In Search of Hidden Fall Foliage Destinations in New England

When there are more fall foliage tourists than there are leaves on the trees, then it might be time to “leave” the madness, en route to a calmer fall destination.

Many people think of New Hampshire and Vermont as the apex of apple picking and leaf-gazing, but they may be barking up the wrong tree. After all, places like Wrentham/Norfolk, Mass. – Cumberland, RI corner offer potentially fantastic foliage as well as relaxing farms and apple picking without the annoying cast of thousands.

Known to locals but virtually unknown to distant travelers, this region features many low-key yet picturesque destinations. The Big Apple Farm (207 Arnold St., Wrentham, MA 02093, Phone 508-384-3055, Website: http://www.thebigapplefarm.com) features horse-drawn wagon rides, visually pleasing apple-picking fields , an ice cream stand with Richardson’s ice cream, delicious apple cider donuts, and access to the apple distribution plant where you can see the magic of automation. The Big Apple also has some really good produce, like tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and…well…apples.

Traveling up Arnold St., to the quiet and virtually unknown town called Sheldonville (part of Wrentham), you’ll see signs for Adams Farm at 58 Burnt Swamp Rd. Don’t worry, there’s no burned swamp, just a nice field with, many times, great fall colors. The beauty of Adams Farm is in its modesty: the plant, fruit and vegetable area is neatly located under a tent surrounded by beautiful farmland and a peaceful aura in the air. There is a petting zoo with goats and sheep that has the children of this region who do not want to leave (no, the kids do not). Adams Farm is a true retreat that is only open for a few weeks during the peak of the fall season. Call Adams Farm at 401-333-5000 for hours before taking a trip there.

Traveling up Route 1A will take you to quaint downtown Wrentham with Tootsie’s ice cream parlor, Marcia’s cookie and candy shop (spot a pattern here?) and a wonderful tree-shaded green village with an overlook. just the kind of scene that looks perfect on a crisp fall day. Wrentham has all the hallmarks of a classic New England town: church, common area, and school all in the center. It is truly one of the last small authentic downtown regions in the Boston suburbs.

Not far away in Norfolk is Jane and Paul’s Farm (33 Fruit St. Norfolk, MA 02056. Phone 508-528-0812). With tractor rides to the nice, secluded fields, you can pick apples and pumpkins. At the farm stand, more apples and pumpkins are combined with other fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables (and all-natural, handmade pies from Walpole’s Ever So Humble Pie Company) to create a wholesome experience. Jane’s and Paul’s will make you feel like you’ve made your own special discovery. They also have a small animal area with rabbits, goats, chickens and ducks. The children seem to love feeding the goats who seem to be always hungry and grateful for the attention.

Fall foliage colors will vary from year to year, so contact one of these farms, not only for hours, but also to ask if the colors are good. If so, you’ve found a splendid fall destination without the craziness!