pwt54 ... need ur advice ...

[JohnD]

Thanks for your reply to my earlier post.<P>How would Warren be as a place to stay? Will Oct 11th weekend be better or Oct 4th? I was able to get a room in Warren for the 11th Weekend. I need ur inputs so that I can decide which weekend would have better colors ...<P>Also, does NH White Mountains area also mimick the foliage of Central VT? <P>Any inputs are appreciated.<BR>

[Geri]

Central Vermont has a great deal of sugar maples which display the most brilliant colors. Add beech, white birch and the dark green of the spruce in the deep cold valleys to the mix and the colors are spectacular. As you go further North, the forest is a bit more "northern forest" which means more evergreens. Other elements that determine vegetation type are elevations and North or South facing slopes. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are spectacular mountains with dramatic scenery, but there are a great deal of evergreens in the forest mix and less sugar maples. Yes, the color will still be beautiful, but in my opinion, central Vermont has the most brilliant mix of colors. One Oct. we hiked up some high peaks in the White Mountains that had several inches of snow and looked down at the colorful valleys, it was a beautiful sight.

[Aleksh]

You're getting down to the wire reservations wise. There is generally more going on events wise over Columbus Day weekend, and this year the leaves are turning later than in recent years due to the warmer weather. So Columbus day should be about the middle of the ever popular but never defined "peak" time.<P>As for the white mountains, there is an ecological continuity untill you get to the heart of the White Mountains. There the peaksare quite a bit higher and thetrees are more predominantly coniferous at higher elevations, but plenty of hardwoods in the valleys. <P>There is a perceptible flavor change between Vermont and New Hampshire. In New Hampshire they seem to value freedoms a bit more, which means that they have a bit more sprawl and commercialism and oh yes billboards. To their credit they do have one of the best sales tax anywhere...0% on goods and their room and meals rate is less than Vt.<BR>If you do go to the White Mts area, take the cog rail. Its a fun way to get up Mt. Washington. That whole Presidential Range area has a distinctive culture and some excellent places to stay and eat. <P>------------------<BR>Aleks & Michiko Hunter<BR>Old Town Farm Inn <BR>665 Vt. Rte 10<BR>Chester, Vt. 05143<BR>http://www.otfi.com<BR>1-888-232-1089<BR>"Its not our Green Mountain state, its our Greem Mountain State of Mind" SM

[pwt54]

If you have a place to stay in Warren that week go for it !!! Great time, great location. Peak foliage will be there and a little north.

[JohnD]

Thanks for ur valuable inputs !