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Turn Over a New Leaf in
New Hampshire This Fall
Concord, N.H. Leaf peeping is
no longer a sideline sport, and this fall, the state of New Hampshire
is tempting foliage seekers to approach the season with an emphasis
on the active verb "seek." With over 80 percent of
the state forested, leaves are literally everywhere one turns,
which is why New Hampshire is known as a mecca for traditional
autumnal pursuits harvest festivals, apple and pumpkin
picking, long strolls through the countryside, and delightful
"off the beaten path" diversions. The state also offers
several out-of-the-ordinary experiences for discerning leaf aficionados.
From ghost hunting and moose tracking, to rock climbing, hang
gliding, or a visit to Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother's
house, foliage enthusiasts can get up close and personal with
the state's numerous elms, maples, beeches, oaks, hemlocks, and
birches. Information on these activities and more can be found
on www.VisitNH.gov, or
by calling a "Granite State Ambassador" (the state
tourism office's "concierges") at 603-271-2665.
SOAR OVER
At Morningside Flight Park in Charlestown, foliage seekers can
get the view from above with on-site instruction for all skill
levels in hang gliding, paragliding, and trike flights. Information
about lessons and fees is available at www.flymorningside.com.
For those who want the rush without the risk, New England Aerosports
of Charlestown offers tandem flights that allow enthusiasts to
enjoy the scenery while the instructor takes the controls. Visit
www.newenglandaerosports.com
for lessons and fees.
CLIMB ABOVE
For those who want to "earn" their foliage viewing
through hard work, beginners and experienced rock climbers can
sign up with Chauvin Guides International for private and semi-private
instruction. Visit www.chauvinguides.com for bookings and rates.
Aspiring mountain climbers who want to keep both feet on the
ground can tap the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch for
foliage hikes, mountain sketching, photography workshops, and
other programs. For rates and lodging information, visit them
at www.outdoors.org/lodging/highland/index.cfm.
MOOSE BROWSE
The 3-acre waterfront site of Berlin's Northern Forest Heritage
Park is a playground for serious foliage seekers who enjoy their
viewing done deep in the woods. Foliage enthusiasts can also
spot moose as they feed on white birch and striped maple trees.
While mostly active at dusk and dawn, moose sightings can occur
throughout the day, the cooler the weather the better. For information
on park times visit www.northernforestheritage.org.
VISIT GRANDMA
Travelers can take a step back in time to Pickity Place, a 200
year old red cottage nestled in the woods of Mason and the illustrative
site of the 1948 English edition of Little Red Riding Hood by
Elizabeth Orton Jones. While feasting on a gourmet lunch made
of fresh herbs and edible flowers inside "grandmother's
house," diners can enjoy ample views of oak, maple, ash
and birch trees in full autumn color from the glass walled dining
room. A stroll down the brick path leads through the Old English
Gardens, the picking site for the luncheon's menu. For more information
and to make reservations for one of the three private daily lunch
seatings, visit them at Pickity Place
For additional activities and lodging
options, visit www.VisitNH.gov
or contact a "Granite State Ambassador" (the state
tourism office's "concierges") at 603-271-2665, or
by email
at travel@dred.state.nh.us. A free New Hampshire Guidebook
can also be obtained on the website, or by calling 1-800-FUN-IN-NH,
ext 100.
Related fall articles:
 Marino Lookout Farm in South Natick,
Mass., creates a unique apple picking experience.that includes
trains and pony rides, a petting zoo and farmers' market.
New
Hampshire polishes up its crop of antique
apples.
The New England fall foliage journey
is as exciting as the planned destination.
Connecticut is a great New England
vacation choice for fall foliage, "awash in color from
mountain top to shoreline."
The Big E 2005 (Eastern States Exposition,
West Springfield, Mass.)
Maine fall calendar of events 2005
"Leaf Peeping" and Fall
Festivals in Mystic Country
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New Hampshire
lodging reservations desk
Browse hotels, motels, inns
and bed and breakfasts (and check availability) in the following
New Hampshire vacation destinations:
Concord, N.H.
Keene, N.H.
Meredith and Lakes Regions, N.H.
Manchester, N.H.
North Conway, N.H.
Portsmouth, N.H.
White Mountains, N.H.
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