Fall Foliage, Sustainable Bed and Breakfasts and Harvest Festivals
Now that September has arrived, hot summer days are winding down and Autumn lies just around the corner. This fall, we're announcing the newly developed Sustainable Bed and Breakfast Search on the Eat Well Guide, with an initial focus on New England 's fall foliage hot spots. We also have listings for sustainable Bed and Breakfasts in the Southeast and the Midwest. Enjoy the best sightseeing this fall season while supporting small farms and reveling in the bounty that this harvest has to offer.
What is fall foliage, and why do the leaves change colors?
According to the USDA's forest service, the beautiful shades of Autumn are the result of the pigments in the leaves, the changes in the weather, and the longer nights that come with the fall season. During the summer, chlorophyll production is at it's highest in leaves, making them bright green. As nights get longer and trees see less light, the chlorophyll production slows, allowing carotenoids and anthocyanins to display their red, yellow and orange colors in the leaves.
Will this year be a good foliage season? It all depends on the weather: temperature and moisture determine the array and brilliance of colors. A succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp, but not freezing, nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays. During such days, lots of sugars are produced in the leaf but the cool nights and the gradual closing of veins going into the leaf prevent these sugars from moving out. High levels of sugar and plenty of light are the conditions which create the brilliant reds, purples, and crimson colors.1 Call the National Forest Service's Fall Color Hotline (1-800-354-4595) to get details about the progression of colors. Click here to access a list of many states' fall foliage websites.
Where can I find the best fall foliage?
Foliage enthusiasts around the country can argue amongst themselves about who's the best, but if you travel in regions where deciduous trees are in abundance, you're likely to see a good show.
We scoured foliage country for Sustainable Bed and Breakfasts that offer an up-close look at a working farm, or a relaxing country experience in eco-leisure. We spoke with the innkeepers to find out more about their homesteads and how they provide such unique experiences to their guests. Click on the region below to read about these sustainable hideaways and the harvest festivals and organic events happening in the surrounding areas this fall.
Northeast
New England is known for its fall beauty, small farms and idyllic countryside. So, it was no surprise when we initially discovered the majority of sustainable bed and breakfasts here. Click here to discover a small sampling of what this part of the country has to offer, including:
A Stone Wall Inn – Windham, Vermont
Inn at Valley Farms – Walpole, New Hampshire
Greenville Inn – Greenville, Maine
And don't forget to find out about Harvest Festivals in the northeast and around the country!
Southeast
While most people equate Autumn colors with New England, the Southeast also offers breathtaking fall scenery. And because the leaves turn a little later than up north, foliage buffs could even plan a visit to both regions! Sustainable lodging in the Southeast includes:
Cedar House Inn and Yurts – Dahlonega, Georgia
Smithfield Farm Bed and Breakfast – Berryville, Virginia
Check out the list of fall festivals in this area!
Midwest
Some might think that the Midwest has nothing to offer but wheat and corn in flat fields that go on forever. But wait! The fall foliage here is spectacular, especially in the northern regions. Sustainable bed and breakfasts may be few, but this one is leading the way:
Moonstone Farm Bed and Bagel – Montevideo, Minnesota
Find Midwest fall festivals.
Fall Foliage :: Fall Festivals :: New England :: Southeast :: Midwest
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