Crunch, crunch, shuffle, stomp through falling leaves – go ahead, just inhale that crisp autumn air – a combination of earth, damp, leaves and cool air – and remember the joy of being alive. The views of fall foliage are simply spectacular. Should you ever require inspiration, walk by a river and listen to the sound falling leaves make – and fill your eyes with the glory of color doubled in the watery reflections.

Columbus Day weekend and time for the annual Mystic Seaport Chowder Days through Monday, Oct. 14. Seaport admission is $24, then choose your eats from chowders and other fresh seafood specialties or desserts (not included in admission). Since exploring the grounds, collections, art, restoration shipyard plus nooks and crannies takes time, consider becoming a member ($95 for a family or one or two named adults and children younger than 17) because then admission is free. For affordable repeat visits, consider a discount pass available at participating public libraries.

Horse-drawn rides allow a leisurely clip-clop tour of this historic village for an additional fee.

Downtown Mystic is a few minutes away. This walkable village requires no admission at all and offers side-by-side shops, cozy eateries, ice cream and shopping galore. Don't miss the one-of-a-kind bascule bridge over the Mystic River. The scenic views and people watching are free.

Walktober time in The Last Green Valley (Connecticut and Massachusetts) means some really great opportunities to explore history, nature and the farms, fields and woods of the region – and these outings are free. This 35-town National Heritage Corridor – forest and farmland make up 78% of its 695,000-acres – a rural island in the midst of the most urbanized region in the nation. And it's beautiful. To learn about walks, strolls and paddles, digs and more, visit www.tlgv.org. For a printed brochure, e-mail mail@tlgv.org or call (860) 774-3300.

For example, the “Rebirth of a New England Farm” on Sunday, Oct. 20, a walk that starts at 10 a.m. in Ashford. Visit a farmstead that is being restored to life with heirloom gardens, heritage breeds of livestock, draft horses, and oxen. The 30-acre farm is adjacent to Yale Myers Forest and includes a cranberry bog, wildlife and pretty scenery. (No dogs please.) Call (860) 429-3923 for information and directions.

Or get thee to Boston for a walk with Frederick Law Olmsted (portrayed by an actor) for a very special tour through the historic landscape of the Fens. Learn how Olmsted transformed the area once described as “the foulest marsh and muddy flats to be found anywhere in Massachusetts,” into the first link in his chain of parks known today as the “Emerald Necklace” – Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14. Tours start at 11 a.m. at the Shattuck Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, Boston; call (617) 522-2700 for information.

A “fen” is defined as a “low and marshy or frequently flooded area of land” – and dig deep enough into history and you'll discover the reason behind the name Fenway as in Fenway Park and Fenway Alliance. The latter hosts an annual event called “Opening Our Doors” on Columbus Day, Oct. 14. Free events (more than 60) connect culture with community (42 organizations involved) all across the Christian Science Plaza, Evans Way Park, plus open houses at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, the MFA, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Fenway Studios, others. Arts, music, and food, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit fenwayculture.org for more information about this section of Boston, defined as Huntington Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue and the Back Bay Fens. Here's a link to the storied tales (and the Red Sox, you bet) behind the name.