The Charming Small Town in Massachusetts That's Perfect For A Fall Day Trip
By Kim Falchek|Published August 21, 2023
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Kim Falchek
Author
Kim Falchek has been exploring the towns, trails, and hidden gems of Massachusetts since her college days in Boston. When not writing, Kim enjoys photography, going on road trips, and spending time at the beach. Kim has previously been a contributing writer for LA Family Travel, Global Munchkins, and Latched Mama. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts where she and her family embrace all things Halloween!
There is something extra special about experiencing the fall season in Massachusetts. Our gorgeous scenery becomes even more beautiful as the leaves change from green to vibrant hues of red and orange. Towns are abuzz with festivals and autumn activities and our palates are rewarded with hearty meals and flavorful seasonal treats. There are so many quaint Massachusetts towns that are wonderful places to visit on a fall day trip. We have already told you about Sudbury and Newburyport. More fall fun can be found in the town of Ipswich.
The quaint town of Ipswich is located on the Massachusetts north shore. The town has so much to offer including beaches, a river, farms, and hiking trails. Ipswich is a fun place to visit any time of year, but it is particularly beautiful during the fall.
Many of the country's oldest homes are located here in Ipswich. You can download a map of these locations and take a historic walking tour of the area.
A New England fall trip is not complete without a stop for apple picking, and Ipswich has one of the best orchards in the state. Russell's Orchards has more than 30 varieties of apples to choose from.
Be sure to stop at its farm store for cider donuts and other baked goods, and don't miss the on-site wine tasting room for a sample of some fruit-based cider or wine.
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For some fall fun on the farm, pay a visit to Appleton Farms. This hidden gem is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the nation.
You can catch some breathtaking foliage along the property's 12 miles of walking trails.
Appleton Farms also host a number of fun seasonal events including hayrides, farm-to-table meals, family activities, culinary workshops, and pizza picnics.
Marini Farm is another wonderful local farm that hosts a ton of autumn activities for the whole family. My favorite is the corn maze, which is challenging but always a lot of fun. The theme for this year's maze is "Alice In Wonderland."
You can try your hand at the maze during the daylight hours or bring a flashlight and navigate the twists and turns under the moonlight. A new option this year is an adults-only beer-tasting maze. Sign me up!
And while we are on the subject of beer, what better way to top off a fun fall trip than a stop at a local brewery?
The Ipswich Ale Brewery's on-site restaurant, the Ipswich Ale Brewer’s Table, has over a dozen beers on tap and also serves up some great food. The restaurant is located right in downtown Ipswich.
For more great autumn views, you may want to consider hitting the water.
If you are looking to spend the night in Ipswich, I suggest staying at the lovely Inn at Castle Hill, which is located right on the Crane Estate property. A stay here is the perfect way to extend your quintessential small-town fall experience.
What is your favorite spot in Ipswich? Do you have other towns that you like to visit during the fall months? For more information about Ipswich, please visit Ipswich’s official town website and Ipswich’s town Facebook page.
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