Incorporate These 3 New England Destinations Into Your Next Fall Foliage Outing

When we think about fall excursions, our minds almost always linger toward a quaint town in the northeast. Wrapped in the oranges and reds of too-ripe tree leaves, we can smell the fireplaces and almost taste the pumpkin pie. There’s just something about this area of the country that perfectly embodies the season and sheer Americana of it all. While we realize that summer is only about half-way through, it’s not a bad time to start planning your weekend getaway to a New England location. That’s because there’s a lot of variety to be found in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and/or Rhode Island. While you likely can’t expect to hit all six states in a single trip, travel advisor Dr. Benjamin Ruby is here to offer some suggestions when it comes to finding the best sights, sounds and smells during your travels.

– Plymouth Rock: Nowhere is New England’s atmosphere of early America stronger than at Plymouth Rock. This marker where the first pilgrims set foot in North America is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The rock, inscribed with “1620” is part of a state park today and naturally is part of Thanksgiving celebrations in the region.

– Essex Steam Train: This attraction will truly transport you back in time – to 1892 to be exact. The 12-mile trip that departs from Essex, Connecticut will take you past farms, a waterfall, a millpond, meadows and over bridges. According to travel advisor Dr. Benjamin Ruby, the variety of sights also offers a great view of the region’s fall foliage.

– Vermont driving tour: Wide swaths of Vermont are covered by forests and in a region of the U.S. where trees turning colors is big business, that means visitors are in for a treat. Some travel experts say that a driving tour through Vermont is best scheduled for late September or early October. Along the way, you’ll pass by many of the picture-esq towns and shops that draw so many to the northeast this time of year.

Planning A Trip To Montreal Offers Overseas Immersion Mere Hours Away From U.S.

For those who want to vacation outside of the U.S. without having to fly or sail across oceans, we’ve got a tip for you: Canada. Our neighbor to the north offers easy access yet total immersion in a different culture. With that in mind, travel adviser Dr. Ben Ruby has a timely suggestion for those ready to start planning their annual summer excursion. Montreal is one such  Canadian destination that combines both the allure of a trip outside of the country combined with the culture and language of the French who came to inhabit the city and build it up to the economic powerhouse it is today. Montreal, which is the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province, is home to approximately 1.6 million residents. Within its borders, plenty of educational and entertaining outlets are available for those who wish to visit during the popular summer months. Below, Dr. Ben Ruby gives his best bets for Montreal visitors.

  • French without France: If you’re looking for the intersection of French culture without having to travel abroad, then Montreal’s French Quarter has got plenty to provide you with such a fix. Trek down to Rue St. Denis for French food, quaint shops and cafes and that are boosted by easy access via public transportation. You’ll be sure to find guests of all ages and backgrounds exploring and enjoying the culture.
  • The Olympics: Well, the 1976 summer games to be exact but it remains an undeniably popular and unique venue to visit while in Montreal. In fact, the leaning tower on the property is the tallest of its kind in the world, clocking in at 576 feet. Olympic Park, with its unmistakable dome and pillars, is located at 4141 Pierre-De Coubertin Ave.
  • Majestic view: By ascending the 764 feet that comprise Mont-Royal, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Montreal. According to Dr. Ben Ruby, this park and monuments that adorn it — including Jacques Cartier and King George VI — are well worth the trip and give you a bird’s eye view that may assist with orienting yourself later while exploring the historic quarters and side streets.