Houzz TV: Take a Leaf-Peeping Road Trip in New England
Ride along with a Houzz contributing photographer to see gorgeous autumn eye candy from New York to New Hampshire
Rikki Snyder
October 31, 2015
Houzz Contributor. Professional photographer and stylist specializing in food, products, still life and interiors. Contributing home tour photographer and writer for Houzz.
Houzz Contributor. Professional photographer and stylist specializing in food, products,... More
When autumn hits, there’s nothing I want to do more than grab my camera, hop in my car and take a road trip through New England. Renowned for its historic towns, quaint architecture and rolling hills, New England is the best place I’ve found to get off the grid for a few days and view gorgeous fall foliage. I’ve made this trip every October for the past five years, and each year I look forward to it more.
Below, follow my journey and enjoy the beauty this season has to offer. Starting in New York City and traveling through Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire, I’ve mapped out my favorite roads to take and towns to visit, along with what to do, see or eat along the way.
Below, follow my journey and enjoy the beauty this season has to offer. Starting in New York City and traveling through Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire, I’ve mapped out my favorite roads to take and towns to visit, along with what to do, see or eat along the way.
Chatham, New York
From New York City, one of the most scenic routes is the Taconic State Parkway. It is winding at times, but it offers beautiful views of farms, rolling hills and the Catskill Mountains as it takes you through the Hudson Valley. Toward the end, there’s a beautiful red barn on the side of the road in Chatham, New York.
WATCH: Enjoy a video of these inspiring New England autumn views
From New York City, one of the most scenic routes is the Taconic State Parkway. It is winding at times, but it offers beautiful views of farms, rolling hills and the Catskill Mountains as it takes you through the Hudson Valley. Toward the end, there’s a beautiful red barn on the side of the road in Chatham, New York.
WATCH: Enjoy a video of these inspiring New England autumn views
I always take pictures here as it offers a showstopping vista throughout the seasons.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
At the end of the Taconic, hop on Interstate 90 heading east toward Boston and take the Stockbridge exit to the quaint town of Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
While you’re here, enjoy the views of this historic New England town, which inspired Norman Rockwell. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum for an afternoon to learn more about the artist and his work.
Looking for a pick-me-up after the museum? Peace, Love and Chocolate has delicious chocolate confections.
More info: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 state Route 183, Stockbridge; Peace, Love and Chocolate, 36 Main St., Stockbridge
At the end of the Taconic, hop on Interstate 90 heading east toward Boston and take the Stockbridge exit to the quaint town of Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
While you’re here, enjoy the views of this historic New England town, which inspired Norman Rockwell. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum for an afternoon to learn more about the artist and his work.
Looking for a pick-me-up after the museum? Peace, Love and Chocolate has delicious chocolate confections.
More info: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 state Route 183, Stockbridge; Peace, Love and Chocolate, 36 Main St., Stockbridge
If you plan on spending the night in Stockbridge, I highly recommend The Red Lion Inn. It’s one of the few New England inns that has been operating continuously since the 18th century.
Even if you’re not staying over, the inn has a spectacular dining room for formal and casual occasions. It has developed quite the reputation for its outstanding food.
More info: The Red Lion Inn, 30 Main St., Stockbridge
More info: The Red Lion Inn, 30 Main St., Stockbridge
While strolling down Main Street, be sure to stop at the Stockbridge General Store, which sells gift items and has a small cafe.
More info: Stockbridge General Store, 40 Main St., Stockbridge
More info: Stockbridge General Store, 40 Main St., Stockbridge
Deerfield, Massachusetts
Continuing past Stockbridge on I-90, take exit 4 for Interstate 91 north. This will take you toward Deerfield, Massachusetts, home of Yankee Candle’s flagship store. The shop has seasonal events on the weekends plus a nice mix of goods and entertainment for all ages. It celebrates Christmas year-round and even has hands-on candle-making.
More info: Yankee Candle, 25 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield
Continuing past Stockbridge on I-90, take exit 4 for Interstate 91 north. This will take you toward Deerfield, Massachusetts, home of Yankee Candle’s flagship store. The shop has seasonal events on the weekends plus a nice mix of goods and entertainment for all ages. It celebrates Christmas year-round and even has hands-on candle-making.
More info: Yankee Candle, 25 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield
The grounds at Yankee Candle are beautifully maintained and dressed, providing a good place to sit and unwind.
Just a few miles north of Yankee Candle is Historic Deerfield. If you’re looking for views of quintessential New England, this outdoor museum focusing on the history and culture of the Connecticut River Valley and early New England is the place to go. First settled in 1669, Deerfield is one of the few towns colonized by the English along the eastern seaboard that retain their original scale and town plan. You can take a self-guided tour through the town and visit 12 historic houses built from 1730 to 1850. All but one are on their original sites.
You can extend your stay here with an overnight at the Deerfield Inn.
More info: Deerfield Inn, 81 Old Main St., Deerfield
You can extend your stay here with an overnight at the Deerfield Inn.
More info: Deerfield Inn, 81 Old Main St., Deerfield
Bernardston, Massachusetts
Before making your way up to Vermont, I encourage you to stop at Kringle Candle in Bernardston, Massachusetts. Kringle Candle was founded by Michael James Kittredge III, son of the original founder of Yankee Candle, Mike Kittredge. The store stocks candles and other decor.
Across the street is The Farm Table, the candle shop’s sister restaurant. I highly recommend it, not only for its delicious farm-fresh food but also for the cozy and sophisticated atmosphere.
More info: Kringle Candle, 220 South St., Bernardston; The Farm Table, 219 South St., Bernardston
Before making your way up to Vermont, I encourage you to stop at Kringle Candle in Bernardston, Massachusetts. Kringle Candle was founded by Michael James Kittredge III, son of the original founder of Yankee Candle, Mike Kittredge. The store stocks candles and other decor.
Across the street is The Farm Table, the candle shop’s sister restaurant. I highly recommend it, not only for its delicious farm-fresh food but also for the cozy and sophisticated atmosphere.
More info: Kringle Candle, 220 South St., Bernardston; The Farm Table, 219 South St., Bernardston
Brattleboro, Vermont
As you continue north on I-91, I suggest stopping next in Brattleboro, Vermont, which is filled with stores, museums and restaurants worth exploring. Park and take a stroll down Main Street, popping in anywhere that catches your eye.
As you continue north on I-91, I suggest stopping next in Brattleboro, Vermont, which is filled with stores, museums and restaurants worth exploring. Park and take a stroll down Main Street, popping in anywhere that catches your eye.
After Brattleboro, travel east on New Hampshire Route 9. It’s a scenic drive with multiple places to pull off and snap photos.
See more inspiring fall views from this roadtrip
See more inspiring fall views from this roadtrip
After all, you can never have too many pictures of iconic red barns.
Swanzey, New Hampshire
When passing by towns such as Swanzey, New Hampshire, you should visit at least one of the many antiques stores along the road. Fairground Antiques has all types of antiques and collectibles at reasonable prices.
More info: Fairgrounds Antiques, 249 Monadnock Hwy., Swanzey
When passing by towns such as Swanzey, New Hampshire, you should visit at least one of the many antiques stores along the road. Fairground Antiques has all types of antiques and collectibles at reasonable prices.
More info: Fairgrounds Antiques, 249 Monadnock Hwy., Swanzey
Harrisville, New Hampshire
After about 34 miles on Route 9, you’ll arrive in Harrisville, New Hampshire, first settled in 1774. Among the preserved 19th-century mill town’s beautiful brick buildings is the public library, pictured, built right on Harrisville Pond.
After about 34 miles on Route 9, you’ll arrive in Harrisville, New Hampshire, first settled in 1774. Among the preserved 19th-century mill town’s beautiful brick buildings is the public library, pictured, built right on Harrisville Pond.
Dublin, New Hampshire
Just a few miles southeast of Harrisville is Dublin, New Hampshire, the picturesque small town that’s home to Yankee magazine. Grab lunch and enjoy the fall color at Dublin Pond.
Just a few miles southeast of Harrisville is Dublin, New Hampshire, the picturesque small town that’s home to Yankee magazine. Grab lunch and enjoy the fall color at Dublin Pond.
Hancock, New Hampshire
From Dublin, head to Hancock and the Hancock Inn, New Hampshire’s oldest original inn, in operation since 1789. The bed and breakfast is the perfect place to relax for a few days. It’s also open to the general public for dinner.
More info: Hancock Inn Bed & Breakfast, 33 Main St., Hancock
From Dublin, head to Hancock and the Hancock Inn, New Hampshire’s oldest original inn, in operation since 1789. The bed and breakfast is the perfect place to relax for a few days. It’s also open to the general public for dinner.
More info: Hancock Inn Bed & Breakfast, 33 Main St., Hancock
While in Hancock, take in the scenery of the surrounding New England landscape and neighborhoods.
Peterborough, New Hampshire
Famous for its art community, Peterborough, New Hampshire, boasts many museums, galleries and independent artists. The studio of Lauren Decatur, known for her needle felting and paintings, is tucked away in the nearby woods, which offer an inspiring backdrop.
Famous for its art community, Peterborough, New Hampshire, boasts many museums, galleries and independent artists. The studio of Lauren Decatur, known for her needle felting and paintings, is tucked away in the nearby woods, which offer an inspiring backdrop.
For postcard-perfect New England scenery, drive out to Overlook Farm. The view won’t disappoint.
More info: Overlook Farm, 307 Windy Row, Peterborough
More info: Overlook Farm, 307 Windy Row, Peterborough
Pick up vegetables and flowers at Rosaly’s Garden and Farmstand. There’s a wide selection of gourds, pumpkins and winter squash at this time of year.
More info: Rosaly’s Garden and Farmstand, 63 state Route 123, Peterborough
More info: Rosaly’s Garden and Farmstand, 63 state Route 123, Peterborough
Jaffrey, New Hampshire
For fresh air and a chance to stretch your legs, head to Monadnock State Park, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The park, which surrounds 3,165-foot Mount Monadnock, has a variety of trails and picnic areas.
More info: Monadnock State Park, 116 Poole Road, Jaffrey
For fresh air and a chance to stretch your legs, head to Monadnock State Park, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The park, which surrounds 3,165-foot Mount Monadnock, has a variety of trails and picnic areas.
More info: Monadnock State Park, 116 Poole Road, Jaffrey
While you’re in the area, grab your GPS and explore some of the other back roads of New Hampshire. You’ll stumble across something beautiful around every corner.
WATCH: Enjoy a video of these inspiring New England autumn views
Tell us: Do you have pictures and tips from a favorite leaf-peeping road trip? Share them in the Comments below.
More
10 Great Places for Rich Fall Colors Year-Round
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Tell us: Do you have pictures and tips from a favorite leaf-peeping road trip? Share them in the Comments below.
More
10 Great Places for Rich Fall Colors Year-Round
11 Trees for Brilliant Fall Color
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Loved the slideshow! Gorgeous colors!