Leaf Peeping Season is here and our Boston Buzzhopper and biotech exec Doug Williams tells us where to find the best autumn spots around Boston
He grew up in the Berkshires, the heart of leaf-peeping territory but confesses he only appreciated the beauty and splendour of the season when he moved away. His childhood memories are filled with hours of endless raking and bagging of dead leaves which changed color, fell off the trees, and fouled the yard.
Having moved away and broken my rake, I now know why people come from far and wide to see the fall splendor.pic: Stefano Zanocello
Hi Doug, tell us where you’d go for leaf peeping if you’ve got a day or two, or the weekend?
There’s really only one route to take in my opinion which is the Mohawk Trail (route 2) from Boston to Stockbridge. Follow this road and you’ll traverse the Berkshire Hills and go from east to west across Massachusetts.
The whole thing would best be done with a couple nights devoted to the trek. From Boston get on Route 2 Westbound. You’ll exit the Boston burbs and pass Walden Pond and pass through bucolic towns with charming names like Athol and Belchertown. Don’t ask me what they were thinking when they named them. It’s 90 miles to Greenfield which is where I grew up and where the Mohawk Trail starts (where Rt 2 heads into the Berkshires)
Where should I stay?
The Deerfield Inn – if you can get in. This is a very popular, authentic Inn that is in Deerfield MA. This is a very popular, authentic Inn that is steeped in history. Deerfield was the scene of a famous Indian massacre of the local settlers and. The museum is worth a peek. Deerfield Academy is also there and is one of the premier prep schools in the world.
What’s the best pitstop for lunch or dinner?
The People’s Pint on Federal Street in Greenfield for some some great pub food and even better craft beer. Beer is made and consumed with near religious fervor here. The only place in Greenfield worthy of your money. Very worthy.
Where to next?
I’d tell you to head west towards the trail – with a sweet detour. From Greenfield up “the Trail” as we locals call it. For an authentic New England Maple Syrup House stop at Gould’s Sugarhouse. In the spring when the maple sap runs they collect it, boil it down and turn it into the amber goo you put on pancakes. In winter, they serve sugar on snow. Hot syrup is brought to the table along with a plate of snow from out back. Drizzle the syrup on the snow and it turns to a toffee –like consistency. Super sweet, but that’s what the dill pickles are for that they serve to cut the sugar-rush. Take home a bottle of Grade AA Amber syrup and you have New England in a bottle. Or try the maple sugar candy.
Before you get to the village of Shelburne Falls look for the sign on the right for High Ledges Park on Patten Road. Simply the most breathtaking view of the foliage you’ll get. Period. Walk out to the the cliff and sit down and take in all the colors. You look down the valley and see the rolling Berkshire hills below you. It’s an Audobon Society bird sanctuary now.
Continue West:
As you continue west definitely stop in Shelburne Falls. Several things to see in this artist community. The Glacial Potholes at the Falls themselves are a cool geologic anomaly. The stone on the falls is relatively soft and the hard stones that wash down during floods have lodged and scour these amazing circular potholes. Take time to tour the galleries here but focus on Josh Simpson’s glass studio. His paperweights cost thousands and are enormous. His famous works look like galaxies and planets. A maestro of glass art.
You can continue west until Stockbridge. All along the trail are spartan but very functional motels. Drive in and get a room for the night. There really aren’t any bad ones though none are great. Functional is the word. Stockbridge is where the famous American painter Norman Rockwell lived. His LIFE Magazine covers and the Saturday Evening Post are iconic Americana. There is a museum in Stockbridge with his work.
You’ll pass through North Adams and Pittsfield and traverse the famous hairpin turn on the Trail. Another great spot to stop and talk in the vista. You can see into Vermont and NY state from here.
I’ve only got half day for leaf peeping – where should I go?
pic: Stefano Zanocello
Sure, the fishing town of Gloucester is the well-known home base of the popular ‘Wicked Tuna’ reality TV show, but take the coast road from Boston and combine leaf peeping with a lobster lunch or a picnic by the beach. There are several options for lunch in Gloucester – grab a table on the terrace by the fishing port at Latitude 43, or go casual and buy lobster rolls at the fish shop in the port and head to the nearby Good Harbour beach park for a picnic.