I'm Kim Knox Beckius, your fall color commentator, and I can't wait to tell you about some of the wonderful events going on in New England this Columbus Day weekend. We're in for some perfect fall days with cool, exhilarating temperatures and bright blue skies forecast for most of the region.
But first, let's take a look at what the leaves are up to and where you should head this holiday weekend if you'd like to increase your chances of viewing foliage at its peak.
In New Hampshire, the leaves are peaking in the White Mountains region. It's an ideal time to drive Route 112, between Conway and Lincoln. The Kancamagus Highway, as this scenic byway is known, is one of New England's finest leaf-peeping routes.
It's also going to be a really pretty weekend in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, where colors are approaching peak. Pull off Route 113 and hike to the top of Rattlesnake Mountain. It will only take you about a half-hour, and your reward will be splendid views of colorful mountains and inky blue Squam Lake.
Accommodations will be tough to find if you haven't already made reservations for this weekend, but I did locate some rooms available for you at The Margate on Lake Winnipesaukee, so if you want to peep in New Hampshire this weekend, hurry and call them toll free at 1 800 MARGATE.
This will also be a good weekend to drive Route 89 through central and northern Vermont between White River Junction and Burlington. Be sure to detour onto Route 4 for scenic views of Quechee Gorge. You'll want to get off Route 89 at exit 10, as well, and drive north on Route 100 for 3-1/2 miles to Cold Hollow Cider Mill for a taste of incredibly fresh cider.
If you're looking for last-minute lodging in Vermont for the holiday weekend, try the Hampton Inn in White River Junction. Their number for reservations is 802-296-2800.
In Maine, your best bet for this weekend is to head to the Bangor area and to drive Route 2 north along the Penobscot River toward Lincoln.
Don't want to travel that far north? This is going to be an absolutely glorious weekend in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, where foliage is at nearly 80 percent. Route 2, commonly called The Mohawk Trail, will be a superb drive, and you'll want to venture off Route 2 to see sights such as the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls and the DAR State Forest in Goshen.
Most inns and resorts in the Berkshires are booked up for this weekend, but you may still be able to score a room at Yankee Suites in Pittsfield. Just be aware that they have a three-night minimum. To check availability, call toll free, 800-835-2364.
The color change is still just beginning in most areas of Rhode Island and Connecticut. That's good news for those of you who can't get away this weekend. Connecticut foresters say the state's peak is still two weeks away, so there will be much more fall color to see later this month.
And don’t forget, there's so much more to do in New England than look at pretty leaves. Here are my five picks for this weekend's best fall events:
