San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
FALL • Maine, one of top locations, has its own checker
begin to peak in October.
Maine
“Maine has just stunning foliage,” Angotti says. Being one of the top fall destinations in the country, Maine has its own foliage checker for travelers, along with other resources on the best routes to drive to see foliage. According to the Smokymountains.com map, Maine should be peaking by Sept. 28.
Vermont
Angotti calls Vermont’s fall foliage absolutely incredible. “People flock to Vermont this time of year,” he says. The map shows Vermont entering its peak in the third week of September. Those planning a Vermont foliage trip may be interested in taking a train ride through the state on Amtrak’s Vermonter route. The line runs through Vermont’s natural wonders and various charming towns. Data from Vacationrenter.com shows that Lake Willoughby, Burlington and Stowe are the most-booked fall destinations in Vermont.
Washington state
On the West Coast, Angotti says, Washington is popular for leaf-peeping travelers. Visitors can start in Seattle, then venture out to explore places such as Leavenworth, a Bavarian village in the Cascade Mountains that erupts in autumnal colors. The Washington Post named it one of America’s best fairytale destinations if you want to pretend like you’re in a Hallmark holiday movie. According to the map, Washington state should begin to peak between Oct. 5 and 12.
Pennsylvania
Home to 127 indigenous species of trees, the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are another popular destination for fall foliage enthusiasts that Angotti recommends. According to the map, the
Poconos should peak about Oct. 12.
North Carolina
Angotti recommends multiple spots throughout North Carolina, starting with Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. He also recommends Bryson City, where there’s a fall-friendly scenic train that goes through the national park, and Asheville, which Angotti says is particularly beautiful during the fall and offers great restaurants, wineries and microbreweries. According to the map, North Carolina should peak about Oct. 19. where guests seem happy to observe safety guidelines. She’s averse to a lot of rules and signage, partly, she said, because “we want people to get away from their regular routine of dealing with the virus all the time.” Still, she’s had to relent and post gentle reminders to guests about social distancing, mandatory mask policies, and using hand sanitizer before and after they touch surfaces in the butler’s pantry.
“If you set the tone for what you expect of your guests, they know what they’re in for,” Edwards said. Many recent visitors, she said, “have been cooped up at home for four months — this is their first outing into the world. They’ve chosen a smaller, individually owned property because it makes them feel safer.”
When their Bar Harbor B&B reopens in the spring, Lauck predicts that even if there’s no trace left of the coronavirus, its mark on hospitality will linger. “We’re in the midst of a worldwide human experience that will have lasting effects,” she says, “just like 9/11 had lasting effects on how we travel.” She maintains that with some planning and creativity, they’ll be able to offer the same personalized service that makes B&B stays so special — though she said, “We may not be hugging guests goodbye anymore.”