Throughout the late summer and fall, there’s plenty of “Pick Your Own blank.” You can find basically any fruit or veggie you want from farms and orchards. They’re so plentiful that you really have no excuse for not swinging by at least one apple orchard come autumn. Aside from picking, other offerings at farms usually include sipping hot apple cider, chowing down on apple-cider donuts, and maybe petting some baby sheep and piglets. Do all three, and you’ve hit the trifecta. DeMeritt Hill Farm is a favorite for locals in southern New Hampshire is perfect for kiddos, with hayride and family activities aplenty. Plus it is less than 30 minutes from the hotel.
Okay — maybe you won’t get that classic New England fall vibe at the seacoast town of Portsmouth. But the town is chock full of historic ambiance. It’s streets and buildings are very similar to how they were during its founding in the 17th century, but instead of horse poop on the sidewalks or men donning bowler hats, you get quirky shops and contemporary cuisine. If you’re a history buff, touring the Strawberry Banke Museum will be one of the best things to do during your fall New Hampshire trip; the living museum tells the story of Portsmouth’s founding. Foodies will want to grab breakfast at La Maison Navarre, lunch at Liar’s Bench Beer Company, dinner at Cava (the best tapas in town), and dessert at Fezziwig’s Food and Fountain. Fashionistas can peruse the racks at Inside Out and Sault. If you’re with kids, head over the bridge to Kittery and pick up a gift for an outdoorsy kid at Kit Supply + Co.
If you are staying Sunday night, there is an open mic music night with some eats that the locals say is a must stop.