MASSACHUSETTS: THE PLACE TO FALL INTO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
This Season Experience the Great Outdoors With a Variety of Exhilarating Activities
BOSTON, September 21, 2011 – Escape the indoors as you experience an assortment of unique autumn adventures in Massachusetts. Experience firsthand how the shores of the Cape change after Labor Day. Enjoy the fading green summer background and the beautiful autumn colors as you cycle along the back roads and bike paths in many Massachusetts communities from the Cape and Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to the Berkshires. For those looking for more adrenaline pumping activities, let the rolling waves challenge you as you kayak in the beautiful Essex River Basin or raft the white water rapids in Western MA. See fall foliage from a bird’s eye view as you take a glider flight with Cape Cod Soaring or a Hot Air Balloon over the stunning mountaintops of Western Massachusetts. Push your boundaries and enjoy the Commonwealth’s natural elegance as you fall into outdoor adventure.
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) provides adventurous families with all of the resources needed to create the perfect fall getaway. A dedicated microsite to autumn, massvacation.com/fallfoliage, gives you driving routes, up-to-date leaf peeping information, lodging specials and all of the information you need to enjoy autumn in the Commonwealth.
“Fall is the perfect time to spend exploring and experiencing Massachusetts,” said Betsy Wall, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel + Tourism. “With all of the fairs, festivals and foliage, there is something for everyone.”
For a complete list of getaway ideas and activities, visit massvacation.com and follow us on Facebook at Visit Massachusetts (http://www.facebook.com/VisitMassachusetts) and Twitter @VisitMA (http://twitter.com/VisitMA).
The following is just a sampling of activities across the state:
Greater Boston:
• Boston Harbor National Park – 34 islands accessible from Boston Harbor comprise this National Park Area. Camp, kayak, picnic, swim, bird watch or explore historic trails and forts. Panoramic views of the harbor and Boston. Camping available on four islands. http://www.bostonharborislands.org/
• Charles River Canoe and Kayak – With five locations in the Greater Boston Area, they offer canoes and stable recreational kayaks, plus faster sea kayaks and a variety of other boat types! Explore all their canoe and kayak rental locations and you’ll find a wide range of paddling experiences and environments. http://www.paddleboston.com/main.php
North of Boston & Greater Merrimack Valley:
• Essex River Basin Adventures – Explore nature and discover wildlife paddling around the Essex River Basin. Paddle to Crane Beach to watch the moon rise and enjoy smores, hot chocolate and coffee. Start your morning with a sunrise paddle or take a leisure ride on a family friendly tour. http://www.erba.com/index.htm
South of Boston:
• Capt. Tim Brady & Sons Charters & Tours – This Plymouth Company offers Whale Watching Tours, sports fishing charters, deep sea fishing charters and specialty cruises. http://www.fishchart.com/
Cape & Islands:
• Cape Cod Soaring, Marston Mills – Simply take a glider ride or learn to fly on your own. http://www.capecodsoaring.com/
Central Massachusetts:
• Columbus Day “Hike and Bike” Weekend, Noble View – Take it easy with a scenic foliage hike in the Berkshire foothills, or take on a challenge with the Great River Ride. We’ll stay at Noble View, with its cozy fireplace heated cabins and state-of-the art bath house. Three nights, three simple breakfasts, three dinners, $95/person. http://activities.outdoors.org/search/index.cfm/action/details/id/28133
• Jumptown Skydiving, Orange – Skydiving club and drop zone at Orange Airport, birthplace of commercial U.S. skydiving. Jumps and classes for experienced skydivers and novices, as well as exciting competitions and exhibitions. State-of-the-art hangar, plus club and team rooms. Coaching, rigging, and packers available. Spectators welcome in a shaded viewing area. http://www.northquabbinwoods.org/entries/72
Western Massachusetts:
• Worthington Ballooning – A balloon flight in New England is an experience few people ever know. It can be an aerial nature walk where, floating silently above the trees, you may see wildlife in their natural habitat. It can also be the most peaceful, relaxing experience you will ever know, following the contour of the land or dipping down for a close up view of a small lake, pond or stream. Established in 1991, Worthington Ballooning specializes in customized flights high above the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. http://www.worthingtonballooning.com/
About MOTT:
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure travel destination and to stimulate the Massachusetts economy by generating state and local tax revenues, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of travel related businesses. MOTT serves as a leader in the tourism industry, bringing together the public and private sectors to promote Massachusetts as a leisure travel destination. For more information, visit massvacation.com.