Dreamer2

Hi, Leaf Peepers!
Although there are several "official" websites for this info, I thought some of you might appreciate a first-hand account. The trees in the Concord/Manchester area are starting to turn; I'd guess about 10% color to 90% still green. So far, the colors seem more of the muted variety, rather than the neon florescent style of some years. We're supposed to have rain Friday night and Saturday (the 18th), then turning clear and cold for a few days. That might speed things up! Hope this info helps any potential visitors...

FainaAgain

OH, NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Hold the foliage till my visit! PLEASE!!!!!! Till October 8

bm

Still pretty much 100% green here in Burlington, VT, but colors are turning in the very northereastern part of the state (drove through there last week) and in the higher elevations.

zootsi

Here in central NH, a few patches of color, maybe 20% - not too much yet!

vivi

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese wait! We are flying out from CA the first 10 days in October for our first every "fall foliage" trip.... Manchester Vermont, Lake Placid, Hudson River Valley.

Dreamer2

Whoa! Didn't mean to alarm anybody. From start to finish, the whole color thing takes about 4 weeks. This weekend/next week would still be too early for peak! Not to worry...

coldwar27

I'm joining the bandwagon of those begging the trees to wait!!!!!!!! October 7th please!

Actually I was in VT last weekend and did see a few trees changing but just a few. It was my first time in the state and I just loved it. It was a great place to visit escaping the hurricane anxiety of Florida. I am headed to Burlington next time. Wait for me trees!

gc

vivi,

sounds like a really good itinerary. Come up VT rte 100 from Manchester and through the Mad River Valley. Take the Mad River Glenn single chair to the summit.

Go north of 89 to Stowe and take the gondola up Mt. Mansfield. Drivve through Smuggler's notch and through to Burlington.

According to the Mad River Chamber of Commerce, peak in the valley will be Oct 8...8^)

Anonymous

Yikes nobody panic! Everything is right on schedule for the usual peak in the first 2 weeks of Oct for most of NH and VT.

dfrostnh

Dreamer2 and I must live in the same general vicinity. It just seems like there is more color than usual this early but every year I make the wrong guess. As someone else reminded us, foliage season spans several weeks and probably longer if you consider the entire New England area. Those of you who come for the peak, miss the gradual building of change. Ferns have turned golden yellow and brown, goldenrod is still in bloom also purple and white asters. Some trees have completely turned but it's a muted color. The plant nursery is a riot of color with huge baskets of mums and hydrangeas and other colorful fall flowers. The local farmer has closed his corn stand but I eagerly look forward to the giant roll of hay that is sprayed orange with a jack-o-lantern face that he puts in his yard and spotlights. I can't imagine living anyplace that doesn't have four seasons.
BTW for you ice cream lovers, Indian Pudding ice cream in on the menu now at the homemade ice cream places! Now there's a New England treat!!!

Anonymous

dfrost has painted an accurate, appealing picture of early fall in New England. If I didn't live here already, I would certainly plan a vacation that was on the early side of foliage season rather than the late side, especially since too early is much less disappointing than too late!

That said, my personal intuition is that only the stressed and "usually early" trees are already turning. Even here south of Boston, there are individuals showing color already. But we've had a basically cool and wet summer, which means less stress, slower metabolism, and (I bet) a slightly later-than-usual season overall. But only time will tell.

Dreamer2

The drive from Concord to Warner along Rt. 89 was at about 20-25% yesterday. Anybody visiting this weekend (1st-3rd) should be able to enjoy some beautiful vistas in NH.
Barring a windsept rain storm, the Columbus Day weekend (8th-10th) should be just about spectacular. Good timing!
Let's hope the wonderful weather we've had through September continues for a few more weeks for all of you about to visit. Have a great trip!

Dreamer2

Hi again!

I just wanted to update visitors for this coming weekend, Oct. 9-10, 2004. The foliage in southern NH is now about 50%. We had hoped the colder nights would bring out some more vibrant colors, but that has only happend in patches. It is a more muted palette this year, but still some very picturesque vistas.

Weather on Saturday will be in the 70's, partly sunny, with possible showers. Sunday will turn blustery, with temps in the 60's.

Happy Trails!

FainaAgain

Thank you Dreamer!!!!!!!! New England, here I come!!!!!!!

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! There is always tomorrow! (is this song from "Annie"?)

Dreamer2

Yes, Annie. But I think it's "I love ya, tomorrow."

And tomorrow should be gorgeous here. If I remember correctly, you are going to be near the coast for part of your trip (Salem, Cape Ann?). It will be cooler near the water. Bring layers! And best wishes for a great visit!

(Funny coincidence... my daughter would have been on a field trip to Salem tomorrow, but we are heading to New Jersey to see family!)

"It's only a day away!"

Dreamer2

Rain and wind storms are expected this week, so hopefully, those of you who were interested in foliage have visited.

The colors were definitely "peak" this weekend along Rt. 9 from Brattleboro, through Keene, and up to Antrim, NH.

Also Rt. 91 through Massachusetts, especially around the Amherst/Deerfield area was gorgeous. I have to say that the New York Thruway and Rt. 84 both gave the Concord, NH area a run for its money!

dfrostnh

We had to spend the weekend in Providence and took Rt 146 (or maybe 140) to Worcester yesterday afternoon to avoid traffic from the football game in Foxboro. It was very pretty and very colorful along the road. I think the colors are more vibrant when backed with green. My husband, the old Yankee, explained the trees that are still green are most likely oaks which turn later. We didn't expect to see so much color this early in northern RI. Waterfire was held Saturday night in Providence but we have yet to see the thousands of jack-o-lanterns at the zoo. Looks cloudy this morning.

coldwar27

Thanks for keeping us informed.

I got back last night from Vermont. I landed in Burlington but went to Montpelier, Brookfield, and Randolph. Hiked Spruce Mountain on Friday. There was good color that day but I think the best was on Sunday. It was just brillant. Being from Florida, we don't get much color unless someone physically paints the leaves. I pray that the color last for those traveling next weekend.

FainaAgain

Back from the foliage tour, and can't believe my luck - the tour guide said these colors don't happen every year, about every 6-7 years only, so we don't just saw this year's pick, we "hit the jackpot".

It's unbelievable, all the shades of red, green, yellow, brown! Sure I'll post a report later.

Now I'm trying to adjust back to Pacific time, woke up this morning at 4.30 (7.30 in Boston) grrrr....

On the bright side - I know the answer to today's trivia question, ha ha!

makai1

Just back yesterday from Ottawa, Ontario and it has been in peak color ALL week.

Stunningly gorgeous! I have never seen so many variations of orange & red with everything peaking at the same time. Just brilliant.

I know this us US board, but thought y'all might be interested for next year!