Boston's Best Fall Activities

In New England there is no shortage of Fall Activities, whether you've got a friend visiting or a fun fall date with bae, you will find something to do. I have a couple of friends coming to the Bean this month, and as the planner you all know I am, I'm already trying to figure out what we'll do. I thought I'd compile a list of activities and figured it would make sense to share with you, whether you're a visitor or Bostonian.

Breweries

Breweries have become Boston's favorite past time and they're a favorite weekend activity year round. But there is something about fall weather that makes it special, maybe it's wearing a cozy sweater and drinking a fall brew. I'm currently in the process of packing my apartment and have realized I'm a real klepto for brewery glasses, even if I have too many they remind me of some great times. Check out a list of my favorites below!

Harpoon

My first summer in Boston is when I discovered Harpoon, 6 long years ago. My favorites are the Hefeweizens, I usually go for the lighter beers. Last time I drank an entire flight #gettinwild. If you do visit Harpoon one of my requirements is that you get the pretzel, a sweet one and a salty one of course, with the bomb a$$ dipping sauces!

An insider tip, if you are waiting in line outside, buy tickets to the brewery tour for $5. This way you're out of the chilly air and enjoying endless free samples of beer. Along with tours, Harpoon has multiple festivals a year, I've been to a few and every time I enjoy myself. Even if it's 50 degrees outside for Saint Patrick's Day. Check out Octoberfest!

Night Shift Brewing

This brewery is one I frequented many times this past year, usually after a Sunday afternoon Wegmans shopping trip. Yes, the beer is good but the best part about Night Shift are the 15 different types of doggos, majority of them puppies! They have a lot of outdoor seating and will continue to during the fall season. Along with the dogs, you'll see lots of babies for their 1st birthday party, but let's be honest it's really for the parents. Usually there are a couple of food trucks in case you get hungry too.

Aeronaut

This is a great spot in Somerville and it's right next to Brooklyn Boulders. If you're into rock climbing and sipping on a beer afterwards, this is the spot for you. I did this one afternoon and while I was not the best rock climber, I cried because I was too scared of heights and "cheese graded" all the way down, the beer tasted so good afterwards. They also have cool brewery t-shirts if you're into that sort of thing.

Trillium

During the Summer, this beer garden is one of Boston's favorite after work spots and they just announced they will be open until October. You'll feel like you've stepped off the city streets and into a woody beer haven with string lights and 20 beers on tap flowing into your glass. For those winter months I would suggest paying a visit to their location at Fort Point, here you can take home growlers for the family during the holidays!

Charles Regatta

The Head of the Charles Regatta takes place every fall and is one of the world's largest rowing events. I've gone the past couple of years and to be honest I still haven't found the party tent, maybe someday. It's called Reunion Village and from what I hear some of New England’s best local chefs and restaurants are here.

The course is 3 miles long and you'll find spectators celebrating the entire way - from the bridges connecting Cambridge and Boston to the floating docks in the water. I've enjoyed bringing some vino and a blanket to picnic on the Cambridge side of the river. I like watching from afar while socializing with friends and wishing I could sail a boat.

Kayaking on the Charles

One of my favorite outdoor activities is kayaking, whether it's on the Charles, Saco River or P Town (where I got the worst sunburn of my life), I always enjoy the peace and quiet. Small tip, a lot of kayaks have holes in them and I promise you are not sinking! The first time I kayaked I thought I was sinking and obviously the sandwiches had to be saved first, then ourselves. In case you were wondering, we were not sinking, just sunburnt and delusional, oops!

I even considered buying a couple kayaks this summer but then remembered I have nowhere to store them in this small apartment, but maybe one day when I own a house.

There are two different places in Boston to rent kayaks, Charles River Canoe & Kayak in Allston and Community Boating near downtown Boston. Rates average around $45 for the day for a double kayak, I always take the front because I'm usually the weaker link. If you're looking for a peaceful afternoon on the water and don't have a way to get out of the city kayaking the Charles is a great option, just don't forget your snacks and a good book!

Apple Picking

Apple Picking is the most obvious activity for the fall and there's no shortage of apple orchards in New England. After the hayride, apple cider donuts and sipping on hot apple cider my favorite part is going home and baking an apple pie or my mom's apple cake, yum. Take a shot for every time you read the word apple in that last sentence. Last year I checked out Outlook Farm, a quick 35 minute drive outside Boston and hope to go again this year. In addition to everything apple, they had an outdoor section to sip on some spiked cider!

Salem, MA

Halloween enthusiasts travel hours to visit this small Massachusetts town and last fall I finally had the chance to check it out. If you love to people watch I would absolutely recommend making the trip but make a restaurant reservation first! Luckily Opus had some available tables and I enjoyed some tasty tacos!

There are numerous museums and tours in Salem that explain the witch trials, they even do live reenactments of what happened. Not really sure how that works? I didn't get to see much of this but I'm hoping to make the 45 minute drive back up there and get the true Salem experience!