Since most colors pop early October in northern Vermont, mid- to late-October visitors should consider central or southern Vermont. (Considering this is the best-of-the-best foliage, we’ve even created an entire guide of 15 ways to find fall in the Green Mountain State.) Surrounded by more maple trees than anywhere else in the region, you'll find the brightest of yellows, oranges, and reds on nearly every highway and country road. New England leaf peeping is at its finest in Vermont, where wilderness covers 75 percent of the land. In Portsmouth, book ahead for dinner at Row 34 Portsmouth where you’ll find briny local oysters (don’t miss the umami-rich Row 34 oysters, the most mature bivalves from Island Creek Oyster Farm, Duxbury Bay in neighboring Massachusetts) and the best lobster roll in all New England (yes, you read that correctly). Consider a trek up to White Mountain Cider Company for dinner and dessert of warm cider doughnuts and ice cream. In Mount Washington, gorge on breakfasts of maple syrup-drenched buttermilk pancakes and apple betty French toast at the Glen House. It’s cute, it’s cozy, and it’s centrally located for all of your coastal New Hampshire adventures. Sure there’s no pool, no concierge, not even a front desk to speak of, but what you skip in amenities you more than make up for in value, at a time of year when many hotels like to jack up room rates to take advantage of leaf-peepers. If you’re driving to New Hampshire or points further north, check in to the Great Island Inn, an “apart-hotel” occupying a restored historic home just a few minutes from downtown Portsmouth. A fun throwback to the age of New England’s grand hotels that catered to city slickers from Boston and New York (not unlike today), this charming, historic property is this fall undergoing a total renovation of the guest rooms. It should come as no surprise that the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa has ample views of the White Mountains. For starters, summit Mount Kearsage in Wilmot, or explore a portion of the 40-plus miles of trails in nearby Bear Brook State Park. Alternatively, balance town and forest with overnights in the hip town of Portsmouth, just an hour's drive from most of the region's best hiking trails. In Meredith, get lost in a mega-corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, and try “flavored” cider doughnuts (with various toppings like chocolate drizzle and sprinkles) at Moulton Farm. In Loudon, savor piping-hot cider doughnuts at Meadow Ledge Farm-they’re so good they often command a 45-minute line. Next, beyond the White Mountain National Forest, embark on an oh-so-fall adventure: a cider donut crawl. Enjoy your picnic lunch at one of the route’s many waterfalls, like "Sabbaday Falls" or "Rocky Gorge." Breathe in the fresh air and work on your landscape photography game. There are no gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and the like-nature takes center stage. Northern New Hampshire’s claim to fame is this highly scenic 35-mile stretch of Route 112, which erupts with vibrant, changing leaves over multiple elevations. Make a beeline for the White Mountain National Forest, hopping on the Kancamagus Highway (or the “Kanc” as locals call it).
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