From apple picking to food truck festivals, here are the best things to do this fall in Boston. 
Blue Hills Reservation
Lace-up your hiking boots for a front-row seat to New England fall foliage. The Blue Hills has 125 miles of trails leading you over hills, through marshes and meadows. This fall, we recommend the two-and-a-half Wolcott & Border Path. With each step, the trail unveils vibrant autumnal hues. 695 Hillside St., Milton, mass.gov
Harvard Square Oktoberfest
On October 9, Harvard Square’s Oktoberfest returns for another unforgettable festival of international vendors, beer and more. Food trucks will line the streets as music and performances complete the ambiance. However, the true draw for over 100,000 attendees is their wide selection of local and German beers. Church St., Cambridge, harvardsquare.com
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Leave behind the city for a festive fall day at Honey Pot Hill Orchards. After a quick 45-minute drive, visitors can find 186 acres of apple trees, mazes, petting zoos, hayrides and delectable treats. Before leaving with a bag of juicy apples, stop by the farm store for fresh, warm apple cider donuts, caramel apples or a jug of apple cider. 18 Boon Road, Stow, honeypothill.com
Salem Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival
Salem is fun for more than their spooky Haunted Happenings in October. On September 23 and 24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., visit the bustling Washington Square and explore tasty offerings from dozens of local food trucks and 11 craft breweries. Savor bites like homemade ice cream sandwiches from The Cookie Monstah or lobster rolls from the Lobster Roller while sipping hard cider from Far From The Tree. N. Washington Square, Salem, foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/salem
South Boston Street Festival
Live performances, music, over 100 local merchants and beyond—what more could one desire? On September 16, dozens of vendors will take over the streets of South Boston. We recommend taking a bite from Barking Crab’s menu and sipping samplings from Viva tequila seltzer. Witness local businesses and artisans shine throughout the night, with various arts and crafts vendors displaying their masterpieces. 365 W Broadway, southbostonstreetfest.com
Sowa Open Market
Located in Boston’s South End neighborhood, the Sowa Open Market is a one-stop-shop for goodies from local artisans, farmers, bakers, food trucks and breweries. Every Sunday, from now until October 29, peruse handmade products, such as jewelry, photography and clothing, before picking up farm fresh vegetables, fruits and baked goods. After shopping, grab a burger or Blackbird Doughnut from one of the dozen food trucks. 530 Harrison Ave., 857.362.7692, sowaboston.com
Water Lantern Festival
Watch the Weymouth Fore River illuminate with hundreds of glowing lanterns on October 14 at the Water Lantern Festival on Weymouth’s George Lane Beach. Each ticket comes with a lantern, decorating kit and LED candle to light up each participant’s creation. Spend the evening decorating a lantern while enjoying food trucks and music before the lantern launch commences at seven thirty p.m. Two to 28 River St., Weymouth, waterlanternfestival.com
Photography by: Ryan Arnst/Unsplash
