According to the National Weather Service, the Northeast and Midwest portions of the United States are past peak in terms of fall foliage. However, parts of the South and West are still ablaze with the radiant glow of autumnal colors. If you haven’t had your fill of the leaf peeping season, now is your chance. These popular fall foliage destinations are still showing off the season’s brilliant palette of yellows, oranges and reds: NEW MEXICO November is prime leaf peeping season at Bandelier National Monument. The park’s cottonwoods and box elders are especially radiant this month. In addition, the state’s … Continue reading →

Leave it to the travel industry to come up with creative alternatives to spending Veteran’s Day cleaning house or Thanksgiving with crabby Aunt Sue. Long holiday weekends are an ideal time to escape from the stress of extended family dysfunction and spend quality time with your spouse and kids. The following getaways are easy on the nerves and your wallet: OHIO Sawmill Creek Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, is offering a fabulous travel package to kick-off the property’s annual Festival of Lights. The two-night Thanksgiving package for a family of four starts at $279 and includes Thanksgiving brunch, a carriage ride, … Continue reading →

In a few weeks fall’s brilliant palette of yellows, oranges and reds will be a distant memory. So, why not make the most of the gorgeous weather and even prettier landscapes by taking a leaf-peeping trip to some of the nation’s most popular fall foliage hot spots: EAST COAST The historic towns of Virginia’s northernmost counties are the ideal destinations for avid leaf peepers. Load up the family and take US 50 west to Sky Meadows State Park. That’s where you will find acres of wooded trails that lead to open pastures and panoramic views of blazing fall foliage. Another … Continue reading →

Are you tired of breaking up fights over Thanksgiving dinner? Are you sick of having to squeeze all of your kids onto a single air mattress because your in-laws insist that your family stay at their home during the holidays? If you are fed up with feeding (and cleaning up after and entertaining) an army of relatives each Thanksgiving, then you might be interested in the following travel deals. Each offers a wonderful opportunity for a long, relaxing weekend getaway over the Thanksgiving holiday: CALIFORNIA The Resort at Squaw Valley, located in Lake Tahoe, California, is kicking off its annual … Continue reading →

When it comes to sales, retailers tend to bypass fall and head from Halloween straight to Christmas. Fortunately, the travel industry does not conduct itself in the same manner. If you are looking to view fabulous fall foliage or you want soak up the sun on a tropical island without having to go bankrupt in the process, there are several super deals to be had: CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA Fall into fall with this spectacular travel package offered by the Greenleafe Inn. The popular property is offering special midweek rates through December, starting at just $59 per room, including a continental … Continue reading →

Right now autumn’s finery is on display in much of the nation. From the mountains of the Northeast to the river gorges of the Pacific Northwest, landscapes are painted with a palette of vivid hues. If you are looking for a way to soak up the seasonal scenery, then pack a picnic and spend part of your weekend visiting the following top leaf peeping destinations: NORTHEAST If you live near Boston, then take time to explore the Near Coast Trail, which winds along back roads between Manchester and the Atlantic. Driving up the coast along Route 1A will provide unprecedented … Continue reading →

During hour two of our uneventful drive home from our family’s Labor Day weekend getaway my young daughter suddenly exclaimed: “Mommy! Look! There’s Cheetos crumbs on that tree.” I ducked my head down to see what she was talking about and sure enough there was a gigantic oak tree sporting patches of crimson leaves. It looked as though someone dusted the tree with fluorescent orange Cheetos cheese particles. As pretty as the neon orange looked against the cobalt blue sky and next to the hunter green pines, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness knowing that fall was … Continue reading →