Five Reasons To Visit Boston In The Fall

Boston, being part of New England, is a smart choice for a fall visit. The weather is crisp enough for a cozy sweater, but clear enough for an outdoor outing. Dining options are plentiful, as seasonal foods are cropping up in all of the local markets and restaurants. It is one of the best times of year to visit this area, for families and adults of any age group. Here is a list of five reasons to visit the great city of Boston this fall.

Allandale Farm
259 Allandale Road
Boston, MA 02467
(617) 524-1531
www.allandalefarm.com

Boston, like many older cities, used to be full of farms, but only one remains today. The last of the city's farms, Allandale Farm is the perfect stop on a fall visit to Boston. There is a farm stand where visitors can get fresh produce to bring home and there are also flowers for those who want a fall floral arrangement. However, one of the best parts of visiting Allandale is getting all of the goodies a family needs for Halloween. This is the most authentic place to get a pumpkin in town.

Related: One-Tank Trip: A Boston to Cape Cod Scenic Foliage Tour

Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo
1 Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA 02121
(617) 541-5466
www.zoonewengland.org
Date: Oct. 25-26, 2014

Families can get an unusual trick-or-treating experience at Boston's Franklin Park Zoo. For two days in October, the zoo offers crafts, games, costume contests a haunted maze and trick or treating. This happens all day long, so younger children can get a chance to safely trick or treat with their parents during daylight hours. There are even hayrides available. Along with Boo at the Zoo at Stone Zoo, Zoo New England has animal lovers covered for all of the Halloween fun.

Boston Public Garden
69 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-4505
www.cityofboston.com

All year long, Boston Public Garden is one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in the city. With imported flowers, statues of famous figures, quaint boats and plenty of space to walk and sit, it is no wonder it is so popular. In the fall, it transforms into a multi-colored fantasy park. With all of the vibrant colors that the changing foliage brings, the pathways and spaces to sit take on new life. Go near the pond to see the reflections of the red, orange and yellow trees off the water or stroll down the pathways to walk a canopy of color.

Boston Bruins
TD Garden
100 Legends Way
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 624-1050
www.tdgarden.com

The fall means one thing to sports fans who live in the colder states and that is hockey season. In Boston, it is all about the Boston Bruins, who play home games at the TD Garden. From September on, the Bruins' schedule is packed with home games all leading up to the playoffs later in the year. Early in the season, things are a bit less intense, so it is a good time to catch a hockey game and feel casual about the result. Besides, the fall weather is perfect for a hockey jersey.

Related: Leaf Peeping Season: NH & Vermont Foliage Guide

Frog Pond Skating
Boston Common
Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-2120
www.bostonfrogpond.com

For those who enjoy ice skating outdoors, Boston Common's frog pond opens up every year in November. It is a beautiful location surrounded by the park and often full of skaters of all ages. Admission is free for kids. Teens and adults 14 and older pay $5. Skate rentals are available, so it is possible to have a spur-of-the-moment skate at Frog Pond. Those who visit Boston often and love to skate can get a full season pass to the Frog Pond and get some exercise every time they are in town.