Ah, fall is in the air—the temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing, and pumpkin spice items are aplenty.  Whether you want to get out of the house, the office, or the city, here are some fun and festive events going on all over New England, courtesy of visitnewengland.com.

Twilight on the Connecticut River Cruises – Essex, CT
When: Now through October 14
Where: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT
Fridays through October 14, enjoy sunset cruises on the Connecticut River from the riverboat, Becky Thatcher, plus the spectacular natural phenomenon of hundreds of thousands of tree swallows swarming in choreographed flock over Goose Island.
Telephone: 860-767-0103

Taste of Haymarket – Boston, MA
When: October 14
Where: Tour departs from the corner of Congress and Hanover Streets Boston, MA
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes walking tour of this historic market as it opens for the day. Learn about its history and how it has changed over time.
Registration required, please call 617-994-5920 or buy online.
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Admission: $35
Telephone: 617-994-5920

Frightful Friday Ghost Stories and Tour at Gore Mansion
 2016 – Waltham, MA
When: October 14-28
Where: Gore Place, 52 Gore Street Waltham, MA
Get in the Halloween spirit with an evening of spooky tales and haunted activities at the 1806 Gore mansion. See the mansion at night. Tour lasts one hour.
Dates: October 14, 21 & 28, 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
Admission: $15; children ages 5-12, $10

Nashua ArtWalk Weekend 2016 – Nashua, NH
When: October 15-16
Where: Various locations Nashua, NH
Take a leisurely stroll along the ArtWalk Route featuring participating artists, restaurants and performers. Browse the art, catch live music, enjoy craft demonstrations, tour the Abbot-Spalding House Museum, and more.
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Telephone: 603-883-8093

Newport Historical Society Tour of the Month: Photographing Stones and Souls in the Common Burying Ground – Newport, RI
When: October 15
Where: Tours meet at The Brick Market, 127 Thames Street Newport, RI
Calling all photographers: The material, craftsmanship and aging of the stones resting in Newport’s Common Burying Ground provides a wealth of images waiting to be photographed. For photographers of all skill levels; proper footwear recommended. Walking tours last approximately 75 minutes and depart weather permitting. Reservations recommended for all tours.
Time: 11:00 a.m. Admission: $15 per person
Telephone: 401-841-8770

Vortex – Rhode Island Horror Film Festival – Providence, Newport, and others
When: October 17-22
Where: Various locations Providence, Newport, and others
Love scary movies? This festival will showcase a wide array of Sci-Fi and Fantasy cinema, the annual H.P. Lovecraft Walking Tour, a Date-Night of Horror with costume competition; two making films forums, and more. Most films intended for mature audiences; children under 14 not admitted without an adult unless otherwise noted. Parental discretion is advised.
See website for schedule and times.

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” – Boston, MA
When: October 18-23
Where: Shubert Theatre, Citi Performing Arts Center, 270 Tremont Street Boston, MA
Charting the rise and fall of the social climbing Monty Navarro (Kevin Massey) and his bizarre quest to off all who stand between him and the coveted D’Ysquith Earldom, this Edwardian caper is based on the classic Ealing studios hit Kind Hearts and Coronets, which starred Alec Guinness in the multi-character role.
Time: Curtain times vary; see event website for times and admissions.

Harvest on the Harbor 2016 – Portland, ME
When: October 20-23
Where: Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland Company Complex, Merrill Auditorium Portland
The three-day event will feature seminars, tastings, and exquisite dinners crafted by renowned chefs from Maine and afar. Learn from food experts, sip fine wines, beer and spirits. Maine chefs compete for the title of Maine’s Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant, and much more. Consult event website for times.
Telephone: 207-772-4994

Fall Orchid Sale – Waltham, MA
When: October 21-23
Where: Lyman Estate Greenhouses, 185 Lyman Street Waltham, MA
Celebrate orchid-blooming season with hundreds of orchid plants for sale, including many hard-to-find varieties. Visit the greenhouses and enjoy gorgeous floral colors, shapes, and scents: Staff available to offer expert advice. 9:30 a.m.  – 4:00 p.m.
Telephone: 617-994-5913

Fall Harvest Celebration 2016 at Patriot Place – Foxborough, MA
When: October 22
Where: Patriot Place,2 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA
Enjoy fall activities for all ages, including bog harvesting with Ocean Spray, pumpkin and spray painting, hayrides, live music, appearances by Pat Patriot and the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, sidewalk sales, and more. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Pumpkin Train with Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. – Portland, ME
When: October 22-30
Where: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum, 58 Fore Street, Portland
Ride aboard the Pumpkin Train for family fun! All visitors treated to complimentary hot cider and cookies as they travel along Portland’s waterfront. Children can explore the museum and paint a miniature pumpkin to bring home as a souvenir of the day.
Dates: October 22-23 and October 29-30. Trains run on the hour from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Museum is open 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $9; children at 3 to 12, $6.
Telephone: 207-828-0814

The Essex Fall Craft Show 2016 – Essex, VT
When: October 28-30
Where: Champlain Valley Exposition, 105 Pearl Street Essex, VT
See and purchase fine woodworking, baskets, candles, pottery, photography, paintings, birdhouses, stained glass, calligraphy, gourmet specialties, and more.
Time: Friday, noon – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission: $8; free parking.

Washington Green Cemetery Tour 2016 – Washington, CT
When: October 28
Where: Gunn Museum, 5 Wykeham Road Washington, CT
Tour groups follow a magical path of 1,000 luminarias spanning a quarter-mile through the shadowy cemetery and hear the lively and dramatic stories of Washington’s past residents. The cemetery is dark and everyone is encouraged to bring a flashlight. Event is free, donations are appreciated. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Rain date is October 30.

Mysterium, the Eternal Masquerade – Providence, RI
When: October 28
Where: Providence Public Library, 225 Washington Street Providence, RI
Through the puppetry of TEN31 Productions, the story is presented with a mesmerizing combination of living art installations, theatrical and dance performances. Event will culminate with desserts and dancing. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m.; performance is 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and dancing followed until midnight.
Admission: $100, includes food all night, open bar and performance.

The Haunting at Witch Hill – Topsfield, MA
When: October 30
Where: Peirce Farm at Witch Hill, 116 Boston Street Topsfield, MA
Travel back to Victorian times at the gentleman farm of railroad tycoon T.W. Peirce, where you’ll hear eerie ghost stories in the manor house, enjoy game and music in the barn, and savor a complimentary signature cocktail. Cash bar. Victorian attire encouraged. Event is a fundraiser for Essex Heritage. 6:30 p.m. Admission: $50 per person before October 1 and $65 thereafter.

Historic Craft Classes at Old Sturbridge Village – Sturbridge, MA
When: November 5-6
Where: Country Bank Museum Education Center at Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road Sturbridge, MA
At these adult workshops, learn a historical craft, from blacksmithing to textiles, coopering, and more. All class registrations close three days before the event. See website for times and admission or call 508-347-0290.