Where to Enjoy Festive Fall Fun North of Boston

Nothing says fall in New England like Sunday drives through our quaint seaside towns as the leaves turn and the weather chills, stopping to savor cider donuts and pick-your-own apples at one of our charming local farms. Fall is here and we’re inhaling every pumpkin-spiced breath of fresh air that we can. Here’s where you can indulge in fall farm fun this season.

 Autumn Abounds at Appleton Farms in Ipswich

Rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, and historic farm buildings are part of Appleton Farms, a 1,000 acre pastoral landscape, offering a rare glimpse into New England’s agricultural past, managed by The Trustees. Mingle with other farm-loving families this fall during any one of their programming events, from apple pie baking to hayrides, farm chores, and guided tours! Check out all of the events happening at Appleton Farms.

Enjoy a Fall Festival Weekend at Smolak Farms in North Andover

Smolak Farms is a working farm that combines agriculture, education, and entertainment in a unique way, sure to impress the whole family. This community staple offers Pick-Your-Own apples daily in the season. Make a day of it during one of their Fall Festival Weekends, every weekend through October. Soak up all the season has to offer with their famous apple cider donuts, live entertainment, hay rides, crafts, a kid’s carnival, and more!

Go Apple Picking and Hit the Hard Cider Bar at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury

Did you know that our very own Cider Hill Farm is the number 1 apple picking destination in the country according to Yelp? Not only does this sprawling Amesbury farm provide world-class apple picking but they also offer a hard cider bar and free live music Fridays through Sundays through late October, as well as an on-site food truck. The fall fun continues with weekend hayrides and an outdoor market stocked with their delectable handmade goodies for all to enjoy! When it comes to everything cider their menu doesn’t disappoint, indulge in hot cider, cider donuts, and even cider slushies!

Save the date for Cider Hill’s Sweet Halloween event on October 22 and 23, a not-so-spooky, trick-or-treating experience brimming with sweet treats and boo-tiful fall foliage!

Snack on Cider Donuts and Sip on Award-Winning Fruit Wines at Russell Orchards, Ipswich

Russell Orchards is home to acres of farmland that is expertly tended to where they cultivate their own award-winning fruit wines and hard ciders, all made on the farm with their own fruit.

Sample flights at the tasting room Friday through Sunday, or pick up a bottle of your favorite during store hours. Their famous cider donuts are not to be missed and their fruit pies are equally as delectable, all made in their scratch bakery. Bring the family for an afternoon of apple picking adventures through October and be sure to hop a hayride to the orchard!

Meander Through the Corn Maze at Marini Farm in Ipswich

For over 90 years the Marini family has been delighting the community with some of the best and most flavorful fruits and vegetables available on the North Shore and autumn is the best time to visit Marini Farm and also take advantage of their beloved corn maze! This fall pastime is not your typical walk through the stalks – it is educational and interactive, featuring 18 stations strategically placed throughout the maze with corresponding questions and game sheets. There’s even a one-acre mini maze for the little kiddos, plus a number of different play structures, lawn games, and even a 70’ jumping pillow to ensure the kids leave tired.

Experience History at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is a family-friendly National Historic Landmark with activities for all ages. The 230-acre site includes a 1690 manor house that served as the country seat of wealthy Newburyport merchants and an attached farmhouse that was home to a Lithuanian family for most of the twentieth century. Take a tour and learn about life on a farm over the centuries through hands-on activities. Pump water from a well outside the kitchen or sit in a horsehair-covered rocking chair and look through a stereo-viewer in the nineteenth-century parlor. Explore nature trails, enjoy a picnic under ancient maple trees, or visit with their barnyard animals.

Indulge in All Sorts of Fall Fun at the Topsfield Fair

Going on through October 10 the  Topsfield Fair is the place to be! This quintessential county fair boasts traditional agriculture, big entertainment, rides, games, shopping, and great food… there’s something for everyone!

Browse the offerings of hundreds of vendors and be wowed by the talent and showings of the competitors and performers. This year you can even feast your eyes on a 2,480-pound pumpkin, a new record breaker in the annual All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off!

For more details on the offerings of our local farms and visit our Farm page.