nick

I've never been to New England in the fall; am going this year. Any recommendations for the very best area(s) for unbelievaable colors? Grat places to stay? Is north, south, or central part of either state the best from which to tour? Thanks!!

Donna

You really can't go wrong anywhere within the White Mountains of NH or Green Mountains of VT. There is spectacular foliage all over, depending upon when and where you go. Both states are rather small, so you can enjoy a lot of scenery by driving all over during the day, which is the best way to view the glorious fall foliage. Excellent resources include "Best Loved Driving Tours of New England" (a book) and www.newengland.com

Joanne

The exact date of peak foliage is difficult to predict. Especially really far in advance, which is when rservations must be made! So I would stay in the middle of the state -- if you're too early or too late for peak there, you won't be far from the areas that ARE at peak! Personally, I like VT better than NH because you're less likely to run into ugly malls or decrepit old industrial cities.

Donna F

I always figure Columbus Day weekend as the peak foliage for the Concord NH area. It varies but for a visitor I don't think it really matters. I agree that VT is probably prettier because it has more rolling fields. You might pick something else as a focus for your trip. Shelburne Museum in VT? Browsing antique shops? But if you like hiking, I think I'd pick NH's White Mountains area. A lot of people just don't even get out of their car. Portsmouth, Manchester and Concord would offer good restaurants and possibly some evening entertainment. The campus at the University of NH in Durham is always very pretty. From the highway even Rt 89 between Concord and Warner offers some breath taking views. You might split your visit between NH and VT. From Concord you could drive over to the Seacoast in an hour or up to the lakes/mountains in an hour. Rt 89 would take you over into VT. Southern NH is very built up and not as pretty. I don't think it's possible to say there's a prettiest spot. There's lots and lots of them.

Another

The area I like the best for fall foliage is the Quechee/Woodstock area. You can visit Queechee Gorge, the Billings Farm and Museum, St. Gauden's (although that might actually close Labor Day weekend), Simon Pierce glass blowers (and crafters with water fall, restaurant, and demos), great shopping, dining, etc.
The Woodstock Inn is fabulous but very expensive - and hard to get a room during foliage season. I always think of the last week in September or first two in October as best pickings depending on summer weather!
A nice place as a secondary stop is anything along the Kancamangus Highway in NH, sort of between Lincoln (Loon Mountain, Lost River) and Jackson/No Conway, perhaps with a detour to Mt. Washington).
Hope you enjoy your time here!

Kelly

Upper Half of Vermont is my Favorite area--last year peak of first 10 days of Oct. Don't miss Shelborne Museum and the Kancamangus Highway. Other posters idea of picking a "cental location" is very wise. Also some people tell me they make their reservations a YEAR in advance!!!! A friend scheduled a tour out of Boston, hit allthe great places , good resturants and just sat back and enjoyed the trip..
Good luck---