Leaf Peeping and Lattes

One of the best parts about living in the Northeast is getting to see the leaves change once summer winks out and fall makes her grand entrance towards the end of September. Even if you don’t live here, making the Northeast a road trip destination is more than worth it during this time of year when everything feels a bit more like a Hallmark movie.

And what’s a quintessential leaf peeping road trip without a seasonal drink to go with it?

These are our picks for quaint leaf peeping road trips paired with the best places to grab a pumpkin-spice-something on the way.

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Fall Fun in the Northeast

Our favorite places and fall events throughout the region to make the most of fall foliage season. 

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Connecticut

Leaves🍂

Your first thought when you hear Hartford may not be pretty fall foliage, but this loop takes you from city to scenic pretty quick.

From Hartford, head west until you hit Granby, then continue through to the Hartlands, then Riverton and ultimately through People’s State Forest where you can hike to see the foliage from up above the treetops.

From there, head southeast through New Hartford, Canton, Avon and Farmington — all picturesque towns that are sure to be decorated for the season.

Once you’ve had your fill of charm, head back to Hartford to close the loop.

Lattes☕

A bit off the beaten path (you’ll spot it from the line of eager patrons snaking out the door, however), Julien’s Farm Store is an ideal spot to satisfy any countryside craving from their special house blend coffee to pastries and lunch offerings. The café and shop is nestled between two horse farms with a blossoming garden on its grounds making it a scenic pit stop to your leaf peeping adventure.

Rhode Island – Massachusetts

Leaves🍂

Beginning in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, take in the views of Apponagansett Bay before heading west toward Destruction Brook Woods. There, enjoy a walk, hike, mountain biking or just a short peek at the changing leaves around you.  

Continue heading west until you cross into Rhode Island and enter the historic village of Adamsville where you’ll find orchards, vineyards and beaches nearby. Pick up a bag of johnnycake meal from Grays’ Grist Mill before heading toward Little Compton. Make sure to visit the elusive Sakonnet Garden, a lush cottage garden with twenty sections of flora and fauna throughout the year.

Lattes☕

Right before you make your way over the border into Rhode Island, make a stop at Wild Honey Cafe. There they offer everything you need to fuel up on your leaf peeping road trip including honey lattes, chai, matcha, sandwiches, salads and lots of other yummy choices.

Maine – New Hampshire – Vermont

Leaves🍂

Start in stunning Acadia National Park where cliffs and ocean views are perfectly framed by the changing fall foliage. The Park Loop Road in particular offers beautiful vistas, especially around Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain.

Next, head southwest into New Hampshire where you’ll enter the heart of the White Mountains. If timed correctly, the foliage will be breathtaking along the Kancamangus Highway, a 34-mile scenic byway that winds through the dense forest and over spectacular mountain passes. Take a respite at Sabbaday Falls or take in the views from Sugar Hill Overlook.

Wrap up your journey in Vermont where winding country roads, old barns and covered bridges create scenes out of a postcard. Make your way to Stowe and the Smugglers’ Notch Pass before continuing south to Woodstock. There, take in the town on foot as you pass historic homes, quaint shops, cozy restaurants and more framed by the falling leaves.

Lattes☕

In Maine, check out Acadia Perk for their wide selection of seasonal drinks and convenient proximity to downtown Bar Harbor.

In North Conway, New Hampshire, stop at The Moon Bakery & Cafe for a cinnamon-dusted cappuccino and house-made pastries.

While you’re visiting Stowe, Vermont, have a revitalizing cup of Joe from Black Cap Coffee, a women-owned specialty coffee shop famous for their maple latte.

What’s your go-to coffee order in the fall? Let us know in the comments.

Sarah Vincelette

Based in Rhode Island, Sarah has been a copywriter and content producer with AAA Northeast since 2021. When she’s not scouring the best spots for all things food and drink or whipping up her own versions of tasty meals, you can often find her in the garden, planning her next trip or sipping on (another) hot coffee.