Fall into the Autumn Spirit

The clocks turn back, the leaves begin to change color, and suddenly fall is here. Along with pumpkin spice lattes come all of the benefits of autumn; pumpkin carving, apple picking and beautiful foliage. Just west of the city you can find all of the best activities that New England has to offer. Concord is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area and the orange and red leaves only add to its natural beauty.

As you begin your drive down Route 2, you will immediately see the leaves gradually change hues as the windy roads lead you into town. Starting at Verrill Farm to find all of your fall decorations to get everyone in the family in the mood for this gorgeous season. At this local favorite you can find gourds, squash and corn husks. Everything you need to create that homespun autumn feel can be found at the farm stand on Route 117. In addition to produce, Verrill also hosts fun family-friendly activities such as corn picking and apple pie eating contests.

If you have a family of animal lovers, you need to stop by Marshall Farms in Concord. The quaint farm stand allows you to meet and feed their goats, chickens and their bunny. They also sell milk, maple syrup and holiday decorations. You will stay warm this winter with the bundles of firewood you can purchase at the farm.

The Walden Pond is one of the best locations to find colorful trees with leaves of varying colors. The pond is protected as part of Walden Pond State Reservation, a 335-acre state park and recreation site. In addition to being a popular swimming destination in the summer, Walden Pond State Reservation provides opportunities for boating, hiking and fishing. There are picnic tables scattered around the lot, so you can pack a lunch and make a day of it. The Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge has family fun activities year round. Eighty-five percent of the refuge is comprised of valuable freshwater wetlands stretching along 12 miles of the Concord and Sudbury Rivers.

If you are up for a spooky adventure, visit the Sleepy Hollow cemetery in Concord Center. The 10,000 gravesites are situated on a beautiful, old, tree covered plot of land which can only inspire the thoughts of literary history by day, and ghosts and spirits by night. The hill known as "Author's Ridge," is famous with authors such as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott all buried here with their families.

Metro west is a great place to discover new family favorite farms and start new traditions. Concord has many places to enjoy the everything fall has to offer and metro west in general has everything you need to get into the spirit of the new season. So put on your comfy sneakers and explore all that Concord has to offer.

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