The Most Charming Places To Stay In New England This Fall

Clean air, panoramic views of bursting bright colors and miles of forests – the New England states are not the only ones boasting awe-inspiring fall foliage. Chances are you already live a short road trip away from spots with phenomenal mixtures of yellow, red, orange and green. Fall represents a return to "the grind" after a summer of relaxation and lazy days. But the crisp air and beautiful colors actually make the season an ideal time to take one final outdoorsy vacation. Don't make it a hectic one; instead enjoy quite inns, charming little restaurants, recreational activities and splendid nature.

Woodstock is beautiful small and quiet town in northeast Connecticut. People go there to enjoy pristine and untouched natural splendor that is typical for a New England place. The atmosphere is very relaxing – small fine restaurants, antique shops, uncrowded hiking trails and charming little inns that are full of character. Visit the Brooklyn Green Historic District where most buildings date from 1750 to 1850.

One of the very best places to see incredible fall displays is quaint Bar Harbor, Jim Salge, NewEngland.com's resident fall foliage expert says. It has easy access to Acadia National Park. Located at the edge of the sea, Bar Harbor has the perfect combination of adventure or romance opportunities. It is also the artistic and food hub of Mount Desert Island.

History buffs will love it here. Walking the Lexington Battle Green, North Bridge and historic Monument Square in Concord is much better when there's color in the leaves, according to Visiting New England. Walden Pond offers the best fall foliage experience, as its innate, expansive natural beauty remains intact. Go on a scenic 1.7-mile hiking path around the beautiful 61-acre pond.

Bretton Woods is New Hampshire's largest ski area, but the fun doesn't begin when snow falls. There's an activity for everyone at this mountain. High-end lodging and top-tier food help make it a stand-out destination. Go on an amazing canopy tour descending over 1,000 feet of elevation. The 3-hour tour takes thrill-seekers across many tree-top zip lines high in the ancient hemlocks.

Stowe is one of the most incredible mountain towns in the country. If you are looking for a low key getaway with some outdoor access, this charming place, situated in a valley between peaks of the Green Mountains, is your destination. Hike to a beautiful waterfall with swimming holes or wade in local rivers and fly fish. Drive the back roads to Mount Mansfield for some gorgeous views and go on a canoe trip to Boyden Valley Winery.

While there are only a few 17th-century structures still standing (these include the Wilbor house and Peabody house), there are many which date from the 18th and 19th century. Little Compton is home to the Ocean State's only official "town common," listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

There is so much to do in the small town of Griswold. Make sure you hike along the Mount Misery Trail, which is just 0.7 miles. It is accessible from April until November. There are a lot of fun steep inclines through the woods. Make sure you at least see one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country – The Griswold Inn. It opened its doors for business in 1776. Another favorite attraction is the Buttonwood Farm.

A lot of people go there in the summer, but the fall is even more beautiful. The town has a classic New England fare anywhere you turn with its antique shops, small quite restaurants overlooking the beach and fishing ports. For a unique experience, go on a whale watching and sailing excursion. The town has three miles of pristine coastline and secluded beaches.

Chatham is one of the best beach towns in the U.S. Known as "the first stop of the East Wind," it has first class beaches, especially the Outer Beach. Seafaring sights include the Fish Pier where you can watch the day's catch come in, Stage Harbor, and the romantic Chatham fog. Seal tours have grown in popularity because of the appearance of great white sharks off Chatham. Hikers and bikers will love the Old Colony Rail Trail, a side trip off the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

This small town is a true natural paradise. Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Its rugged beauty is truly magnificent. Outdoor activities are very popular –hiking, biking, fishing. Make sure you see the Flume Gorge, an 800-foot-long chasm, and the ski museum.

Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the country with a population of just under 8,000 people.  But what it lacks in size it makes up in recreational activities and charm. The lively arts and music scene draws many artists. Go to Hubbard and North Branch Parks for an abundance of outdoor opportunities like hiking and mountain biking. For challenging rapids go to the Winooski River.

For the "perfect seaside afternoon," go to Warren. Artists will appreciate the charming art studios, antiques and theatre. Food lovers will love the local restaurants, and the more active visitors will have fun along the remarkable bike path and Burr's Hill Park. Warren's working waterfront is one of the oldest in New England with more than 16 miles of shoreline, according to Discover Newport.

Pittsfield is the heart of the Berkshires' art and cultural scene. A favorite attraction is the Hankock Shaker Village, where you can explore Shaker life as you visit 20 historic buildings located within a working heritage farm. Watch traditional crafts being produced in Shaker workshops and try crafts in the Discovery Room. Presentations of Shaker Music, worship and life and first person portrayals offer a variety of experiences.

One of the best kayaking destinations in New Hampshire is the Lake Francis State Park in Pittsburg. Go boating, hiking, swimming and fishing. Located deep in the heart of "The Great North Woods" at the northern tip of New Hampshire, bordering on Quebec, Pittsburg has pristine wilderness and miles and miles of rivers and streams famous for their superb trout.

Camden is a classic seaside town at the foot of Camden Hills. Its slogan is "Where the Mountains Meet the Sea" and is considered by many visitors to be one of the most beautiful places in New England, according to a travel guide. It has a small town sensibility with friendly people, gorgeous views and preserved buildings and historic structures. Camden and its surroundings are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, sailing, and paddle boarding.