When considering places to see fall foliage, New England is where many people believe the colors to be the most vibrant. Cities are not usually the first thing that comes to mind. Leaf peepers normally head to the country which New England has in abundance. Some cities however, are ablaze with color in the fall and are well worth taking the time to visit in order to enjoy all the great activities and foliage that happen in the fall. These may not be the most famous but none of them will disappoint.
Burlington Vermont
One of the first cities to get colorful is Burlington, Vermont. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain this is a very popular destination for many reasons. Shopping is particularly attractive in downtown Burlington and combining it with the great colors of fall is just a bonus. The area is loaded with things to see and heading just south will take you to Shelburne to visit the Shelburne Museum which has lots of great outdoor spaces where you can enjoy the vibrant scenery.
The kids will enjoy a visit to the Vermont Teddy Bear Company and Shelburne Farms where you can take a guided tour and walk on their trails. The fall colors will blow you away and you can watch their cheese making process and take some home as well. Stop by the Shelburne Farmers Market and Shelburne Orchards to pick some apples or pick up some fresh apple cider. Colors come early to this part of Vermont so check the foliage guide before planning your visit.
Deerfield,Mass.
Deerfield, Mass. is the perfect place to enjoy the fall foliage. Historic Deerfield is open for visits and the main street is lined with magnificent trees that will be bursting with fall color. When you need a break, the Deerfield Inn is a great place to stop for lunch or a snack. There are docents in the houses and some houses are only available for visits on timed guided tours.
Check in at the Visitor Center to get your ticket and to check the times of the tours so that you can fit everything in. When you are ready for some retail therapy, Yankee Candle has its massive store in Deerfield. If you are ready to start thinking ahead to holidays their Christmas Village is open all year. This is a popular area and if you are planning to stay overnight you need to plan well in advance.
Woodstock, Conn.
Woodstock Conn. is located in what is called the Quiet Corner of Connecticut. It is quiet but there is a very New England look to the town and it will certainly have a great show of color to offer to anyone who chooses to visit. There is the feel of a college town to Woodstock due to the fact that there are several very prestigious private preparatory schools located in town.
Roseland Cottage, the summer home of Henry Bowen, a local who made his fortune in New York City and spent his summer in his hometown of Woodstock is open for visits. Today the house and gardens are a National Landmark and a wonderful place to enjoy the fall foliage. When you need a bite to eat, the very popular Vanilla Bean in nearby Pomfret is the perfect place to enjoy a visit to this corner of Connecticut.
These are just three of the many cities in New England where you can enjoy the fall foliage along with a wide variety of other activities. Other great choices include Boston and Cambridge Mass., Hanover, N.H. and Mystic, Conn. If the truth be known, when it comes to best cities in New England for viewing fall foliage you can't make a bad choice.
More information:
http://www.vermont.org/visiting/index.aspx
http://www.shelburnefarms.org/comevisitus/index.shtm
http://www.historic-deerfield.org
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