Leaf Peeping
For leaf peeping Columbus Day weekend is traditionally the busiest across New England. Unfortunately, this year was a washout. I am sure the crowds were still out in full force, but gazing at the foliage through a heavy, gray rain is not quite what most had in mind several months ago when they booked their trip.
Sunday River
Not all is lost. In fact, Columbus Day is more often than not before the height of the foliage season. There is still plenty of color to be seen and the forecasts are calling for improving weather, eventually… I am thinking this rain blows out of our region by Saturday, making this the weekend to climb in your vehicle with someone special and take a drive up to you favorite mountains.
Mount Washington Valley
With the holiday over lodging should be less difficult to secure and travel should be less stressful i.e. no traffic jams in small New England towns with one stop sign.
Bring your camera and binoculars. Bring some warn clothes. Reports are the foliage can be found in pockets. Translation – there is still a ton of the goods to feast your eyes and lenses on.
Take it easy and enjoy your time away. Pull over for a break at a local gallery to pick up something unique. Hit a tag sale and buy an ‘antique’ or stop off in a sleepy town for a peaceful lunch.
Mount Snow
The fall is a wonderful time to be in New England—spend a weekend up at your favorite mountain—you may find some preseason gear sales and make friends with a few of the local folk (they will not forget you when the snow is on the ground).
The best part: That first deep breath of cool, crisp fall mountain air will undoubtedly steer your thoughts to the fast approaching ski season.
Some years the snow flies before the leaves are finished with their show. Case in point Wildcat on September 30th. The ski area is running their four person gondola until 10/16/05, if a view from the top is what you are after.
from Wildcat
Winter will be here soon enough, enjoy fall while we have it.
S.G.
photos from RSN unless noted otherwise
