lreves

My husband, my 1 yr old son & myself are thinking about a trip up to the north to try to catch a glimpse of the fall foliage. We're looking at flying from Houston up north (possibly Boston?) on Monday, Oct 2nd and come back on that Thursday, Oct 5th. Can anyone give suggestions for where we should should fly in and out of, road trip suggestions, etc. Will we be too early to see the beautiful colors of fall? We just want to see the sights and enjoy the wonderful fall weather and enjoy some good food. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

garyt22

It may be possible to catch some early color in the Adirondack Mountains of NY... consider Lake Placid as a great destination.... perhaps a Fodorite from up there could update on color and seasonal activities

Loki

I came through the Catskills yesterday and I'm thinking 10/2 will be a bit early. Anyone up in the Adirondakcs or White Mtns?

bm

Central Vermont will probably be a good bet. With no traffic, you can be in White River Junction in 2 hours from Boston. Woodstock, near White River is a popular tourist destination-very quaint. You may also consider the Montpelier area.
Look into flying to Manchester NH or Albany NY. Boston/Logan can be a pain.

lreves

Thanks for the quick responses. I will check into those destinations for sure. Since we're going during the week do you think it will be a problem for us to just find a hotel once we're in the area or is it best to go ahead and book a room before we leave?

GBC

Ireves, because you are on the early side of the fall foliage it is best if you try for the most northern area possible. We have also planned a trip for the Conn/Mass Berkshire area but we are shooting for arrival about one week after you. For your timing, the Vermont/New Hampshire areas will be best. There are interstates that cut right up thru the area so that the exact location isn't that important as long as you have a rental car. We don't have to fly, but I would think that the notes about flying to Manchester or Albany are a good idea.

Mid week, I think you will be able to find rooms. The area is strong with B&B type accommodations so if you like that type of thing there are many possibilities. Otherwise, you will find most of the 'motels' located near towns that have private schools or colleges such as Williamstown in north western Mass.

It is a beautiful area in the fall - have a great trip.

ah4sail

I live in the southern Adirondacks. Many trees have started to change and the meteoroligist on the the local news predicted "peak" color by this weekend.

wyatt92

Just saw the news and it said peak this weekend for the Green and White Mountains. You are definitely not too early!

boovt

I would try to fly into Burlington, Vt(BTV). Escape the traffic and get right into the leaf peeping.
I live here in beautiful Vt and you will be here just about the perfect time.
Basin Harbor on lake Champlain is a pretty place, as is Stowe Resort.
I could send more advice if ya need about Vermont.

dfrostnh

I would suggest flying into MHT as well. Color has already started in the Concord and Manchester areas so your timing is perfect to head anyplace from Manchester north. In the Concord NH area you could visit Gould Hill Orchards in Hopkinton for some great apples and terrific view. Other orchards in the area have farm animals and free hayrides out into the orchards. If you like ice cream you can go to Beech Hill Farm which also has some farm animals and a huge sandpile kids love to play on. It's a former dairy farm so you'll get there on back roads. There might not be as much color on the coast but if the weather is good you can take a foliage cruise out of Portsmouth NH. There's a harbor cruise that is interesting but I would recommend the inland rivers which takes you up thru Great Bay. You could also take a boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee or a train ride to get a break from driving. If you stayed in Meredith NH you would be right on the lake and just below the mountains. Great combination of water plus mountain views. If you could stay until Sunday you could spend Saturday at either the Warner NH Fall Foliage Festival or the Sandwich Fair (small agricultural fair in a very beautiful town near Lake Winnipesaukee). If you stayed in Concord NH, a small city, you would be an hour from the mountains and an hour from the seacoast and could also fit in a day trip to Vermont. (Concord NH to Burlington VT in the north of the state is 3 hours by interstate. Popular Woodstock VT is probably an hour away.) With baby in a backpack you might want to consider visiting the Flume in the White Mountains or taking a tram ride up Cannon Mountain. Vermont scenery is different, more farmland and smaller mountains. Keep in mind that even mid-week will be busy with tour buses but if you can be flexible you can probably find something. If you look for something around Lake Winnipesaukee I would avoid the Laconia and Weirs Beach area because of traffic congestion. Actually Meredith will have a lot of traffic but it's in a much prettier area of the lake and more convenient to the mountains ... just find the detour thru town.

RetiredVermonter

I would start calling for reservations somewhere -- fast. Foliage season up here can fill up places far in advance. Before we moved up here, we found that sometimes nicer places were full several MONTHS in advance.

Check out B&B's as well as the usual motel chains.

Good luck! Color IS starting now, and should be peaking that week somewhere in the state!

Vermonter (near Rutland)

Noa26

Hello
with nature one cannot give an exact date or time to see the wonderful fall colors- it's alot about being lucky plus extra planning in advance
if you want ideas for places to see foliage try www.tripcart.com they have a section called activity of the month with ideas for different locations and guides for the places to go and catch the colors
have a beautiful time!

ParrotMom

Well, Mother Nature never tells us in N.E. when it's going to be perfect.. Right now it seems N.H. is changing..I look outside my window here west of Boston and along Rte 495 and there are touches here and there.. Another week or two.. Columbus Day weekend should be perfect

tracys2cents

I think Manchester is the only airport you'll find affordable fares into at this late date and you may need a 7-day advance purchase. Stay at the Bayside Inn in Alton Bay and take day trips from there.

suze

Or fly into Hartford (Bradlee field)? The Vermont/New Hampshire southern border is only 1-1/2 hours easy drive straight up the freeway. It has the most flights available with the easiest drive after to get to this region imo.

lreves

Thanks everyone for your replies. I actually work for an airline so we'll be flying standby so we are definitely flexible on where we decide to fly into. From the sounds of it Vermont may be a better choice for us if we go next week. I'll look into everyones suggestions for that area.