Fall Foliage
 

We are flying into Boston in the second week of October for 10 days and are looking for a leisurely loop to take in the Northeast region. Any suggestions for a route? We are only limited by the short time there.
Thanks!

Check the foliage conditions when you arrive. Second week means it will be past peak in the north esp NH's lakes region and mountains. Find something you want to do besides look at leaves i.e. popular restaurant destinations, museums, events and work your route out that way. You should have reservations NOW for Fri thru Sun nights.

Lobster is still pretty inexpensive this year so I would include any coastal areas whether it be Portland ME (a fun foodie city) or RI.

North of Laconia, NH will be all past peak. You can go to Berkshires, Southern Vermont, Southern NH (Monadnock region) and then to Portland, down to Portsmouth and spend a day or two in Boston. You have plenty to do in the are at that time. But book soon for weekends.

Do you want to spend time in Boston? If so I would allow about 3 days there and put it at the end of your ten days so that you can get out and see some foliage first.

I would probably stick to the coast - as pointed out, foliage will be past peak in NH and Vermont, and probably also in Western Mass but it could still be pretty good along the coast, plus there's lots to see besides foliage along the coast.

I'd head north to Maine, as far as Camden. Take the highway north, then work your way south along the coastal route. Between Camden and Portland there are lots of peninsulas to explore. Portland is a great small city. From Portland south plan to stop in Kennebunkport, Ogunquit and York. Portsmouth NH is also worthwhile. In Massachusetts the "North Shore" aka, Cape Ann has Gloucester and Rockport as well as Salem (But Salem in the second half of October is a zoo so unless you are really into witches I'd give it a pass at that time).

South of Boston both the Cape, the islands (Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard) and also Newport RI are good places to consider.

If you want to spend time in Boston (which I recommend if you have not been there) then you don't have time for all the places I mentioned. With ten days if you do not want to visit Boston then you probably could.

Your title was 'fall foliage' and there will be some color along the coast the second half of October but I think it would be a waste of time to try to go to Vt or inland NH which are the traditional places people go for foliage unless you can change your dates to the first half of October. And in that case you better make reservations immediately.

http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/new_england

Thank you all for the great suggestions. As southwest coasters any color is more than we usually see. What are three places we should not miss on our first trip to the area (besides Boston)?

Last year we were in the very northern part of Vermont during the first week in October and it was not even AT it's peak yet.

Whereas I fully agree that you should check first please be aware there are many conditions which contribute to the leaves including amount of moisture and bright clear days.

It can be an inexact "science" at best so just be mentally prepared not to see reproductions of those great color photographs everywhere you go.

Dukey1, I think last year was a dud for color. Who knows what this year will bring and you advice is good that a visitor might not see peak. Right now there is a little bit of color in our central NH backyard but it's mostly swamp maples.

I think Portland or Portsmouth shouldn't be missed. You can take a boat ride at either place. I like Portland's Old Port area better and it's a great foodie city but I like Portsmouth's inland rivers boat trip better.

Based on the time, I'd also agree with southwestern NH from Peterborough to Keene to Brattleboro VT. If it's a Saturday, the farmers market is great and there are food vendors serving ethnic lunches but Keene is a pretty college town and I like the restaurant Luca's right in the downtown area. Rt 101W once you get past Milford is nice.

And just because Chronicle did a nice show on it the other night, I'd vote for the Tiverton RI area for that time of October.