As long summer days fade into crisp fall weather, New England’s six states — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont — undergo a metamorphosis that is famous worldwide. But the region’s legendary fall foliage isn’t the only reason to visit this time of the year. There are delights aplenty beyond the vibrant leaves, too.

For Art and Architecture

New England’s cultural richness rivals its natural beauty. At Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Hood Museum of Art houses an extraordinary collection spanning Native American objects to contemporary works by acclaimed U.S. artists like Alison Saar. Recently renovated by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien Architects, the striking postmodern space balances academic tradition with modern design sensibilities.

Just across campus, the Hopkins Center for the Arts — affectionately called “the Hop” by locals — is undergoing a transformation with a Snøhetta-designed expansion scheduled for completion in 2025. Until then, it hosts world-class performances against the backdrop of Dartmouth’s storied green.

Architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Frank Lloyd Wright’s Zimmerman House in Manchester, New Hampshire — a perfectly preserved example of his Usonian vision. As the only Wright-designed building in New England open to the public, it offers intimate, reservation-only tours that must be booked well in advance through the Currier Museum of Art — a must for design devotees.

For Dramatic Landscapes

The White Mountains of New Hampshire provide the region’s most awe-inspiring scenery. The Kancamagus Highway — “the Kanc” to locals — winds for 34.5 miles through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, offering spectacular vistas that reach peak brilliance in early October. Scenic pull-offs like the C.L. Graham Overlook or Pemigewasset Overlook offer panoramic views so vivid that they seem almost artificially enhanced by nature’s filters.

In Vermont, the Green Mountains offer a more intimate forest experience. The Long Trail, America’s oldest long-distance hiking path, stretches from Massachusetts to the Canadian border, tracing the spine of Vermont. Day hikers can sample sections like Camel’s Hump or Mount Mansfield without committing to the full 272-mile journey.

Maine’s Baxter State Park encompasses 209,644 acres of wilderness, including Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. September offers the perfect window — summer crowds have thinned, black flies have disappeared and the foliage begins its fiery transformation, setting the landscape ablaze with color.

For a Peek at History

New England’s industrial heritage comes alive in Lowell, Massachusetts, where America’s Industrial Revolution began. The Lowell National Historical Park preserves the city’s textile mill history with working looms and waterpower demonstrations. In late September, Lowell celebrates native son Jack Kerouac’s literary legacy with walking tours through his childhood haunts.

Maine’s seafaring past comes alive in Bath, where the working waterfront still echoes with the sounds of shipbuilding. At the Maine Maritime Museum, visitors can climb aboard historic vessels and witness traditional wooden boat-building techniques that are still practiced today.

For Craft Produce

New England’s craft beverage scene extends beyond Vermont’s famous IPAs and Maine’s Portland beer mecca. New Hampshire’s Hermit Woods Winery in Meredith makes unique fruit and honey wines using traditional techniques and locally foraged ingredients. Its signature Hermitage — made from hand-picked wild blueberries — captures the essence of New England in every sip.

For beer enthusiasts, Connecticut’s rural corners house gems like Kent Falls Brewing Co., where farmhouse ales are produced on a working farm. With ingredients grown on-site and a tasting room open only on weekends, it offers a rustic, insider experience far from the more established beer trails.

For Outdoor Activities

The region’s 6,000-plus lakes and ponds offer tranquil fall reflections of the surrounding foliage. Lake Winnipesaukee may be New Hampshire’s crown jewel, but nearby Squam Lake (famously featured in “On Golden Pond”) provides a quieter escape, with rentable kayaks available well into October.

For an adrenaline rush against a colorful backdrop, Bretton Woods Canopy Tour near Mount Washington offers New England’s longest zip-line experience. Soar through the treetops on nine zip lines that grow progressively longer, guiding visitors on a thrilling three-hour journey above the forest canopy.

Vermont’s Kingdom Trails in East Burke offer a mountain-biking nirvana with over 100 miles of world-class singletrack. Open through October, the trail system provides ideal riding conditions as summer crowds diminish and the landscape transforms.

Plan your New England vacation today.

Visit bluegreenowner.com or club.hiltongrandvacations.com to book now!

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