Columbus Day Weekend – The High Point of Autumn in NH

Visitors to the Lakes Region of NH are in for a treat this weekend, as the weather is predicted to be warm and sunny, and the fall foliage is starting to display its brilliant, changing colors.  It’s the perfect time for a drive to the White Mountains or around Lake Winnipesaukee!

“This year’s fall foliage show is a little different, in that its splash has been steady, rather than an explosion of color we’ve seen in other years,” says Jayne O’Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions.  ”What this means for visitors is that there will be a long patchwork of yellows, oranges and, of course, the bright reds that are the signature of the season.”

The high point of fall in NH has long been Columbus Day Weekend, when peak colors often coincide with the three-day holiday.  For many local businesses and attractions, the foliage combined with the nice weather should provide a boost in this year’s tourist season, which weathered a few challenges over the summer.

“For many of our attractions, the summer of 2011 was on track to be above what it was in 2010,” O’Connor says.  ”July and August were very strong, but that momentum was sidetracked when tropical storm Irene paid a visit.   It took us a couple weeks to repair roads and replace bridges, but everything is open and we are back on track welcoming visitors for the foliage season.”

Travelers can find the best colors by taking the scenic routes.  “Fun itineraries for visitors include following the color along what used to be called ‘shun-pikes,’ like Route 153 through Madison, Route 112 through Kinsman Notch, or Route 117 over Sugar Hill,” says O’Connor.  A good resource is also New England Times online foliage tracker, which has been updated recently to show changing to peak colors throughout the state right now.

Visitors to the Lakes Region of NH can also enjoy the Sandwich Fair while on their foliage excursion.  This annual tradition has taken place for over a century, and is one of the biggest fairs in New England.  With dozens of 4-H exhibits, food contests, tractor shows, and even a poetry reading, Sandwich Fair truly has something for everyone.  All the fun is listed on the fair’s website here.

Wherever you decide to wander this weekend, you are sure to experience the quintessential, picture-perfect New England fall.  Don’t forget to share your stories and photos with us!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: Glass_House at Flickr.com