I went to Boston recently for a work trip, and being back on the East Coast made my heart so happy. I hadn't been back to New England in the fall for seven years—since moving from Rhode Island to Arizona (and eventually on to California)—so I made sure to try and soak up as many autumnal activities during my trip as possible. 

I had a great host in my friend Lauren, who schlepped me around all of Boston throughout the week and planned out an entire Saturday of apple picking, leaf peeping, and lighthouse chasing in New Hampshire and Maine. 

On Saturday, we started our morning in the South End of Boston and drove up to Applecrest Farm Orchards in New Hampshire, where we picked a peck of apples and indulged in some warm apple cider donuts. From there, we drove up to Nubble Lighthouse in Maine, snapped some pictures, and then went to Portsmouth, New Hampshire to grab dinner before heading back to Boston. It was an easy drive—and a beautiful one—and I'd recommend Lauren's itinerary of fall activities for anyone in New England at this time of year.

Here are some photos from the trip. Not pictured: the dozen apple cider donuts I consumed in 24 hours. I left Boston with a full belly and full heart, thankful for time I got to spend with some of my favorite people in one of my favorite places.