Autumn is almost here!
It’s officially my favorite time of year! The air is crisp and clear, the night skies are starry, the
daytime temps are so comfortable, and the foliage colors start popping out until they reach their
crescendo in mid-October. It’s a wonderful time to visit Mount Washington Valley.
We have an amazing lineup of autumn activities in Mount Washington Valley! Whether
you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to soak in the seasonal beauty, there’s something
for everyone.
Here are a few more tips to make the most of your fall visit:
Dress in Layers: The weather can change quickly in autumn, so layering up will keep
you comfortable whether you’re hiking the trails or enjoying a fair.
Check for Event Updates: Sometimes weather or other factors can impact schedules,
so it’s a good idea to check for any updates on the events or attractions you plan to
visit.
Pack Snacks and Water: Especially if you’re heading out to places like the Trail of
Terror or apple orchards, having some snacks and water can make your experience
more enjoyable.
Bring Your Camera/Phone: The foliage and autumn activities make for fantastic photo
opportunities. Whether you’re capturing the vibrant colors or the fun at the fairs, you’ll
want to remember these moments.
Make Reservations: If you’re planning to stay overnight or dine out, it’s a good idea to
make reservations early. Fall is a popular time for travel, and accommodations can fill
up quickl
Enjoy the crisp autumn air, the beautiful foliage, and all the fun activities Mount
Washington Valley has to offer!
Here are a few things you might enjoy while you’re here:
Trail of Terror - Nestlenook Farm, Jackson NH
Begin by boarding a horse-drawn carriage that will deliver you to the entrance of the trail. From
there you’re on your own, following the mile-long path deep into the haunted forest!
Pumpkin People Return!
Every Fall Season, businesses throughout the Mount Washington Valley decorate their buildings
and lawns with delightful Pumpkin People. Take a leisurely drive though all the towns and enjoy
the clever decorations.
It’s Fair Season
The Fryeburg Fair September 29- October 6
Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic!
It was a chilly day in March of 1851 when a few local farmers and merchants got together and
decided to show off their harvest, produce, cattle and wares to the community. Since those
humble beginnings, Fryeburg Fair, Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic, is Maine's largest agricultural
fair second in New England in size only to Eastern States in Massachusetts. Today Fryeburg
Fair sits on 185 acres and has over 100 buildings. The eight-day fair hosts over 3,000 animals
including prize-winning draft horses, ponies, racing horses, oxen, dairy & beef cattle, sheep,
goats, pigs, poultry, rabbits and much more. Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic is always during the
first week in October. Fryeburg Fair has flourished since that first fair when William Walker of
Lovell won $3 for the best acre of corn and William Spring of Brownfield earned $1 for the best
seed wheat. Fryeburg Fair attracts more than 225,000 people annually.
The Sandwich Fair October 12-14, 2024
The Sandwich fair started out as an agricultural event that local farmers hoped would turn into
an annual market day where they could trade and sell their cattle. In 1886, area farmers
exhibited 184 yoke of oxen at the fair. Enjoy the visiting the livestock, play games on the
midway, browse handmade crafts by local artisans, and enjoy the Fair Food!
Apple Picking
The apple-picking season overlaps the foliage season, so do both; start your day with a
scenic drive to an apple orchard. The apple harvest begins in September and extends
through late October. Many apple orchards are family-owned with a strong sense of
tradition, which makes them a great place to spend a wholesome day, figuratively and
literally. Most all apple orchards are now offering pick-your-own apples. The most
popular pick-your-own varieties are McIntosh, Cortland, Granny Smiths, Gala, Red
Delicious, Yellow Delicious, Empire, and Rome. Other varieties of apples can usually be
found at the farm stand along with a variety of apple products, cider, jams, pies, honey,
maple syrup, vegetables, pumpkins, flowers, local crafts, and other in-season fruits.
Five Fields Farm 720 South Bridgton Rd Bridgton, ME 04009
Retail and PYO apple sales in season, with XC Skiing in the winter months on 27 K of
groomed trails.
Hatch’s Orchards Conway NH
One of the smaller, more charming pal es to go apple picking in NH is Hatches
Orchards, only about 20 minutes from North Conway. They offer several varieties to
pick from, provide wonderful mountain views during your visit and also sell local
produce, jellies and jams at their small farm stand. This is a great place to go to support
a seller operation!
Storyland Happy Hauntings Route 16, Bartlett NH
Weekends September 28- October 27
Story Land celebrates 70 years with all-new ways to Halloween! Bring your family to
Happy Hauntings now starting even earlier on September 28th at Story Land and share
in the fun of this new Halloween tradition! ENJOY!
