New England Travel and Vacation Gazette and Other Wicked Good Content

Article by Eric H. The Topsfield Fair, the nation's oldest agricultural fair, runs from Oct. 2 to Oct. 12, 2009, at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, 207 Boston Rd. in Topsfield, Mass. Beginning as strictly an agricultural show in 1818, the Topsfield Fair has evolved into a major New England tourist attraction with myriad things to do, including midway rides, parades, musical entertainment (this year, Susan Tedeschi and LeAnn Rimes!), giant pumpkin contest, and yes, plenty of agricultural-related events. From personal experience, we rate the Topsfield Fair alongside The Big E in West Springfield, Mass. (running through this Sunday, Oct. 4) as the premier local fair in New England. Quite large and varied with lots of entertaining and informative events and exhibitions (and a whole lot of comfort food vendors), we recommend spending, at least, a morning or afternoon at this beloved local fair. Best yet, spend a whole day! For all its midway rides excitement and top-notch musical entertain...

Article by Eric H., Photo of Salem, MA, home, courtesy of MOTT The chill in the air, the change of colors in the leaves, and many special, unique events make the fall a favorite time of the year for many residents and travelers. Here are three "New England" events in Massachusetts that you won't want to miss: The Topsfield Fair , in Topsfield, MA, runs until Oct. 13. Besides the Eastern States Exposition (the Big E) in West Springfield, MA, the Topsfield Fair is my favorite "fair" event. Labeled as America's Oldest Agricultural Fair (established in 1818), the Topsfield Fair features some fun family events like oxen pulling, the Royal Canadian Mountain Police, the giant pumpkin contest, polo, antique farm tractor pulling, a Farmers Market, needlecraft and antique shows, the Mrs. Essex County Contest and a whole lot more. There's also music, a midway with amusement rides and plenty of food vendors. Visit the Topsfield Fair Web Site for a complete list...