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Boston's Best Fall Family Getaways

Fall brings to mind thoughts of crisp air, rosy cheeks, apple picking, pumpkins, hayrides and leaves turning bright red, orange and yellow. It's also host to holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. There's no better place to celebrate all that is Fall than the Boston area. Boston and the surrounding areas are rich with the nation's history, and this season is just the time to gather up the family to enjoy it. Consider one of the following getaways this Fall.
Plimoth Plantation
Plimoth Plantation recreates the world of the Pilgrims. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Plimoth Plantation
137 Warren Ave.
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 746-1622
www.plimoth.orgPrice: $25.50 adult/$15 children 6 to 12/$23 seniors

Plimoth Plantation is the perfect fall family getaway, with its deep history and unforgettable importance to the nation. Let your children discover what it was like to be a pilgrim - at the Family Discovery Station, where they may dress up in Colonial clothes, and pretend to cook and eat like the pilgrim children did. Learn about life in the 17th century with the outdoor living history exhibit, or go back in time to 1627 at the 17th Century English Village where life in 1627 has been recreated. The Craft Center shows how things were made in the 1600s, and the Nye Barn showcases rare and endangered breeds of animals. Visit the Patuxet Cafe not only if you are hungry but to taste the cultures of Wampanoag and English colonial-inspired food from award-winning chefs. With dishes such as stuffed quahog and Indian pudding, it won't be difficult to fully appreciate your visit. But never fear, there are also modern dishes like fish and chips, soups, salads and sandwiches for the not-so-adventurous.

Sturbridge Village
(Photo Credit: Old Sturbridge Village)

Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(800) 733-1830
www.osv.orgPrice: $24 adults/$8/children 3 to 17/$22 seniors 65 and older/free children 2 and younger

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates life in New England as it was in 1790 to 1840. Operating as a large living history museum, historians of Old Sturbridge Village educate while in costume. The village is a working farm complete with antique buildings, water-powered mills and heritage-breed animals. Experience fall in a whole new way while learning to harvest crops and seeing what it was like to get ready for winter in the old days. Witness the cider mill in action, along with learning how to press cider. See how corn and root vegetables were harvested back in the 1830s. Breathe in the fall scenery as you take a trip back in time, checking out an old-time country store, shoe shop, gristmill, sawmill and printing office. Stop by the Oliver Wright Tavern for a bite to eat and to enjoy an 1830 rural New England tavern.

edaville
(Photo Credit: Edaville.com)

Edaville Railroad
7 Eda Ave.
Carver, MA 02330
(508) 866-8190
www.edaville.com
Click here for ticketsEdaville Railroad was originally built around cranberry bogs. Though the Edaville Railroad of today offers much more in the way of rides and amusement, there's no better way to celebrate fall than a trip to a family-oriented place that was designed around a fall fruit. With a slew of rides, a playground, ferris wheel and carousel, Edaville Railroad brings out the kid in everyone. Visit Cranberry World for a true fall getaway and marvel at the antique cars and cranberry harvesting equipment. Enjoy the fall scenery with the popular two-mile train ride around Edaville. Satisfy your hunger at the famous Choo-Choo Barbecue and tantalize your sweet tooth at the Candy Depot.

Related: Boston's Best Fall Sporting Events to Attend as a Family

salem graveyard
(Photo by Darren McCollester/Newsmakers)

Salem Historical Tours
8 Central St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-0666
www.salemhistoricaltours.com
Click here for tours and ticketsIf Halloween is all you think of when you hear Fall, Salem Historical Tours is a must-see. Most known for the famous Salem witch trials, Salem is a popular spot every fall. Based more on history than a scare-factor, historical tours in Salem include the famous Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour and tours around the city. Learn the historic significance of Salem that goes beyond the witch trials. Tour a city that is rich in architecture, noteworthy literature, inventors and activists.

Related: Boston's Best Fall Festivals

Nicole Adams resides on the South Shore of Massachusetts. She is a freelance writer specializing in animal welfare. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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