Fall foliage tour - NE. Where should we go? Stay?

[DiscoDiva]

Well, just when I had decided to go to the Poconos for a week next fall, I started reading reviews. Let's just say that overall reviews of the hotels and resorts there are less than stellar, especially the all-inclusives that I liked (like Ceasar's resorts). So, the Poconos are out unless anyone knows of a great place there that has good reviews.

So, if DH and I want to spend a week next fall, around the first or second week of October, checking out the fall foliage, hiking, horseback riding, maybe antiquing, taking pictures, enjoying the views, taking scenic drives, maybe picnicing, maybe going on a hayride if one is available, etc., where should we go? Where can we find a nice hotel or resort (probably not a B&B) under $200 a night, preferable one that has some activities?

Thanks!

[southerner]

I thought you meant New England, sorry don't know anything about the Poconos, but have fun!

[DiscoDiva]

Any New England recs would be great!

[bookworm]

I highly recommend The Mount Washington Hotel (http://www.mtwashingtonhotel.com/). Rates may push your $200/night, but if you go mid-week it should be do-able. And it's a place that makes it worth economizing on other parts of the trip. There is a lot of hiking in the area, and I believe the resort offers hay rides. There is also my Favorite Verandah in the World, as well as excellent food and dancing after dinner.

This year has been warmer than average, but I'd generally recommend the first week in Oct. over the 2nd, for a location this far north.

[DiscoDiva]

Bookworm, that is exactly the type of place I'm looking for, thanks! Any other suggestions, as we're still in the looking/comparing stage?

[elladee]

My aunt used to have a condo on Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. It was gorgeous in the fall. It's a ski resort, but in non ski season they offer other activities. We took the gondola up to the top of the mountain and walked around, looked at the views. Some people took mountain bikes up on the gondola to ride down, but I'm too chicken to do that. I remember seeing horses, so they must offer rides.

I'm off to do some Googling and see if I can find a website or something for you.

[boilermaker]

An interesting article on this topic:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/10/03/leaf.peeping.ap/index.html

And some great websites with driving tours, bike tours, etc.
http://www.stormfax.com/foliage.htm
http://www.fallinpa.com/fallinpa/destinations.jsp

I would highly recommend Hershey PA as a base location. The hotel/spa is wonderful and you'll be close to a bunch of the various tours they recommend.

And just to tease you, a few pictures:
http://www.fallinpa.com/images/tp_04_tnail_65.jpg

http://www.fallinpa.com/images/tp_04_tnail_61.jpg

http://www.fallinpa.com/images/tp_04_tnail_12.jpg

http://www.hersheypa.com/accommodations/the_spa_at_hotel_hershey/images/features/hotel.jpg

[elladee]

Here's a website for Loon Mountain: Loon Mountain (http://www.loonmtn.com/info/winter/index.asp)
Unfortunately they've switched over to the winter website, but, if you click on the lodging link, it'll give you a number of places you can stay in the area. Apparently my aunt's condo was a privte thing, so I can't comment on any place in particular to stay.
http://www.innseasonresorts.com/i/db_content/pgal-large-71-64.jpg?x=1088777679

ETA: Check this site out, too. http://www.lincolnwoodstock.com/tourism.html
It's from the area's chamber of commerce.

[southerner]

http://www.thebalsams.com/

www.explorenewengland.com/travel

HTH!! New England is awesome that time of year. If you go to NH and are doing some driving, be sure to go on the Kangamangas (spelling??) Highway

[DiscoDiva]

My aunt used to have a condo on Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. It was gorgeous in the fall. It's a ski resort, but in non ski season they offer other activities. We took the gondola up to the top of the mountain and walked around, looked at the views. Some people took mountain bikes up on the gondola to ride down, but I'm too chicken to do that. I remember seeing horses, so they must offer rides.

I'm off to do some Googling and see if I can find a website or something for you.
That sounds great!! The Hershey place looks great as well.

I knew you ladies would offer excellent ideas - but please, keep them coming!!

And thanks for torturing me with pics..... :D

[DiscoDiva]

boilermaker are you talking about The Hotel Hershey?

[boilermaker]

Yep. And the spa with chocolate baths :)
And you can tour the factory and get hershey kisses right off the conveyor belt that literally melt in your mouth. Yummy.

But, you're still right in the heart of PA fall foliage, so it works for that pretty well too.

[kemaji]

My best friend got married in New Hampshire last year over Columbus Day weekend:

http://www.dextersnh.com/

It isn't a full service resort, more of a B&B but it was gorgeous and there was plenty of activities to do in the area.

[DiscoDiva]

Hmmm... it sounds like I keep hear New Hampshire... Is that 'the' spot for fall foliage?

[nic]

Disco, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are all great spots for fall foliage.

[Mellow_Water1]

I live in the Poconos. If next October is anything like it is right now, I would hate to be on vacation here! This week, it has just been a downpour. Roads are beginning to get flooded.

I know you've checked out Caesars' Resorts, which I wouldn't recommend, they seem like too much of a touristy place, but I could be wrong, since I don't stay at resorts in my hometown.

Have you checked out information on Skytop? My mother works there. It seems to have all the activities you're looking for, but it's not exclusively for couples. Family can come, too.

The Cherry Valley Vineyards is a nice place to see if you like wineries.

There are plenty of scenic routes to take, I am just not sure of the names.

I'll be back with more information!

[WestieMomma]

Disco-check out msn.com today Wed 10/13/05..there is a big article and info about fall foliage and where to go and when. My neighbors are in Vermont this week for that very reason so I will let you know if they have any suggestions.

[sarahh]

The White Mountains in New Hampshire is definitely the place to be for fall foliage! It's absolutely breathtaking!!

http://www.visitwhitemountains.com/

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/shancock/9f5bddcd.jpg

[southerner]

The White and Green mountains have the best foliage, IMO

[Kay]

I loved the White Mountains. I've only been once years ago, but I would love to go back.

Here is a link to the North Conway/white mountains area:
http://www.northconwayguide.com/

[bensgirl1222]

I just got back from Vermont this last weekend. It rained but the colors were gorgeous!

[Kristen78]

I live in Vermont and right now the foliage is OK. Its not the best year, at least I dont think so. Usually the trees are fully changed by October 1st or so and this year alot of trees are still green. There are some that are changing nicely but I think because of the rain the color just isn't what it should be. I'm sure tourists are still in awe of it though! I think this weekend and next week will be peak time for the Burlington area.

[DiscoDiva]

I'm reading that the first and second weeks of October are usually the best for foliage, especially the second week. What do y'all think?

[Kristen78]

It really depends on where you go. The farther north you head, the earlier the peak foliage season. I live outside of Burlington VT and normally our season peaks in early October. But this year I still don't think it has peaked.

[Kay]

Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire usually peak around the first 2 weeks of October. Mass., CT., and RI usually peak in the last 2 weeks. Its always a little different every year and this year it seems to be later then normal....maybe because its been raining forever around here:(:mad:

[DiscoDiva]

What is the typical weather in the first few weeks of October? Is it usually raining, or is it this year because of the crazy weather? What do you usually wear this time of year?

[bookworm]

There is no typical weather in New England ;). But no, it doesn't usually rain like this. I'm considering building an ark.

Beginning of October is usually jeans and long sleeved shirts, maybe a light sweater. I'd guess it's usually around 60. It starts to get cold at night (especially in the mountains), so if you'll be out at night bring warmer clothes.

[Sue]

I'd make plans as soon as you can... Most people visiting books months ahead of time. Lots of leaf peepers...

[Rose]

Oh, New Hampshire looks beautiful. I bet fall is a wonderful time to go.

[daener]

DH and I spent a week driving up the East coast last year, during the first week of October. We started in Boston, drove through New Hampshire up to Bar Harbor, Maine. It was so gorgeous and really neat to see how the colors became more vibrant the farther north we drove.

My recommendation is Bar Harbor, Maine....ocean, Acadia National Park, whale watching trips, kayaking, hiking, biking, adorable little town...they've got it all in addition to fall colors!

Have a great trip!

[Aug2002Bride]

Love Vermont...but since I grew up there Im partial to that state!

[maggieb]

I'm going to throw in my vote for West Virginia! It's utterly gorgeous in the fall. Four years ago DH and I stayed at this B&B in the fall and it was amazing...http://www.virtualcities.com/ons/wv/z/wvz8801ref.htm

I grew up in WV and have very fond memories of the gorgeous fall foliage there. Although I currently live in DC, it's just not the same.

[jarm]

I also ditto the New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Great foliage!

[anjuli]

I just returned from my New England trip a few days ago. As a couple of posters said, the peak foliage has been delayed this year, but it was still gorgeous in certain parts. We went to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. We loved the White Mountains area in N.H. We stayed in Franconia and Jackson. If you go there, definitely drive through the Kancamagus Highway and go up to Mt. Washington.

[DiscoDiva]

Thanks anjuli. Where did you stay? Everything I read says to drive Kancamagus Highway, so that's definitely going to be on our agenda!

[anjuli]

DiscoDiva: In Franconia we stayed at the Stonybrook Motel (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46088-d265299-r1422542-Stonybrook_Motel_Lodge-Franconia_New_Hampshire-m10677.surink_html). It was a good location because it was a short distance to the Flume Gorge and as well as the Kancamagus Highway. This motel is situated by a brook, so we specifically asked for a room that faced the brook.

In Jackson, we stayed at the Christmas Farm Inn (http://www.christmasfarminn.com/). We got the Back to Nature package which included breakfast, a sack lunch, and dinner for two. We stayed in one of the suites in the Carriage House. Overall, we liked the place and would stay there again, but would probably eat elsewhere because the food was ok, but not fabulous. Jackson was also a good location for leaf peeping. It's closeby to Bretton Woods and Mt. Washington. Don't miss the Silver Cascade on Highway 302. Very pretty!

Here's a link for more information on the White Mountains area: http://www.visitwhitemountains.com/.

[bensgirl1222]

Just got back from WV and its not very "fall" there. I reccomend VT, NH or ME.

[bensgirl1222]

I live in Vermont and right now the foliage is OK. Its not the best year, at least I dont think so. Usually the trees are fully changed by October 1st or so and this year alot of trees are still green. There are some that are changing nicely but I think because of the rain the color just isn't what it should be. I'm sure tourists are still in awe of it though! I think this weekend and next week will be peak time for the Burlington area.

In Killington the foliage was nice. VERY colorful. But some parts of VT weren't as nice. I think it depends on where you go exactly bc in Killington, it was a totally different story.

[suzubeane]

If you wait a little longer, you can come to RI. It's very cheap to fly here - many of the airlines are trying to lure people who live between here and Boston (one hour away) with great deals and good schedules.

The state is very small - you can drive the whole thing in 45 min, and spend time both in rural areas, and historic cities like Newport and Providence. I don't know about "activities" per se, but tourism is a huge industry here. You can easily find things on your own here: RI Tourism (http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/)

[Cali_Katy]

Just got back from a trip to visit family. We were as far north as southern New Hampshire and as far south as New Jersey. Nowhere were the leaves spectacular. I used to live in Massachusetts, and this normally would be the peak time. There are some pretty spots here and there, but I think if you were making a special trip just to see the fall foliage, this is not a great year to do it.

[DiscoDiva]

We're planning the trip for the 1st or 2nd week of October 2006. No way would we go there now, especially with all the flooding!

[pewee9196]

I know you said NE but I would have to throw out the Shenendoah Valley in Virginia to you. A little let Touristy. I live in the NY Hudson Valley but I still love the fall in VA. You could do the Hudson Valley and do the whole Culinary Institue deal etc. Because of the weather our trees are a bit lackluster (my opinion- I am sure others disagree)

[KrissyCat7]

How about upstate NY??? The leaves are gorgeous in October, you can visit the state parks, spend quiet time with your honey, go on hayrides, there is a lot to do and the prices are great. Here are just a few suggestions.


1795 Acorn Inn

4508 Route 64, South Bristol Center
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-229-2834 or 866-665-3747
www.acorninnbb.com

Surround yourself in luxury this winter. Ski & stay at this AAA Four Diamond rated B&B, just minutes from Bristol Mountain. Relax before a cozy fire, take a romantic soak in our Jacuzzi and sleep peacefully in our warm, queeen size beds. All rooms have private, modern baths, and cable TV/DVD/VCR/CD equipment. Hearty soup (turkey chili, beef stew or split pea and ham) is available between 6:00 - 9:00 pm, with advanced notice. Gourmet breakfast is served daily at 9:00 am. Complimentary snacks and hot/cold refreshments are available. A truly exhilarating, yet relaxing, romantic ski/ride escape. Prices apply to Angell and Wilder rooms. Additional discounts apply to multiple night stays: $99.00 (Sun-Thurs), $109.00 ( Fri-Sat), with Holidays & Special Events excluded.


$109 Monday-Thursday
$119 Friday-Sunday
Clement's Countryside Inn

Canadian Holiday Week at par supported

4508 Route 64, South Bristol Center
Canandaigua, NY 14424

585-229-4202
585-229-2845
www.clementscorner.com

Rest, relax and rejuvenate yourself for your day on the slopes. Clement’s Countryside Inn is located 5 miles north of Bristol Mountain. Amenities include outdoor hot tub, newly remodeled guesthouse with living room, full kitchen and bath. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be delivered to your door from our country store.

$80 Sunday-Thursday
$85 Friday-Saturday
The Filigree Inn
Canadian Holiday Week at par supported

5406 Bristol Valley Road
Canandaigua, NY, 14424
888-560-7614
www.filigreeinn.com

The closest B&B to Bristol Mountain Resort, The Filigree Inn is a warm inviting country inn located on 180 acres. Our spacious suites feature full kitchens and dining areas, Jacuzzi tubs, king feather beds and cozy fireplaces. Enjoy your private deck with great views of the beautiful Bristol hills. Our suites can be enjoyed by a couple wanting a quiet weekend, or can accommodate four people comfortably. Rates are per person per day, based on (4) person occupancy. Rates can be adjusted for smaller parties.

$75 Sunday-Thursday
$85 Friday-Saturday
Bristol Views
6932 County Rd #12
Naples, NY 14471
585-374-8875
www.bristolviews.com

Just five minutes from Bristol Mountain. Enjoy stunning views of Canandaigua Lake, while relaxing in front of a fire or while soaking in the outdoor hot tub. Full breakfast is served daily. Hawkins and Seneca rooms, are available, at these rates, based on per person, double occupancy. Call for rates on our Empire room freaturing a romatic double Jacuzzi.

$83 Sunday-Thursday
$86 Friday-Saturday
The Chosen Spot
Canadian Holiday Week at par supported

5395 Routes 5 & 20
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-393-9604
www.thechosenspot.com

Enjoy a relaxing stay at our 1850's Farmhouse B&B. Each room is tastefully decorated offering private baths with 2 person whirlpools, featherbeds, TV/VCR, full country breakfasts and after skiing refreshments. Located just 15 minutes from the slopes. Rates are based on double occupancy.

$90 Monday-Thursday
$93 Friday-Saturday
The Sutherland House

Canadian Holiday Week at par supported

3179 State Rte 21 South
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-396-0375 or 800-396-0375
www.sutherlandhouse.com

Welcome to our 1885 renovated Victorian Inn located just minutes from the mountain. Combine your ski holiday with an escape at Sutherland House. Choose from two guestrooms that feature private bath, cable TV, VCR, AM/FM clock radio, or upgrade to a room with a fireplace and double Jacuzzi. Afternoon refreshments, stocked guest refrigerators, full breakfast. Call for package rates on rooms with a double Jacuzzi and fireplace.

$95 Sunday-Thursday
$107 Friday-Saturday
Monier Manor
154 N.Main St
Naples,NY 14512
585-374-6719 or 585-737-1590(cell)
www.moniermanor.com

In beautiful Naples Valley, minutes from the mountain there awaits an 1840's manor home for your apres ski. There are 4 gorgeous rooms including a working fireplace, private bath, CD player, fluffy robes for the heated outdoor jetted tub, sumptuous breakfast and satellite TV. For dining and entertainment, you can walk to the village and a tavern or two! Rates are for Serenity, Elegance or Opulence rooms. Rates are based on double occupancy.

$92 Sunday-Thursday
$99 Friday-Saturday

[boilermaker]

bump

[greenbunny]

It's almost time for the leaves to start to change, so I thought I'd bumb this for any more recommendations! DH and I are looking to drive up to New England for a long weekend.

[suzubeane]

There's also this thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21492) on New England, GB.

[fuzzy]

I'll second Upstate NY. If there's a redeeming quality about this place, it's the fall. The Adirondack Mountains in the fall are absolutely something everyone should see at least one.

I'd go stay in Lake Placid -- you're right by Whiteface Mountain, with spectacular hikes and views, and you'll be in the village of Lake Placid, which is just wonderful. I've only stayed at the Hilton in the village (very nice, but also very standard hotel-ish feel), but there are PLENTY of other places. Plus, if you get stuck with bad weather, you can always go visit the Olympic facilities/museums/exhibits. The leaves there will be reaching peak soon...

[greenbunny]

Oh, thanks, didn't even think to check for a newer thread. And there's a daily leaf update website, which is what I wanted.

[justHB]

When we used to live in Pittsburgh, PA, autumn was my favorite time of year. The last year we lived there, we went to Fallingwater and the scenery was just amazing. Fallingwater probably isn't enough incentive to visit Western PA, but it sure was lovely (and cheap!).

If you still want to go to the Poconos, have you considered renting a cabin or something? I've heard people complain about the resorts and motels, but who have since found isolated cabins and now go there every year.

[kristin]

Are any of these places in NE kid-friendly? We'll be travelling with an infant and toddler. Not kid-friendly as in camps/babysitting, but kid-friendly in that there are things that my toddler would enjoy - apple-picking, pony-rides, etc. I don't know, what else could you do with two small kids on a foliage vacation?

[HeatherFL]

I thought Boston was beautiful during the autumn. The Public Gardens' colors were magnificent! There is a lot to do and you can drive to other areas nearby for different "flavors" of the State and close to CT. I can't remember which highway I drove from Rye Brook (White Plains), NY to Hamden, CT but apparently it is one of the most scenic in the nation for fall foliage.

(Excuse the quality of the photos, I had to take them off Shutterfly then put them onto Photobucket.)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/HeatherJWFL76/fall7.jpg

(My little sister in the pics)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/HeatherJWFL76/fall6.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/HeatherJWFL76/fall5.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/HeatherJWFL76/fall4.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/HeatherJWFL76/fall3.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/HeatherJWFL76/fall2.jpg

~H.

[KK812]

Heather when exactly was your trip to Boston, if you don't mind me asking? We will be up in Newport from nov 14-18, and plan on taking a day trip to Boston. I love autumn and am hoping to at least catch the tale end of the foliage. :cool: Those pictures are gorgeous!

[HeatherFL]

Thanks :). It was in November of 2004 (don't remember exact dates, but I could find out for you.) Sheesh, seems like yesterday!

~H.

[greenbunny]

When is the best time to go, as far as what the websites say? I thought "peak" was the best time, but some sites are saying to go now, during "moderate" color, since some green trees provides better contrast.

This is more complicated than I thought. :p

[LeslieR]

We're in CT near the border of NY and the leaves have already started to change here a bit. I would aim for the 2nd or 3rd week of October.

[suzubeane]

We will be up in Newport from nov 14-18, and plan on taking a day trip to Boston. This is going to seem like a dumb thing to focus on, but since you might find yourself driving south out of Boston towards RI on a weekday, plan to stay in town for dinner and avoid rush hour! Otherwise, you could conceivably find yourself stuck in traffic for hours - every time it happens to me I think "argh! I can't believe people do this every day!" But it seems like an awful lot do.

If a foliage drive isn't the focus of your day trip, you might even want to take the commuter rail from one of the suburban towns along route 95 and save yourself the trouble (and/or expense) of trying to find parking in Boston. As Heather points out, there are walkable areas of Boston where one can appreciate the foliage, too.

[justHB]

For anyone who is thinking of taking a fall folliage tour, Sherman's Travel just announced a great cruise deal for an October 18 departure date.

http://www.shermanstravel.com/editor_review.php?id=1071770

[KK812]

Thanks for the tip, suzubeane! & Heather no need for exact dates, but thank you-I'm glad to hear it's still colorful in November!

[TriSigmaNC]

Right now in NH is perfect. I used to live in Plymouth, NH and from Boston to there is amazing and a VERY popular place to be. You can also take a car/zip line thing up the White Mountain and it's amazingly gorgeous.

[betsyboop]

We're planning the trip for the 1st or 2nd week of October 2006. No way would we go there now, especially with all the flooding!

What flooding? :confused:

Anyway, I live in MA and it seems to be reaching peak here pretty much right now. We just got back from a long weekend in Quebec and drove through NH and VT (right along the NY line) to get there and I'd definitely say it's past peak up there. We drove up on Sat and it was really pretty, but we drove home on Wed and all the reds were gone already and it was mostly just the yellow shades left.

Greenbunny- The pine trees are always around for the green contrast, so I would probably tend to go during peak week rather than too early.

KK812- I don't know, I think the middle of Nov might be a bit late:( There will probably be some color, but it won't be really amazing or anything.

[kiki61872]

KK812- I don't know, I think the middle of Nov might be a bit late:( There will probably be some color, but it won't be really amazing or anything.



i agree i think that will be too late too

[KK812]

Bummer. :( We will surely visit a couple more times in the next few years, so I guess I will just try to plan one trip in october.

[thedoorchick]

In case anyone happens to see this in the next 18 hours, I am trying to figure out how to combine a visit to the shore with a foliage drive. I found some good routes for viewing fall foliage that are fairly near where I am, that go down to the edge of Long Island Sound and then back north again. Is it worth trying to go to the shore at all? I've heard there are areas where there are some really nice views; some of which you can see Manhattan across the water.

Any thoughts? Or is it just too cold to even be near a beach?

ETA: I'm in CT (Fairfield County)

[bookworm]

Thedoorchick, there is a nice public park in Stamford that is on the water. I'm sorry I don't remember more about it, but knowing it's there, Google may be able to help.

[boilermaker]

bump

[diam124]

Thanks Boilermaker!