Costumes have been packed away, candy stashes are getting sparse and pumpkins have rotted. It’s official — Halloween is over, and its remnants are withering away.
If you are a fall fan like me, this is a depressing period of time. Thanksgiving break looms in the distance, just out of reach. Apple and pumpkin picking season have come to a close. How can we keep the autumnal magic alive until then? Luckily, Boston is situated at the heart of several perfect places for fall festivities that are just a train ride away.
Salem, Massachusetts
Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line on the Commuter Rail from North Station for just 30 minutes and find yourself in Salem.
While it may seem like the high season for haunted houses and ghostly tours of the city is over, that’s exactly why now is the ideal time for a visit. This October, over 1 million people visited Salem — a record-breaking number of tourists. Making the trip in November instead allows for a more relaxing experience, free from stray elbows digging into you as you push through the crowd on Essex Street.
Start by fueling up for the day at The Ugly Mug Diner, just a four-minute walk from the train station. The decadent blueberry pancakes are a must-try, but be mindful that the diner does not take reservations. If you can’t get in at The Ugly Mug, try Gulu-Gulu Cafe, Red Line Cafe or Brew Box — all of which are in the center of the city.
Taking a haunted guided walking tour for just over $30 is a great way to hit all the key spots in two hours. From the Old Town Hall to The Witch House to the Bewitched Sculpture, you will leave feeling just the right amount of unsettled.
If you want to splurge a bit more on an activity, get a psychic and tarot card reading from a Salem medium for $60 — an experience that will fully immerse you in the mystical nature of the city.
Next, visit some local shops before heading back to Boston, like Wicked Good Books indie bookstore and Blackcraft Salem, which features a secret coffee shop in the back of the store with unique flavors like Caramel Waffle Cauldron and The Good Witch Latte. Hex: Old World Witchery is the perfect place to get a spooky souvenir like a candle with bewitching powers or a necromancy spell kit.
Portland, Maine
Known as an East Coast culinary destination, Portland has plenty to see and taste in a day. The Downeaster Train departs from North Station and arrives in Portland nine stops later in about two and a half hours, and booking in advance ensures that you only spend about $30 to $40 round trip. The train will arrive about two miles from the main part of town, though you can take a bus or use a rideshare app to get downtown.
Tandem Coffee Roasters and Bakery or Bard Coffee are prime places to get caffeinated for the day ahead. From there, head toward Commercial Street to stroll along the waterfront and stop in the array of high-end boutiques and vintage stores nearby like Haberdashery Resale Clothing Co, Little Ghost Vintage and Soleil.
Wednesdays and Saturdays are fall farmer’s market days from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Deering Oaks Park. The Indoor Winter Market, located at 631 Stevens Ave., will open Dec. 7 and operate every Saturday, featuring fresh bagels, seasonal bouquets and a variety of homemade goods like pesto, kimchi, hot sauce and much more.
All the shopping should work up an appetite, and the flagship Luke’s Lobster, located right on the water off Portland Pier, provides a scenic and satiating experience with mouth-watering lobster rolls. Finally, finish out the day by walking five minutes to The Holy Donut for its sweet potato pumpkin donut — the ideal fall treat.
Blue Hills Reservation, Massachusetts
Just a 15-minute drive from Boston, the Blue Hills Reservation provides a lush sanctuary, allowing you to breathe in the crisp autumn air away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Don’t have access to a car? Take the Providence/Stoughton Line on the Commuter Rail from Ruggles Station for three stops until Canton Center, then take the 716 Bus seven stops to Royall Street at JW Foster Boulevard. The Reservation is about a five-minute walk from there, making the whole commute about 50 minutes total.
Over at Blue Hills, there are a variety of hiking paths to take at different skill levels, with 125 miles of trails. Explore different trail options here. Be sure to pause along whichever journey you decide to take to marvel at the sea of red, yellow, orange and green around you. Stop at one of the many tables throughout the reservation to have a picnic or to journal, reflecting on your adventure.
Providence, Rhode Island
Get on the Providence/Stoughton Line from Ruggles and ride seven stops for about an hour to Providence. For a faster trip, take the Amtrak train from Back Bay, which averages about $40 roundtrip and takes about 30 minutes each way.
Once in Providence, walk about 15 minutes to Brown University, where the picturesque campus is worth taking a stroll through.
Grab a coffee nearby at Brown Bee. To warm up a bit, get its “bee latte” with honey, cardamom and cayenne. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of its unique croissants too, including flavors like chocolate banana almond and ginger miso.
Pop by Nostalgia Emporium just five minutes away to begin thrifting your way through the city. Then, head to Downtown Providence to check out the vintage pieces at The Vault Collective. Westminster Street houses a host of other shops worth exploring, like Symposium Books and Homestyle.
Walk about 20 minutes toward the historic Federal Hill to explore the neighborhood and eat at one of the popular Italian restaurants like Constantino’s or Cassarino’s.
Any of these trips’ itineraries can be completed in a day using public transportation for a fairly low price. Whether you bring friends along or make it a solo journey, make sure to fully soak in the gorgeous and charming East Coast fall surroundings before they fade into wintertime.
