By the time you read this, some of New England’s foliage should be raked by the roadside, waiting for the collection trucks. But that doesn’t mean fall Up East isn’t still resplendent in its human hues. There are even a few foliage fests left.
Cheapflights thought you might want to check out this sampling of New England’s fall offerings. Book a seat to Boston, Burlington, or maybe Manchester, roll down the window of your rental car and drink in the ambience of autumn.
Warner Fall Foliage Festival. Follow the falling leaves to this New Hampshire enclave Oct. 7 through 9 for a festival that’s been going on since 1947. As red, brown, and yellow leaves partake of arts and crafts, cotton candy, and candied apples. They’re all arrayed along the main streets of Warner. Oh, and there’s this note: you won’t be subject to any politicking. New Hampshire may be an early primary state, but Warner Fall Foliage Festival bylaws prohibit candidates from sharing with you their solutions for solving the world’s woes during the festivities.
The Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Grab your rapier and don your feathered hat. The faire can be found in Hebron on Oct 1-2, 8- 10, and 15-16. Explore New England’s largest medieval marketplace. Discover in handcrafted treasures. Dine on turkey legs, bread bowl stews, and apple crisp. If the second decade of the 21st century leaves you cold, engage in a heavy dose of retrograde revelry for $16. That’s the general admission. Parking will run you an extra $3. Youths get in for $10.
Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival. Head to Edgartown, Massachusetts Oct. 14 through 16. Come hungry, and come thirsty. Indulge in local produce, imbibe some of the best vintages to be had, and kick back with some first-rate entertainment.
The festival’s featured chef is Ric Orlando, chef and owner of New World Home Cooking Café. Orlando is Food Network’s “Chopped” champion and is guided by the motto “We want clean food.” He’s a true believer in world ingredients and flavors. Prices range from $45 for the Grand Sunday Brunch to $125 for the wine dinner.
Vermont International Film Festival. This is the 26th year for one of the country’s best film fests. It’s in Burlington. The Vermont International Film Festival, as the name implies, attracts entries from throughout the world. The independent entries tend to be provocative, exciting and ever innovative. This year the festival focuses on four themes: food, borders and displacement, freedom and liberty, and Egyptian cinema.
Pumpkin Festival 2011. Keene, NH is the setting for all things orange Oct. 22, and jack-o’-lanterns rule. If you like pumpkin pies, this place is as close to foodie Nirvana and you’re going to get. The festival is free, but the City of Keene asks that you consider donating $1 per person.
Got a particular passion for fall festivals? If so, tell us which ones?
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: St0rmz)
