In Search Of Beautiful Fall Foliage

I have always loved to go for a drive and look at the beautiful colors of fall foliage. As a child, my parents and I drove to McGregor, Iowa, along the Mississippi River. The leaves are spectacular in this area. We would cross the other side of the river, go to Praire du Chien, Wisconsin, and visit the Villa Louis, a National Historic Landmark on St. Feriole Island in Praire du Chien, Wisconsin. We would also drive to Galena, Illinois, and look at President Grant’s home, which was built in 1859-1860. We would go to an apple orchard in Nashua, Iowa, and stop and look at the Little Brown Church.

Looking At Leaves Along River Roads

I like driving to Keosauqua, Iowa, along the Des Moines River. Keosauqua is one of the villages in Van Buren county. I love to stay at the Historic Hotel Manning overnight when traveling in the fall and to look at the villages of Van Buren county. I like to look at Bonaparte and Bentonsport, Iowa, as these villages have changed very little over the steamboat days of old. Farmington, Iowa, is a city in Van Buren county. They have lots of interesting old stores to see and shop in. I love this beautiful historic area. River roads are a great place to drive along and enjoy the fantastic fall foliage.

Governor Larabee’s Mansion is Located In Clermont, Iowa

I love this drive and looking at his beautiful mansion and all its beautiful rooms and furniture, which sits up high on a hill looking down at the town. He would purchase five or more items at once and sell them at a small profit except for one, and then the one he wanted would be free. He had a pet ocelot, and when she died, he had a taxidermist prepare her body to look lifelike, and you can see her when you tour his magnificent mansion. The outdoor area is well-manicured and stunning.

Fall Foliage In Vermont, New Hampshire, And Maine

Now is the peak time for looking at the fall foliage in Vermont and enjoying their homemade Maple Syrup. I loved driving to Stowe, Vermont, and staying at the Trapp Family Lodge. The Sound of Music is based on the Trapp family. The leaves in this area I would rank no. 1 on my list. Driving through the White Mountains in New Hampshire will amaze you with the colors of the beautiful fall leaves. Traveling through the New England states is lovely. We saw the Cog Railway. The White Mountain Lodge has 5-star accommodations and excellent food. We were driving in Coastal Maine to see the fall foliage. We drove along the coast in Camden, Maine. We also stopped and toured several of the lighthouses in the area. At night we had a wonderful lobster dinner. We drove to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine. We drove past President George H. W. Bush’s house in Kennebunkport, Maine. We went along the Hwy next to the Atlantic Ocean and enjoyed our spectacular scenery. We ate some fried fish and chips at a minor road stand that was very popular. We had an excellent duck dinner in Kennebunkport, Maine, in the evening.

Boulder and Estes Park, Colorado

When traveling in Colorado, go early before some roads close in higher elevations due to snow. I love driving in Boulder and Estes Park; I also love driving on Hwy 7, which takes you to Lyons, Colorado, where I always have to stop for homemade Bing Cherry Juice. Estes Park has magnificent fall foliage. Drive along the Big Thompson River for spectacular fall colors.

Enjoy The Colors of Fall

Find the peak time of year for the best fall colors in the state you will be traveling to. Looking at leaves and taking drives in the fall is fun and relaxing. You can shop in the town’s stores and maybe buy some new fall clothing. Enjoy coffee at a coffee shop and dine at a new restaurant. I also look for gifts that I can give to friends at Christmas. Enjoy the fruits of your labor this fall by driving in search of the perfect fall foliage.