pick your own apples at, but many of those orchards also have lots of other fun things in their farmstand just in time for fall. From decor to seasonal produce, these places are worth a stop. In Antrim, Tenney Farms has out their own apples, produce, mulling spices and more. Snag a pumpkin or four to make pie with or turn into jack-o-lanterns before Halloween, and be sure to get some of their handpressed local apple cider as well. In Jaffrey, Coll’s Farm Stand sits right next to New England Everyday Goods. Both places have unique finds and will truly put you in the autumn mood just by taking a look at their produce, pumpkins and more. Head out towards Milford and make a stop in Lull Farm and you’ll be in pumpkin heaven as you look at the gourds piled high next to their own apples, apple cider, baked goods and other products.

Fall also means wonderful events in the area. To kick off October, Greenfield hosts a Harvest Fair and Octoberfest on Saturday, October 5th. Starting on October 11th-13th, both Milford Pumpkin Festival and the Monadnock Pumpkin Festival on the 12th will be sure to fill up the weekend with lots of activities from rides, tasty treats, pumpkin painting and more. The next weekend on October 19th there’s the Great New England Fall Craft Fair at the Hampshire Dome to get you in the spirit for all of those fall themed gifts from local artisans. On October 27th, the last Sunday of the month the Keene Pumpkin Festival will top off a month full of activities.

With so many activities coming up with the changing of the seasons, we hope you enjoy fall as much as we do!