Central New Hampshire gears up for gorgeous foliage and a favorite time of the year

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - September 20th, 2011 - Lakes Region, NH — Fiery reds, warm oranges and sunny yellows are starting their annual takeover of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, according to the Lakes Region Tourism Association. The season – a favorite for many in the Granite State – is popular with visitors, because not only do temperatures cool off after months of summer humidity, but once-green landscapes turn into gorgeous hues that attract people from all over the country.

Lakes Region visitors have plenty of options from where they can do their “leaf peeping,” the informal name of the activity that draws people to the region to take pictures and view firsthand the colorful phenomenon in September and October. Many choose to drive back roads to see the colors up close. Others opt to charter a boat or take a cruise of one of the many lakes, from Squam Lake to Winnipesaukee and Sunapee, to gaze at more of the views on a wider scale; the reflections of the foliage on the water double the impact. Outdoorsy types may choose to hike a nearby mountain or bike the hills, taking in the fresh air and one-of-a-kind views at the same time.

In addition, Tropical Storm Irene, which raged through the northeast in August, left New Hampshire’s Lakes Region with no physical damage, making the area the ideal spot for tourists in northern New England.

Fall and foliage-related events are popular at this time of year. Here are a few highlights:

- Sylvania 300 – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106 North, Loudon. www.NHMS.com. NASCAR stars return to New England for this 300-lap race in the Chase for the NASCAR Spring Cup. Tickets start at $39.

- Foliage Trains: Through October. www.FoliageTrains.com. Opt for a 1.5-hour trip on the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, a 2-hour trip aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad from Meredith and Weirs Beach, a 4-hour ride to Livermore Falls or a foliage dinner train from Meredith. Prices vary.

- Harvest Moon Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2. Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum, 18 Highlawn Road, Warner. www.IndianMuseum.org. Celebrate fall harvest with Native American-themed games, contests, craft demonstrations, activities and Native American food. Members: $5 for adults, $20 maximum for families; nonmembers: $8.50 for adults, $26 maximum for families.

- Columbus Day Weekend Sale: Friday-Monday, Oct. 7-10. Tanger Outlet Center, Route 3, Tilton. www.TangerOutlet.com/Tilton. Shop at the outlets over Columbus Day weekend for extra fall savings from name brand outlet stores. Visit the website for additional deals and coupons, as well.

- Oktoberfest: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 8-9. Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. www.LoonMtn.com. Eat German food at the Octagon Lodge, play lawn games, participate in a stein-holding contest, listen to German music, take a gondola skyride and more. Free admission.

- Fall Foliage Celebration: Saturday-Monday, Oct. 8-10. Waterville Valley. www.Waterville.com. A weekend of family activities, free outdoor concerts, merchant tent sales, ski swap, 5K road race and 1.6K fun run, kids games, pumpkin painting, a pie eating contest and more.

The Lakes Region Tourism Association is the official tourism board of the region, representing close to 100 communities, 273 lakes and ponds, and more than 380 businesses in central New Hampshire, including area attractions, restaurants, retail establishments and accommodations. For more information or visitors guides, visit LakesRegion.org or follow on Facebook or Twitter.

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