Choose Your Own Fall Adventure

The Great Jack O’Lantern Journey at Southwick’s Zoo. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Looking for a unique day trip or weekend getaway this fall? Look no further than these four amazing options in MetroWest Boston—such an easy drive from Rhode Island with an awful lot to offer!

Active Adventures

An aerial class at Earth & Aerial Yoga. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Start by exploring Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, whose eight miles of scenic trails wind through woodlands, fields, and wetlands, offering spectacular birdwatching and beautiful fall foliage. Then challenge yourself with an aerial class at Earth & Aerial Yoga in Hudson, where you can literally swing from the rafters. Afterwards, relax with well-deserved pampering in Release Well-Being Center’s Himalayan Salt Room, eucalyptus steam room, or outdoor mineral spa. Or reconnect with your inner self at Circles of Joy, where sound healing, Reiki, and other holistic experiences offer a different kind of rejuvenation.

After checking in to the Hampton Inn Boston-Westborough, take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool and get cozy with a farm-to-table dinner at Buttercup. For an enchanting evening experience, head to Garden in the Woods on Oct 22 for their Night of Illumination when 1,000 luminaria and beautiful light installations are sprinkled throughout the landscape.

In the morning, grab your bike for a ride along the Assabet River Rail Trail or across the floating boardwalk on Lake Williams on your way to visit Worcester’s Major Taylor Museum, celebrating the extraordinary life of Marshall “Major” Taylor, a world-champion bicycle racer who broke racial barriers and became one of the fastest cyclists of his era. Then head to Southwick’s Zoo, New England’s largest zoo, with over 900 animals, a deer forest, train rides, animal encounters, and more. In October, don’t miss the magical Great Jack O’Lantern Journey, when hundreds of glowing pumpkins transform the grounds into a nighttime wonderland.

Cultural Adventures

The taproom at Wayside Inn. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Begin at the American Heritage Museum, named one of National Geographic’s Top 10 WWII Museums worldwide. Step into a World War I trench as explosions rumble overhead, then discover an extraordinary collection of historic aircraft, tanks, and classic cars through immersive exhibits that bring history to life.

Continue to Clinton’s Icon Museum and Study Center, to discover exquisite Russian, Greek, and Ethiopian icons spanning centuries of artistic and religious tradition. Or step into the world of knights and samurai at the Worcester Art Museum, where newly opened galleries showcase one of America’s largest collections of arms and armor, alongside an extraordinary collection of art from around the globe.

Enjoy dinner at Wayside Inn, America’s oldest inn, and wander through the beautiful grounds and picturesque grist mill. Then settle in at the Embassy Suites in Marlborough, where spacious suites and an inviting atrium offer a comfortable retreat (plus, sensational made-to-order omelets in the morning!). Just down the street is Marlborough’s Downtown Village Cultural District where you can explore its Museum in the Streets, an outdoor walking tour celebrating the city’s rich history.

In the morning, visit the Framingham History Center, whose historic buildings and fascinating exhibitions tell the stories of the people and events that shaped the nation, from Peter Salem and John Hancock to notable suffragettes. Architecture lovers should tour Gropius House in Lincoln, the revolutionary 1938 home of Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, where modernist design meets traditional New England materials.

Shopping Adventures

Vintage finds from The Vintage Caliber. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Explore the richness of MetroWest through a tour of its artisans, starting in the Natick, Franklin, or Framingham Cultural Districts, where you’ll find jewelry, home goods, gifts, and art in the towns’ charming boutiques (plus beautiful public art and fall festivals!). Stop in to dozens of local shops carrying handcrafted and specialty products, like Kenzie & Hope, where you’ll find not only socially-conscious labels, but exceptional artisan pieces. Or browse Paper Fiesta, a whimsical wonderland of eco-friendly stationery and gifts. Don’t miss The Vintage Caliber in Medway, an irresistible mix of European vintage finds, stylish home décor, furniture, and unique treasures.

Fall is also the perfect season to explore MetroWest’s vibrant farms. Pick pumpkins, wander through corn mazes, enjoy hayrides and farm festivals, and indulge in irresistible cider doughnuts. Shop Volante Farms for freshly harvested produce, gourmet foods, and beautiful seasonal decorations, plus enjoy a slew of seasonal fun at their PumpkinFest on Oct 24.

If haute couture is more your vibe, do a little shopping therapy at the Natick Mall. The largest mall in New England carries a variety of designer brands like Coach, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, and more, plus offers plenty of activities, from pickleball at Bosse to cooperative gaming at Immersive Gamebox to mental and physical challenges at Level99 to high tech mini golf at Puttshack.

Rather make than buy a creative souvenir? Book a hands-on workshop at Elsie Kaye Glassworks, Serendipity, Craftworks, or Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Stay overnight at Residence Inn Boston Natick, conveniently located across from the Natick Mall. Its spacious suites, fully equipped kitchens, and complimentary breakfast make it easy to turn a shopping excursion into a relaxing weekend getaway—with plenty of room for all those shopping bags!

Crafted Adventures

A four-pack from CraftRoots. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

MetroWest Boston is known for fantastic craft beverages. Plan a brewery tour of some of the region’s 15 craft breweries, such as the much-beloved Jack’s Abby, known for their German-style lagers paired with beer hall favorites like soft pretzels, sausage platters, or schnitzel. CraftRoots creates farm-to-glass craft beer using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from small farms and malthouses throughout Massachusetts and New England, all served in their taproom surrounded by live music. Taste a variety of ales, IPA’s and more at Rushford & Sons, a nanobrewery with nightly events. Or step in to Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company, where craft beer meets freshly roasted coffee in a taproom celebrating the city’s industrial heritage. Many of the region’s breweries offer live entertainment and special events this fall.

Not a beer drinker? Have a bite and glass of award-winning wine at La Cantina Winery, where the wine is handcrafted in the Italian tradition and the small plates are divine. Or indulge in a gourmet meal, tour, and tasting at GlenPharmer Distillery, whose menu pairs with their incredible spirits all housed in a historic mill building. Sit on the covered bridge if the weather is nice, or upstairs next to the magnificent two-story copper and stainless-steel stills.

Spend the night at the newly renovated Fairfield Inn in Framingham, where the spectacular Malones features local craft beverages and elevated Irish comfort food.

To plan your next adventure, download the free MetroWest Boston Visitors Guide and go explore! Looking for even more inspiration? Discover the region’s themed tours and monthly itineraries, too.