mamabailey

Planning a "leaf peepers" trip to New England in mid October. Just wondering since that's a little late into the season, what would be the best area to visit to still see color.
Also, any other suggestions for scenery or points of interest that would be accessible to someone with limited walking abilities. Never been to this area so it will all be new to us. We will be driving.

Fra_Diavolo

Every year is different, but generally I've found the colors great in southern Vermont around Columbus Day weekend. They will (usually) have faded to the north, and be on the way further south. My suggestion would be to think about Massachusetts and Connecticut the closer you get to the end of the month. Also, the seacoasts tend to be a little later. Note too that the colors are beautiful for a while before and after peak, too.

mamabailey

It will actually be 10-14 days after the Columbus Day weekend before we'll be able to reach that area. We were trying to decide if we would be wise to head directly to the northern states and work our way down. Sounds like your suggestion might agree: hit the coasts and more southern states on the way out of the area.
Also, any ideas on 1 or 2 day tours into New York City or Wshington DC? If so, from what location? Do not want to drive in those areas. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for your reply!

bm

The Champlain Valley in Vermont might be good then. This area usually peaks the week after Columbus Day. Specifically the Burlington/Middlebury corrider.

mamabailey

I was just reading about this area in a road trip book. As we are driving up from Arkansas, this will all be new territory for us so we are open to suggestions. Also, are there any places you would suggest avoiding or that would be a waste of time? We are mostly interested in the scenery...not big on shopping malls and that type thing.
Appreciate all comments.

fdxeng

Use this website to track the foliage: http://www.yankeefoliage.com/

There is so much to do in both NYC & DC. What are you interested in seeing? Pick one or two things to do because otherwise you can be overwhelmed easily in both places.
As for Maine, NH or Boston, Portland Maine is a nice place to visit (and LL BEan is 10 minutes away). In NH, Portsmouth is a great small seaside town. In Boston, you name it and you can find it there.

mamabailey

Thanks so much for your imput. Portsmouth sounds great. This is probably more the type places we are interested in seeing.
As for Washington DC and NYC....would be interested in some sort of tour from outside the city. Have no desire to even drive into the city....but would love to take a bus tour or something like that. I have heard that some motels will arrange tours and you can be picked up at the motel and leave your car there. This sounds ideal for us. Can't do a lot of walking so even seeing the sites from a bus window would be great!

Fra_Diavolo

If you wish to avoid driving into New York or Washington, you might consider parking at one of the suburban train stations (In Connecticut for New York, Maryland or Virginia for DC), taking a train or metro in, then joining a hop-on, hop-off bus tour in the city.

mamabailey

That's a very good idea. We will consider that option.
Thanks!