Boston is a vibrant, historical city to visit any time of year, but the fall is especially enjoyable with its crisp air and colorful leaves. A stroll or run through the Boston Public Garden and the Boston Common should definitely be on your to-do list.
Fall Festivals
Nothing says fall like a good corn maze. Every weekend from mid-September through the end of October, Sauchuk Farm in Plympton, Mass., creates an elaborate maze through a huge cornfield. Wear your walking shoes, because the design is disorienting, you can get quite a workout. The farm also has activities for children, including a cow train and hayrides. If you are into healthy eating, you will want to plan your visit around the Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival. Presented by the Boston Vegetarian Society, the festival is free and features 120 exhibitors, including natural food stores, registered dietitian consultants, cooking demonstrations, cookbook publishers, educational information on animal rights and the environment and plenty of free food samples.
On the Charles
The Charles River Reservation is a beautiful linear park that runs from Boston Harbor up to Riverdale Park in West Roxbury. Since the Charles River is known for rowing, you should try sculling. Community Rowing, Inc. offers free introductory rowing lessons from April to October for ages 12 and older. If you prefer paddling, the Charles River Canoe and Kayak Center offers rentals every weekend from May to October 15. Sailing is another option; from April 1 through October 31, Community Boating offers lessons for children and adults.
Biking
The Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path is really a multi-use path (which means watch out for runners, roller-bladers and strollers) that runs along both sides of the Charles and provides a gorgeous scenic route for your city biking tour. It is about 18 miles round trip and includes a few intersections you will have to look out for, so use caution and wear a helmet. Other trails to explore are the Lower Neponset River Trail, Mystic River Bike Path and the Stony Brook Reservation.
Hiking
One of the best ways to enjoy Boston's fall foliage is to take a hike in the woods. The Middlesex Fells reservation, just north of the city, has 50 miles of trails for you to explore. The views from Bear and Pine hills are breathtaking, so be sure to take your camera. You must also visit Walden Pond, which is great for a leisurely stroll or swim, but it also leads to Adams Woods (near the back, across the railroad tracks) and there are trails that will take you to Mount Misery and Fairhaven Bay.
Walk or Run
For a walking tour of history, you must follow the 2.5 mile red-brick road known as the Freedom Trail. Along the way you will find 16 historic sites--including the Old North Church, Paul Revere's house and the Granary Burying Ground--and a few hills to get your heart pumping. While the Boston Marathon happens every spring, the Boston Athletic Association Half Marathon is held every October. If you are up for the 13.1-mile run, register early because the field fills up quickly.
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