Every fall Stacey and I take a trip to a destination we haven’t been to before. We’re not specifically hunting for color through leaf peeping, but whether it’s coincidental or our innate desire for cooler temperatures, we have found ourselves far north of here for the last 3 or 4 years. I adore rustic clothing, warm jackets, a crackling fire, and even a smoky libation from time to time when the winds of October and November sustain themselves from the Arctic. There is just something about the allure to my soul when the stagnant, sultry atmosphere of August gives way to clear skies with faint cries of migrating geese being detected from above. I’ll share with you some of our most recent fall excursions and I will attempt to whet your appetite for you to explore rustic travel destinations too.
Several years ago, I found a “series” on YouTube entitled “Trout and Coffee.” Though the episodes vary, it primarily focuses on fall in the Northeast. From Vermont, through New Hampshire, on to Maine, Kyle Finn reveals some of the most stunning streams, mountains, and quaint hideaways one could ever ask for. I became so enthralled with what he was experiencing that I took the bait. Our first “fall” trip was to Maine 3 years ago.
Stacey and I landed in Portland and couldn’t wait to walk to the local harbor to inhale the salty surf and check out the attractions along the wharf. Schooners, both ancient and new, were docked along the shore. These vessels served the local fishermen as their tools to aid with the harvest of fish, lobsters, and oysters. The aroma of clam chowder, boiling lobsters, and pale ales, was too mush to resist. Stacey is not a huge fan of seafood, but I was willing to take up the slack. My first lobster roll was unbelievably good. Succulent chunks of lobster filled the soft bun to the point of overflowing. Drawn butter poured over the creation topped off the dining experience. Totally relaxed, I was in my element for the next 5 days.
The next morning, we traveled to Bar Harbor and the 3-hour drive from Portland was beyond comprehension. I thought I knew what explosive, fall color looked like but I was not prepared for the palette that was painted for us on the hillsides. I won’t even attempt to describe what unfolded before us as words can never convey how spectacular it was. The hotel we checked into on West Main had coffee, hot chocolate, and apple cider available for the pouring 24 hours a day. The library and the fireplace in the lobby topped it off as the butter did to the lobster. For the next 5 days, we traveled the serpentine roads through the hills stopping to pick fresh apples, take iconic photos, and indulge, freely may I mention, in the local seafood shacks. At least I did. There were plenty of other culinary delights that quenched Stacey’s hunger too. If you’re thinking of a fall trip, put this one on your bucket list.
Last year found us in Whitefish, Montana. Though partially work related, we went a few days early to absorb what the Rocky Mountains offered. Instead of maple and hickory trees flaunting their beauty as we found in Maine, here we were treated to red oak brush, shimmering, gold aspen, and green conifers. Snow was beginning to collect on the peaks, and a jacket was needed throughout the day. Daily travels towards Glacier National Park revealed not only color, but an abundance of wildlife to observe. Majestic bull elk, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, and mule deer, adorned the roadsides paying little attention to our harassment as we frequently stopped to admire and photograph them. They knew I didn’t carry stick and string and barely took notice of our intrusion.
The Grouse Mountain lodge also had coffee and warm beverages for the taking. The fire popped incessantly, and the aroma of birch and cedar hung heavy in the lobby. Downtown Whitefish offered art galleries with stories being told on canvas of Native Americans and their culture, Cowboys tending cattle in the mountains and meadows covered in snow, and local wildlife in full splendor. Though lobsters weren’t readily available, there were plenty of steaks and bison burgers for everyone. Stacey didn’t go hungry on this trip. If you’ve never been to the Rocky Mountains, I’d sure think about booking a trip there.
This fall JH and I were extremely busy preparing the late cotton crop for harvest and pre-emerging lawns. Though Stacey and I wanted to go somewhere the first week of October, I was just too busy to get away. Not to worry though, last week, work finally slowed to a crawl and we made a dash to find color, fireplaces, and relaxation.
We flew into Asheville, North Carolina, and drove a couple of hours west to the Highlands. As with Maine, our travel to our hotel was epic and color was ever present. After check in was completed at the Old Edwards Inn, we headed down main street to see what was offered. We were not disappointed! I immediately detected smoke from a fireplace, and we were lured towards a wine shoppe where everyone was gathered around numerous firepits enjoying the afternoon. Laughter abounded and it felt as if a load of bricks were taken from our shoulders and as we sat outside and took it all in. Restaurants like the Madison, the Stubborn Bull, Ristorante Paoletti, and the Ugly Dog graciously welcomed us, and we frequented them often. Stacey called the Ruffed Grouse Tavern the “Grouse House”, but the rustic lobby and the glowing hearth was a favorite of mine.
It rained for consecutive days, but color was still vivid. Long hikes through the Nantahala National Forest to observe the numerous waterfalls were good for the body and soul. I did better with these extended walks than I thought I would, and the sore legs at the end of the day inspired me to keep trudging and not get complacent in the recliner. Walking fields and carrying backpack sprayers prepared me to withstand mountain jaunts. I must continue too.
Our trip came to an end, and we made it back home to trick or treat with Jett and Knox. Where we will go next fall is still up in the air. I would like to go back to Bar Harbor, but we have all winter to think about it. For now, I’ll be thinking about those bucks in the Midwest for it won’t be long, good Lord willing, that I’ll be glassing the cottonwood bottoms and the sage brush hillsides in search of an ancient warrior.
I invite you to think of planning a fall color trip in the future. It’s a little late for this year, but the slopes for the skiers will be open for business soon if you’re into that. Remember, time slips away. Find something that you and your family will enjoy and treat yourselves to an amazing experience. We’re not here to just pay bills and die. Nature has a lot to offer, grab it while you can. Until next time enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it. jeff.north@northag.net.
