Massachusetts’ Cranberry Harvest

In Massachusetts, fall  not only ushers in the apple and  pumpkin season, but the cranberry harvest season as well.  Head south of Boston to follow the Massachustts Cranberry Trail (self-guided) through  the towns of Carver, Wareham and Kingston. Get an up-close look at the harvest as the cranberry bogs are flooded with water and the crimson berries are corralled before being pumped from the beds. 

Peak cranberry harvesting usually coincides with the Columbus Day weekend . Here are a couple of other cranberry-themed events worth checking out.

All aboard at  Edaville Railroad (7 Eda Ave., Carver)(Map)! During the National Cranberry Festival (October 9-11,  10 AM-5 PM daily, admission rates: $3-$18) Edaville’s narrow-gauge train takes visitors on a 20-minute ride through the forest and across the cranberry bogs . Afterwards, enjoy live music, food and arts and crafts vendors. For kids there are amusement rides that include an antique carousel, ferris wheel, flying elephants and more.

The Cape Cod Cranberry Grower’s Association Annual Cranberry Harvest Celebration (October 9-10, 10 AM-4 PM, admission $2 ) will be hosted by the A.D. Makepace Company (158 Tihonet Rd., Wareham)(Map). Watch the wet harvest,browse many high-quality works from local artisans  and enjoy cooking demonstrations of everything cranberry . Major corporate sponsors include Ocean Spray and Harpoon Brewery. Free samples!

Image Credit: Massachusetts Travel and Tourism