Top Fall Attractions
Quechee Gorge. THE place to go in the fall for stunning pictures. Take a photo from the bridge and the whole gorge or walk down to the bottom and take a picture of the bridge and water from the bottom. Either way, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Quechee Gorge Village Shops. Make sure you check out this shopping area with over 10 shops selling local goods. This is the perfect spot to bring a little northern New England home with you.
Simon Pearce. Handblown glass and beautiful pottery. See them made right on site at their headquarters in Windsor. Enjoy the covered bridge, restaurant, and glass blowing at their store in Quechee. I’d visit them both. Make sure to try the cheddar soup at the restaurant.
Riverview Farm. The fall experience. Corn maze, apples, cider, maple creamees, pumpkins, wagon rides, raspberries, and more.
Poverty Lane Orchards. PYO apples and hard cider with gorgeous fall views. A win-win for a relaxing apple picking experience.
Patch Orchards. Cornmaze, maple creamees, views of the mountains, maple syrup, donuts, and pyo apples. Another great place to visit.
Plainfield Pumpkin People. My favorite fall activity! Take a scenic drive through Plainfield during the month of October and find some pumpkin people which are sure to make you laugh and smile.
St. Gaudens. A National Historic Park. Learn and marvel at St. Gauden’s amazing sculpture work. Stroll the property, tour the house, and take some beautiful pictures. A must see!
Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge. See the longest covered bridge in the United States that allows cars on it.
Precision Museum. See this historic landmark that changed the manufacturing industry. A fascinating museum to learn about our past. See demonstrations too.
Artisan Park. This is the place to go to see local products made. You can even sample many. Artisan Park includes a brewery, distillery, cheese shop, jam shop, and a glass blowing business. You can also rent bikes, explore a hedge maze, and meander through a sculpture garden here. An excellent day trip idea!
Billings Farm. Considered the “finest outdoor history museums in the country.” This is a must see for the whole family. Explore the farm and pet the animals. Tour the house. Then walk across the street to Marsh Billings National Historic Park. Tour the mansion and explore the trails at this wonderful site.
Enfield Shaker Museum. Step into the past at this historic museum. Walk the grounds and learn about the Shaker way of life as you tour the buildings.
Dartmouth Football. This is the sporting event in the area that locals love to attend, year after year.
Annual Events
Glory Days Train Festival in WRJ. Train rides, games, music, and more.
Mac and Cheese Festival in Windsor. A mac and cheese competition. Grab a spoon and start voting!
Tunbridge Fair. Attend the Tunbridge World Fair that draws thousands each year and join the tradition that’s been around for over 150 years.
Apple and Cheese Festival in Strafford. Play games from the 1800s, sample cheese and apples, and join in on the family fun.
Harpoon Octoberfest. Music, beer, and family fun. Harpoon always puts on a good time.
Cedar Circle Pumpkin Festival. Wagon rides, live music, kids’ activities, pumpkin picking, and delicious food.
More information on these festivals and others here.
Beyond the Upper Valley
Wellwood Orchards. Families love going to Wellwood year after year. Pet the animals, take a wagon ride, pick some apples, and stock up on delicious baked goods in their massive store. Make sure to grab a hot and fresh donut too.
Fort #4. Steep yourself in history. Demonstrations, reenactments, and knowledgeable volunteers to answer all your questions. A wonderful day trip.
Warner Fall Festival. One of my favorite fall festivals. This is a large fall festival to wander. Buy a locally made craft, sit and listen to music, savor a tasty treat, enjoy the parade and entertainment, and visit the telephone museum. A great way to spend a fall day!
Photo Courtesy of Karoline Liley of K Liley Photography.
