OT: What are some of your favorite scenic Fall drives ? | The Boneyard

OT: What are some of your favorite scenic Fall drives ?

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triaddukefan

triaddukefan

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For a variety of reasons Fall is hands down my favorite season of the year, and October is my favorite month. One of the reason is taking drives around the region to admire the beautiful fall foliage.

So what are some of the drives you like to take? Ever since i was a kid... I've always wanted to check out Vermont in October.... and especially ride up Route 100.
 
Ouray & Telluride, CO. Green down in the valley, then red/orange/yellow aspens a little higher up, then dark green pine, then red above the timber line, and finally white snow at the top. You see it all in the same view - awesome!
 
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Highway 17 in South Carolina
 
Guanella Pass about two hours west of Denver. Just beautiful view of the Aspen trees at almost 12,000 feet in elevation.
 
John Glass said:
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Highway 17 in South Carolina
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Check out Highway 11 sometime, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. Congaree National Park just outside Columbia is pretty awesome, too.
 
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triaddukefan said:
For a variety of reasons Fall is hands down my favorite season of the year, and October is my favorite month. One of the reason is taking drives around the region to admire the beautiful fall foliage.

So what are some of the drives you like to take? Ever since i was a kid... I've always wanted to check out Vermont in October.... and especially ride up Route 100.
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I've been fortunate to experience peak color in the northeast (Vermont, New Hampshire, CT) a couple of times and I've never seen such beauty.
 
I also remember going through the Rockies in the fall on the Union Pacific Railroad, between Los Angeles and Omaha. We lived in the LA area and my maternal grandparents were in Omaha. Since my father worked for Union Pacific, we got free or greatly reduced travel in a pullman (sleeper). I remember being in the domed lounge cars and the dining cars, watching the fall foliage roll past. Of all the memories of my childhood, riding the train to visit my grandparents with my Daddy are right there at the top.

1 Cori and Dad Ralph.jpg
 
UConnChapette said:
I also remember going through the Rockies in the fall on the Union Pacific Railroad, between Los Angeles and Omaha. We lived in the LA area and my maternal grandparents were in Omaha. Since my father worked for Union Pacific, we got free or greatly reduced travel in a pullman (sleeper). I remember being in the domed lounge cars and the dining cars, watching the fall foliage roll past. Of all the memories of my childhood, riding the train to visit my grandparents with my Daddy are right there at the top.

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Great memory. Thanks for sharing.
 
A little OT:
but the sail from Great Sale Key in the Bahamas passing through the Abacos down to Green Turtle is pretty amazing.
Hope to do it next month.
 
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Route 100 is wonderful, but there's another that took my breath away like no other. Maybe 10 years ago, I was driving from Fryeburg, Maine to North Conway, NH on Route 302. It was the stretch between Fryeburg and Conway, and the foliage -- whole walls of it -- was absolutely brilliant oranges and reds. unforgettable.
 
We often drive up the Taconic Parkway in NY and there are even a couple of those "scenic view" spot along this lovely road.

Our own Merritt Parkway (only highway on the National Registry of Historic Places) is also lovely in spring and fall.
 
Kibitzer said:
We often drive up the Taconic Parkway in NY and there are even a couple of those "scenic view" spot along this lovely road.

Our own Merritt Parkway (only highway on the National Registry of Historic Places) is also lovely in spring and fall.
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Forgot about the Merritt (been a while since I lived in CT). Spectacular! And Sawmill very similar - a little more quaint.
 
j66kicker said:
Forgot about the Merritt (been a while since I lived in CT). Spectacular! And Sawmill very similar - a little more quaint.
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Permit an extra comment about the Merritt. All of its bridges and overpasses (about 69, IIRC) are unique, different from all others. So when you are not admiring God's gift of beautiful foliage, enjoy the array of interesting bridges and overpasses left to us by a fellow named Dunkelberger.
 
Kibitzer said:
Permit an extra comment about the Merritt. All of its bridges and overpasses (about 69, IIRC) are unique, different from all others. So when you are not admiring God's gift of beautiful foliage, enjoy the array of interesting bridges and overpasses left to us by a fellow named Dunkelberger.
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Oh man - I miss it. Need to get back. When is fall? That's basketball season, right?
 
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The Blue Ridge Parkway (but it doesn't need fall color to be spectacularly beautiful). Start from the James River on I-81 near Buchanan and take route 43 to the Parkway.

U.S. Route 666 from Eagar to Morenci down the east side of Arizona through the White Mountains and Sitgreaves National Forest. The last few miles is actually about the stupendous hole in the ground that is the Morenci copper pit mine and is as sad as it is awe-inspiring. Can you believe they gave a national highway the Number of the Beast?

Pretty much the entire length of I-87 from Mahwah north, though you take the 787 loop on the river side of Albany rather than the main road.

And I heartily endorse the nomination of the Merritt Parkway.
 
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New England in the fall is just full of "stop and breathe in the colors" moments. I had one of those driving across PA once (went from Boston to Iowa City)... there was this curve in the highway and it opened up into a huge, colorful bowl of leaves... You could feel everyone on the road just slow down a tad....
 
Vermont 100 is always a great choice, but to get off the beaten path a bit, take 100 to 103 and run the ridges, turn on to route 7 and then take a left on 4, which heads west in NY state. The colors are usually awesome.
Then you can take a right on to 22A, and head across the Great Ledge and down into the Champlain Valley. Whoa, Green Mountains to the right, Champlain Valley down below, the Adirondacks off to the left. Lovely, lovely. You can keep on to Burlington by picking up 7 in Vergennes, or turn off on to 125 and go across the Valley to the Bridge to NY state.
One of my favorites (can you tell??)
PS -when I was young and living in Chicago, my parents would take us on the Burlington Northern from Chicago to Minneapolis to visit my brother and his family. The dome/parlor car up the Mississippi is one of my favorite early travel memories.
 
Having grown up in New England and upstate NY I took the annual blaze of color for granted as a youngster. I had that vividly illustrated to me by the report of a fellow law student on a fall Monday. He told me he and his wife (both born and raised in Arizona and new to New England) had done a fall foliage ride that weekend. As they got into the "good stuff" his wife broke down and appeared to cry inconsolably. When he could finally get anything out of her it was: "It's so beautiful." She continued to break into tears as their drive continued, muttering: "I never knew." Fall in New England. Magnificent.
 
triaddukefan said:
For a variety of reasons Fall is hands down my favorite season of the year, and October is my favorite month. One of the reason is taking drives around the region to admire the beautiful fall foliage.

So what are some of the drives you like to take? Ever since i was a kid... I've always wanted to check out Vermont in October.... and especially ride up Route 100.
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We live not far from the VT. border, and regularly drive Rts. 100, 112, 35, and 30.It is spectacular country any time of the year, and especially this week and next. Villages like Grafton ,Townsend, and Newfane , and , further north, Woodstock and Quechee are favorite get-aways, quintessential New England villages. Played golf at Manchester Country Club last week, and playing at Okemo Valley tomorrow, and the scenery is so wonderful that you can almost forget about how badly you're hacking up the course.
 
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Another vote for the Blue Ridge Parkway. The area around Blowing Rock, NC is just spectacular is late Oct. Take a walk around Julian Price Lake, and motor south to Ashville. The mountains will hug you as you drive.
 
I for one love the Mohawk Trail in northern Mass, the elevation changes afford spectacular views.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohawk_Trail
Another just north is The Molly Stark Trail in southern VT.
http://www.thisisvermont.com/TIV/the-molly-stark-trail-scenic-byway/
22 & 22a mentioned above are calender scenes from Harley Davidson as they meander through farming country with a good view ahead and senary on both sides of the road. NY to the left and VT to the right, that if you are heading north of course.
 
triaddukefan said:
For a variety of reasons Fall is hands down my favorite season of the year, and October is my favorite month. One of the reason is taking drives around the region to admire the beautiful fall foliage.

So what are some of the drives you like to take? Ever since i was a kid... I've always wanted to check out Vermont in October.... and especially ride up Route 100.
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Ditto. Always. Vermont.

I remember a number of years ago, I was living in Atlanta and in mid-October, I had to take a business trip to Boston and I was just loving the colors. I was inspired to arrange a trip to Vermont the next year.

The next year, we were in the process of moving. The following year, I was pregnant. The year after that I had a young infant. The year after that, we moved to Iowa. And so... it hasn't happened. I know Iowa has some nice colors but I haven't made it out to view any because we're just so busy through Halloween. I think this upcoming weekend is my only free weekend for at least two months. (Mini Chick is starting basketball in November again and it's on the weekends.) :D:p:confused:
 
Hubby and I just discovered a new one. ..Lake Tahoe, with early winter snow on the peaks! We drove from Oakland up to Tahoe city and, from there we went around the lake to South Lake Tahoe and stayed one night. Mountain top snow, golden aspens, crystal blue lake, just wow! My sister did all the driving in her little hybrid, love that girl! Great time, home tomorrow.
 
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The 28 mile Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, ME. Unlike most of the pine tree state, Mount Desert Island, where Acadia is located, has plenty of colorful deciduous trees. 125 miles of fabulous, accessible hiking and 50 miles of carriage roads just for horses, hikers and bicyclers- and then there is Bar Harbor, with some fab restaurants. Octoberfest in Southwest Harbor is Columbus Day weekend-dozens of New England craft brewers. My favorite place on earth.
 
O my......
fall has always been my favorite season, I remember loving the leaves turning color as far back as I can remember, back to a tiny girl. I know that some folks wax warmly about the change of colors in Central Park, but I am telling you, there is NOTHING like a New England Autumn....I miss it so....

I was in Vail, Co for the Aspens....the entire bowl was gilded in yellows and gold - it was amazing.
But New England has it beat.
 
For what it is worth. Pick up route 7 in New Milford, Connecticut and start driving north. Along the route is antique shops, used bookstore, and farmstands, Stop off places include Kent Falls (spectacular in the Fall), Cornwall Bridge, as well as a few other covered bridges and the nicest part of the Housatonic River. If you make it up to Mass, you can make a stop at the Norman Rockwell Museum . Read this article for more info and a reference book.

http://www.newstimes.com/opinion/article/The-other-Route-7-offers-visitors-wondrous-589254.php
 
~*Jen*~ said:
Ditto. Always. Vermont.

I remember a number of years ago, I was living in Atlanta and in mid-October, I had to take a business trip to Boston and I was just loving the colors. I was inspired to arrange a trip to Vermont the next year.

The next year, we were in the process of moving. The following year, I was pregnant. The year after that I had a young infant. The year after that, we moved to Iowa. And so... it hasn't happened. I know Iowa has some nice colors but I haven't made it out to view any because we're just so busy through Halloween. I think this upcoming weekend is my only free weekend for at least two months. (Mini Chick is starting basketball in November again and it's on the weekends.) :D:p:confused:
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Any new pix of mini-chick?? Hope all is well in the heartland!
 
Here in the northeast, US Route 202. Someone mentioned Tahoe from the Cali side, that is very dramatic.
 
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Skyline Drive in Virginia. We were on the Trike a few weeks ago, and had a huge black Bear cross the road about 30 yards in front of us. We just pulled off to the side and watched it as it ambled along, and away.
 
ChicagoGG said:
Any new pix of mini-chick?? Hope all is well in the heartland!
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Thank you! Life is pretty good! :)

PS, this post replied before I was finished with it so I just deleted and started over again. And I've *always* got pictures of her. :)

Here she is making meatballs.

10592729_10102103435465351_1305582827263228323_n.jpg


And here she is at a recent barn dance (at the library). :)

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There's always something interesting and fun to do around here. <3
 
For a real assault on the senses in New England, on a bright sunny fall day around noon, get out of the car and take a walk in the woods among the maples, oaks, hickory, walnut, ash, sycamore, etc. The color will saturate the air. It will overwhelm and become part of you. Your spirit will be rejuvenated, and the memory will last a life-time.
 
Jen - Mini-Chick is getting so tall! And multi-talented, as we can see(adorable goes with out saying...)! In my I-ow-ay City related news my oldest nephew ( 10) has taken up the saxophone and cut his hair short. I am not sure why for either, but he looks great and loves his music lessons! Happy b-ball for all of you!
 
ChicagoGG said:
Jen - Mini-Chick is getting so tall! And multi-talented, as we can see(adorable goes with out saying...)! In my I-ow-ay City related news my oldest nephew ( 10) has taken up the saxophone and cut his hair short. I am not sure why for either, but he looks great and loves his music lessons! Happy b-ball for all of you!
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Thank you! :) She's pretty tall. She's also pretty mature so most people think she's at least 5. We're just really enjoying life right now.

That's great that your nephew is doing so well. :D
 
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Vermont is just lovely, and I'm with BoontonBomber with the various towns and villages being so special in the fall.

For many years - probably 15 at least - my wife and I would head up to Chester, Vermont for at least 3 days every year in the first couple of week's of October. We did the leaf peeping thing, and as drivers, we drove all over Vermont (and into New Hampshire) seeing the sights and colors of the fall.

Keene, NH has a huge Pumpkin Festival which we went to twice; the last few years that we went we were late color as we went for our October 24th wedding anniversary.

Tried to capture the same feeling out here, going to Pinetop-Lakeside here in AZ our first (2011) anniversary out here. The color was so different, but we hit a few spectacular roads with the Aspens, etc. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to get back (in 2012 we were in Hawai'i for our 25th so I'm not complaining) and we won't be able to this year as my Mom that lives with us - while really, really good for 95 years old - can't honestly be left alone for more than about 12 hours. Oh, well, someday we will see some fall color again.
 
1320ft of ATCO Raceway.

Nothing like fall air for making power at a track rental.:D
 

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KnightBridgeAZ said:
Vermont is just lovely, and I'm with BoontonBomber with the various towns and villages being so special in the fall.

For many years - probably 15 at least - my wife and I would head up to Chester, Vermont for at least 3 days every year in the first couple of week's of October. We did the leaf peeping thing, and as drivers, we drove all over Vermont (and into New Hampshire) seeing the sights and colors of the fall.

Keene, NH has a huge Pumpkin Festival which we went to twice; the last few years that we went we were late color as we went for our October 24th wedding anniversary.

Tried to capture the same feeling out here, going to Pinetop-Lakeside here in AZ our first (2011) anniversary out here. The color was so different, but we hit a few spectacular roads with the Aspens, etc. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to get back (in 2012 we were in Hawai'i for our 25th so I'm not complaining) and we won't be able to this year as my Mom that lives with us - while really, really good for 95 years old - can't honestly be left alone for more than about 12 hours. Oh, well, someday we will see some fall color again.
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Drove thru Chester yesterday heading up to Ludlow and Okemo. I should have included it when mentioning the towns and villages. Vermont is really at peak right now. It will still be here when you're able to get back.
 
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