Colorful foliage, harvests of fruit await on fall trips
The fresh air and vibrant colors of the season inspire families to harvest fall travel plans.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
• Crested Butte-toAspen hike, Colorado: Considered one of the most scenic day hikes in the country, this trek from one iconic mountain town to another offers stunning vistas and the chance to see the famous aspen groves in all their glory.
The 11-mile trail takes adventurers over the Maroon Bell Pass at 12,500 feet, so family members should be fit and prepared for rapid changes in the weather.
Crested Butte’s Nordic Inn simplifies logistics for travelers by offering a comfortable night’s sleep, breakfast and assistance in transport to and from the trailheads.
Information: www. travelcrestedbutte. com; www.nordicinncb.com; www. colorado.com
• Door County, Wisconsin: Head to the scenic 70-mile peninsula in northeast Wisconsin known as Door County for a cornucopia of fall bounty.
Expect apple-andcherry picking and farmers markets offering tasty treats and locally grown and homemade items.
Stop in for an iconic Fish Boil at one of many local restaurants. The popular meal features locally caught Lake Michigan whitefish and potatoes cooked in a giant pot over a roaring wood fire.
With fall colors as a backdrop, hike local trails, stop by a lighthouse and check out art shows, festivals and fireworks.
Information: www. doorcounty.com
• Orange County, New York: Apples lovers can plan a fall trip to this Hudson Valley region, just 50 miles from Manhattan, where 25 varieties of apples grow on more than 1,000 acres.
Stop by Apple Dave’s for luscious fruit plus live music and puppet shows beside scenic ponds and rose gardens.
The family-friendly Lawrence Farms Orchard offers horsedrawn carriage rides and the chance to visit with farm animals.
Or visit the cider tasting room at Soons Orchards.
Consider the annual Warwick Apple Fest, where families can enjoy live entertainment, children’s rides and an apple-pie contest.
Information: www. orangetourism.org