Columbus Day weekend comes at one of the best times of year to travel around New England.
The three-day weekend falls in the middle of fall foliage season, with plenty of places offering scenic views, festivals, food and outdoor activities.
Here are five New England destinations worth considering for Columbus Day weekend.
1. Stowe, Vermont, for Fall Foliage and Mountain Views
Stowe is one of New England’s best-known fall destinations.
The Vermont town sits near Mount Mansfield and offers plenty of ways to see the fall colors. Visitors can take a scenic drive, walk the Stowe Recreation Path or travel through Smugglers’ Notch.
Columbus Day weekend also lines up with the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival, scheduled for October 9-11 this year. The event features artists, crafts, food and live music.
Visitors looking for a longer drive can also take Route 100 through the surrounding Vermont countryside.
2. White Mountains, New Hampshire, for a Fall Road Trip
The White Mountains offer one of New England’s classic fall road trips.
The region includes Lincoln, Franconia Notch, North Conway and several scenic mountain roads. Visitors can spend the day driving through the mountains, hiking or stopping at small towns along the way.
Several attractions also remain open for Columbus Day weekend.
Loon Mountain in Lincoln will host its three-day White Mountain Oktoberfest over the holiday weekend, with German food, drinks and entertainment.
For people who would rather spend most of the day outside the car, Franconia Notch State Park offers plenty of hiking and sightseeing options.
3. Salem, Massachusetts, for Halloween Events
October is the busiest time of year in Salem.
The city’s connection to the 1692 Salem witch trials has helped turn it into one of the country’s biggest Halloween destinations.
Salem Haunted Happenings runs throughout October, with events scheduled across Columbus Day weekend. This year’s weekend schedule includes the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade and Salem Glass Pumpkin Patch on October 10.
Visitors can also walk through downtown Salem, tour historic sites or visit the Peabody Essex Museum.
Anyone planning to go should expect crowds. October weekends are among the busiest times of the year in Salem.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine, for Hiking and Coastal Scenery
For a longer New England road trip, Acadia National Park offers mountains, ocean views and fall foliage in one place.
The Maine national park includes more than just hiking. Visitors can drive Park Loop Road, visit Jordan Pond or spend time in nearby Bar Harbor.
Cadillac Mountain is another popular stop. At 1,530 feet, it provides wide views of Mount Desert Island and the surrounding coastline.
Drivers should plan ahead. Vehicle reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Road through October 25 this year. The National Park Service releases most reservations two days before the scheduled visit.
5. Newport, Rhode Island, for Mansions and the Cliff Walk
Newport offers a different kind of New England fall trip.
Instead of heading north into the mountains, visitors can spend the weekend along the Rhode Island coast.
The city is known for its Gilded Age mansions, including The Breakers and Marble House. Visitors can also walk along Bellevue Avenue or explore downtown Newport.
The 3.5-mile Cliff Walk combines ocean views with views of Newport’s historic mansions. Most of the walk remains open, although a damaged section between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street currently requires a detour.
Newport can be a good choice for people who want a fall day trip without committing to the longer drive to northern New England.
Columbus Day weekend is one of the busiest fall travel weekends in New England, so hotels, parking and popular attractions can fill up quickly. Planning ahead can make it easier to enjoy one of the region’s best times of year.
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