Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Vermont
On the Road: The Best of Fall in New England
Program No. 20031RJ
Discover classic New England as you photograph vibrant fall foliage, explore quaint villages, visit national parks and celebrate this region with a traditional Maine lobster feast.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Oct 6 - Oct 16, 2025
Starting at
4,699DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Oct 6 - Oct 16, 2025
Starting at
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11 days
10 nights
26 meals
10B 8L 8D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Boston, Massachusetts
2
Boston, Freedom Trail, Old North Church
Boston, Massachusetts
3
Salem, Old York, Old Gaol, Nubble Lighthouse
Ogunquit, Maine
4
Art Museum, Lobster Boat, Free Time
Ogunquit, Maine
5
From the Rocky Coast to the Granite Mountains
Bartlett, New Hampshire
6
Mount Washington Cog Railway, Rocks Estate
Bartlett, New Hampshire
7
Kancamagus Highway, Vermont History Museum
Burlington, VT
8
Shelburne Museum, Free Time
Burlington, VT
9
Back Roads & Villages of Vermont
Grafton, VT
10
Organic Farm, Stone Trust
Grafton, VT
11
Program Concludes
Boston, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Journey the back roads and byways of New England to experience the best of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont during a fall foliage adventure through the region’s most picturesque countryside and into the history and culture at the foundation of Colonial America.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Climbing a few flights of stairs, standing for up to one hour, walking over paved and unpaved surfaces up to two miles over the course of the day.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Take an in-depth look at the ecology of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
- Trace our nation's cultural history through the collections of American art at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the Vermont History Museum.
- Savor the tastes of New England with a culinary exploration of Portland, Maine and a lobster dinner.
General Notes
Please note the timing of the changing leaves varies annually and cannot be guaranteed. This program visits various northern and southern locations and the fall colors also vary geographically. Special note about the Grafton Inn: Rooms with two beds are reserved for our matched roommates with all other requests considered on a first come, first serve basis. Though all rooms are accessible by a flight of stairs, based on availability, a limited number of first floor or elevator-accessible rooms may be requested for those with mobility issues. All special requests must notify Road Scholar in advance.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Chris Lewey
Chris Lewey, executive director and founder of RAVEN Interpretive Programs, holds a master’s degree in environmental studies from Antioch University and attended Maharishi European Research University in France. He has taught ornithology for the National Audubon Society at their Hog Island ecology camp on the coast of Maine, where he was the director of their Joy of Birding and Breaking into Birding programs. A native New Englander and licensed Maine Guide, he has taught biology, ecology, and ornithology in both New Hampshire and Maine.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Chris Lewey
View biography
Chris Lewey, executive director and founder of RAVEN Interpretive Programs, holds a master’s degree in environmental studies from Antioch University and attended Maharishi European Research University in France. He has taught ornithology for the National Audubon Society at their Hog Island ecology camp on the coast of Maine, where he was the director of their Joy of Birding and Breaking into Birding programs. A native New Englander and licensed Maine Guide, he has taught biology, ecology, and ornithology in both New Hampshire and Maine.
Jim McAllister
View biography
Jim McAllister is a Salem historian, photographer, author and teacher, and serves as a historic consultant to the City of Salem and the Hawthorne Hotel. A graduate of Stonehill College, his photographs of Salem have appeared in numerous publications, and he is the author of “Salem: From Naumkeag to Witch City” and co-author of “Salem: Cornerstones of a Historic City.” Jim has appeared on both the “History Channel” and “Home and Garden TV.”
Nancy Coolidge
View biography
Nancy Coolidge graduated from Mount Holyoke College, and later attended the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in business administration and worked in a bank trust department. In 1979, she became a founding trustee of the Lynch Foundation. She later moved to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA), where she served as staff director from 1983 to 1992. She has since led groups to maritime Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, and Antarctica. She continues her work with the Lynch Foundation.
Mike Fowler
View biography
Mike Fowler is a natural born teacher. He was a teacher of history and geography for more than 18 years. His love of travel and teaching led him to leave regular classroom teaching to escort and lead the young and young at heart on journeys throughout the world. Mike is excited to share in Road Scholar learning adventures in Florida and experience the dynamic culture, people, and history. He also leads Road Scholar groups in Cuba.
Ken McAuliffe
View biography
Ken McAuliffe, the visitor services coordinator at the Old York Historical Society, has led the 14-person Guide Team for the last 10 years. Ken is a former history teacher and long time school superintendent in NYS. Ken is a graduate of the State University of NY with degrees in history and administration.
Suggested Reading List
(19 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
On the Road: The Best of Fall in New England
Program Number: 20031
National Audubon Society Field Guide to New England
A compact, easy-to-use overview of 1,000 of New England's trees, wildflowers, mammals, insects and other flora and fauna. It also provides an extensive overview of the area's geology, weather patterns and natural sites.
New England Autumn
Magnificent photographs of farmsteads, pastures, forests, wharves and villages from Maine to Connecticut are paired with the poetry and literature of Dickinson, Thoreau and Waldo Emerson in this pictorial celebration of season. With a 14-page section of maps and practical travel information.
Coastal Maine, A Maritime History
A four hundred year history of Maine, focusing on maritime traditions and seafaring, as well coastal settlement and development.
Winslow Homer, The Nature of Observation
This biography of the preeminent 19th century New England painter considers the artist’s oeuvre in the context of his psychological development. More than 75 black-and-white illustrations and 40 color plates illuminate Johns’ analysis of the American master.
Call of the Coast, Art Colonies of New England
Denenberg focuses on the art colonies that sprung up in the early twentieth century in Old Lyme, Connecticut, and Ogunquit and Monhegan, Maine, and on the great artists (including Edward Hopper and George Bellows) whose work was inspired by them. The book contains around 80 reproductions as well as documentary photography and explainers on the artworks themselves.
Founding Brothers, The Revolutionary Generation
A riveting tale of Washington, Madison, Hamilton and especially of Jefferson and Adams. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, it's a fascinating glimpse into the early days of our country.
The Cider House Rules
This is John Irving's story of a teenage orphan named Homer Wells who lives in rural Maine. Growing up under the tutelage of Dr. Wilbur Larch, an abortionist and administrator of the local orphanage, Homer must face the moral dilemmas that surround him.
The Lobster Coast: Rebels, Rusticators, and the Struggle for a Forgotten Frontier
A fascinating cultural history of coastal Maine as seen through the lobstering industry.
The Nature of Vermont, Introduction and Guide to a New England Environment
Opening with a discussion of the geologic history of Vermont, Johnson provides a lively introduction to major habitats, plants and animals of the state. An excellent survey of natural history.
New England Map
A road map of all of New England, at a scale of 1:600,000.
Inventing Acadia, Artists and Tourists at Mount Desert
The history of Acadia National Park and especially the artists Thomas Cole, Frederic Edwin Church and others who contributed to its creation. Published by the Farnsworth Library & Art Museum.
New England Wildlife
This laminated, fold-out, pocket-size guide features illustrations of almost 150 species of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals.
Eyewitness Guide New England
This superb guide to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine features color photography, dozens of excellent local maps and a synopsis of the region's attractions. It also devotes a section to Boston. Handsome, convenient and up-to-date, this is the guide to carry.
The Most Beautiful Villages of New England
New England's most picturesque towns and villages are presented through 240 full color photographs. Accompanying descriptions fill in details about each town's history and architecture.
The Original Vermonters, Native Inhabitants, Past and Present
A highly readable, scholarly history of the native inhabitants and cultures of Vermont, covering the arrival of the Paleoindians, Abenakis and Iriquois.
Reading the Forested Landscape, A Natural History of New England
In this entertaining, informative book, the history of the New England forest unfolds like a mystery novel. Wessels examines the character of the central New England forest through the clues left behind by fires, logging, storms and economic fads.
Colors of Fall, A Celebration of New England's Foliage Season
Capturing the spectacular fall display from the Berkshires of Massachusetts, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and the wilds of northern Maine in 75 color photos.
Insight Guide New England
For a good overview of the region, you can't go wrong with this guide, noted for its wonderful photography, superb production and outstanding color maps.
One Man's Meat
By the author of "Charlotte's Web," a collection of observant and often humorous essays about daily life on a Maine saltwater farm. A wonderful portrait of coastal small-town life, originally published in 1938.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
11 days
Program Begins
Boston, Massachusetts
Program Concludes
Boston, Massachusetts
Meals
26
| 10B |
8L |
8D |
Activity Level
Journey the back roads and byways of New England to experience the best of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont during a fall foliage adventure through the region’s most picturesque countryside and into the history and culture at the foundation of Colonial America.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Take an in-depth look at the ecology of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
- Trace our nation's cultural history through the collections of American art at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the Vermont History Museum.
- Savor the tastes of New England with a culinary exploration of Portland, Maine and a lobster dinner.
General Notes
Please note the timing of the changing leaves varies annually and cannot be guaranteed. This program visits various northern and southern locations and the fall colors also vary geographically. Special note about the Grafton Inn: Rooms with two beds are reserved for our matched roommates with all other requests considered on a first come, first serve basis. Though all rooms are accessible by a flight of stairs, based on availability, a limited number of first floor or elevator-accessible rooms may be requested for those with mobility issues. All special requests must notify Road Scholar in advance.
Featured Expert
Chris Lewey
Chris Lewey, executive director and founder of RAVEN Interpretive Programs, holds a master’s degree in environmental studies from Antioch University and attended Maharishi European Research University in France. He has taught ornithology for the National Audubon Society at their Hog Island ecology camp on the coast of Maine, where he was the director of their Joy of Birding and Breaking into Birding programs. A native New Englander and licensed Maine Guide, he has taught biology, ecology, and ornithology in both New Hampshire and Maine.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Jim McAllister
Jim McAllister is a Salem historian, photographer, author and teacher, and serves as a historic consultant to the City of Salem and the Hawthorne Hotel. A graduate of Stonehill College, his photographs of Salem have appeared in numerous publications, and he is the author of “Salem: From Naumkeag to Witch City” and co-author of “Salem: Cornerstones of a Historic City.” Jim has appeared on both the “History Channel” and “Home and Garden TV.”
Nancy Coolidge
Nancy Coolidge graduated from Mount Holyoke College, and later attended the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in business administration and worked in a bank trust department. In 1979, she became a founding trustee of the Lynch Foundation. She later moved to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA), where she served as staff director from 1983 to 1992. She has since led groups to maritime Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, and Antarctica. She continues her work with the Lynch Foundation.
Mike Fowler
Mike Fowler is a natural born teacher. He was a teacher of history and geography for more than 18 years. His love of travel and teaching led him to leave regular classroom teaching to escort and lead the young and young at heart on journeys throughout the world. Mike is excited to share in Road Scholar learning adventures in Florida and experience the dynamic culture, people, and history. He also leads Road Scholar groups in Cuba.
Ken McAuliffe
Ken McAuliffe, the visitor services coordinator at the Old York Historical Society, has led the 14-person Guide Team for the last 10 years. Ken is a former history teacher and long time school superintendent in NYS. Ken is a graduate of the State University of NY with degrees in history and administration.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Climbing a few flights of stairs, standing for up to one hour, walking over paved and unpaved surfaces up to two miles over the course of the day.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(19 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
26 meals | 10B | 8L | 8D |
2 expert-led lectures
15 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Boston, Massachusetts
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hyatt Regency Boston
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our experienced and knowledgeable Group Leader will also serve as our Study Leader, who will provide educational content, along with a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. This is a Road Scholar On The Road (OTR) program. OTR journeys take participants to multiple study sites in a region with a number of overnight stays. Lectures, talks, discussions, field trips, and on-board commentary will amplify the program theme. Long or short, On the Road journeys are learning experiences that make the most of our time together. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant within walking distance from the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Boston, Freedom Trail, Old North Church
Location:
Boston, Massachusetts
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyatt Regency Boston
Activity Note
Use of public transportation; not all subway stops have elevators. Walking up to 2 miles with frequent stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will explore the historic highlights of Boston, walking the fabled Freedom Trail with a local expert. There are 16 official sites along the 2.5 miles marked with a line of red brick or red paint. We will go part way, from Boston Common to the Old Granary Burying Ground, Old South Meeting House, the Old State House Museum, and Faneuil Hall.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Boston’s North End.
Afternoon:
We will continue our discovery of Boston as we stroll the streets of the North End en route to the Old North Church Historic Site for a behind-the-scenes docent-led field trip. Listen and learn about the workings of the oldest set of change-ringing bells in North America. We will climb the stairs to the bell ringing chamber where the teenage Paul Revere worked as bell ringer and walk amongst the 37 tombs constructed below the floors of the Old North between 1732 and 1860. We'll learn about the construction of the crypt, view artifacts found in the crypt, and hear the history of those buried there including the Church’s first rector and soldiers killed during the Battle of Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill. Outside of the church, there is time to explore the Clough House, which includes the Printing Office of Edes & Gill and Heritage Goods gift shop, before returning to the hotel by public transportation.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Salem, Old York, Old Gaol, Nubble Lighthouse
Location:
Ogunquit, Maine
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Colonial Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles; approximately 2.5 hours total riding time with stops. Walking and standing for up to 1.5 miles, approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board the motorcoach and depart from Boston to Salem, Massachusetts. On a mixed walking and motorcoach field trip led by a lifetime resident and local historian, we will learn about Salem’s remarkable history including details about its lucrative maritime trade, controversial witch trials, architecture, and culture as one of America’s oldest communities.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Continuing north into Maine, we visit the town of York - one of the oldest English colonial towns in America. Led by a local expert, we will visit the Old Gaol, learning about its unique and rare status as one of the few English Royal Government Building standing in America. This will be followed by a mixed walking and motorcoach tour of the town, including a stop at the iconic Nubble Lighthouse. We will then continue north to Ogunquit, Maine and check in to our hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we will have a traditional lobster dinner, a specialty of New England’s Atlantic waters.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Art Museum, Lobster Boat, Free Time
Location:
Ogunquit, Maine
Meals:
B
Stay:
Colonial Inn
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile; standing up to 1 hour at a time. Getting on/off a lobster boat; study cruise is weather dependent, approximately 1 hour on the boat. Extent/duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, housing a permanent collection of important paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs from the late 1800s to the present. Included in the collection is an extensive selection of works by artists associated with Ogunquit’s famous art colony of the early 20th century such as Edward Betts, Charles Woodbury, Hamilton Easter Field, and Robert Laurent. We will next head out on a one-hour boat cruise to learn first-hand from the captain about lobster fishing as well as to appreciate the scenic coastal views from an oceanic perspective. This is weather dependent, and there will be an alternate activity if necessary.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to take in the spectacular scenery on a walk along the Marginal Way. Once a dirt trail with difficult terrain, the magnificent Marginal Way is now a paved footpath. Winding along the rocky shoreline for 1.25 miles from Ogunquit’s downtown area to the quaint fishing village of Perkins Cove, the Marginal Way boasts some of most spectacular coastal views in New England.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
From the Rocky Coast to the Granite Mountains
Location:
Bartlett, New Hampshire
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 140 miles along scenic routes instead of major highways, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile on cobblestone streets with frequent stops to sit. Extent/duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel and boarding the motorcoach, we’ll leave Ogunquit and head up the coast to Portland Head Light, one of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses, which has served as a beacon to ships since 1791.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time in Old Port. We will then rendezvous at a predetermined time and place to board the motorcoach and say bye to Maine’s rocky coast for the White Mountains of Bartlett, New Hampshire where we will check in to our hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
A naturalist will join us at the hotel and give a presentation on the local ecology of autumn in the North Woods with emphasis on native wildlife and the northern environment.
Day
6
Mount Washington Cog Railway, Rocks Estate
Location:
Bartlett, New Hampshire
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 137 miles, approximately 3.5 hours riding time with stops along scenic byways.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll head out on the motorcoach to the Marshfield Base Station. Located in the heart of the majestic White Mountains region of northern New Hampshire, it is 6 miles east of Route 302 on the western face of Mount Washington. Even the drive along Base Station Road is beautiful; every twist and turn reveals new perspectives on the Presidential Range. Keep your eyes open for wildlife; moose and bear sightings are not uncommon along the base road! We will arrive to the Mount Washington Cog Railway, where we will take the historic train ride to the summit. The Cog is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world. With an average grade of 25 percent, it’s also the second steepest! Wear warm clothes; it can get chilly! We will pop into the Cog Museum, which has exhibits on the history of the world’s first mountain climbing cog railway, and their steam-powered “Steam Garden.” Here, we’ll explore on our own.
Lunch:
At a restaurant en route.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll head to the Rocks Estate in Bethlehem, NH to learn from a local expert how maple syrup is produced and how conservation fits into maple sugaring. The site is home to the North Country Conservation & Education Center for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Then, we will take a one-hour walk through the estate's forest trails with our expert discussing wildlife habitat improvement and sustainable forestry practices while enjoying mountain vistas.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
7
Kancamagus Highway, Vermont History Museum
Location:
Burlington, VT
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Courtyard Burlington Harbor
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 144 miles, approximately 4 hours total riding time with intermittent activities. Walking up to 1 mile, approximately 1 hour on maintained, unpaved trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
As we leave, we’ll travel along the scenic Kancamagus Highway, stopping en route for short walks to scenic overlooks, forest paths, and a covered bridge.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Crossing into Vermont, we’ll head to the mountains of the Mad River Valley. Along the way, we’ll learn about what makes Vermont such a special place with an expert led field trip to the Vermont History Museum. We will then check-in to our hotel with some free time before dinner to relax, freshen up, or get acquainted with Burlington with a walk through the welcoming, quaint streets of town.
Dinner:
At a restaurant near the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Shelburne Museum, Free Time
Location:
Burlington, VT
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Courtyard Burlington Harbor
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles to museum, approximately 1/2 hour riding time each way. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we will visit the Shelburne Museum - one of the largest art & history museums in northern New England and a foremost public resource for visual art and material culture. We will get a museum tour by a docent.
Lunch:
A sack lunch at the museum.
Afternoon:
Free time. If you would like to explore Burlington on your own, walk through the quaint shops and restaurants of Church Street or stroll the waterfront for some scenic views. Or simply relax at the hotel. If needed, we will reschedule an activity in place the Day 4 lobster cruise activity here.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for our transfer in the morning.
Day
9
Back Roads & Villages of Vermont
Location:
Grafton, VT
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grafton Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 137 miles along scenic routes, not major highways; approximately 2.5 hours total riding time with stops. Walking up to 1 mile, approximately 1 hour on paved roadways.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of our hotel, we will travel south through the stunning center of Vermont, taking in the rural autumn landscapes and tiny villages along Route 100 with stops for photos.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in a quaint Vermont village.
Afternoon:
We will soak in the scenery from the motorcoach as we continue to Grafton, Vermont. Upon arrival, we will check in at the inn with some time to relax and explore before dinner.
Dinner:
At the inn.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Organic Farm, Stone Trust
Location:
Grafton, VT
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grafton Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1.5 miles on a farm with uneven ground; wear comfortable shoes that can handle the terrain.
Breakfast:
At the inn.
Morning:
We will start our day by taking an educational walk through the town of Grafton. We’ll be joined by a town local for a discussion on life in this quintessential New England town. Next, we’ll head via motorcoach to Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vermont, where we will learn – as we taste – about organic heirloom apple varieties.
Lunch:
At the farm.
Afternoon:
New England roads are lined with stone walls. We will learn about the art and craft of dry stone walling during a demonstration by The Stone Trust, an organization specializing in this regional iconic skill.
Dinner:
At the Inn. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
11
Program Concludes
Location:
Boston, Massachusetts
Meals:
B
Activity Note
A motorcoach transfer is provided to Boston Logan International Airport with additional stops at South Station and the first hotel. Departure from Grafton at approximately 8:00 a.m.; driving about 130 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time; expected arrival at Logan Airport by approximately 11:00 a.m. We recommend scheduling onward flights and travel no earlier than 1:30 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the inn.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and transfer via motorcoach to Boston. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
26 Meals
10 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
8 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025
- Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
- Sep 22, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025
- Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025
- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025
- Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 22 Reviews
Sort By:
Educationally rewarding, wonderful tour leader, lovely small New England towns, great fall color. A relaxing and inspiring trip.
— Review left October 25, 2024
The On the Road: The Best Fall Foliage in New England (7-17 Oct 2024) was a 'bucket-list' trip. As a young soldier at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, I raked many leaves in New England; this trip gave me a much better appreciation of the region's color and beauty. I recommend the tour to those who haven't witnessed a fall in its splendor.
— Review left October 20, 2024
Road Scholar is an easy way to travel and easily see things that I might not have seen otherwise. Every detail is taken care of.
— Review left October 20, 2024
We had a fabulous time of sight seeing and learning "ON THE ROAD: THE BEST FALL FOLIAGE IN NEW ENGLAND" There were several 1800s Inns we stayed in that were restored and modernizes and were so fun along with the local experts and history we enjoyed at many stops. Loved going out on a lobster boat, learning about the lobster industry, the process of collecting maple and processing it for syrup with tasting of course and the Shelburned Museum in Vermont is amazing. Our group leader was fantastic, the group was fun and many friendships made. Estelle
— Review left October 11, 2024
This trip provides a wonderful overview of New England during the fall foliage season. You'll enjoy visiting Boston, Salem, Mount Washington and small cities and villages in four states. If you are fortunate, you will have Lili Murad as your group leader.
— Review left October 4, 2024
Even though we live in New England, we fully enjoyed this program. Interesting, we learned much, and the sights visited were so fascinating. Love the pace and scenery. The food was terrific as well. The group was lively and fun, we had a ball!
— Review left October 4, 2024
Great adventure! Historical Boston, the dramatic Maine coast, the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont made for a varied and enriching trip. My first trip with Road Scholar and my first trip traveling solo. I found the trip to be both invigorating and relaxing and I made somany friends. Guides were excellent. It’s difficult to know when the fall colors are at their best. Don’t worry about it - just go and enjoy everything on this beautiful trip.
— Review left October 3, 2024
the presentation and interest was very rewarding. Mike was extremely organized and did a super job.
— Review left October 2, 2024
This is a wonderful trip. The leaf colors were not at their peak but it was still beautiful. Mike was an excellent leader, always efficient, helpful, and humorous, and Charlie drove the bus very safely even when it was difficult. The food for the entire trip was some of the best I have had on a Road Scholar trip. Some highlights were going out on a lobster boat and viewing the catch up close and going to the top of Mount Washington on the cog railway and having it clear enough to see all around and not be freezing. The Shelburne Museum was fantastic with so many different buildings and so much to see. It was interesting seeing how stone fences are made. The museum in Ogunquit was beautiful both inside and outside. Each place we stayed was good and very different but my favorite was The Grafton Inn. The group of 32 was very friendly, as is typical of Road Scholar groups.
— Review left September 29, 2024
This is an interesting, educational, and fun adventure. Accommodations and meals were very good. Be prepared for walking and stairs!
— Review left September 27, 2024
The Best Fall Foliage in New England program was so inspirational and informative. I learned so much about how our country was formed and how our forefathers fought so hard to gain our freedom and independence from the British. The fall colors were a spectacular sight and from what I understand they were in peak color while we were there. It's official, I'm now a leaf peeper! The trip was fabulous, there was so much to see, learn, and do.
— Review left October 27, 2023
Enjoyed this excursion very much. A good sampling of the portion of New England covered. Great group of attendees and the coordinator was knowledgeable of the area. Good trip!
— Review left October 26, 2023
This is a fabulous way to learn about the fascinating history of and experience the wonderful charm that is New England.
— Review left October 13, 2023
The leadership by the tour guide was superb. She responded well to the various members of the group and had a good sense of humor. The driver had some hard patches to deal with and did so skillfully. I would strongly recommend this guide and this driver.
— Review left October 8, 2023
What a beautiful enlightening trip. Terrific guide, personable and friendly co-travelers, wonderful accommodations and meals. I was concerned that the pace would be more than I could handle due to some physical challenges over the last 2 years, but I was able to keep up and ended up walking 30 miles in the 10 days!! Quite a feat for me!
— Review left October 29, 2022
This is a great program and gives you a view of the New England area. I had been to some of these states but enjoyed hearing it from the local perspective . Mike is a great leader.
— Review left September 30, 2022
This tour was very educational and filled with great scenery. I really enjoyed it.
— Review left October 29, 2021
I took this trip in October of 2021 and enjoyed it So much. Our leader, Lili, was outstanding, we saw and learned more than i expected. even parts i didnt expect to get much from, were pleasantly rewarding. i cant wait to do my next Road Scholar trip.
— Review left October 24, 2021
This trip was everything and more than I expected. It's a nice balance of learning and sight seeing.
— Review left October 17, 2021
I had never been to New England before so the trip was very fun and interesting. Our leader was excellent.
— Review left October 4, 2021
This is the ideal program to take if you want to sample many different areas of New England. The itinerary is well planned, with many stops at local area places (not all museums) that demonstrate New England as it was and is today. Accommodations and meals were excellent . Ending the trip at a wood educated Vermont Inn was a highlight
— Review left October 22, 2019
Another fine program by Road Scholar, They always perform well.
— Review left October 21, 2019
