The autumn in New England is magical, like something out of a storybook. The wind is soft and soothing, a perfect transition between the heat of summer and the cold of winter. The trees become a kaleidoscope of color as they change from emerald green to phrazle shades of orange, red, amber, and deep purple. From Labor Day until Christmas, residents of this town get out the holiday music and decorations, and the hot apple cider starts to flow freely on September 1.

It's not that I'm simply trying to impress you with another vacation spot. As someone who grew up in Rhode Island, attended college in Massachusetts, learned to ski in Vermont, and eventually married a Mainer, I feel qualified to make this claim. Since this is my area of expertise, I would be delighted to provide you some insider advice on how to best experience New England.

Even while New England is being treated as a single entity in this narrative, it is everything but. There are more than 14 million people spread among the six New England states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont and Maine. New England spans more than 70,000 square miles. That's why it's important to think about whether you want to focus on one state or take a road trip across several before settling on a New England vacation.

It's just a four-hour journey from Hartford, the city of Connecticut, to Augusta, the capital of Maine; nevertheless, that won't give you enough time to leisurely explore the region. If you want to see some of the most beautiful natural scenery, you should go somewhere (like Newport, Rhode Island, Salem, Massachusetts, or Stowe, Vermont) or choose a route (like New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway) that takes you there. Or, if you'd rather go out in nature, you may trek a section of the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Keep in mind the varying climate conditions as well. Things may shift rapidly from day to day and from state to state. Expect cool mornings and evenings and warm afternoons and freezing nights. Layer up, and don't forget the cap and gloves! It's a decision you won't come to regret.

The autumn is a great time to visit New England since it falls between the busy summer and winter seasons, when most attractions are open but the crowds are light. This includes both the seaside and mountain areas. That means you may enjoy several tourist hotspots with far less people.

Travel to cities like Boston to get reservations at popular eateries and hotels like The Newbury, XV Beacon Hotel, and The Langham (all winners of Travel Leisure's 2022 World's Best Awards). Check out The Freedom Trail to learn about the area's past and get a feel for the layout of the city.