THINGS TO DO

Fall foliage

Autumn is spectacular. Warm days followed by crisp nights flip a switch, turning a gazillion leaves to scarlet and gold, purple and orange. Avoid the hordes of ‘leaf peepers’ by travelling midweek and basing yourself in the country; then hike or bike. Explore back roads, such as the Western Massachusetts Scenic Byways. Route 116 takes in small towns, wooden covered bridges, Savoy Mountain State Forest (for hiking trails) and Adams, where the Berkshire Scenic Railway runs foliage train trips. bywayswestmass.com

Appalachian Trail

One of the world’s most famous hiking routes, the Appalachian Trail runs for 3,500 kilometres down the eastern United States. Some 150km are in the Berkshires. You don’t have to do it all: highlights include 1,064m Mount Greylock, the state’s highest point. Walk on and around the mountain; drive to the summit and follow paths. Clear-day views stretch for 150km. appalachiantrail.org

Living history

Stepping back in time is easy, educational and fun in Massachusetts. South of Boston, Plimoth Patuxet Museums (plimoth.org) is a time machine like no other. Board Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the small, cramped ship that sailed to the New World in 1620. Then tour the Pilgrim Settlers’ Village and ask costumed interpreters about life in the 17th century. Of course, Native Peoples were here already. Learn about their traditions at the Patuxet Homesite. Fast forward to the 1830s at Old Sturbridge Village (osv.org), near Worcester. Cooks and carpenters, farmers and blacksmiths demonstrate their skills in this community of historic homes and shops, a bank, a schoolhouse and more.

Whale watching

A shadow in the water; a few ripples; then a 36,000kg humpback whale breaches, leaping out of the ocean. Visitors can watching these marine giants from April to October; they can be found feeding – along with minke and fin whales – just off the Massachusetts coast one of the world’s best locations for spotting marine mammals. Take a cruise from Gloucester, Provincetown, Barnstable, Boston or Plymouth. The best have a naturalist on board. Pack sunscreen, an extra layer of clothing and be sure your camera is charged.