The leaves turn everywhere in the New World, but they do it first and best in New England. A tour of the fall foliage around Boston is on your bucket list. Or it should be. And now is the time to book a flight.
Peak leaf peeping season in Massachusetts is in October. Autumn in America starts a little north of there in September, turning leaves first in Maine and New Hampshire and then on down. That makes Boston in October the perfect place to start your tour. Anywhere you go from there that time of year is bound to be beautiful.
Start your tour in Boston, where the beauty is built in. Cobblestone streets, churches and taverns dating back to the Revolutionary War, tall ships bobbing in the harbor. It's one of America's oldest cities, like strolling through an outdoor history museum, and it's wicked nice in the fall.
From directions to Paul Revere's house to the routes to take with the best views of fall foliage around New England, here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of your trip to Boston.
This roughly 70-mile scenic trail was traveled by foot by Native American tribes along the Atlantic Coast. You'll want to rent a car and find Route 2 just west of Boston. Your drive will wind along the Deerfield and Connecticut rivers and offer breath-taking views of the Berkshires and Taconic Mountains.
Just north of Boston and a little outside Salem along the Yankee Division Highway, you'll find yourself in picture-perfect New England, passing through quaint villages and towns along country roads that will take you right up to the seaside.
You don't have to leave the city to experience the beautiful fall tapestry in New England. The tree-filled Boston Esplanade is a sea of gold and orange in October. You can walk along the river paths. Take your time, take a camera, and enjoy the view.
Follow the red brick road. In just under three miles, the Freedom Trail will take you directly to 16 historical sites from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. American history unfolds at your feet, from the Old North Church where the "one if by land, two if by sea" signal originated, to the USS Constitution in the harbor, to the very places where the early colonists stood their ground in their battle for independence. You'll even see Paul Revere's house.
It's a high culture city. It's home to a great symphony, five-star restaurants and some of the brightest minds in the country at nearby Harvard University. There's a lot of finer things to take in. Start with the Museum of Fine Arts. It's been there since 1876 and boasts an impressive collection, including works by Degas, Gauguin, Renoir and Van Gogh. The highlight is a new four-story wing dedicated to the Art of the Americas, which spans the pre-Columbian era through the 20th century. It's another history lesson, beautifully told.
Here's another masterpiece. You don't have to know much about architecture to be awed by the sight of Trinity Church. It stands today as the finest example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style in the country. Which is to say, it's something to behold. The view from inside is even more breathtaking. Free tours are offered on Sundays after services. There's only a modest fee on other days of the week.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is an outdoor market that is home to shops, restaurants, bars, street food and street performers. It's been a popular destination in the city since it opened in 1742.
On top of everything else, Boston is a port city. And, yes,a historically important one that built and repaired many ships for the American fleet. While you're there, you should really get down to the docks and have a look at the tall ships and see the museum aboard a World War II-era destroyer.
Sample the local brew and beans. Start with a tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery, but save room for other local flavors, like the Boston Cream Pie at Mike's Pastry, the Boston clam chowder at Neptune Oyster and the Boston baked beans at Marliave. They've been making them since 1875.
Cheers was filmed before a live studio audience. In Hollywood. But that hasn't stopped millions of tourists from bellying up to the bar in Boston that inspired the television show. It was originally known as the Bull & Finch Pub. It's now Cheers Beacon Hill (there are two locations, but the Beacon Hill bar is the original). It's worth a visit. They're always glad you came.
Calling all Shocker fans. Wichita State is now part of the American Athletic Conference, meaning the away games will be extremely away. The men's basketball games will be played on the national stage. You want to be there, you want to support them, you want them to win — that means you'll need to fly. Here are some suggestions about what airport to fly into, which airline to book and where to grab a good bite, or find some fun, or take in an interesting roadside attraction while you're there. You might even decide to stay awhile. Go. Live a little. And go Shockers.
Orlando International (MCO)
Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest or UnitedCincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
Airlines: American or UnitedBradley International, Hartford (BDL) (30-minute drive)
Or fly into Boston (90-minute drive) Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest or UnitedPitt-Greenville Airport (PGV) - 2 miles.
Airline: American Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), New Bern - 47 miles. Airlines: American or Delta Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 81 miles. Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United Norfolk International Airport (ORF) - 109 miles. Airlines: American, Delta, UnitedGeorge Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or Houston Hobby (HOU)
Airlines: United nonstop or connect on American or SouthwestMemphis International (MEM)
Airline: AmericanDallas/Ft. Worth International (DFW)
Airline: American nonstopTampa International (TPA)
Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest or UnitedPhiladelphia International (PHL)
Airlines: American or SouthwestLouis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Airlines: American, Delta, or UnitedAugust is here and we're looking forward — and back. The busy summer travel season is over, which means flights will be less full but the fares will be lower. It's a great time to look ahead to autumn and book a trip to the northeast to see fall foliage. Or think beyond, and book trips to follow the Shockers in the winter.
Meanwhile, here at ICT, we'll soon begin the process to start the demolition of the old terminal building. We'll say goodbye to a facility that opened in 1954 and holds many memories. Who remembers the old observation deck, or the restaurant with table cloths and wait staff? Who got a shoe shine? There's been thousands of welcome home celebrations, teary farewells, and lots of hugs and kisses at the old terminal. It's a little sad to see it go. We're looking forward to the fall, but forgive a few of us for looking fondly back.
Victor White, director of airports, Wichita Airport Authority
Editor | Valerie Wise, Wichita Airport Authority |
Creative Agency | Greteman Group |
Creative Director | Sonia Greteman |
Art Director | Meghan Smith |
Contributing Writer | Barry Owens |
Photography | Phoebe Ayres, Jorge Cancela, J. Miers, Travis Wise, | Jerry Huddleston, James Willamor, Gabriel Synnaeve, David Brossard, Maurice Chedel, L.E. MacDonald, Kimberly Vardeman
Eisenhower Air is published for the traveling public by the Wichita Airport Authority. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please direct them to Valerie Wise at [email protected]. We also encourage you to share articles through social media and email. Help us spread the word about the good things happening at our airport.
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