6 unusual things to do during the New England Fall

Everyone knows that the Autumn colours in New England are glorious. However, I suspect that not everyone know the range of quirky activities that go on in this pretty part of the world. If you happen to be in New England this Fall and are looking for things to do, keep an eye out for these six events. Stowe Foliage Art Festival The Stowe  Foliage Art Festival takes place from 9th October  2015.  You will find 200 artisans exhibiting their craft, original art, sculpture, photography and some of the speciality food products for which Vermont is famous. Stowe is in the mountainous part of Vermont ; in the winter it is a ski resort, in the summer and autumn you can enjoy the food, (Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is made here) and stay in great comfort at either the Topnotch Resort or if you are a Sound of Music fan, the von Trapp family made their home near Stowe and you can stay at the Trapp Family Lodge. North American Wife Carrying Championship One of my favourites is the crazy sounding North American Wife Carrying Championship.  Teams from across Canada and US compete each year for a chance to qualify for the World Championship in Sonkajärvi,  Finland when the champion wins his wife’s weight in beer. This will take place on 10th October at Sunday River Resort in Maine. Oktoberfest Oktoberfest goes across the Atlantic to Providence, RI taking place at India Point Park from 17th to 18th October 2015. This event has been going for 23 years – it always used to take place in Newport RI but has moved to Providence this year. Lots of fun with German cuisine, seasonal brews and lively music.  One of my favourite hotels is just outside Newport; the Chanler at Cliff Walk is in one of the elegant Gilded Age mansions for which Newport is famous. You could also try the glorious Relais & Chateaux property Castle Hill Inn.  Germany seems to be growing!  Oktoberfest is also celebrated in Boston and Acadia in northern Maine.  Acadia National Park is one of the best places to see the Fall colours and the Asticou Inn has a lovely position overlooking the water. New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival An important competition for the honour of being included in the Guinness Book of Records for the most lit jack o’lanterns in one place. The current record is 30,581!  You can see the pumpkin tower, carve your own pumpkin and visit the Farmers’ Market for plenty of pumpkin inspired treats. Lake Opechee Inn and Spa is the place to stay in Laconia. Salem Haunted Happenings Salem Haunted Happenings celebrates both Halloween and the fall colours with a series of spooky events that involve haunted houses and hair-raising tales dating back to the Witch Trials of 1692. Martha’s Vineyard Food, Wine and drink Festival Martha’s Vineyard Food, Wine and drink Festival takes place on the island from 15th to 18th October 2016. Not only can you enjoy the glories of the Hob Knob in the heart of Edgartown, but you can meet all the local culinary talent. Martha’s Vineyard, although now a holiday destination for such luminaries as Barack Obama (whose home has just gone on the market for $14.5 million) was for years a farming and fishing community. Following this tradition, at the festival you will be able to meet the local artisans and sample all the delicacies produced by guest chefs and vintners from around the world using the best of the local produce. Sandra Potter is Managing Director at Frontier Travel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.