A foliage leaf peeking excursion can also be combined with a visit to one of the many state’s attractions. New Hampshire in the fall bursts with the colors of nature and adventurous activities to keep the entire family busy.

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - September 19th, 2012 - Concord, NH – The air is starting to feel cool and the leaves in some parts of New Hampshire are already showing a hint that fall is on its’ way.  While we have had our fill of dry summer days, the approach of the fall foliage season now provides a reason to step outside and experience New Hampshire’s fall colors. The Granite State offers many ways to experience the season off the beaten path whether through a hike, a drive, or a weekend stay. A foliage leaf peeking excursion can also be combined with a visit to one of the many state’s attractions. New Hampshire in the fall bursts with the colors of nature and adventurous activities to keep the entire family busy.

New Hampshire’s foliage season runs roughly from mid-September to mid-October, but this varies widely depending on weather, topography and geography. Just before the season begins, a sneak preview of fall can be found as swamp maples surrounding some ponds and lakes may turn a fiery red, and the deciduous trees of northern New Hampshire may have already begun their transformation.  Columbus Day Weekend is often the focal point of fall foliage excursions, but the White Mountains can present earlier colors.

There are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy for a day or weekend.

Here are a few tips for enjoying New Hampshire's fall colors:

By Boat:

TAKE A CRUISE FOR A COLORFUL VIEW

One special place to enjoy the foliage show is Lake Winnipesaukee. It's hard to see foliage while you're driving, so why not take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington and let the captains do the driving (and save the gas). The big lake has amazing color and the juxtaposition of the water and sky can be breathtaking. Sundays in September and October they offer early Dinner Cruises. From Weirs Beach in September and in October.).  For more information visit www.cruisenh.com or call 888-843-6686.

By Train:

TAKE THE TRAIN THROUGH THE TREES OR A LIFT OVER THE MOUNTAINS

Climb aboard one of the region's three sightseeing trains for unique views of foliage: Hobo Scenic Railroad in Lincoln; the Conway Scenic Railroad in Conway, and the legendary Cog Railway that chugs up Mount Washington from its base in Bretton Woods.

For a different aerial view, take the sky ride to get a bird's eye view of fall foliage. Ski Mountains in the area offer trips on their chair lifts and gondolas to the tops of their mountains, where the views can be simply spectacular. Consider the Loon Mountain Gondola in Lincoln; the Wildcat Mountain Gondola in Jackson, and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in Franconia.

For more information visit www.visitwhitemountains.com or call 603-745-8720.

Indoors:

VIEW A LITTLE INDOOR COLOR

The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester provides a reason to step inside to experience the colors and textures in their featured exhibits– On October 2 the Currier Museum of Art launches Printmaking in the Age of Rembrandt exhibition will explore the rich culture and history of the Netherlands in the 17th-century when printmaking played a central role in the Dutch Golden Age and made art accessible to a much wider group of people than ever before.

The exhibition, on view September 29, 2012 through January 6, 2013, features work from the artist known as the towering genius of Western art, a master of light and shadow whose paintings, drawings and prints have placed him among the greatest creative talents of all time. Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), more so than any artist of his time, realized the full expressive potential of the medium, elevating printmaking to a fine art on par with painting and sculpture.

For more information visit www.currier.org or call 603.669.6144, ext. 108.

A truly romantic retreat, most of the rooms at Manor on Golden Pond have wood-burning fireplaces, private decks from which to admire the stunning views and some have whirlpool baths for two. Sit and enjoy a glass of wine by the fire on a cool summer evening or soothe tired limbs with the signature hot stone massage in Seasons Spa.

Experience the beauty of Squam Lake on a guided boat cruise, or take in a round of golf at one of two 18-hole golf courses nearby. There are numerous hiking and cycling trails in the region and in winter there are five skiing areas all within half an hour from Manor on Golden Pond.

http://www.manorongoldenpond.com

In a Valley:

SURROUNDED BY FOREST AT WATERVILLE VALLEY RESORT

Waterville Valley is a full-featured resort area, which just happens to be surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in northern New England.  The adjacent White Mountain National Forest features America’s oldest network of hiking trails leading to spectacular views in all directions.

To complement the brilliant fall foliage, Waterville Valley’s Town Square is hosting a Fall Carnival October 6 - 7,. The weekend will feature a variety of family activities including free outdoor concerts, merchant tent sales, carnival rides and more:  Curious George story hour, astronomy and stargazing with the Rey Center, and more.  On Sunday, a 5K-road race and 1.6K fun run will be held.

The hotels of Waterville Valley Resort will offer a package deal that includes two nights lodging, and Summer Unlimited activities starting at $59 per person, per night based on quad-occupancy. The resort is only a few short steps from the nation’s oldest network of hiking trails.

Or, enjoy the 22nd Annual Chowderfest on Saturday October 29-30,2012 (12 to noon) as local restaurants bring their chowders to booths at Town Square in hopes of winning the coveted prize of "Best Tasting Chowder". For more information, visit www.visitwatervillevalley.com or call 800-GO-VALLEY.

For a full a list of events, deals and travel ideas in New Hampshire log on to http://karnotrippicks.com.

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