Cool, crisp, clean air brings out the leaf peeper in all of us, so it's never too soon to pull out a foliage map and ponder where you want to be when the leaves start to turn. Catching the prime peaks and intensity of colors depends on what part of the country you are in, temperature, precipitation, wind, and leaf genetics. Across North America there are hundreds of inns and B&Bs located near forests, national parks, and vineyards that present thousands of leaf-seekers with myriad choices for getaways come fall.
"The bed and breakfast experience is the quintessential way to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons," says B&B hospitality expert Mary White, author of
Running A Bed and Breakfast For Dummies (Wiley, 2009) and founder of www.BnBFinder.com, which lists hundreds of foliage getaway specials. "The character of foliage season is unique to each region; Texas has the golden forests of 'Lost Maples,' while Arkansas has dogwoods that turn brilliant ruby red. Put your finger anywhere on a map, and there's good chance spectacular foliage and a welcoming bed and breakfast hosted by innkeepers who know the best routes and secret spots for superb leaf-peeping, awaits you."
To enjoy fall foliage at its peak, Mary suggests:
- Check the National Forest Service Foliage Alerts: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/docs/fallcolor.htm or call 1-800-354-4595
- Book your B&B early: fall foliage is prime time for visitors so it's wise to pick your destination and lock in your lodging. Look for deals and better availability if you can getaway mid-week.
Here's a sample of inns and fall activities to help travelers plan their fall foliage adventure to one of the many wondrous leaf-peeping areas in North America:
Extreme Peeping - Who said leaf peeping has to be tame? It doesn't have to be during your stay at the lovely
Rabbit Hill Inn, in Lower Waterford, Vermont. Nestled in the Northeast Kingdom, famous for outdoor sports and covered bridges, the inn offers concierge services for a full range of activities including guided treks, hot air balloon rides, glider rides, golf, tennis and even finding your way out of a corn maze. The off-road, action-packed
Truck Safari up the wild trails of Barron Mountain delivers lion-hearted passengers to a breathtaking vantage point where Franconia Notch, awash in jewel-toned foliage glory, will leave thrill-seeking leaf peepers breathless. Romantic guest rooms with fireplace and whirlpool and candlelit country breakfasts are included, and two Mud Puddle cocktails at the local pub. For extreme thrill seekers zip-lines are also available.
A Crush On You - Foliage season in Napa, California, coincides with grape crushing so visitors can enjoy the bonus of wine tasting and other events hosted by local wine producers during this colorful time of year. The historic
Beazley House is just steps from the trolley line making it easy to explore wineries, vineyards, gourmet restaurants, and outlet shopping as well as the vines, which turn brilliant gold, red, and mahogany. The inn offers elegant guest rooms with private baths and garden views, and a delicious breakfast each morning. Depending on availability, the
Crush Mid-Week Special includes two nights, Sunday through Thursday, at the low season rate!
Jewel of the Ozarks - Eureka Springs is a vibrant Victorian village snuggled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. With its pristine air, abundance of fall festivals, and many chef-owned eateries, this hamlet is a lovely place while you enjoy the the scarlett dogwoods and golden maples. The
Inn at Rose Hall is a magnificent recreation of an 1880’s Victorian manse with its period antiques, stained glass windows, and exquisite gardens. Fall gourmet breakfasts reap the bounties of harvest including such delights as pumpkin waffles with orange sauce, and chocolate zucchini bread.
Isle of Color - The spectacle of turning leaves against the backdrop of the deep blue sea, rolling farm land, and towering forests make Canadian Prince Edward Island a unique destination for leaf peepers. The Elmwood Heritage Inn, in Charlottetown, welcomes guests on foliage patrol from mid-September until late October. Century-old majestic elms with gold-crested boughs lining the hidden driveway greet you upon arrival. Cycling, golfing, walking on quiet beaches or taking scenic drives are ways to enjoy the magnificent vistas. Or, take in the panorama of fall from the golf course, or during a bike ride around what is commonly called, this "gentle island."
The Gold Standard - The Berkshires rank tops in fall foliage aficionado circles, and the
Inn at Green River, in Hillsdale, New York, is the perfect spot for viewing foliage and partaking in the many cultural and gastronomic offerings that make this region so popular. The Inn's1830 Federal-style farmhouse boasts seven romantic guest rooms with fireplaces, and ancient sugar maples and beautiful gardens adorn the grounds. Leaf peepers can begin the day with a leisurely walk down a quiet dirt road known to the locals as "the Dug way," then progress to a hike at Batfish Falls in Taconic State Park, the Appalachian Trail, or Bartholomew's Cobble. Your innkeepers know the way, and can also direct you to Monument Mountain or Mt. Greylock, or even point you toward more adventurous pursuits such as viewing foliage from a bird's eye perspective at the new aerial adventure park on the zip lines.
From the blazing red dogwoods of the Ozarks to the mixture of green pines and white bark aspens of the southwestern forests, to the the burnished grapevines of Napa, fall festivities abound and innkeepers know the secret spots for leaf-seekers. Visit
www.BnBFinder.com for hundreds of fall getaways and innkeepers’ signature fall recipes.
