In the fall of 2025, a friend of mine who had lived in Maine for years called to ask if I’d like to join him on a trip to explore the beautiful land of New England. I quickly said yes. Toward the end of September, we flew into Boston, rented a car, and headed north for Maine. What an enchanted experience it was! I loved driving up the coast and seeing all the activities that fill the fall season – pumpkin stands, apple cider booths, and fishermen preparing for the day. I enjoyed chatting with travelers along the way – many were from nearby New England states like New Hampshire, only a few miles from where we stood. The coastline was magic. Our route took us from Boston up the coast to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, then through Baxter State Park – one of the largest in the country – and west into New Hampshire. From there, we continued to within two miles of the Canadian border in Vermont before looping south through the state and back to Boston. Every turn brought another postcard moment.
Fly-Fishing Store
Our first stop was a tiny shop with the most beautiful fly-fishing display I’ve ever seen. The care and artistry in every hand-tied lure reminded me how deeply fishing is woven into the soul of this region. A colorful fly-fishing display – where my New England adventure truly began.
White Church and Village Green
As we drove through smalls towns, white-steepled churches stood proudly against brilliant autumn skies. They seemed to belong to another time, peaceful and enduring. Classic New England charm – a timeless church surrounded by gold and crimson leaves.
Hillside Forest in Full Color
The hillsides looked as if an artist had brushed them with every shade of red, orange, and gold. I couldn’t help stopping the car every few miles to take it all in. New England’s hills glowing with the colors of fall.
Reflections on the Lake
One quiet morning, the still water mirrored the forest so perfectly that it was hard to tell where the land ended and the reflection began.
A calm lake captures autumn’s full reflection.
Covered Bridge Exterior
Covered bridges have always fascinated me — sturdy, simple, and full of stories. Crossing one feels like stepping into history. Crossing into the past on a classic covered bridge.
Covered Bridge Interior
Inside the bridge, beams of light streamed through wooden slats, creating a beautiful play of shadow and texture. Inside the bridge — where sunlight dances across time-worn wood.
Loon Mountain Train
We came across an old logging train near Loon Mountain, a gentle reminder of the hard-working generations who built these small towns. A vintage train tells the story of New England’s industrious past.
Pumpkin Patch
Everywhere we went, pumpkins brightened porches and fields — cheerful symbols of the harvest. Pumpkins glowing like lanterns in the crisp autumn air.
Forest Path
I loved wandering down quiet trails where fallen leaves softened every step. Nature seemed to whisper, “slow down and breathe.” A peaceful path carpeted in golden leaves.
Lobster Roll
Of course, you can’t visit Maine without tasting a lobster roll. Fresh, buttery, and unforgettable — a perfect taste of the coast.
The flavor of Maine — a lobster roll worth the trip.
Seafood Feast
Our evenings often ended with seafood feasts — clams, shrimp, and fish caught that very day. It was comfort and adventure on a plate. A delicious finale to days filled with color and discovery.
After ten days of a magical trip through the New England area, I realized how blessed I was to witness nature in transformation, food that nourished body and soul, and people doing what they love. Autumn in New England is more than a season — it’s an experience of the heart.
