New England Travel and Vacation Gazette and Other Wicked Good Content

(2008 photo of Concord, N.H., by Eric H.) Fall Foliage report source: New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism ) The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development just sent us an update on the latest fall foliage reports across New Hampshire. As could be expected, this is the time of the year when trees start to turn over an "old leaf," many transforming into bright colors. While we still have a ways to go to reach peak fall foliage in the "Granite State," areas like the Great North Woods, the Monadnock and Merrimack Valley regions and, surprisingly, the Seacoast Region have sectors of impressive colors, according to New Hampshire Travel and Tourism. Regardless of level of fall foliage color, anytime is a great time to visit New Hampshire. Personally, we simply can't get enough of the pristine, small lake towns in the Lakes Region (Wolfeboro and Meredith, in particular), the rugged and scenic White Mountains, the charming coastline splendor of Po...

(2008 photo of Franconia Notch State Park by Eric H.) Betty Gagne, of the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development, just sent us some good news on more fall foliage colors arriving in the Granite State's Great North Woods Region. Also called New Hampshire’s "Grand North," this region features swamp maples along the rivers and higher elevations showing "some nice, bright reds" –- indicating that peak fall foliage will be arriving soon. Mountain slopes are showing some fall foliage progress with hints of red and yellow coming to life, also. This official New Hampshire tourism group also states that paddling along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail or driving the Connecticut River Scenic Byway are "great ways to see the early autumn colors." They also recommend Route 26 from Errol to Colebrook as a dramatic scenic drive, especially with the impending peak fall foliage. We recommend logging onto The New Hampshire Foliage Report Web Site for...

Commentary and photo by Eric H., fall foliage updates courtesy of VisitNH.com The good people at VisitNH.com just sent us some fall foliage updates for New Hampshire. Just a day away from the Columbus Day Weekend, this leaf peeping information should serve, no doubt, as a valuable guide to your New Hampshire trip planning needs. On a personal level, New Hampshire has always had a special place in my heart, especially during the fall foliage season. Yes, fall foliage is tremendous anywhere in New England, but to me, the New Hampshire foliage resonates with colors seemingly more consistently brilliant. Add the dramatically, rugged and beautiful White Mountains and its nearby lakes or quaint, relaxing towns like Hollis, Milford, Bristol, Keene, Wolfeboro, Peterborough, Meredith and Woodstock and you have the perfect foundation for a New Hampshire fall foliage day trip or extended vacation. Without delay here are the updates from VisitNH.com -- and don't forget to call its recorded h...

Photo by Marc H., courtesy of TravelGuideOfAmerica.com Northern New Hampshire foliage is near or at full peak, which is sure to delight all walks of life from people to your standard New Hampshire moose! VisitNH.com sent us some updates yesterday telling us that the Great North Woods Region features spectacular color all over the region with bold reds and oranges everywhere. In the White Mountains, higher elevations show near-peak conditions with plenty of bright yellows, peachy oranges and various shades of red. Franconia Notch and points north is described by one leaf peeper as a “palette beyond compare” with truly outstanding color and vibrant panoramic views. Routes 3, 142, 116 and 117 are perfect for scenic drives. Other brilliant colors can be seen on Route 49 in Waterville Valley, the Kancamagus Highway and Route 302 along Crawford Notch State Park. For a recorded report on the latest New Hampshire fall foliage reports, call 1-800-258-3608.

Photo of Wolfeboro, NH, by Eric H. What better time to visit beautiful New Hampshire than during the fall foliage season? The fall foliage in New England is as good as it gets, an added benefit to the inherently rugged, dramatic mountain ranges, the family-friendly traditional attractions and events, and the many lake towns that gently force you to relax. Mt. Washington affords the most amazing mountains views with its 6,288 ft. of rural splendor, but I also recommend the following communities: Wolfeboro, for its quaint, active downtown and location on the quieter side of Lake Winnipesaukee. Meredith for its extended lake walks and shopping at the Mill Falls Inn and Marketplace. Hollis for its winding country roads, quintessentially quiet downtown village-like look, and pleasant farms that offer apple picking. Keene for its Oct 25 Pumpkin Festival, one of the most vibrant small-town, downtowns in New England, and the academic look of Keene State College. Peterborough for its artsy feel...