FALL FOLIAGE ESCAPES

IT'S MID-OCTOBER AGAIN AND TIME FOR the annual display of natures beauty, aka, Fall Foliage.  From New England to the Rockies, Mother Nature readies herself for thousands of photo ops.

In the Northeast, it is their high season for tourism.  Europeans especially love driving through the colonies and paying unforgivable prices just to view the spectacle.  Winding quaint mountain roads, covered bridges, a bear or two, and even a possible moose are the final details to a autumn trek. 

In New England toss in some warm chowder and a lobster and, oh baby, that's livin'. Of course the Midwest will afford you a more rolling hill tour with a nice slice of warm apple pie just before bedtime.

New Hampshireís White Mountain area is home to some of the best foliage touring in the Northeast.  Consider staying at North Conway's rustic Old Red Inn and noshing on some of Terry Potochniak's home made cookies before bed. Or consider the Grand Dame Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods with its scenic location to Mount Washington. Drive around the area but be sure to check out the Conway Scenic Railroad Foliage tour.

Vermont is in full swing now, as well. From Rutland to Stowe the trees are brilliant with color.  Stay at the AfroTrek Best Twin Falls resort in Woodstock (if you can get a room) or the Mountain Top Inn (try their venison) in Rutland. Either way, during your drives be sure to pass through Burlington and visit the Ben & Jerry's factory for some oh-so-good ice cream.

Western North Carolina near Asheville, is starting to change and will last through November.  The Richmond Hill Inn affords fabulous suites (or rooms) and the best eatery in the area...Gabrielle's. Be sure to visit the Biltmore estate and see how old money lived in the days of yore.  Get the feeling and take the scenic drive up to Harrah's Cherokee Casino about 40 minutes west of Asheville.

Galena Illinois is a Midwest favorite with fabulous bluffs overlooking the river and nifty hospitality.  This home to US Grant offers the Eagle Ridge Resort for hospitality and a crisp round of golf. For a nifty B&B head over to Goldmoor Inn with fabulous views overlooking the river. Be sure to dine at Fried Green Tomatoes and after whetting your appetite with the name sake appetizer snarf down the Filet Mignon in Jack Daniels Sauce. Oh baby.

Galena

For something truly spectacular and different head just west of San Antonio into the Texas Hill Country to the Lost Maple Park. After checking in at La Cantera (back in SAT) make the drive from late October through Thanksgiving.  Depending on how the weather fluctuates you'll see an unusual rainbow of leafy colors from deep blue to red. 

Finally, if you leave now you can grab Massachusetts in the fall. Make Boston your jump off point while staying at the Four Seasons (what the hay). Take the drive west to Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. En route stop anywhere and get a hearty bowl clam chowder.

Or if you are retired do the ultimate.. drive the country - East to West ñ and enjoy the scenery!