New England Travel and Vacation Gazette and Other Wicked Good Content

Editor's note: Mid-October is usually the best time to enjoy peak fall foliage in Central Massachusetts. For updates on best leaf peeping times, call the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism at 800.227.6277 Article by Tom K., avid motorcycle enthusiast This route starts out in Rutland Mass., takes a scenic route through Charlton, Mass., and down to Pomfret, Conn., for lunch at the Vanilla Bean Cafe . We then head northwest from the Vanilla Bean through the central Massachusetts towns of Southbridge, Sturbridge and eventually, Ware. From Ware, we head into Hardwick, around the eastern side of the Quabbin, up to Athol, and down the western side into Belchertown, but not without stopping at the Hamilton Orchards in New Salem for warm cider doughnuts, first. I have taken this route many times and still enjoy the ride! Start at Colonial Convenience/Mobil gas station at the Intersection of Route 122 (Barre Paxton Rd.) and Pleasantdale Rd. Follow Pleasantdale Road into ...

New Hampshire foliage press release source: VisitNH.com . Photo at Silver Lake State Park, Hollis, N.H., by Eric H. We're into the New Hampshire fall foliage season home stretch here, with brilliant colors abundant in many areas of the state, according to the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development. Although most of the Great North Woods Region is past peak, strong color remains there while the White Mountains, Lakes, Dartmouth, Monadnock and Merrimack Regions at near or full peak. The Seacoast Region (Portsmouth-Dover area) is not quite yet at full peak, but shows advanced colors in many parts of this coastal area. Without further delay, here is the latest detailed New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development press release report on foliage updates, from Oct. 12, 2009, throughout New Hampshire: Great North Woods Region: There’s still a good amount of color in the Great North Woods region despite being just past peak. The wind and frost has taken...

Article by Eric H. Photo left: A mix of evergreens and hardwood trees creates a colorful display on Songo Pond along Route 5 south of Bethel. Credit: Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce Maine boasts 7 million acres of forest and more land covered by trees than any other state in the country, so it's no surprise that fall foliage has traditionally held a popular presence amongst locals and travelers. Granted, Maine has a lot of pine trees, but the reality is that you'll find foliage colors in the myriad other tree species that's every bit as good as the prime-time New England fall foliage players, New Hampshire and Vermont. You just have to know where to go, and when. Additionally, Maine shines colorfully, not only with its inland fall colors, but also at the coast. Any part of the state is capable of turning out vibrant yellow, orange, red and purple hues -- great news for those who prefer the Maine coast. Depending upon location, you can expect the best Maine fall foliage ...

(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...

Article and photos by Eric H. Adam's Farm in Cumberland, R.I., celebrates the simple joys of life in the New England fall. This small farm with the seasonal store under a tent and some most pleasing peaceful country farm views features everything "fall": apples, candy apples, caramel apples, cider, cornstalks, gourds, hay, hay rides, a hay maze, Indian corn, mums and various other healthy-looking plants, and a petting zoo with goats and sheep. Although the fall-oriented merchandise and activities draw people from all over the region, what makes Adam's Farm most special is the sweet smell of fresh air and the postcard-perfect scenes of pumpkins, white fences and green land. When the fall foliage arrives, Adam's Farm looks even more like a wonderland of New England fall pastoral beauty. Viewing this scene lends Adam's Farm an almost retreat-like quality, offering a potent antidote to the stresses of nearby "civilization." We highly recommend visiting ...

Article and photo by Eric H. If you're looking for a nice, out-of-the-way, yet close-to-civilization apple picking spot, then we suggest the Big Apple Farm in Wrentham, Mass., as a "core" destination. The Big Apple Farm features apple picking (primarily MacIntosh and Cortland), this weekend from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., in a scenic, peaceful 200-acre setting near the Franklin, Mass., line and northern Rhode Island border. Located in the virtually unknown Sheldonville section of Wrentham, the Big Apple has always been considered a "destination" for locals, but is certainly worth a drive for those in search of a classic, local, family-owned farm with plenty to do in addition to apple picking. Here are some highlights of the Big Apple: * The farm stand with fresh, hand-picked in-season fruits and vegetables, and a bakery offering delicious homemade donuts, pies, hand dipped candy and caramel apples. Also available at the farm stand are jams, sauces, syrups, gift baskets...

Article and photo (of Echo Lake, Franconia State Park, N.H.) by Eric H. If you're looking for a hotel to stay during the New Hampshire fall foliage season, we have a few hundred for you to choose from at discount rates. Now is a great time to book a room, as local New Hampshire hotels, motels, inns , resorts and bed and breakfast often have their rooms fill up quickly. Not only is our fall foliage season a wonderfully colorful time of the season, but quite popular for New England travelers --so the need to secure a hotel room is essential. In our guide, not only will you find hotels categorized by towns and cities -- and the chance to book online -- but also a section on local communities "worth a look." We encourage you to browse our New Hampshire Hotel Guide . For every reservation made, we will donate five percent of our commission to Brookview House, of Dorchester, Mass., whose mission is to assist homeless families in the development of skills necessary to break the...

Article and Photo by Eric H. Readers, lend me your "ears" about a fun, fall travel destination at Jane and Paul's Farm in Norfolk, MA. Jane and Paul's Farm offers an intriciate corn maze that some say has them baffled for 20, even 30 minutes. The stalks are high, the paths diverse and there's even a bridge to throw a monkey wrench into figuring out how to reach the end of the maze. We've been to those wimpy "around the knees" hay mazes that can be figured out with both eyes closed, but Jane and Paul's maze will surely be a challenge to anyone -- unless you cheat with a GPS or take a helicopter above and map out the premises. For the rest of us honest souls, Jane and Paul's corn maze will have you saying "Oh, shucks," on how to complete this rural challenge course. Of course, add some apple picking (Macintosh, Daybreak and Empire), wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a chance to commune with the farm animals and purchase some fresh-fr...

Article and photo by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com Today is the first day of fall and the beginning of many, traditional happy, harvest season times in New England. Best known for fall festivals, apple picking, a glass of cider and some spectacular fall foliage, New England might not be the only deal in town for the autumn season, but the uniqueness, history and scenic beauty of the area brings out the fall colors that much more. Rumor has it that Humpty Dumpty once had a great fall to make up for a miserable summer here in New England. All jokes aside, many people prefer the New England fall to the summer. Much of the oppressive humidity and hazy pollution is gone and the more frequent chill in the air brings a refreshing feel. Life seems to slow down and be more reflective, and the Earth becomes more still, like a perfect painting made for repeated viewing. In a sense, that's the way New England comes across in the fall with its postcard picture-perfect village greens, his...