October 2011
New England Fall Colours reconnaissance trip

Leaving the Maine coast we headed inland, across country on the back roads, where the colours are really starting to turn with increasing reds, oranges and yellows in the leaves. The drive took us around Lake Sebago, along the water’s edge, and then onto Lake Winnepesaukee, New England’s largest lake. A stroll around the genteel lakeside town of Wolfeboro broke the journey, before driving along the west shore of the lake to Meredith. We stayed in the same hotel we’re using for the tour, the truly gorgeous and charming Church Landing at Mill Falls. Located right on the lake edge, the views are gorgeous, but the interior of the hotel easily matches up. This easily has to be one of the most charming hotels I’ve been in anywhere, with a really creative interior design using wood. We enjoyed a sun drenched afternoon wandering around Mill Falls, which has a small collection of shops and inns based around a small falls channeled to power the original mill, and a promenade along the lake. Dinner in the hotel was superb and I am 100% sure  this will be one of the many highlights of the tour. The following day we headed north into the White Mountains, and the highest mountain in the eastern United States, Mount Washington at 6,288ft. The Auto Road up the mountain is 8 miles through four distinct climate zones, emerging in arctic tundra at the summit, and offering views to Canada and the Atlantic on a clear day. We descended again and went north around the mountain range to Bretton Woods, to stay at the magnificent Mount Washington Hotel. Set to take advantage of the wide open mountain views in all directions, and therefore blankets of autumn colour, this imposing place evokes the past splendour of its heyday of the early 1900s. After an incredible breakfast, we drove over Crawford Notch, where we saw our first moose, diligently standing close to the road, just within the trees. Much excitement particularly after seeing so many road signs for moose, with out any other sign of these immense animals. From Conway we took the Kancamagus Highway, one of the most scenic roads in New England and particularly famed for viewing the fall colours. It makes for a very beautiful drive as it follows the river, and offers plenty of photo opportunities. We then turned north across the Franconia Notch, with a quick stop at Clarks Trading Post where we saw black bears, albeit in captivity. The drive today is quite simply stunning. North of Franconia Notch the landscape widens and there are fabulous, far-reaching views as we left New Hampshire and entered Vermont, and the colours got richer and more intense – peak foliage. We finished the journey in the enchanting town of Stowe, a well-known ski resort, but also a fabulous base for exploring northern Vermont. We’re staying at an exquisite hotel, with sensational views of Mount Mansfield. There’s are three pools, each with mountain views and hot tubs, which offer the perfect spot for enjoying a sundowner. And the restaurant is excellent too, so again, I’m sure this will be a real hit with tour participants. I’ve put together a short circular drive of just over 40 miles for the following day, which runs over Smugglers’ Notch, a winding, narrow road through the trees, and past massive boulders, descending to Jeffersonville to the north. The roads will give drivers a lot of fun. As will Stowe itself, and for anyone that still has energy or time to spare, then there are so many activities we can arrange, such as dog sledding, hot air ballooning, river kayaking, or perhaps just relaxing… It would be great to finish the day with a beer or cup of tea at Ye Olde England Inn, owned by expat Brit, Chris Francis, who also organises the British Invasion, one of the largest classic car shows in the USA. Chris will also hopefully gather some local classic owners to meet us next year. Tomorrow we head to southern Vermont and Woodstock, for the Columbus Weekend. More to follow soon…