Fall Foliage: It's not too Late!

In this photograph, the leaves are just starting to turn on Storm King Mountain
in New York's Hudson Highlands

This is a great time to enjoy fall foliage and fall weather.  On the East Coast and along the Great Lakes, the “North Coast” of this blog, leaves are at or approaching peak colors.  In the eastern Sierras, aspen leaves are turning from green to gold.

What's more iconic than fall in Vermont?
Stowe, Vermont photographed by CJ Hamblin

On the way to Stowe, by CJ Hamblin

We enjoy the bright colors of autumn leaves thanks to the shorter days and the tree’s response to those shorter days.  The beauty of the changing leaves offer some compensation for those of us who get up early and are finding that is night still while getting ready for work.

Maple Tree in Rensselaer County, NY.
Photograph by SJ Edelman

In October, hotels in foliage country fill with tourists driving through to see the leaves.  If you do not have time to get out of town overnight, you can enjoy the leaves walking in the neighborhood or a nearby park.  Even an hour’s drive will take a person into the country, where the changing leaves spread across hills and woods like a brightly colored quilt.

The view south from an overlook on Route 6, on the way to
the Bear Mountain Bridge

Fall foliage in Niskayuna, NY
from a new viewpoint, black and white,  JJ Faulkner

When in pursuit of leafy vistas, there are other pastimes to enjoy along the way.  Fresh and saltwater fishing gets livelier in the fall as fish migrate, spawn or start eating in preparation for winter.

There are lots of fun stores along the way.  In Bennington, our friends John and Sue told us about Shaffe’s Men’s Shop, 475 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201
(802) 442-2521. Shaffe’s is the kind of place that is becoming too rare in this age of malls and big box stores.  The store sells and rents tuxedoes, including tuxedoes with camouflage trim.  It sells dress and casual clothes and what may be the world’s greatest sock. 

Made in Vermont, the Darn Tough Sock has an unconditional lifetime guarantee and is made of a durable blend of merino wool and nylon.  The socks come in all thicknesses and sizes. They even have a line of dress socks that could be worn to work. 

First or second pumpkin of the season
Photograph by E. Rowen

Pumpkins, apples and apple cider are front and center at farm stores and roadside stands.  However, corn, tomatoes and other late summer produce are still around.

Along with apples and apple orchards, fall is the time of the cider donut.  If you have one or two of these smallish, sweet delights mid-morning, you may very well have no room left for lunch!

Foliage in northern Rensselaer County by David Brickman