New England in Early October

What are some don't miss places to go in early October? Me and my wife will be there for about 4 days. I am wanting some great places/landscapes to shoot. She is interested in fabric stores and quilt shops. Where's the best places to go that will be closest to both? Also taking suggestions on best place to fly into and to stay. Thanks!

You can't go wrong with the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Though I don't have a clue about what there are for fabric/quilt shops in the area. The North Conway area has plenty of lodging and shopping, and is a relatively short drive from the airport in Manchester. Based on the foliage forecasts I'm hearing, the best color might come a little early this year. To be honest though, we New Englanders can be a little spoiled and picky when it comes to our leaves. What we locals consider a blah year for foliage, people who haven't seen it before think is the most beautiful thing they've ever seen.

There are numerous places to go that are easy to get to along Rt 112, the Kancamagus Highway that runs right through some of the best scenery in the Whites. If you plan to be here during Columbus Day weekend be prepared for an unbelievable amount of traffic.

One more thing, If you're driving along the Kanc, or Rt 302 through Crawford Notch and you see a tone of cars stopped either along the side of the road or for that matter right in the road, there is most likely a moose.

Here are a couple of examples. The waterfall is Rocky Gorge along Rt 112/Kancamagus Hwy, an easy walk from the parking area. The second is one of the traffic jam inducing moose encounters along 302 in Crawford Notch I mentioned.

Feel free to shoot me a message if you'd like some more info.

Was going to suggest the North Conway area, but Jeff hit all the bases.

Great pics, Jeff. I miss the White Mountains. My brother was at the top of Mt Washington today and I grabbed some screen shots of him standing in front of the webcam up there.

Not sure what your budget is, Dermit, but the White Mountain Hotel is very nice (pricey) and in an awesome location. They may be booked full already, though. If you camp, I think Eastern Slopes Campground is the best.

http://www.whitemounta​inhotel.com/

Eastern Slope Inn and Resort is also nice, but pricey. But it's right downtown N. Conway, so lots of walkabout possibilities. Stonehurst Manor and Red Jacket Mountain View are other higher end options. Manchester, NH airport would be a good fly-in.

Weekdays before Columbus Day weekend would give you a better chance of finding a place. Peak foliage is a crap shoot, but I've had luck in the past in early October before the Columbus Day weekend. Like Jeff said, Columbus Day weekend means NYC rush hour type traffic.

Thanks you two for the replies! I though is to stay in a somewhat central location and do many day trips. We booked a cheapie hotel room in Concord NH. It looked like a decent central location from several places. We will be there from Oct 3 - 8 so will fortunately miss the Columbus day rush. I will definitely make it up to White Mountains, looks nice. We will probably also make a day trip or two out to the coast and probably up through parts of Maine. We will keep an eye out for Moose, but am mostly looking for decent landscapes. I love to shoot water of all kinds, rivers, falls, ocean/tides, etc.

Dermit wrote in post #17680972
We will probably also make a day trip or two out to the coast and probably up through parts of Maine. I love to shoot water of all kinds, rivers, falls, ocean/tides, etc.

Some awesome lighthouse opportunities along the coast. See https://www.bostonglob​e.com …G9XPJSsz3JRZAO/​story.html or http://discovernewengl​and.org …glands-iconic-lighthouses

http://www.visitmaine.​net/page/38/lighthouse​s

https://www.google.com …IxbLKr_3BxwIVyx​w-Ch08Owij

Interactive map at https://www.google.com …z8zq_hVEs0JA.kP​prfi1DFr50

http://www.lighthousef​riends.com/me.html

Wow, lots of resources here... thanks! Just the type of thing I am looking for to help plan my days there.