Don't miss: For a memorable way to combine a ride, autumn foliage and a pretty unforgettable place, head out to see the glacial potholes, a geological wonder and may be seen at the base of Salmon Falls in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts – this is but one stop on the Mohawk Trail. Shelburne Falls is a walkable town with nifty shops and the Bridge of Flowers – which once served as a trolley trail bridge for real, but the creativity in this area transformed it into a much-loved attraction.

The Native Americans who walked the path and trade route today known as the “Mohawk Trail” used to inspire stories of those long-ago days told while on family excursions driving along the modern-day Route 2 – which closely follows the original winding footpaths that connected in the region tribes with other communities in norther New York state and beyond. Drive the trail today as it makes a steep climb from Greenfield, Mass. and soon you will be at a higher altitude in rolling mountains with scenic fields, farms and overlooks.

Should the history of the region intrigue you, it's not far to drive and see an exhibit of 75 powder horns from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution at the Flynt Center of Early New England Life located in Historic Deerfield. Stories about the original owners and carvers who created these functional objects made from – yes, horn. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note that Archaeology Day on Saturday, Oct. 19 features a walking tour at 10 a.m. with Dr. Robert Paynter, professor of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A guided tour of the Old Burying Ground with Claire Carlson, education program coordinator for Historic Deerfield, follows at 11:30 a.m. Open to the public and co-sponsored by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and Western Massachusetts Chapter of the Massachusetts Archaelogical Society.

For a tasty bit of history, why not try Johnnycake (also known as jonnycake, johnny cake, journey cake, Shawnee cake and johnny bread) a “cornmeal flatbread that was an early American staple food.”
Hey, the spellings of this legendary corn meal cake may vary, but for trying a sample or a mill tour, make tracks to the Johnny Cake Festival, Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20 in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Admission, $5; free tours of Kenyon’s Grist Mill, the oldest manufacturing business in Rhode Island known for their (legendary) stone ground white corn meal.

Plenty of free samples of coffee milk (another local taste tradition) or clam cakes and chowder to brick oven pizza, lobster bisque, fresh apple cider, roasted pumpkin seeds and much more. Live music, demonstrations, more than 125 vendors, activities along the Queen’s River and waterfall.

“Local specialties, agriculture, fine art, education, and history” are at the heart of this event. Mill tours are narrated from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; doors will be open for viewing in between. For about tours see this link which features a Martha Stewart video about the mill.

A beautiful location near the river that provided the water power that once made the wheels turn is a Joshua's Trust Gurleyville Gristmill tour, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 19 in Mansfield. Hosting the event is the Connecticut land trust named for Joshua, son of Uncas, a Mohegan sachem, who in 1676 bequeathed his hunting grounds in the heart of eastern Connecticut to “16 men of Norwich”. This is the state's only remaining stone grist mill and milling on site dates to the 1720s. Serving as a community hub, it was operated for years by the family of Wilbur Cross, a Connecticut governor. For information call (860) 429-9023.

A farm preserved by the community will be open for explorations during the Dudley Farm Museum and Farmers' Market harvest celebration on Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities for children and demonstrations of early 19th century skills, plus seasonal produce, mums, cut flowers, eggs, baked and canned goods, naturally-raised meats, honey and maple syrup, handmade crafts, demonstrations of specialties. Rain date is Saturday, Oct. 26. Look for the farmhouse and barns at 2351 Durham Rd., North Guilford.

The annual Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival takes place Friday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 20, at Riverfront Park on Welles Street. Live music, 125-plus craft booths, food, a pie eating contest and bake-off plus amusement rides, pony rides and family-style entertainment. Admission $5; $20 family rate. Free admission on Friday night.