Fall is perhaps the greatest time to visit New England, with the crisp leaves, delicious seasonal food, and long-held traditions. The Greater Merrimack Valley maintains that autumn charm and offers visitors a variety of fall-related fun activities, food, and attractions that shouldn’t be missed. From visiting local farms to the beauty of the local foliage, it’s time to get ready for fall fun in Merrimack Valley.
Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Verrill Farm is a great place to visit in the fall. More than 40 crops are grown across over 150 acres, and all of them are sold in the farm stand. On top of great fresh produce, you’ll also be able to get other classic autumn treats, including baked goods like pumpkin pies and seasonal cookies.
However, one of the real perks of visiting in the fall is you can pick your own pumpkins. These vibrant orange gourds are perfect for carving into Jack-O-Lanterns. No matter what size you’re looking for, Verrill Farm offers one of the best pumpkin selections in the Greater Boston area. Come to the farm on weekends in September through October from 10 am-4 pm for the perfect pick your own pumpkin experience If you can’t make it on the weekend, or picking pumpkins yourself isn’t your speed, visit the farm stand any time during the week and choose from a large variety of pre-picked pumpkins with a broad selection of different colors, styles and sizes!
Go Leaf Peeping
Leaf peeping is an autumn tradition that has people visiting New England from all over the country. Merrimack Valley in particular has some incredible spots to fawn over the vibrant foliage. One such spot is Acton Arboretum, which is a 56-acre property that once housed an apple orchard but is now a public area that’s free to visit year-round. There are several trails that lead through the wooded areas so you’ll have an abundance of trees to appreciate, take photos of, and identify.
Another great place to go leaf-peeping is Walden Pond. What was once the retreat of the famous naturalist and author Henry David Thoreau is now a state reservation full of natural beauty. You can hike the very trails Thoreau did and enjoy the lush autumn foliage and cool air. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife gathering food for the winter and take lots of photos.
Celebrate Jack Kerouac October 10-14
Every October, Lowell Celebrates Jack Kerouac, one of Merrimack Valley’s finest contemporary authors and beat poets. Born in Lowell, Kerouac is regarded as one of the most important American authors of the 20th century. His best known work is the novel On the Road, which captured the spirit of the time and continues to inspire readers.
Every October, this festival features live music, films, open mic events, panels, poetry readings, and tours of Kerouac’s Lowell places. Fans of his works will get to visit many sites described in his Lowell-based novels. This four-day event is an October staple for the area, and Kerouac fans and scholars from across the United States and around the world travel to Lowell for the festival.
This fall, make your plans to visit Merrimack Valley for an abundance of autumn experiences. Make the most of your vacation, bring the kids or spend time with friends, and enjoy one of the most beautiful and iconic seasons of New England.
