Warm and sunny days, clear air and cool nights, a last rebellion of summer: for many people, the Second Summer between midsummer and fall is sometimes the most beautiful time. Especially so-called "leaf peepers", who set off to marvel at the colorful autumn leaves. Due to its favourable climatic conditions and the high proportion of maple trees, the natural phenomenon in New England on the US East Coast is particularly colorful. But Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine have much more pleasant surprises to offer when you go on a trip to New England in fall.

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Oysters in Rhode Island

The "Ocean State" may be small but it has 400 kilometers of coastline. And this is where you'll find the biggest treasure of the tiny state: oysters. In fall, the waters of the Atlantic reach optimal temperatures so that the "harvest" can begin. Those interested can enjoy the delicious shellfish not only in renowned restaurants. You can also set off along the "Oyster Trail" to festive events and take part in guided tours of oyster farms.

Matunuck Oyster Bar, © Rhode Island Office of Tourism

Cranberries in Massachusetts

From late September to early November, it's not just the forests on the US East Coast that seem to be on fire. In Massachusetts, the expansive cranberry fields also contribute to the glory of color. The so called "wet harvest" is particularly fascinating. The fields are flooded so that the small, red berries can be skimmed off. Around Cape Cod, the harvest is celebrated with cranberry festivals. There are also guided tours around the harvesting process.

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Maple syrup in Vermont

If you visit New England in fall and you skip the liquid gold, you're missing out. The "sugaring season", i.e. the harvest of maple syrup, takes place in spring. But somehow the taste of maple syrup typically belongs in fall. So it's a good thing that products like Maple Syrup Cookies are back in fashion. During any trip to Vermont, at least one or two "treats" should be on your bucket list. Many farms also offer tastings.

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Lobster in Maine

Probably no other US state is as famous for its love of lobster - at least in culinary terms - as Maine. Lobster fishing is available all year round. If you want to embark on an authentic experience, take a trip on a lobster boat. During the catch, you can learn all about lobster farming and its way of life. Numerous lobster shacks along the coast offer the typical lobster rolls. The famous Maine Lobster Festival takes place every year in July.

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Pumpkins in New Hampshire

In fall, vast fields in New Hampshire turn every photo of New England into a postcard. It's not just the classic Hokkaido pumpkin that grows here but also the decorative varieties, butternut and co. The pumpkin season begins in late summer, but it lasts until late into the fall. Visitors from near and far come to attend the Pumpkin Festival (this year it starts on October 22). It's particularly famous for its many carved pumpkins and the wide range of activities on offer for families.

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Wine in Connecticut

You probably don't immediately associate New England with wine in fall. You'd be more likely to think of California's Napa Valley, Italy, France or Austria. However, the wine culture in Connecticut has actually flourished in recent years. Numerous new wineries have been established throughout the state. In addition to traditional grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, they also grow regional specialties. In fall, wine tours offer the opportunity to get to know winegrowers and taste their products.

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