DESTINATIONS | NEW ENGLAND ’ S AUTUMN SHOW
• The Boston Common is the nation ’ s first public park , established in 1634 .
• The fig newton was named after Newton , Massachusetts .
• The first American lighthouse was built in the Boston Harbor in 1716 .
• There are 3.2 million acres of privately owned forest land in Massachusetts and 285,000 acres of State Forests and Parks .
Rhode Island
Although the smallest New England state in size , Rhode Island doesn ’ t lack in autumn season excitement . Touring Route 146 running from Providence to the Rhode Island / Massachusetts line , is the attractive and nature activity-filled John H . Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor . The Blackstone River and Canal offer aquatic fun , and the trails skirting the river welcome hikers , bikers , and anglers . Visitor Centers in Providence , Pawtucket , Lincoln and Woonsocket provide maps and offer seasonable route and activity suggestions .
Bucolic South County is a great area for canoeing and kayaking as well as exploring farms and enjoying the many harvest festivals that take place in the fall . A pleasant visit waits at the Gilbert Stuart homestead , the birthplace of artist Gilbert Stuart who painted Washington ’ s portrait that appears on the one dollar bill . South County is also the gateway to Block Island , still beautiful in the autumn and less crowded than the summer bustle . Rhode Island ’ s leave turning show lasts longer than its northern neighbors , providing a spur-of-the-moment destination for time constrained adventurers . Also , Newport is a must see for anyone traveling to Rhode Island . Famous for its natural seaside beauty and for the magnificent mansions and gardens built there by the industrial
Blacktsone Rive view
barons of America ’ s Gilded Age . Nearby Bristol is a quintessential New England Seaside village with great shops and restaurants and interesting history . Again , the state ’ s small size ( approximately 30 miles wide by 40 miles long ) makes exploration simple .
A map of Rhode Island ’ s driving tours is available on the web at www . visitrhodeisland . com / pdf / fall _ foliage _ map . pdf . Also , many of Rhode Island ’ s state parks do not have developed campgrounds , but an abundance of privately-owned campgrounds are easily located along the recommended fall foliage routes .
Call 800-556-2484 for Rhode Island travel information .
Courtesy of “ Rhode Island Tourism Division ”
Connecticut
Autumn scenes from sea to forest flavors abound throughout Connecticut . In the eastern region , a National Scenic Byway puts a plethora of wondrous views before the traveler . Route 169 provides a pleasant mix of what New England is famous for ; historic villages , pleasant rural communities , plentiful photo opportunities , and of course , a bright blast of autumn color . Streams and wetlands add a stroke of enjoyable eye candy as well as relaxing angling . Starting near Norwich and going north to the state border will guide travelers near picturesque state parks such as the Mashamoquet Brook State Park . Actually the combination of three parks , Mashamo-
12 Autumn 2009 |