BaystateParent September 2021

BaystateParent MASSACHUSETTS’

PREMIER MAGAZINE FOR FAMILIES SINCE 1996

SEPTEMBER 2021 | PRICELESS

toZ A fall fun

26 things to add to your autumn bucket list

2 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | BayStateParent

editor’s note

FINALLY

forever September’s Child: Meet Trey’von

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Hi, my name is Trey’von and I am very affectionate!

Usually, I roll my eyes when the next season’s merchandise shows up on store shelves months and months in advance. But as I plopped a package of pumpkin spice seltzers into my shopping cart while wearing a sundress and fl ip fl ops, I felt nothing but joy.

I’m just going to say it: summer is overrated.

Sure, I understand its appeal. Days at the beach with your toes in the sand, pool time, and family vacations.

Plus, there’s always the excuse for ice cream. But let’s be honest. Nothing beats autumn in New England. So when pumpkin-spice-everything starts showing up in late July, I can’t help but start dreaming of apples and scarves and Halloween candy.

Fall offi cially begins September 22, but the seasonal fun kicks off Labor Day weekend. Then, there are months of cool-weather activities to enjoy, right up to Thanksgiving Day. From the annual fairs and festivals making

their way back after last year’s hiatus (see page 9) to the hidden gems that are worth a day trip (check out page 23), here’s an A to Z list of the family fun you’ll want to put on your Fall Bucket List.

There’s so much to do this season, we’ve dedicated this entire issue to autumn’s offerings. Looking for your laugh from Josh Farnswoth’s “Herding Goofballs” column or Laurie Silva Collins’s monthly recipe? You’ll fi nd all our regular monthly content online at baystate parent.com.

And heed this meltdown warning: this Bucket List was put together weeks in advance, and as we all know, things can and do change (especially lately!). Please check ahead to make sure the event is still on or the destination is still open before packing up the kids and heading out on your autumn adventure.

Happy Fall!

Amanda

Trey’von, 9, is a playful boy of Hispanic descent.

He can be shy when meeting new people, but once he is comfortable, he is aff ectionate and easily engaged.

Trey’von enjoys playing age-appropriate games, watching movies, playing outside, and coloring.

Trey’von does extremely well in a structured environment with clear and consistent boundaries, both at home and in school.

Trey’von is legally freed for adoption and can be placed in any type of family with or without other children. Trey’von has bimonthly visits with his birth mother until an adoption is fi nalized, then the visits will decrease to two visits per year. Trey’von will also need to maintain three visits per year with his sibling.

Can you provide the guidance, love and stability that a child needs? If you’re at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income,

and room in your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child.

Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ singles and couples.

The process to adopt a child from foster care requires training, interviews, and home visits to determine if adoption is right for you, and if so, to help connect you with a child or sibling group that your family will be a good match for.

To learn more about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at (617) 964-6273 or visit www.mareinc.org.

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Birthday Parties, Schools, Fairs, Day Care Centers, Etc.

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BayStateParent | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 3

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2020

FALL FAMILY

bucket list

B DE F HIJ L MN Breezeland Orchards

apple orchards

Nothing says fall like a trip to the orchard. The chance to pick-your-own and fill up a bag is just the beginning of the fun at many of these spots — hop on a hayride, take on a corn maze, visit a barnyard, or even grab a pint of beer.

Berlin Orchards

Bolton Spring Farm

310 Sawyer Hill Road, Berlin berlinorchards.com A family run apple and pear orchard offering hayrides to the orchard on weekends to pick nearly ten varieties of apples.

Barnyard animals, farm store, and lots of space to picnic.

159 Main Street, Bolton boltonspringfarm.com This scenic apple orchard offers a large variety of apples, a country store and bakery with fresh dumplings, donuts, breads and pies.

1791 Southbridge Road, Warren breezelandsorchards.com A kid-friendly 100-acre apple orchard with tractor rides, and picnic areas. The rustic New England farm stand has fresh produce and home baked goods.

Brookfield Orchards

121 Lincoln Rd, North Brookfield brookfieldorchardsonline.com The orchard features a country store with toys and gifts, onsite bakery, picnic area, playground and wagon rides.

Check out the Harvest Craft Fair on Sept. 11 and 12 with local artisans and crafters.

apple cider annually. While there, mom and dad can pick up a pack of their hard cider, too.

Carver Hill Orchard

101 Brookside Ave, Stow carverhillorchard.com Gifts, fresh baked goods, ice cream, cider donuts, cider, jams, and more are available in the farm store at this picturesque family-run orchard.

Charlton Orchards Farm

44 Old Worcester Rd., Charlton facebook.com/ charltonorchards/ One-hundred-acre family farm with pick-your-own fruits, pasture raised beef, and wine.

Carlson Orchards

Clearview Farm

115 Oak Hill Road, Harvard carlsonorchards.com This 120-acre orchard produces 60,000 bushels of apples and over 500,000 gallons of

4 Kendall Hill Rd., Sterling clearviewfarmstand.com Set atop Kendall Hill, this property has a view of Mount Wachusett. They’re dog-friendly,

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and feature hayrides, and a bakery with donuts, cookies, and fresh-pressed cider.

Cook’s Farm Orchard

106 Haynes Hill Rd., Brimfield cooksfarmorchard.net Tractor rides and a bakery open on weekends, dogfriendly.

Davis Farmland and Mega Maze

145 Redstone Hill, Sterling davisfarmland.com The award-winning orchard full of crisp Cortland and McIntosh apples is open on weekends during the fall.

Doe Orchards

327 Ayer Rd., Harvard doeorchards.com This dog-friendly farm has been offering pick-your-own apples since the 1960s. You’ll also find pumpkins, gourds, honey, jams, cider and syrup.

BayStateParent | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 5

Douglas Orchard & Farm 36 Locust St., Douglas douglasorchardandfarm.com Featuring a country store, farm animals, concert pavilion and farm tours. Stop by the 9/11 Tribute event on Sept. 11 featuring music and food.

Come in costume (dogs, too!) to their Halloween Festival on Oct. 23, featuring music, farm scavenger hunt, costume contest and oxen field plowing.

Fairmount Fruit Farm 887 Lincoln St., Franklin fairmountfruit.com Farm stand and orchard offering hayrides and more, dog-friendly.

Fay Mountain Farm 12 Cemetery Rd., Charlton faymountainfarm.org Featuring a 32-acre orchard, historic barn and picturesque pond. Plus, you can hike a section of the Midstate Trail, which passes through the property.

George Hill Orchards 582 George Hill Rd., Lancaster yourfavoritefarm.com You’ll find cider donuts, home baked pies and goodies, farm critters, and a large variety of

Hyland Orchard & Pavilion

PYO apples.

83 Carleton Rd., Millbury Featuring a country store with pies, donuts and dumplings and a picnic area.

199 Arnold Rd., Sturbridge hylandorchard.com Live music in the pavilion, an on-site brewery, wagon rides, farm animals, and a dogfriendly atmosphere.

Highland Farm

Lanni Orchards

635 Highland St., Holliston highlandfarmorchard.net Find a wide variety of apples along with homemade apple cider, ice cream, caramel apples.

294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg lanniorchards.com Featuring a farm stand with fresh baked goods, an annual corn maze and hayrides.

Hollis Hills Farm

209 Chace Hill Rd., Sterling meadowbrookorchards.com PYO fruits plus a farm store, bakery, and year-round restaurant. Thursday night BBQs run from 5-8 p.m. through September.

Hawk Hill Orchards

340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg hollishillsfarm.com Set on a hill with views from downtown Fitchburg to Wachusett Mountain. Features a retail store, food, ice cream, and live music on the weekends. Check out the Harvest Jam on Sept. 18, a full day of live music, PYO, food and drink specials, farm animals and fun to celebrate the harvest.

Honey Pot Hill Orchards 138 Sudbury Rd., Stow honeypothill.com Over 200 acres of scenic apple orchards, plus mazes, hayrides and farm animals.

Meadowbrook Orchards

Nashoba Valley Winery 100 Wattaquadoc Hill Rd., Bolton nashobawinery.com This hilltop orchard overlooks the town of Bolton and features an on-site winery and brewery, restaurant and picnic grounds. Daily wine tasting and weekly winery tours offered.

Nicewicz Family Farm 116 Sawyer Rd., Bolton

nicewiczfarm.com A wide variety of apples available at this family-run farm.

Old Frog Pond Farm 38 Eldridge Road., Harvard oldfrogpondfarm.com Featuring an outdoor sculpture walk, plein air poetry walk, African drumming and more.

Sholan Farms 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster sholanfarms.com Owned by the city and operated by a group of volunteers, the 169-acre farm has a farm stand and 50 varieties of PYO apples.

Pease Orchard

Stowe Farm

11 Phillipston Rd, Templeton peaseorchard.com Featuring a farm stand with cider, honey, jams and fresh baked treats. Over two dozen varieties of PYO orchards.

15 Stowe Rd., Millbury stowefarm.com The kids corral at this sixthgeneration apple orchard features a petting zoo, barnyard animals, playground and a giant wooden monster truck. Family fun including a mechanical bull, mini golf, gem mining, hayrides, a moochoo train, and pony rides is offered on weekends Sept. 11 through Oct. 31.

Red Apple Farm 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston redapplefarm.com An array of PYO apple varieties, plus a brew barn, fall weekend BBQ, hayrides, farm animals and more. Check out some of the walking trails hidden around the orchard.

The farm hosts the Appleseed Country Fair over Labor Day weekend, and a Thanksgiving Harvest Festival the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Schartner Farm 211 West Berlin Rd., Bolton schartnerfarm.com Hayrides, a corn maze and farm animals. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.

Shelburne Farm 106 West Acton Rd., Stow shelburnefarm.com Hayrides, live music, friendly farm animals, and antique cider press demonstrations.

Kids will love the John Deere Gator and Tractor playground,

Building the pride inside

and exploring the new Orchard Story Walk.

Tougas Family Farm 234 Ball St., Northborough tougasfarm.com Ranked one of the best orchards in the country by USA Today, this farm features ice cream, farm tours, wagon rides and a farm store with cider donuts, baked goodies, honey, syrup and jams. Children will enjoy the farmthemed playground and feeding barnyard animals.

Westward Orchards 178 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard westwardorchards.com Wagon rides on weekends, cider donuts and local cheeses, seasonal gifts and gourmet food.

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Search from a list of symptoms or by body area.

B DE F HBI JD E LFMN HIJ T L MN X T X

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baking

AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

cranberry bogs

Pies and breads and donuts, oh my! With apples and pumpkins offi cially in season, it’s the perfect time to take out the baking sheets and use all autumn has to off er. Try this all-time reader-favorite recipe from our archives:

Pumpkin chocolate chip harvest loaf Ingredients

Directions

1 cup butter

Cream butter and sugar, then stir in beaten eggs. In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together.

2 cups sugar

4 eggs, beaten 3 1⁄ 2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. salt

1 small can pumpkin (15 oz) 1 1⁄ 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (we recommend mini chocolate chips)

Alternately, add dry ingredients and pumpkin to creamed mixture, ending with pumpkin. Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour batter into two greased 9x5 loaf pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Let loaves cool in pan for ten minutes, then remove, and let stand on a baking rack until completely cooled.

Did you know the Bay State is one of the country’s largest commercial cranberry producers, housing 14,000+ acres of working bogs? Cranberry harvest season, which runs from September through November, is a colorful event to behold at Massachusetts’s cranberry farms, which are concentrated in Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts.

The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association has an informative map at cranberries .org/visit, which lays out the Commonwealth’s various farms. The group also off ers Cranberry Bog Bus tours in October. If you want to really get the experience, Stone Bridge Farm in Acushnet gives visitors the chance to don a pair of chest waders and walk out onto a fl ooded bog fi lled with fl oating cranberries. Go to stonebridgefarmevents.com for details.

THE APPLESEED

Country Fair

E A R LY

S E P T E M B E R

We are proud to host this early September country fair that celebrates and promotes the diverse and unique fall offerings of the Johnny Appleseed Country of North Central Massachusetts! The annual event, held all three days on Labor Day Weekend, features over 40 vendors, local food and food trucks, human-tractor pulls, brew and wine barn, North American sanctioned fiddle contest, plenty of live music and more!

Fair admission is only $10 per carload to benefit the Athol & Phillipston Fire Department Associations and the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association of Massachusetts. Kick-in the fall season and have old-fashioned family country-fun while supporting three great non-for-profit associations!! y-

For more information check out www.appleseedcountryfair.com Your Family Farm • Phillipston, MA www.redapplefarm.com

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BayStateParent | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 7

B DE F HIJ L MN T B DE X F HIJ Davis Mega Maze

What started out as a corn maze across the street from Davis Farmland in Sterling has grown into an all out farm festival each autumn. Making your way through the world-class corn maze with miles of pathways is just the start of the fun at the Davis Mega Maze: BBQ, Brews & Music, open weekends in the fall.

Activities abound in the courtyard, where you can shoot corn cannons, zoom down giant tube slides, soar along a zipline, and more. Join in games like adventure laser tag, human foosball or giant farm volleyball. A petting farm and jump pad are perfect for little ones.

Bring your appetite -- the festival serves up everything from award-winning Kansas City BBQ to wings to homemade apple cider donuts. Wash it all down with a slushie or a locally brewed craft beer.

All the fun is set to live music, with a rotating lineup of local talent appearing every weekend. Close out the day warming up by a campfi re (you can even rent a private fi repit for your family!). Details are at davismega maze.com.

DAVIS FARMLAND

The Play and learn together again! Big

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177 Main Street, Acton discoveryacton.org 8 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | BayStateParent

The Big E is back! The 105th annual event runs Sept. 17 to Oct. 3 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfi eld.

The fi fth largest fair in North America, The Big E will debut some big surprises this year, including The Super Wheel, a 150foot high Ferris wheel with 36 climate controlled gondolas that seat up to six people.

Visit the Avenue of States, featuring replicas of each New England state’s original statehouse sitting on land actually owned by that state. Take a step inside and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of quintessential New England.

Get your popcorn and grab a seat under the Big Top to be dazzled by world-class jugglers, fl ying trapeze artists, magicians, aerial acts, clowns and animals galore in The Big E Circus Spectacular. See the Storrowton Village Museum, shop, eat iconic fair foods, watch the new Big Parade, ride the rides, take in a concert and much more. More details are at thebige.com.

B DE F HIJ L MN T X fairs & festivals

Three County Fair

Northampton, MA Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-6 American’s oldest continuously operated fair features livestock and agricultural contests and exhibits, music, a farm museum, delicious food vendors, demolition derbies, and a midway with rides and games for all ages.

3countyfair.com.

Woodstock Fair

Woodstock, CT Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-6 Connecticut’s second-oldest agricultural fair features crafts, food, livestock shows, a petting zoo, free stage shows, midway, go-kart races, produce, and more. woodstockfair.com.

Gloucester Schooner Festival

Gloucester, MA Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-6 Gloucester’s beautiful harbor is the backdrop for a unique mix of the old and new, as a variety of schooners and vessels sail through in celebration of the town’s fishing and maritime history. The seaport comes alive with familyfriendly activities, music, and boat parades. maritimegloucester.org.

Spencer Fair

Spencer, MA Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-6 An old-time, traditional country fair with ox and horse pulls, livestock shows, hall exhibits, midway, outdoor entertainment and lots of food. spencerfair.org.

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Appleseed Country Fair

Wachusett Mountain KidsFest

Phillipston, MA Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4-6 Country fair with hayrides, live music, Brew Barn, tethered hot air balloon rides, locally-made gifts and goodies, animals, children’s activities and more. appleseedcountryfair.com.

Princeton Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25-26 Two days of music, food, and family fun. Enjoy live performances, walkaround entertainment, magic shows, and clowns, and see it all from above on the scenic summit SkyRide. wachusett.com.

Old Home Day

Topsfield Fair

Charlton, MA Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-6 Craft fair, art show, highland games and even a frog jumping contest highlight this charming small-town festival. townofcharlton.net.

Topsfield Friday through Monday, Oct. 1-11 Something for everyone at this quintessential county fair. Traditional agriculture, big entertainment, rides, games, shopping and great food. topsfieldfair.org.

Franklin County Fair Greenfield, MA Sept. 9-12 “It’s the Bee’s Knees” is the theme for the 172th annual fair, featuring farm animals, prize-winning produce, classic fair foods, midway, live entertainment and more. fcas.com.

Douglas Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 2 Vendors line both sides of Main Street offering crafts, food, games, and unique displays. Kids will love the rides and games, giant slide, moonwalk and obstacle course. douglasoktoberfest.com.

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Sterling Fair Sterling Sept. 10-12 A family-oriented agricultural fair with rides, horse and oxen pulls, tractor pulls, helicopter rides, antique engine and machinery show, livestock shows, food, entertainment and more. sterlingfair.org.

Pet Rock Festival North Grafton Sunday, Sept. 13 New England’s largest animal welfare festival includes live music, games for kids, doggie massages, and lots of family- and pet-friendly fun. petrockfest.org.

Haverhill Saturday, Sept. 25 Live music, classic cars, a kids’ zone, local food and fireworks over the Merrimack River make this an annual festival not to miss. riverruckus.com.

Mattoon Street Arts Festival

Belchertown Fair

Lenox Saturday, Sept. 25 Artisans, musicians, farm stands and performers gather to celebrate the apple harvest at this street festival for all ages. Children’s games, wagon rides and all-things-apple usher in fall in the Berkshires. lenox.org.

Springfield Sept. 11-12 The longest-running arts festival in the Pioneer Valley features 100 exhibitors, food vendors and strolling musicians all along a beautiful Victorian street. mattoonfestival.org.

Team Haverhill’s River Ruckus

Sept. 24-26 This community fair features rides, balloon twisting, circus performers, a kids’ activity area and a petting zoo.

Traditional exhibit halls, horse and oxen pulls add to the classic fall fun. belchertownfair.com.

g ur min ck o r upco binars e h e C e fo s w sit ed webcial Ne e Sp

Lenox Apple Squeeze

Apple Country Fair Brookfield Saturday, Oct. 9 Browse the work of 70 local crafters and take in live music, children’s games, baked goods, raffles and an apple pie contest. applecountryfair.com.

Wachusett Applefest Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 16-17 A fall celebration with craft exhibitors, farmers market, entertainment and peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Also enjoy live music, Apple Pie contest and lots of family entertainment. wachusett.com.

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10 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | BayStateParent

WORCESTER | FRAMINGHAM | BOSTON | CAPE COD | PROVIDENCE

B DE F HIJ B D E L MN B D E F HIJ T I J F H L MN X PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

hayrides

Whether you hop on a wagon during a sunny trip to an apple orchard, or you brave a spooky haunted ride in the dark, a hayride should be on your fall bucket list.

Younger children will love a daytime hayride. Look for orchards or pumpkin patches where you can enjoy a bumpy ride through the fi elds, and get an up-close look at tractors or animals.

As Halloween approaches, scare up some fun with older kiddos on a haunted hayride. Our favorites are off ered at Century Sportsman’s Club in Auburn, at Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, and Hanson’s Farm in Framingham.

geocaching

A blend of nature and treasure hunting, geocaching will keep kids entertained and engaged while spending some time in the great outdoors this season. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Players navigate to a specifi c set of GPS coordinates and then try to fi nd the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

Everything from large, clear plastic containers to fi lm canisters to a fake rock with a secret compartment can be a cache. Log your name and date of discovery in the logbook, and take a trinket or souvenir, if available. According to geocaching etiquette, you can take an item from the cache if you like, so long as you leave something of equal or greater value in its place.

Go to geocaching.com to learn more.

ice cream

Weather aside, it’s always ice cream season. This time of year, autumn-inspired fl avors make their way into cups and cones – think pumpkin pie, sundae style.

Make a day of it and enjoy some family activities before your treat. At West End Creamery in Whitinsville, mini golf, pony rides, a barnyard jump, cow train and pedal carts will help you work up an appetite. Kimball Farm in Westford, off ers bumper boats and cars, mini golf, arcade games, animal shows and live music — and over 50 fl avors of ice cream!

BayStateParent | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 11

B DE F H I J Walktober L MN T

PROVIDED

2021

Adventures For The Whole Family!

Sept. 18 - Oct. 31

National Heritage Corridor

12 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | BayStateParent

Visit TheLastGreenValley.org or call 860-774-3300

Jack-o-lantern spectacular The nationally acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular transforms Roger Williams Park Zoo’s pathways into a Halloween wonderland Sept. 30 through Oct. 31. This outdoor gallery of more than 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns is displayed along the zoo’s beautiful Wetlands Trail. From ragtime and swing, to rock and roll and hip hop, the intricately carved pumpkins celebrate the greatest musical hits of the last 150 years. You can even get a bird’s eye view of these glittering gourds from Soaring Eagle Zip Ride.

Sensory-friendly nights, designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing diff erences and their families, have no music or special eff ects along the trail an hour before it opens to the public.

Family Fun Nights are also off ered, with music and costumed characters.

Tickets are available online only at rwpzoo.org/jols, and are for timed entry.

H I J F F HIJ L MN L MN T T X X lanterns

Two area zoos will be aglow this fall with displays of stunning lanterns.

The all-new Festival of Illumination kicks off in September at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon. This fourmonth-long Chinese Lantern Festival is the largest of its kind to be hosted in New England.

See breathtaking, custom-built exhibits consisting of hundreds of Chinese lanterns handcrafted from silk, steel, and LED lights. In line with the theme, “World of Lights,” this spectacular nighttime display will shine a light on a variety of continents and their traditions as well as traditional Chinese culture. Travel the globe via

PROVIDED

King Richard’s Faire

handcrafted Chinese Lanterns -- through the African Savannahs, the Amazon rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and more. Visitors will also enjoy live entertainment, a typical Asian Night Marketplace and specialty foods. Advance ticket purchase is required, visit www.festival ofi llumination.com.

The Boston Lights Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo runs through Oct. 11. Featuring more than 60 magnifi cent displays made of hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns, the walk-

through experience spans the zoo’s entire 72 acres.

Make your way through glowing corridors of lotuses and sunfl owers, cranes and cherry blossoms, and a towering 87-foot-long Tyrannosaurus Rex tunnel. Take in luminous animal and ocean scenes, traditional Asian lantern displays, a stunning 164-foot-long phoenix, and more. Grab a drink at two pop-up beer tents, where families can play giant Jenga and cornhole under the lights. Advance tickets are required at zoonewengland.org.

KING RICHARD'S FAIRE

New England’s largest and longest running Renaissance Faire celebrates its 40th season, running weekends and Monday holidays Sept. 4 through Oct. 24. Live entertainment, skilled games and exciting rides let families escape reality for a bit at King Richard’s Faire, set on an enchanting 80-acre wooded site in Carver.

Be dazzled by acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, fi re-eaters, minstrels, dancers and puppeteers. Hundreds of talented performers perform non-stop on eight diff erent stages, and the King’s handsome knights battle on horseback as bawdy beggars compete in mud. Frolicking faeries can be seen dancing through the forest, where guests of all skill levels can compete in his majesty’s Gaming Glen.

While you peruse the Faire, nosh on giant spit-roasted turkey legs, ringlets of fryes, boules of chowder or stew, onion blossoms and dragon wings. Watch blacksmiths demonstrate the forging of weaponry, discover handspun pottery, sparkling crystals and jewelry, and artistic face painting.

Delight in period clothing, leather and moccasins, armor, dancing wings, fresh fl oral garland hair wreaths, hand-carved bows, arrows and quivers. Revel in scented oils, perfumes, apothecary goods, and have your future read by psychic readers.

Visit kingrichardsfaire.net for a site map, event schedules, and ticket sales.

BayStateParent | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 13

Every fall, farms around the region carve winding pathways through their cornfields.

mazes

Navigating a corn maze is a time-honored autumn tradition that children of all ages will enjoy. Here’s a few to check out:

14 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | BayStateParent

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West End Creamery Whitinsville The corn maze at this family-friendly farm situated next to Purgatory Chasm is just one part of their annual Fall Festival. Open Friday nights and weekends, Sept. 18 through Oct. 31, attractions include the corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin patch, pedal carts, a cow train, barnyard jump, and more, all for one admission price.

Navigate the maze by flashlight on Friday nights. Mini golf, pony rides, and ice cream are offered on-site for an additional charge. westendcreamery.com/fallfestival

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West End Creamery in Whitinsville. WEST END CREAMERY

We Accept Vouchers Plymton Don’t worry about getting lost in this massive maze -- uniformed “corn cops” are located throughout to help guide visitors. Enjoy pumpkin picking, hay wagon rides, a cow train and jumping pillows.

Kids’ activities like tug-of-war, duck races, and barnyard ball add to the fun. Seasonal special events include the Paul Bunyon Lumberjack Show Sept. 18 and 19; Flying High Dogs Show Oct. 2, 9 and 23; and Regal Princess Parties Oct. 3 and 17. sauchukmaze.com

Wojcik’s Farm Blackstone “Land of the Free, Because of the Brave” is the theme of this year’s corn maze, which features the outline of a saluting servicemember and a flag.

While you’re there, enjoy a wagon ride or grab some grub and ice cream from the snack shack. The farm will host a Fall Fun Weekend Oct. 9-11 with pumpkin painting, food trucks, a beer tent, yard games, face painting and more. wojcikfarm.com

Mike’s Maze Sunderland This family entertainment destination in Western Mass. features an 8-acre corn maze.

Located on a working farm at the foot of Mount Sugarloaf, the property offers gorgeous views of the New England foliage. Young kids will delight in the farm’s larger-than-life playground featuring a giant

double drain-tube slide, a jump pad, tractor tire jungle gym, wagon rides, a petting zoo, and giant games. Older kids (and adults!) can enjoy a race around the track in pedal carts. mikesmaze.com

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Lanni Orchards Lunenburg This family-owned farm in North Central Massachusetts works to make each year’s maze harder than the last.

This year’s “Amazing Bee” corn maze pays tribute to the very important little insect. In this interactive maze, you’ll have a fun time trying to figure out different clues, which help you figure the way out.

Games and stations are located throughout the 3-acre maze. Around the farm stand and around the farm, you’ll find fun facts about the amazing bee. The maze is open from Labor Day Weekend through Nov. 30, weather permitting. lanniorchard.com

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Connors Farm Danvers Wind and weave your way through this 7-acre corn maze. Tackle it during the day or try to navigate it by flashlight on Friday and Saturday nights. Other autumn offerings at the farm include a kiddie train, barnyard animals, hayrides, zipline, jumping pillows, a giant sandbox and slides, and more. Kids can enjoy activities like duck races, tug-o-war, apple cannons and pumpkin picking. connorsfarm.com

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With its beaches and ocean sites, you might think of the North Shore as a summer destination, but fall is the perfect time for a visit. Along with opportunities for leaf-peeping and stunning scenery, there are plenty of regional activities to enjoy.

Applewood Farms in Ipswich is hosting Woodfi red Pizza Picnics throughout the fall.

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy a freshly made pizza surrounded by the idyllic beauty of Appleton Farms. The menu changes weekly, featuring local and seasonal ingredients, including produce from the farm. Hours are from 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 12-6 p.m. on weekends.

Saturdays will include free live music from 3-5 p.m. Go the thetrustees.org for more information.

In October, head to the storied witch town of Salem, which is jam-packed with scares all month long. Salem Haunted Happenings features a rotation of frightfully fun events, including the Haunted Happenings Marketplace, a recurring event on the Salem Common with vendors, performances, mural pop up photo stations, street performers and more. A Street Fair, Witches Market and Psychic Fair, pumpkin labyrinth, and a Salem Witch Trials Exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum are all in the works. Find out more at haunted happenings.org.

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Old Sturbridge Village

With costumed historians, antique buildings, water-powered mills and rolling farmland, this living museum depicting life in an early 19thcentury New England village is a must-see family attraction. Step back in time and stroll through the property; there’s spectacular foliage to take in on its quiet, leafy grounds. You’ll see blacksmiths banging out horseshoes on anvils and a working farm with draft horses pulling plows.

On Sept. 11, you can enjoy the scenic campus outside of normal hours for the Evening at the Village event. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and enjoy period music, and feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy on the Village common. Beer, wine, and limited snacks will also be available for purchase.

For a bit of a spookier night experience, check out Phantoms and Fire, which runs Oct. 13-31. Explore the museum after hours, where you’ll fi nd spooky delights from bats and bonfi res to cauldrons and candy, from ghosts and guitars to horror and…maybe even…a headless horseman!

Other special fall events at OSV include an Agricultural Fair Oct. 2-3 and a Harvest Celebration Oct. 16-17. Advance tickets are required, visit osv.org for more details.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

BayStateParent | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 17

LBMND E F H ITJ B LD E MN X F HIJ T L MN X T X pumpkin float

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BOSTON FROG POND

Tricks, treats, experiments, crafts, drinks, and spooky fun are all part of this October tradition in the heart of Boston. The annual Pumpkin Float at the Boston Common Frog Pond features fl oating pumpkins, luminaries and fun family activities.

The free event takes place Friday, Oct. 15.

Bring your own carved pumpkin and watch it fl oat in the Frog Pond along with hundreds of other illuminated jack-o-lanterns. Carved and decorated jack-o’-lanterns must be 8inches in diameter, or smaller, and already hollowed out or they will not fl oat. While the pond fi lls up with glowing jack-o-lanterns, enjoy music, refreshments and children’s activities from 5-8 p.m. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

Already groaning at the thought of raking up those never-ending leaves this fall? Move the chore from your checklist to your bucket list by putting some joy into your fall yard work. Children of all ages can help with this autumn task, and they might even have fun doing it if you can make a game out of it. Try something from this leaf pile playlist:

raking

The Great Raking Race

Who can make the biggest pile or fi ll a bucket, trash can, or bag the quickest? Giving each child a container, gloves, and a “ready, set, GO!” Or, set a timer to see how long it takes your little helpers to fi ll the container.

Leaf pile hopscotch

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Instead of making one giant leaf pile to jump in, make a trail of smaller piles. Have kiddos jump from one to the next without touching the ground in between. Once they jump through the whole trail, add in new challenges like hopping on one foot, skipping, or even jumping backward.

Treasure hunt, leaf-pile style

Quabbin

One of the largest man-made public water supplies in the country, Quabbin Reservoir covers 39 square miles. To create it, four complete towns had to be relocated. Its 181 miles of shoreline off er stunning views in autumn.

You can walk more than 40 gates and numerous trails at the Quabbin. For a good introduction — and some dazzling scenery — head to the Winsor Dam entrance off Route 9 in Belchertown.

The Visitors Center there explains how the towns of Dana, Enfi eld, Greenwich and Prescott were fl ooded so that the reservoir could be constructed. From there, you can drive over to the Observation Tower where you can climb to the top for a birds-eye view of the foliage Another gate worth a visit is Gate 40 in Petersham, which is considered by some to be the best historical hike in the Quabbin Reservoir lands. Take a 1.5 mile hike through woods and fi elds to the old Dana Common, dotted with stone walls, cellar holes, and brooks. You’ll see schoolhouse and homesite cellar holes and cemetery fence posts. Bring a picnic and have lunch in the center of what’s left of the town, and take in all the history.

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Gather a collection of fun fall items (such as mini pumpkins or a sheet of autumn-themed stickers -- or for big kids, nothing beats a little cash) and hide them in a pile of leaves for a treasure hunt. Give your kids a list of the treasures waiting to be discovered, and have them embark on the hunt!

Make a leaf slide

Forget jumping into a pile of leaves, slide in, instead!

Have children rake the leaves into a pile at the bottom of their slide, and let them zoom their way in.

Make a scarecrow

Make raking into a project to get your yard looking festive. Get out an old pair of pants and a shirt. Button, zip or close the shirt and pants where necessary, tie ends of shirt arms and pant legs closed with string or rope. Stuff full with leaves, then use safety pins to attach the shirt to pants at waist. For the head, stuff some leaves into a pillow case in the size and shape of a face, tie, and tuck into the neck opening of the shirt. Draw on a face and pin on a hat.

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TOWER HILL BOTANIC GARDEN

Tower Hill Botanic Garden

StoryWalks

Take a walk, read a book, have an adventure. Enjoy some crisp fall air while reading on a StoryWalk. At locations around the state, laminated book pages are posted along trails to read as you stroll.

The Village at Burlington Mall has a StoryWalk, provided by the Burlington Public Library, through Sept. 30. It’s an easy walk along the popular sidewalks starting outside of UBreakIFix. The Department of Conservation off ers StoryWalks at several locations. Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge often off er the kid-friendly adventure. Check mass.gov/info-details/storywalkr -adventures for an up-to-date list of locations and stories.

The Trustees of Reservations also has StoryWalks at select properties. Check out Weir River Farm in Hingham, where you can read a story while walking along the grassy “chute” to the barnyard.

This sprawling botanic garden in Boylston was named by Yankee Magazine as part of one of the “Prettiest Fall Foliage Villages in Massachusetts.” Tower Hill includes 171 acres of woodlands, formal gardens, and picturesque views. Set atop a hill overlooking the Wachusett Reservoir, the property also off ers stunning views of Wachusett Mountain. It’s the perfect place for an autumn stroll.

Through September 30, you can check out larger-than-life art installations at Tower Hill’s Wild Hideaways: Designed for Adventure exhibit. This fantastical collection of interactive, outdoor hideaways was inspired by art and nature, and custom designed by local landscape architects and artists. Each Hideaway provides the opportunity to go inside to see the installations from the inside out. Stroll from piece to piece at your own pace while exploring the landscape, plants, and wildlife.

There’s also the Wicked Wings exhibit to explore through Oct. 31. The interactive exhibition of sculptures depicting the wings of enchanting creatures — both real and imagined — is located throughout the gardens.

Tickets to Tower Hill must be reserved in advance. Go to towerhillbg.org for more details.

u-pick

If you really want the perfect pumpkin, you have to pick your own. Pumpkin patches are a fall staple and must-do with kids of all ages. There are over 60 U-Pick pumpkin patches in the Bay State, according to MassGrown. Looking for one near you? Go to mass.nrc.org/farmlocator to fi nd the perfect place to get your gourd.

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Vineyards & Breweries

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Sure, the beverages are for grownups, but many local vineyards and breweries have an all-age appeal. With inviting outdoor spaces (even playgrounds!), special family events, and kid-friendly activities, plenty of wineries or breweries in the region are the perfect place for a fall family outing.

With a sprawling lawn and picnic area and a large playground, Hardwick Vineyard & Winery is a great spot for families. Set on a quiet country road that winds around the Quabbin Reservoir, the winery off ers live music seven days a week through Columbus Day, and hosts food trucks on the weekends. Their annual Craft and Food Truck Festival will take place Sept. 4, and Harvest Festival the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

In Mendon, Vandervalk Farm & Winery has multiple picnic areas; grab a picnic table or spread out a blanket and take in views of their scenic Christmas tree farm. A walk-

STONE COW BREWERY

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up window and a remote wine trailer is on site for those who wish to venture out further into our tree fi elds for a picnic.

Check their website for special events and food truck popups.

If a craft beer is more your style, there are a number of breweries that you and the kids will all enjoy. At Stone Cow, in Barre, pizza, a playground, farm animals and an ice cream stand are among the kid-friendly off erings.

You’ll fi nd a similar vibe at Milk Room, in Rutland, a bison farm-turned brewery where you can see alpacas, a camel, goats, cows and bison. There’s plenty of room for little ones to run around. Check their Facebook page for events including music and food trucks.

Farm animals, food trucks and music is on tap at Oakholm Brewery in Brookfi eld, too, where you’ll also fi nd plenty of family events throughout the season, and gorgeous views overlooking Lake Quaboag surrounded by oak forests.

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For appointments, call 855-UMASS-MD (855-862-7763) or visit umassmemorial.org/IVF. BayStateParent | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 21

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Wachusett Mountain

Straddling the towns of Princeton and Westminster, Mount Wachusett is the highest point in the Bay State east of the Connecticut River. From the summit, you can take in views of Mount Monadnock, Mount Greylock, southern Vermont, and Boston. It’s home to a section of the Midstate Trail, the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, and Wachusett Mountain Ski Area.

The 3,000-acre reservation area features more than 17 miles of trails, winding through the forest and meadows and past picturesque ponds. Hike to the top for sweeping, scenic views from the 2,006-foot summit. You can also drive up; the summit road is open from 9 a.m. to sunset through the last weekend of October.

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area off ers the following family-friendly special events throughout the fall. Find more details and tickets at wachusett.com.

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BBQ Fest Sept. 18-19:

Kids Fest Sept. 25-26:

OktoberFest Oct. 2-3:

AppleFest Oct. 16-17:

Fall Food Truck Fest Nov. 6:

Food trucks, a pig roast, live music and crafters.

Live entertainment, food trucks, shows, family interactives, magic and more.

Beautiful foliage, tasty beer and camaraderie. Eat, drink and celebrate with live German music, contests, shows, craft and farmers' market vendors, and activities for the whole family.

Celebrate fall with over 150 craft vendors, live shows, a farmer’s market, food trucks, and a scenic sky ride to the top of the mountain.

Enjoy live music, beer and plenty of food.

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Yankee Candle

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Harvest

games

Hay bale tossing, pumpkin launching, archery, homebrewing, and even an “Iron Farmer” competition — it’s all part of the Harvest X-Games at Red Apple Farm’s Thanksgiving Harvest Festival. Every November, more than 40 local family farms and businesses come together at Phillipston farm to off er fi xings for your Thanksgiving table and home. Local vendors off er fresh crops and unique products from all over New England. The festival, always the weekend before Turkey Day, features delicious food, demonstrations, face painting, a Living History Civil War Encampment, pony rides, local live music, giant pumpkins, and the Harvest X-Games. Grab a drink from the Brew Barn and share in the season’s bounty from the North Quabbin Region.

Yankee Candle’s fl agship store in Deerfi eld is a great place to celebrate the season — and gear up for the holidays, too. As one of the top tourist destinations in the state, it’s worth the trip, and there isn’t a better time to take the scenic drive than in the fall. On your way, take a drive to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf in South Deerfi eld for sweeping views of the Connecticut River Valley.

Far more than just a candle store, Yankee Candle Village is just that — a village. The sprawling complex has a General Store, Gift Boutique, Kitchen/Garden Shop, and a Candle Emporium with over 200,000 candles.

For some magic, step into the Bavarian Village, an old fashioned German-style village where it’s Christmas year-round.

With twinkling lights and snow that falls from the ceiling, it can put anyone in the holiday spirit, no matter the time of year. Then wander into the Nutcracker Castle, where giant thrones await.

At Wax Works you can make a wax mold of your hand, create your own custom jar candle, and dip your own critter, however some of these sections are closed for COVID precautions. At the on-site brewery and pizza cafe you can grab a beer and a slice.

Just down the road from the Yankee Candle fl agship store, you’ll fi nd Magic Wings Butterfl y Conservatory, an 8,000 squarefoot indoor conservatory with nearly 4,000 butterfl ies and a pond with a waterfall and brilliantly colored koi.

Historic Deerfi eld, an outdoor museum that interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley, is also nearby.

ziplining

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Is there a better way to take in the foliage than fl ying through the trees? For kids and families who love adventure, ziplining is an incredible way enjoy the season.

Boundless Adventures, a 6-acre aerial adventure park in Berlin, features high ropes courses and ziplines for ages 7 and up. Swing from the trees and zip through the forest on any of four diff erent courses with varying degrees of diffi culty. Exploration courses, at 10-feet elevation, feature a lowspeed zip line, easier bridges and unique balance beams that are perfect for beginners.

In Canton, TreeTops Adventures off ers a climbing and zipline experience for ages 7 and up. Their 10 trails range in diffi culty from beginner to expert and consist of obstacles like rolling logs, bridges, ladders, tight ropes, zip-lines and more.

In western Massachusetts, Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont has a three-hour canopy tour with 11 zip lines, 2 sky bridges and 3 rappels. The zip line course is built directly into the trees, giving you the feeling of zipping from treetop to treetop through the scenic landscape high above the Deerfi eld River Valley in the northern Berkshires. Zip line canopy tours are open to anyone age 10 or up, and run through October.

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