By Christine Galeone

Have you noticed? Lately, shimmering canopies of gold and crimson have seemingly transformed many New England roads and woodland paths into exquisite oil paintings.

But the fall foliage is only one highlight of autumn. Fortunately, Grafton businesses and organizations have embraced the season and all its splendor.

Besides the gorgeous foliage, mums, pumpkins, gourds and scarecrows have been brightening the region. In North Grafton, Houlden Farm – which has a place to visit animals and a store with mums, cider and an abundance of seasonal produce – is known for its wide and wonderful variety of pumpkins and gourds. A wonderful selection of natural fall décor can also be found at Perreault Nursery & Landscape Supply in North Grafton and Pete’s Oasis at Blackstone River Farm in South Grafton.

The tastes of fall can be found throughout Grafton as well. Recently, items on the menu at Stephanie’s Daily Grind have included pumpkin coffee and a seasonal breakfast sandwich called the hayride. Over in South Grafton, Highfields Golf & Country Club’s John Henry Tavern has fall beverages and comfort food favorites such as chili, clam chowder and different types of mac and cheese. At North Grafton’s Grafton Grill & Crust, seasonal favorites such as harvest salad and hearty food like fig and prosciutto pizza grace the restaurant’s menu. 

Seasonal fun and a chance to support a good cause can be found early in November. The annual Community Harvest Project Harvest Home Festival & 5K will be held at CHP on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information and admission costs, please visit the nonprofit’s website, 

community-harvest.org. Among other things, festivities will include kids’ activities, live music, apple cannons, hayrides, a 5K run and an online auction.  

Everyone should be able to enjoy the sounds of fall. October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, and Dr. Mary Ellen Curran Rancourt, who runs Hear Joy Audiology in South Grafton and Twin Rivers Hearing Health in Providence, R.I., has been posting some helpful information  about hearing protection on her South Grafton practice’s Facebook page. 

In South Grafton, The Saddle Shed offers a great selection of items that people can use to enjoy fall equestrian activities and events. The shop, which just celebrated its 54th anniversary this month, sells horse equipment, accessories, gifts and tack and has winter wear for horses and their riders of all ages.

Finally, Grafton Recreation just held its Fall Festival on Grafton Common. The free event was sponsored by Kid Hero Books and Feedback Earth. It featured a pumpkin painting contest and a scarecrow building contest. And there were food trucks, music and carnival games.

There’s so much of autumn’s beauty to experience. And, thankfully, you don’t have to go far to appreciate it.

Contact Christine with your business news items at [email protected].