Showing posts with label North Conway NH. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Conway NH. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

The Best Places to Take in the Fall Foliage of New England






A vacation in New England is best spent in the Autumn.  People from around the world visit New England to marvel over the beauty of the fall foliage. From the end of August right up until October the leaves on the trees display a spectacular array of colors.  It is no wonder that Fall is one of the busiest tourist seasons in New England.  Find out what all the “peepers” are going to see.


See Fall Foliage Peak Times map for New England near the end of this article



New England is home to a multitude of different landscapes.  You can find mountains and coastline, forests and vineyards all contained in this quaint and tiny area of the country.  New England experiences all four of the seasons completely.  In the summer the beaches are a warm sandy paradise.  In the winter the mountains offer skiing at its finest.  And of course, the fall offers beautiful nature walks in the orange and gold beauty of the forests.

While there are six states in New England, we focus on four of them here and the popular places in those states to enjoy all autumn has to offer when visiting them.


New Hampshire


Cabins in White Mountains Region of New Hampshire

One of the first areas of New England to be developed for tourism, the White Mountains region in New Hampshire once boasted a large choice of grand resorts.

Omni Mount Washington Resort

Today just a few of the resorts remain but the spectacular views and wide-open spaces are still a magnet for those seeking to discover places off-the-beaten path, and explore the peace and quiet of the northern woods. Spectacular scenic drives and mountain villages dot the valleys and invite a stop to admire a covered bridge or take a walk to a waterfall and a picnic lunch together.




The fall foliage in this area is considered some of the best viewing in New England and makes an ideal time for a romantic getaway to one of the inns in North Conway, Jackson or Bartlett Village or any number of hideaways nestled in Mount Washington Valley.

North Conway, located in the heart of the White Mountains region of New Hampshire offers a wide array of lodging choices which include hotels, motels, vacation resorts, campgrounds and some of the most charming and elegant bed and breakfasts and Inns in all of New England!


White Mountain Hotel and Resort, North Conway, NH

Top resorts and hotels in the North Conway area include:

  • North Conway Grand Hotel, family hotel in with outdoor pool and indoor pool. Address: 72 Common Court, North Conway, NH, 03860, United States of America, 888-950-5062.
  • The Red Jacket Mountain View Resort and Indoor Water Park in North Conway is definitely a favorite for the kids. This hotel is a 3-minute walk from Kahuna Laguna, northern New England’s first indoor water park with its 40,000 square feet of water park family fun!
Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, North Conway, NH


While in the area visitors can shop at the North Conway Settlers’ Green Outlet Village, local hand-craft, antique and gift shops, see a play at one of the area playhouses, ride one of the area’s scenic train rides, take a scenic ride and a dip in the cool mountain waters along the Kancamagus Highway, visit Diana’s Baths water falls, Story Land or one of the many area family attractions that North Conway and the Mount Washington Valley has to offer.



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Maine


Some of the State of Maine's most beautiful art isn't man-made at all. Driving one of Maine's scenic byways, surrounded by the dappled reds, oranges and yellows of the fall foliage will make you feel like you're in the middle of an Impressionist painting. Maine's blueberry season may be over, but it's prime apple-picking time, so be sure to pull over at an orchard or two on your drive for some fresh cider and a slice of pie.



Maine's beaches may be too chilly for surfing, but that doesn't mean there isn't still plenty to see. In early fall, there's still whale-watching to be had, and the lighthouses of Maine are always standing tall, no matter what time of year you visit. The perfect way to see them and the coast's beautiful fall foliage? A windjammer cruise.

Stonington, Maine

If you're looking for a romantic weekend getaway in Maine, DownEast, Maine is the place. There's plenty to see and do in Bar Harbor as well as on Deer Isle, Stonington, Maine (located on the southern portion of Deer Isle.) and Boothbay Harbor. You'll find plenty of resorts, seaside inns and bed and breakfasts where you can lay your head.

Bar Harbor, Maine


Further south, there's Portland, Freeport and the Casco Bay region. Portland's dining, nightlife and craft beer scenes set a bar that would be hard for most cities to reach. Freeport is known for its great shopping, including outlets stores from L.L. Bean and more. Fall's a great time to get clearance deals and stock up for winter.


The Old Port, Portland, Maine

From Kennebunk to Bangor, there are plenty of Maine attractions to see in fall. Probably too many for one trip. So, you'll be very tempted to go back again.

Salem, Massachusetts


Located just 16 miles north of Boston, Salem, Massachusetts is a great day trip for residents of New England and an even better weekend getaway for people looking to do something different with their time.




Autumn in Salem, Massachusetts

It offers a variety of activities to do and places to visit that represent early American society in the New England region. There is a wealth of history contained in the town and its tour guides, artists, musicians, and other characters bring it to life for visitors and residents alike.

Salem Witch House


Halloween is always a good time of the year to visit and see everything that Salem has to offer. During the month of October Salem plays host to over 140 events known as "Haunted Happenings". It is fun for all ages. They have everything from guided tours of historical sites in the town, a psychic fair and witchcraft expo, ghost tours, art exhibits, book readings, festivals, fairs, and concerts, to beer tastings of local ales and brews.


Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum takes visitors back to the summer of 1692 and the infamous trial that resulted in the execution of 20 people accused of activities inspired by the devil.

Visitors who really want to study this chapter of history can use the museum as an educational starting point, then spend hours, days or weeks traveling through the region touring homes, historical markets, tombs and other sites related relics witchcraft hysteria.




To help you get in the right mood for the modern witch hunt, check out the museum's website www.salemwitchmuseum.com for more information, including suggestions for readings before arriving.

Planning to stay over in Salem?

Salem Inn, 7 Summer Street.

On the National Register of Historic Places, the Salem Innis located in the heart of Salem, MA and is actually three historic homes going back to the early 1800's but restored with care and style
True the 40 guest rooms don't have elevators and bellboys but they have class and quality service and even some sweet finches to welcome guests, a big family favorite

If you dare, ask for a room with a ghost.


Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West.

Located  in the heart of historic Salem, Massachusetts, Hawthorne Hotel has a rich history which began in 1925 and has welcomed numerous leisure travelers as well as dignitaries and celebrities. Over the years, the Hawthorne Hotel has hosted well-known personalities including newsman Walter Cronkite, actress Bette Davis, General Colin Powell, and both President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.

Episodes of iconic shows including Bewitched , What Not to Wear  and Ghost Hunters  have all been filmed on this historic property. In 1984, Vanessa Redgrave called the hotel home for a month while making Three Sovereigns for Sarah , a public television movie about the Salem witch trials.

This historic hotel is said to host some ghosts along with guests!


Stephen Daniels Bed and Breakfast, 1 Daniels St.

 If you're looking for a historical bed & breakfast to spend your vacation days with the whole family this is one of the oldest Bed & Breakfasts in the United States.. The house was built in 1667 by Stephan Daniels, and was the private home of the Daniels family descendants for over 300 years!



Plymouth, Massachusetts


Plymouth, Massachusetts is a small city 40 miles south of Boston. Authentic yet entertaining the two attractions are links to the past and the 102 passengers that survived the journey across the stormy Atlantic seas.




Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II ship are illuminating exhibits on a major event in early American history. Both are places to stir the imagination and entertain your knowledge cells.


Mayflower II Autumn

At the Mayflower II you’ll discover first-hand all about the voyage the pilgrims endured, and then barely a few miles away you’ll experience the early and struggling years of settlement.


Plimoth Plantation

Enjoy your day at Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II. They’re entertaining reminders of our history and a link back to a monumental place in our history. Check their website for hours www.plimoth.org


Plimoth Plantation


If you happen to be staying in Boston, Isango.com offers a tour (Plimoth Plantation Living Museum Tour) of Plymouth by bus from Boston. You will be picked up from your hotel in Boston and taken in an air-conditioned coach for a sightseeing tour to the historic Plimoth Plantation.



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Rhode Island



Rhode Island has the unique distinction of being the smallest state in the United States.  It is only forty eight miles long and thirty seven miles wide.  Even though it is tiny in size it has over four hundred miles of beautiful New England coast.  From the mansions of Newport to the stunning landscape, Rhode Island is a picturesque New England state.




Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and has gone through some changes in the 1990’s.  Brown University is located in Providence and is considered one of the top universities in New England.  The mile of history, located on Benefit street is filled with gorgeous 18th century houses.  Marvel at the architecture as you walk down the historic street.  There are shopping malls in the downtown area that will fill your days.  You will also find many small quaint New England shops for your shopping pleasure.

Federal Hill is a wonderful place to experience world class dining.  Rhode Island offers the culture and mansions in Newport alongside the history of Providence.  One gets to experience both when Rhode Island is your vacation destination.

Fall Foliage Peak Times in New England



You won’t be disappointed with an Autumn New England vacation.  Find out what all the fuss is about and be amazed by the beauty of the changing fall colors.  You will need nothing more than a walk in the woods to know why everyone makes the trip.







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Sunday, July 7, 2019

A White Mountains Vacation - Most Scenic 100 Miles In New England








The White Mountains of New Hampshire includes gorgeous views, a visit to the home of the world wind speed record, and one of most scenic train rides in the east.

The White Mountain National Forest is a 4-hour drive north of Boston, Massachusetts. Deep in New Hampshire, the mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain system that covers the Eastern United States. Within the forest park is the White Mountains Trail, and it's a drive that's arguably the most scenic 100 miles in New England. Here's a selection of my favorite stops along the way - some of them require prior planning and are day trips in themselves.



WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST VISITOR CENTER

Most people begin the drive from the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock on route 112 and head out on route 3N to the Franconia Notch area.

If you're traveling with kids then you'll want check out Clark's Trading Post, and the Whale's Tale Waterpark -- both in Lincoln on route 3N. At Clark's you can see Bears, ride a steam train, climb towers, and generally keep the young ones happy. The Whale's Tale is a water park with a wave pool, picnic areas, and live entertainment.



Back on the road head north towards Franconia Notch, and shortly you'll see the sign for our first stop - the Flume Gorge.

THE FLUME GORGE

Flume Gorge


The Flume Gorge was formed over 200 million years ago when the White Mountains were molten rock. As the terrain here cooled quickly, softer material was forced into the fractures that formed. These fractures wore down with natural erosion much quicker that the surrounding granite rock -- leaving the gorge. And so now you get to enjoy a geological wonder at the base of beautiful Mount Liberty.

The Gorge has a visitor center where your tour starts and ends, one of the oldest covered bridges on the White Mountains Trail, and some dramatic photo opportunities.

Continue to head north on Route 3 until it joins Route 302 and follow 302 towards Bretton Woods. Here the mountains get taller and taller until eventually you see the grand daddy of them all -- Mount Washington at 6,288 feet.

THE ROOF OF THE WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST...

Depending on time available, you've got three options for experiencing Mount Washington: take the Cog Railway train ride to the top, drive the auto road to the summit -- the quickest way, or you can hike if you're well prepared.

Cog Railway


But don't consider hiking to the top unless you're in great condition and with somebody. This mountain claims lives every year - even in the summer - as conditions in this area can deteriorate dramatically within minutes. And yes, it's worth getting to the summit. On a clear day the view is stunning. Visit the museum at the top and learn about the day in 1934 when the highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was taken - 231 MPH. You'll learn why its unique geographic position provides the mountain with the worst weather on earth.

Now get back onto Route 302 and head south to the town of North Conway.

THE CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD



Schedule at least enough time to take the shorter valley scenic train, which you board in North Conway. The train rides offer wonderful views of the scenic valleys and notches in the surrounding area.

The valley train is a 55-minute roundtrip, and the Notch train is 5 hours. Both have a first-class car if you want to have a different experience. The notch train has a dome car as well, where you get magnificent views of the steep ravines and sheer bluffs. The trains usually run from mid-June until mid-October.

Visit there website at www.conwayscenic.com/

THE KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY

Moose crossing Kancamagus Highway


Let's finish up our White Mountains Trail tour by joining back up with route 112 at Conway and driving back to the White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center.

Route 112, or as its better known the Kancamagus Highway, is the only road that runs directly east and west through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. This is a dramatic road that shows off the magnificence of one of New Hampshire's best-loved scenic spots. From this road your vistas include wilderness and the highest peaks in the presidential range.



During the summer and fall foliage months you're likely to have plenty of company on your drive. But if the weather is clear who cares if the going is a little slow - this isn't a drive to rush anyway. But it's a magnificent end to our 100-mile scenic drive.

By: Cliff Calderwood



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