Is there a program or some method to access recent Finder windows / places?

Solution 1:

Select a Finder window, and in the Go menu there is a "Recent Folders" list.

Solution 2:

Stephen has the best answer, but I'll offer an alternative that doesn't really specifically address your question but is still useful to know:

It doesn't show recent folders but rather recent items: Apple Menu->Recent Items.

EDIT: and as cwd and Daniel Beck mentioned in the comments, hold command to get the "Show in Finder" effect (rather than the default open).

Solution 3:

You could assign a shortcut to this AppleScript to get to the recent folders or recent items menus faster:

set l to {"Open Recent", "Recent Projects"}
tell application "System Events" to tell (process 1 where it is frontmost)
    if name is "Finder" then
        set m1 to menu bar 1's menu bar item 6
        click m1
        click m1's menu 1's menu item "Recent Folders"
    else
        set m1 to menu bar 1's menu bar item 3
        click m1
        repeat with v in l
            try
                click m1's menu 1's menu item v
                exit repeat
            end try
        end repeat
    end if
end tell

Solution 4:

Here are a few other options for those who want slightly more convenient access to a list of recent folders.

1. I know you mentioned smart folders but a nice thing about them is they can then be accessed from Open or Save dialogs unlike the Go... Recent Folders menu. This website will show you how to create a Smart Folder. The key to get it to work for showing recent Finder windows/places is to have both "Kind is Folder" and "Last opened date is within last X days" conditions. When saving check the "Add to Sidebar" box. Then it will show up in your favorites both in Finder windows and Open/Save dialogs.

2. In Open and Save dialogs there is a Recent Places list when clicking the "Where" drop down you can use: