The best fall foliage in years is on display right now all over the state of New Hampshire and it’s just in time for the run up to the Presidential Primary. One of the best areas to enjoy it, and perhaps the easiest to get to, is the Monadnock region in the southwest corner of the state.
The ample rains of this past summer and fall have extended the foliage season all over the state and they have also made sure that the colors are intense and bright. One of the things that distinguishes foliage in New Hampshire from that in other states is the mix of bright leaves against a background of the dark green of pines and hemlocks. The contrast heightens the colors, allowing the eye to focus on splashes of vivid reds, oranges and yellows.
Best places to go for autumn color: Monadnock Region
Only two hours, or less, from greater Boston, the Monadnock Region of the state is a rural and less visited place. Dominated by Mount Monadnock, reputedly the most climbed mountain in the world, the back roads of the region are the best places to appreciate the change of season. Take Route 2 from Boston to Route 140 north. When it meets Route 12, follow Route 12 to Route 202 through Rindge to Jaffrey. Stop there to see the Scarecrows on the Common, a long standing town tradition in which adults and kids populate the town with scarecrows whose job, one would think, is to scare off the evils of winter. Stop for lunch at Kimball Farm on Turnpike Road (Route 124 south). In Jaffrey take Route 124 west toward Marlborough and Keene. Be sure to keep an eye to the north for great views of Mount Monadnock. Hikers should seriously consider a hike up the mountain. Look for Dublin Road on the right just past the village of Jaffrey Center.
Red and orange leaves and thousands of Jack-O-lanterns
Take Route 124 on through to Marlborough and then follow Route 101 west into Keene. In spite of rumors of its demise, the annual Keene Pumpkin Festival is still alive and in 2011 will be held Saturday, October 22 from noon until 8:30pm. This is an immensely enjoyable local event to which the world is invited. Tens of thousands of carved jack-o-lanterns line the principal streets of the city, live entertainment takes place in tree lined Central Square and local food venders offer all kinds of things to eat, ,many of them in keeping with the pumpkin theme. Look, in particular, for the special pumpkin whoopee pies, sales of which benefit local charity.
Leaving Keene, take Route 12 north to Westmoreland, then turning south on Route 63 to River Road. Turn right onto River Road, following it along the banks of the Connecticut River to Route 9. Following Route 9 east back to Keene and, at the intersection with Main Street, turn south on Route 12. Route 12 will take you south through Fitzwilliam and back through Winchendon Massachusetts to Route 140 south and Route 2 east.
Travelers planning to stay over should be sure to make reservations. This is a busy time of year and lodgings tend to fill fast. This is especially true at Keene.
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