Travelkitty

I'm interested in planning a driving trip to VT and NH. My goal is to explore two states I've never visited before, see pretty scenery and take some relatively easy day hikes. I'm not planning on a "leaf trip", since I'd prefer fewer crowds (and I'm probably too late to make reservations during peak leaf period anyway).

So I was wondering if there were any particular times (other than early October) that you'd recommend for this trip? Any time that is particularly bad for bugs such as flies and mosquitoes? I'd prefer slightly cooler weather and I'm not looking to do any swimming.

Any other periods that tend to attract big crowds for festivals or just general tourist season? I'd prefer slightly off peak, but don't want to go when it's too wintery.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

elberko

September.
Kids are back in school, to early for leaf peepers.

Amanda_B

Depending on what you are looking to do in both states I would suggest August/September as well! There is a beautiful lake in New Hampshire called Lake Winnipesaukee that is a great place to visit! In September the weather will be nice and cool and tourism around then will most likely be dwindling

- More info on the Lakes Region in NH, http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...e/lakes-region

- A great spot to visit in Vermont is Burlington.. one of my favs! http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...ces/burlington

rizzo0904

I like mid June - most towns are still in school, but the weather is nice. The last week of August and all of September are nice for the same reason.

dfrostnh

mid-June is pretty good, bugs are usually done with by then if you want to do any hiking but check the open dates of any places you might want to visit like Shelburne Museum in VT or Canterbury Shaker Village in NH.

We seem to get a hot spell around 4th of July for the past couple of years but August usually has some very nice weather plus fresh vegetables and fruits are available. Early apples by late August in some places. There are a lot of farmers markets but my favorite so far is Norwich VT 2nd favorite is Brattleboro VT because there is also music, crafts and ethnic food vendors. Try some food samples. Buy some snacks. Got some nice melons at Norwich last summer.

Just saw a NH map to great waterfalls on facebook. I'm not a hiker but have been to Arethusa Falls in NH. If you get a state atlas and gazetteer from DeLorme, it will list covered bridges and waterfall locations plus lots of other interesting info. It is oversize, detailed road map for each state. Available at a lot of supermarkets, gas stations and bookstores.

I wouldn't let summer tourist season interfere with your plans. Yes, the roads around Lake Winnipesaukee (at least the Weirs Beach area) will be crowded on weekends but there are plenty of other places to visit. One way to get a real close look is to go on a local benefit garden tour. The one for the Laconia/Lake W area is pretty good put on by the Opechee Garden Club. Newcastle NH is also nice (next to Portsmouth).

There is heavy traffic southbound on I93 between Concord and Hooksett NH almost every Sunday afternoon but there are alternate roads.

The good thing about August is the number of smaller fun events that take place. Free outdoor evening concerts in a lot of communities.

Historically, third weekend in September has had good weather for the last umpteen years. We've been doing a getaway weekend. That would be about the last weekend before too early leaf peepers arrive.

Perennial gardens are best in late June. Apples are best in September (there's several orchards that grow heirloom apples). For local flavor, there's usually a lot of church suppers in the summer.

suze

I think any time once "mud season" is past and spring has actually arrived (late May, early June?) and thru end of September are all beautiful months in VT/NH.

Travelkitty

Thank you to everyone for your responses! I've started searching old trip reports for some suggestions of towns to visit and routes to take, but I'll post an itinerary once I have plans narrowed down.

suze

<2nd favorite is Brattleboro VT because there is also music, crafts and ethnic food vendors>

I used to live in Brattleboro. Still have many friends there. Boy I really do love that town!!!

dfrostnh

suze, if I didn't live in NH, I would probably choose VT.

Vttraveler

I would try to come after black fly season if you are interested in hiking. It is mid-May to mid to late June.

September would be my choice.

suze

dfrostnh~ I lived in and around Keene (Westmoreland and Swanzey Lake) before Brattleboro. Also a great state!

Vttraveler~ Thanks besides "mud season", "black fly season" is the other detractor, couldn't remember just when that was. Ouch!

girlonthego

I would also go to Lake Winnipesaukee! We stayed in the town of Wolfeboro every year for most of my childhood. Although we went in July, I would also recommend September for low crowds and still really great weather. The town never used to allow commercial chain restaurants and such. Not sure if it is still as quaint as it used to be.
Had a place called Baileys ice cream and it was homemade ice cream. Best I ever had!