Let’s start the week with some beauty. The beauty of fall foliage! Even though we have started September and it is still hot in a lot of places, our traveling souls don’t stop anticipating the cool, crisp freshness that autumn brings! The need for a heavy sweater in the morning, the nip of a chill as you shuffle through streets covered in the gold of fallen leaves, and the smoky piquant smell of burning leaves dampened by an autumn rain. Almost heaven. In spite of the madness that is everywhere these days, I take comfort in the constants like the changing seasons. A favorite poem of mine was the impetus for this post and you can read that at the bottom of the page.

If you are in the United States at anytime from now until the end of November, here are some great places to take in the glory of fall color!

First up, the usual suspects:

• Maine – To get an eyeful of saturated color, head to southern Maine during the middle of October to enjoy purples, reds, and yellows ranging from sunny lemon yellow to deep dark gold. Call 888.MAINE.5 for specific dates and locations for the best viewing.
• Massachusetts – Early October is the perfect time to visit western Massachusetts to enjoy vibrant oranges and yellows. Be sure to do some apple-picking, too! Call 800.227.MASS to get details on foliage fun!
• Michigan – Go UP for Michigan foliage! The Upper Peninsula, that is. Catch peak color on the U.P. from mid-September to early October. One of my favorite spots to relax in the U.S., the U.P. is something to behold in autumn! Get more info from the foliage hotline at 800.644.3255.
• Virginia – A lot of commercial photos of American autumn are shot in Virginia and it’s no wonder. From the Skyline drive to the Shenandoah National Park, Virginia comes alive with the colors of fall fire – orange, red, purple, and yellow. For specific viewings places during the peak of late October to early November, call 800.434.LEAF.
• North Carolina – Not to be outdone by her northern sister, North Carolina is equally impressive in color from mid- to late October. The western part of the state boasts Asheville, which is one of the most gorgeous places in the South. Just because the colors are the typical red and orange, doesn’t mean they are any less impressive and don’t forget about the coastal color change from late October to early November. For all the details, call 800.VISIT.NC.

And now, a few dark horses in the fall foliage competition

• Arizona – Yes, the Sonoran Desert has a slight color change in late September, but head north for the breathtaking display of yellow when the birch trees change color. Peak viewing starts late September and go until mid-October. Flagstaff and the surrounding area are awash with the brilliant colors of red and yellow, making this a perfect place to escape for the weekend. To get all the details, call the foliage hotline at 866.275.5816.
• Florida – Heading to the Sunshine State? You can still get in on the foliage chase. Being relatively flat and in a temperate climate, you won’t get the drama of more northern states, but you can enjoy subtle changes of red and yellow during the peak of early November. Call 888.735.2872 for information.
• Hawaii – Just because it’s a tropical paradise, don’t think Hawaii foregoes the change of season. Blooming trees and flowers like Royal Poinciana and the African tulip keep Hawaii in the running for best fall foliage…at least in my opinion! You can get seasonal foliage info by calling  808.973.2255.

Are you heading anywhere for fall foliage viewing? Sound off in the comments and thanks for stopping by!

October’s Party

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came-
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,
The Oaks in crimson dressed;
The lovely Misses Maple,
In scarlet looked their best;
All balanced to their partners,
And gaily fluttered by;
The sight was like a rainbow
New fallen from the sky.

Then, in the rustic hollow,
At hide-and-seek they played,
The party closed at sundown,
And everybody stayed.
Professor Wind played louder;
They flew along the ground;
And then the party ended
In jolly “hands around.”

– George Cooper