IN AWE OF AUTUMN

MAINE’S COASTAL ROUTE 1

80+ Miles from Camden to Portland

Maine’s slogan is “The Way Life Should Be,” and after we drove Route 1 we understand why. The best stretch for a fall foliage cruise has you following the ocean from Camden to Portland. The Camden Harbor is bustling in the morning and a beautiful place to start a scenic drive. Harbor Park is the perfect place to take in the sunrise, catch a glimpse of a historic tall ship, and take pause to enjoy the serenity of the moment. Or if you’ve got little ones with you, get out some energy touring the renowned Amphitheatre outside the library before heading out on your adventure. Along the way you’ll come across plenty of rugged coastal towns and picturesque shores anchored by the beautiful changing leaves.

One of our favorite places to stop is Bath, a small city with an old town feel. Grab a bite al fresco, take photos of the trees along the Kennebec River, and experience the industries of days past. Or take a lighthouse tour and gain a different perspective of the changing seasons. As you continue your trip south you will find a delicate balance of ocean beaches and autumn’s glowing embrace. Our journey ends in Portland, and we suggest you make your way to the Old Port for most amazing mix of shopping, world class dining, and local favorite breweries. You’ll feel autumn’s full presence as the salty air whips in from the harbor and vibrant leaves dance along cobble stone streets. Finish the day with a pint, a view of the harbor, and a sunset you won’t forget!

THE SHIRES OF VERMONT BYWAY

26 Miles connecting Bennington and Manchester

Just about anywhere you go in Vermont during the fall season is going to be absolutely beautiful, we struggled to pick just one spot. But there is a stretch of Route 7A, known as The Shires Byway, that is truly magical. We recommend starting in Bennington on Main Street for a proper Vermont breakfast before heading out. As you start your journey, take a quick loop on 67 to 67A known as the Covered Bridge Loop. You will pass three covered bridges, with fairytale-like views set against the turning leaves.

After you’ve taken the obligatory selfie, it is time to wind your way through The Shires Byway. You’ll find yourself under a canopy of fiery reds and gold and time will seem to slow. Once you arrive in Manchester you can brush up on your history and learn about its role in the Battle of Bennington, or head to the Outlets for a bit of shopping. You will also find delicious restaurants to lunch at. When you’re ready to head back, you can make the drive into a loop by taking 7 back down to Bennington. Running along 7 is Green Mountain National Forest, which has been a protected land since 1972 featuring more than 800 thousand acres of forest teaming with beavers, moose, white tailed deer and wild turkey, to name a few. As you travel, you can expect to wind and curve through the most beautiful hues of fall.

MASSACHUSETTS' ROUTE 6A

Sagamore bridge through the Cape

Cape Cod is well known and loved as a summer destination, but we also love it as a leaf peeping destination. And with its easy access to Boston, it is a great drive if you can’t get up north. Starting on Pilgrim’s Highway South in Braintree you will immediately see that quintessential New England vista. The journey really picks up at the height of the Sagamore Bridge. As you come to the peak of the bridge you can see for miles as you tower above the canopy and dive into a scene straight out of a postcard. Continue onto Route 6A to find yourself in the Cape’s oldest town, Sandwich. For some beautiful views by foot pull off at Shawme-Crowell State Forest. Open dawn to dusk, and pet friendly, you can enjoy more than fifteen miles of hiking trails on this 700-acre pine and oak forest. A perfect place to enjoy that autumnal scent, read a couple chapters of that book you’ve had for years, and picnic.

Continue on and you will go in and out of classic Cape Cod villages until you come to Dennis. Settled in 1639 and featuring colonial mansions and seaside resorts, it is the perfect place to soak in some foliage and grab a quick bite. Once you have had your fill, take 134 South to see the full width of Dennis and its villages before joining 28 East toward the southern side of the Cape. We recommend a visit to Chatham, starting with a stroll along the Chatham Bar until you get to the lighthouse. Then make your way into town to do a bit of shopping and find a restaurant to cap off the night with. As you walk through town you will still get the chance to peep the foliage as trees line the streets and little parks dot the area.

RHODE ISLAND’S OCEAN DRIVE

Bellevue and Ocean Avenue in Newport

Newport is the destination for yachting, but being a New England city it also has a beautiful display of foliage as fall marches through. While this drive can be done by car, we highly recommend renting or bringing a bike for this one. Start on Bellevue Avenue heading south. You will pass the Newport Mansions, which were the summer homes for the elite during the Gilded age of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The sprawling estates are the perfect backdrop as the large trees display their changing leaves set against marble and stone facades.

Continue south and you will pick up Ocean Ave, where you’ll hear the crashing waves of the ocean on one side and see the amazing fall foliage on the other. Ocean Drive State Park is a great diversion to take in the foliage and spend some time catching up with the company you’ve brought for the day. Continue along Ocean Ave for a few more miles of amazing seaside views before coming to Fort Adams. A fun stop for the whole family, admission is free and offers a beautiful place to take in the sites and learn about its importance to the country’s history. Once ready to hit the road again, make your way toward Thames Street. You will begin to feel the buzz of commerce as you get closer to Queen Anne Square. From here, head down to Bowen’s Wharf to grab a well-deserved drink and take in the beautiful views of Narragansett Bay. The only thing left to do is enjoy the area, watch the boats sail, and relax.