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 |