Peak foliage is here. Here are some unexpected places to catch the colors.

Plus: America’s top waterfront resort, the Greenway Artisan Market, and a ski season preview.

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The historic city of Salem, known for the Salem Witch Trials, is hopping this month. The city welcomes more than 1 million tourists during October for its month-long Haunted Happenings festival. When we asked Scenic Six readers if they’ll be visiting Salem this October, about 81 percent said “no way it’s too crowded,” about 16 percent said “yes, it’s tradition,” and nearly 3 percent said they’ll be “visiting another local Halloween town instead.” For those bypassing Salem this year, read on for unexpected New England towns well worth visiting this season.

Fall foliage off the beaten path

Towns like Stowe, Vermont and North Conway, N.H. are often front and center during the fall season for their stunning fall foliage and many fall activities — as they should be. But for those itching to explore a destination less obvious, here are some unexpected towns worth visiting in the fall. For example, Provincetown on the Cape, North Andover in the Merrimack Valley, or Lancaster in New Hampshire’s Great North Woods region are all excellent fall destinations and local travel experts shared worthwhile activities happening in these spots and more.

Wait, you want to hit up a popular spot for fall foliage, you say? No problem. Here’s a list of six New England small towns with the most beautiful fall foliage in America, courtesy of Country Living.

Enjoy fall at America’s top waterfront resort

Speaking of fall activities in an unexpected place — how about celebrating the season at a waterfront resort? And not just any waterfront resort — the top waterfront resort in America. Plan a fall getaway at Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod, recently ranked the No. 1 waterfront resort in America by USA Today readers and the No. 1 resort in New England by Conde Nast Traveler readers. The resort is hosting seasonal activities this fall that range from a Halloween Trick-or-Treat & Boo Bash to Thanksgiving dinner. Take a look inside the property, which has been welcoming guests since 1914.

Excited to ski this season? You aren’t alone.

Skiers and riders are eager to hit the slopes this season. Case in point: Sunday River in Newry, Maine recently posted a video on Facebook of the resort testing its snow making capabilities and a follower posted “If your intention was to give me goosebumps I can tell you it was successful.”

Goosebumps aside, it can be hard figuring out where to go skiing when there are so many excellent choices across New England. Perhaps take a cue from Conde Nast Traveler readers, who recently named the top ski resorts in America and included the following five New England spots: Bretton Woods and Waterville Valley Resort, both in N.H. and Killington Resort, Okemo Mountain Resort, and Stowe Mountain Resort, all in Vermont. While Sunday River didn’t make that list, it was named one of the most affordable ski areas in North America last season. Another place worth considering is Black Mountain in Jackson, N.H., celebrating its 90th season. Find out about upgrades this season and the ski area’s plans to become a community co-op.

Travel tips

• Greenway Artisan Market before it closes for the season on Oct. 31. This open-air market, called “an original Boston experience,” opened in May on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. Soak in the sights of the city while shopping the wares of dozens of local artisans and craftspeople selling jewelry, art, and more. Food trucks are on hand for when all that shopping makes you hungry.
• This is your chance to explore one of Boston’s most historic spaces after dark during the first-ever after party at Old South Meeting House, part of the Freedom Trail. The party will take place after the annual member gala on Oct. 24 and feature live music, dancing, ghost stories, and an open bar serving historically-inspired drinks and dessert. Get your tickets here.
• Attention, book lovers: The 16th annual Boston Book Festival takes place Oct. 26 in Copley Square. Check out author talks on topics ranging from politics to romance to poetry and choose which presenter you don’t want to miss. All sessions are free, space permitting.

Deals & Steals

• Dreaming of an international escape? PLAY airlines is offering 20 percent off flights from Boston to Europe this fall and winter. The deal ends Oct. 16 and is good for trips between Oct. 22-27, Oct. 29, Nov. 12-Dec. 15, and Jan. 8-March 31, 2025. Travelers can fly to Iceland, London, Amsterdam, Dublin, Copenhagen, Liverpool, and Paris. What’s more, you can enter a giveaway to win free flights to Europe by subscribing to the airline’s newsletter.
• Santa is coming to Mystic, Connecticut this holiday season and Hilton Mystic is offering a Breakfast with Santa weekend Dec. 6-8. The package includes overnight accommodations for up to four guests, up to four tickets to the Mystic Aquarium (across the street), and up to four tickets to Breakfast with Santa at the hotel on Dec. 8 (here’s the breakfast cost without the package). While in town, don’t forget to check out the free Festival of Lights at Olde Mistick Village. Rates start at $389 per night and guests must stay a minimum of two nights.
• It doesn’t cost a thing to check out the Head of the Charles Regatta, billed as the world’s largest three-day rowing competition. Watch the world-class athletes in action this year Oct. 18-20. The best viewing spot: at the halfway point of the race, between the Anderson and Weeks bridges.

I’ll leave you with this pic of Factory Pond as seen from the Upper Charles Trail in Holliston, taken by reader Tommy Z.

Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.

Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.

— Kristi Palma

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Kristi Palma is a culture writer for Boston.com, focusing on New England travel. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.