Happy October, friends!
Though I no longer live in New England, I become nostalgic as summer turns to autumn, watching the leaves turn gold, russet, and red, the scent of chimney smoke, the starkness of the quarter moon, and the brilliance of the stars in the clear, dark skies.
And, I suppose this is what those visitors (leaf peepers!) experience when they flock to the highways and back roads of New England.
Growing up in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, I didn’t think much about the leaf-peepers coming into the city. I lived here, went to school, church, and played with friends. The changing leaves was nothing new. Yet, leaf-peeping was BIG business for the merchants, and continues to this day. (The photo on left is similar to the view from my former bedroom window.)
In Japan, leaf-peeping is known as momiji-gari, often translated as “hunting red leaves.” In Finland, ruska describes the colorful leaves themselves.
While the United States boasts breathtaking displays everywhere from Texas to Minnesota, it’s hard to deny that the Northeast is queen of the season—a position the region has held for at least a century and a half. Lifelong Massachusetts resident Henry David Thoreau once called October “the month of painted leaves.”
Emily Dickinson, another 19th-century Massachusetts poet, also distinguished the maple in the last stanza of her poem “Autumn”:
“The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.”
In October 1863, a New York correspondent for New Orleans’s Times-Picayune wrote that “When American poets first began to talk about the ‘gorgeousness’ of October” in the Northeast, “they were heartily laughed at abroad and at the South, and their enthusiasm was looked upon as extravagant.” But “that was years ago,” the writer said, and travelers had since realized that the area’s annual “color show” truly was spectacular.
As the century progressed, that color show became a selling point for autumnal excursions. An 1877 advertisement for a resort in the Catskills (just over the state lines of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont), highlighted “magnificent mountains, beautiful fall foliage and fine partridge shooting.” A September 1884 briefing in Connecticut’s Hartford Courant mentioned the popularity of taking the 8:40 a.m. train from Hartford to the Hudson River, having lunch, and coming right home.
Though the bulk of this activity was centered in the Northeast, the Wes and Midwest weren’t oblivious to their own botanical marvels. The Cincinnati Enquirer encouraged people on one October Sunday in 1887 to visit the city’s zoo, “now radiant in all the glory of fall foliage,” and in September 1906, Washington’s Spokane Chronicle included a notice about a $2 round-trip steamer ride down the Saint Joe River, with its “superb fall tinted foliage and perfect river reflections.”
Tourism likewise ramped up in Vermont at this time, largely to natural spas, with fall foliage providing an added attraction. By the 1930s and 1940s, New England’s fall tourism industry was reportedly in full swing, with a Vermont newspaper describing the six-state region as a “mecca” for those seeking colorful foliage. Then, in the mid-1960s, the Bennington Banner, another Vermont newspaper, published the first-known reference to “leaf peepers,” an apparent spinoff of “leaf peekers” that has remained in the popular lexicon ever since.
Though New England is the sweet spot for viewing the golds, reds, and burgundy leaves, vivid foliage displays can be seen across much of the United States, from lemon-colored aspens in the Rocky Mountains to cinnamon-brown bald cypresses in the Southeast.
So, the next time you find yourself gazing at a particularly stunning maple or aspen leaf, take a moment to appreciate not just the leaves, but the fact that you’re participating in a long-standing tradition. You’re not just a casual observer; you’re a leaf peeper, part of a proud, slightly quirky lineage that stretches back centuries.
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For a chance to win an e-book edition of “Caroline’s Challenge”, tell us if you have ever gone “leaf peeping” near your home or taken a trip to witness the annual spectacle of leaves changing colors.
There’s always one risk in life worth taking.
Caroline Stoddard clung to Sister Benedict’s words like a lifeline as the train took her across the country from Boston to Pine Ridge, Colorado. After learning the orphanage was closing and she’d be without a roof over her head and a teaching position, she couldn’t have been more surprised when the Prioress referred her to Millie Crenshaw, owner of the Westward Home and Hearts Matrimonial Agency.
But life had another surprise in store for Caroline when she stepped off the train in Pine Ridge, Colorado. Instead of the new start she expected with James Murdock, her intended groom, he is nowhere to be found. With only a few coins to her name and no reason to return to Boston, she’s determined to make the best of it in this rugged land.
As the deputy sheriff in Pine Ridge, Knox Manning is haunted by a robbery gone wrong, making him question his ability to protect the town, and a stranded woman at the train depot with nowhere to go is the last thing he needs. But walking away isn’t in his nature. The badge he wears is both an anchor and a burden, one that caused him to sacrifice the one thing he always wanted—a chance for a home and a family.
Just as they begin to see each other in ways neither expected, and Knox dares to dream about a future with Caroline, the town of Pine Ridge is threatened by the same outlaws he’d been tracking for two years.
When Caroline is abducted, Knox realizes the gang had given him something worth fighting for—worth dying for, if necessary.
But more importantly, worth living for.
Born and raised in western Massachusetts, Jo-Ann Roberts was fascinated by America’s Old West and always felt she was destined to travel on a wagon train following the Oregon Trail. With her love of history and reading, she began reading historical romance during high school and college. Victoria Holt, Jude Deveraux, and Roseanne Bittner were among her favorites. Influenced by her father, she fell in love with John Wayne, James Garner, and her all-time favorite, James Stewart and grew up watching Wagon Train, Bonanza and Rawhide.
A firm believer in HEA with a healthy dose of realism, Jo-Ann strives to give her readers a sweet historical romance while imparting carefully researched historical facts, personalities, and experiences relative to the time period. Her romances take her readers back to a simpler time to escape the stress of modern life by living in a small town where families and friends help one another find love and happiness.
When she isn’t creating believable plots and relatable heroes and heroines, Jo-Ann enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandson. She also enjoys baking, quilting and eating way too much chocolate.
After 38 years in public education in Connecticut and Maryland, she’s now calls North Carolina home.
I love to see the autumn glory of leaves.
Welcome, Denise
I agree with you. Nature does put on a glorious display. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing.
J.
Grand Mesa, the largest tabletop mountain in the world, is well-known for color in the fall, mainly because of the aspen groves. Aspens are a fungus that grow from a single base and this grove is one of the largest, so it, most of the time, is a beautiful sight to see in the fall, even if a person isn’t able to get out and drive up on the mesa.
Welcome, Ginni.
Thanks so much for the information. I never knew that aspens are a fungus. I will definitely research the Grand Mesa. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing with us.
J.
Yes born and raising in New Jersey my grandparents had a cabin in Maine and we would take a trip up there and drive by all the colored leaves. Spend the night and head back down again. Was one of many highlights of the year during my childhood.
Welcome, Kim.
How lucky you are to have grandparents who owned a cabin in Maine! The leaves change early up there, and the color is spectacular, but they also fall off earlier….and winter comes soon after. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing with us.
J.
I have never been leaf-peeping. Living in Florida, we get a few colors in the fall. Mostly acorns from the oaks.
Welcome, Ann.
I hope you get a chance go leaf-peeping one day. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing with us.
J.
I love riding around the local neighborhood when the leaves start changing to enjoy them. Sometimes I get to view the colorful scenes in the mountains of N.C., beautiful!
Welcome, Connie.
Here in the Raleigh area, we’re starting to see a bit of color, but we’ve been to the Asheville area during the fall and the colors are spectacular, very reminiscent of the colors in New England. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing with us.
J.
Hey Jo Ann! My husband, sister-in-law, and myself plan to visit north GA. A place called Sky Valley in a few weeks. So excited! Haven’t been in over 10 years. It’s not New England style, but better than Florida for an autumn experience! Florida does have a fall. At least North Florida does. But, it’s around Thanksgiving when you see the orange, reds, and yellows. Autumn is my favorite time of year!
Best wishes to you Jo-Ann!
Welcome, Tracy.
I hope you have a wonderful trip to view the changing colors. I’ve only been to Georgia once to visit my father-in-law. He lived in Cartersville. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing with us.
J.
What a wonderful post. thanks for sharing. never heard of “leaf peeping” but I love it. I grew up in the Mohave Dessert in CA and there were no beautiful leaves., well mostly not. So when we moved to Illinois, it was gorgeous, and yes I became one of these leaf peepers. I learned how to save them and put them into vases for that season. I made some into book marks, etc. the colors and variety were endless and my brain went crazy with ideas. when I got married and had two children, I taught them the same things an one took off like crazy on the crafty part, now as a young mom she is so looking forward to sharing this with her child. the other was “eh its ok” but now he loves it.
Welcome, Lori.
I’m pleased that you enjoyed the blog. I have fond memories of putting leaves between two pieces of wax paper and running an iron over them to preserve them. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing with us.
J.
Fall is my favorite season, and I’ve traveled through many gorgeous autumn scenes, most notably in Vermont and Maine and closer to home in the Appalachian Mountains.
Welcome, Janice.
While I still like summer best, I’m missing New England at this time of year, the brilliant colors of the leaves against a bright blue sky, wood smoke, and the crisp air. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
We get to see very few fall colors where I am in West Texas. Your photos are gorgeous, Jo-Ann. Visiting the northeast in autumn is definitely on my bucket list. I want to be a leaf-peeper!
Hi, Karen.
The pictures don’t really do it justice…it is truly spectacular seeing it up close. I hope you get a chance to visit NE and do some “leaf-peeping!”
J.
I think autumn is the prettiest season of all. I’ve never been to the New England states to see their color, but as I live in Michigan we get lots of color. I can look out the kitchen window and see all the different colors of autumn.
Welcome, Karijean.
How lucky you are to see the lovely autumn colors from your kitchen window! I bet you have some amazing views in Michigan. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your comments.
J.
I have never been leaf peeping although I use to enjoy the leaves changing color on my walks that I use to take.
Welcome!
I have fond memories of walking home from school, kicking the leaves as I walked. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your comments.
J.
Good morning, no, I have never been leaf peeping, I do like watching the leaves after they have changed colors . I especially like to see them falling when on my daily walks. (not entering this ebook giveaway as I am not tech savvy, but Thank you) Have a great day.
Welcome, Alicia.
I have fond memories of walking home from school, kicking the leaves as I walked. Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your comments.
J.
I live in Arkansas at the foothills of the Boston Mountains, part of the Ozark Mountains chain, and I love to drive up Highway 71 out of Alma and see all of the beautiful leaves. There are several good places to pull over and take in the scenery, including Lake Fort Smith State Park and Artist Point.
Welcome, Kim.
The colors must be lovely along the drive. We also had “lookouts” as we call them in NE where we could pull in and take in the view. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
I feel very blessed to live in the midwest – we have beautiful fall colors and the annual Covered Bridge Festival as well to enjoy – it is coming up a week from tomorrow for 10 days!
Welcome, Teresa
Like you, I feel fortunate to have lived in the northern tier of the U.S. to view the vibrant autumn colors. The Covered Bridge Festival sounds like fun. Thank you for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
We are leaving for the Smokys in Tennessee and North Carolina this Sunday for some leaf peeping! Our fall doesn’t have the colors like it id when we were growing up. So, we want to see some colors! We are hoping that the government shutdown doesn’t mess up our plans in the national park.
Welcome, Carrie
Enjoy your trip to Tennessee and NC. I haven’t heard about any problems with the parks here in North Carolina. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
I live in FL. None of the leaves here in Central Florida change colors. Plumeria’s just drop all of their leaves and go dormant for the winter. My oak tree just drops all of its leaves in the Spring while putting out new ones. I used to get my “fix” of seeing the leaves change by going to NW GA to visit my relatives, but October through December is my busy time with my insurance business, so I have to content myself by looking at pictures.
Welcome, Trudy
Many of the readers have mentioned going to NW Georgia to view the fall foliage. I may have to put that region on my bucket list. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
Fall is my favorite season and of course the changing colors of the leaves is a major part of that. We used to always go up in the mountains, in Alabama, and look at the leaves, not as much anymore as we have gotten older. But, still we always notice them anytime we are riding around. There are usually a few trees that stand out and on a sunny day they are especially pretty. I always like to collect leaves around our farm and iron them between two sheets of waxed paper. They will keep a long time that way. Have never been to New England but have always wanted to go. Your photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Welcome, Sarah
I have fond memories of putting leaves between two pieces of wax paper and running an iron over them to preserve them. Maybe, one day, you’ll get a chance to view the fall foliage in New England. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
When I lived in Connecticut, we did every year. It was an amazing view.
Welcome, Debra
I agree…Connecticut does have some of the best fall foliage in New England. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
haven’t done that
Welcome! I hope you’ll get a chance, one day, to view the fall foliage. It really is a special experience. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
Growing up in the foothills of the Adirondacks my dad would take us on what we called our fall trip on a Sunday, usually early in October. We would drive backroads enjoying the colors, stop at a roadside market to buy a bushel of apples and cider to take home. If we were lucky we would also get maple sugar candy for a treat. Sometimes our journey would take us into Vermont or Western Mass before winding our way back home where we had ancient sugar maples brilliantly colored in our front yard. Here in Central Washington a lot of our fall colors are in the weeds since there are very few trees except in the irrigated areas. Definitely not the bright reds, oranges and yellows of other places especially the northeast.
Welcome, Alice.
Your experience sounds very familiar to my own. Once church was over, my parents would take us out for dinner and a ride into Vermont. Usually, we got apples and some cider from a local orchard. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
Like you, I grew up in the middle of the glorious Fall colors of the Northeast. I lived in the Adirondack Mountains of NE NY on the side of a mountain overlooking Lake Champlain, just about across from Burlington, VT. From our house, you could see not only our mountains, but the Green Mountains of Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. On clear days, we could see Mt. Washington ton and the Presidential Range Peaks. Fall has always been my favorite season. After I married, I lived in Northern Maine in the Allagash Region. It still had the color, but I think it had more evergreens. Three years later, we were transferred back to my home in NY. Seven years later we were transferred to Colorado Springs and got to experience the golden glory of the Rocky Mountains in Fall. We now live in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the TN-NC border. (Right where Helene did some major damage last year.) The forest make-up is similar to New England, so we do get the colors. If it has been dry, the colors tend toward the browns rather than the bright. Oddly, I never heard the term leaf peepers until we moved down here. We don’t travel for the colors. We don’t need to, plus I would prefer to avoid the crowds. We do try to get up north to visit family in the Fall, but usually wait until later in October after peak color. We still enjoy driving to see the colors, but can sit on our porch and have the mountains spread before us in all their glory.
Welcome, Patricia
You were certainly fortunate to live in many areas of the U.S. where the fall foliage is evident. A few years ago, (before Covid-19) we went to Asheville. The colors were spectacular. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
Autumn is always lovely, but I’m no big fan of the dropping temperatures!
Welcome, Elissa.
That’s my husband’s sentiment also. Especially when we lived up north. We’ve had snow and cold on Columbus Day weekend, and a 2-foot blizzard the day after Easter with the snow lasting until May! Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.
Yes, we love to travel back roads I the Sierra Nevada and check out the fall colors especially, the Aspen trees.
Welcome, Anita
Several years ago, we went to Colorado Springs on a business trip and stayed at the Broadmoor Hotel. It was lovely, but the ride we took through the area was spectacular! The Aspens were quite literally shaking, their leaves falling to the earth like gold coins. That memory will always stay with me. Thanks for stopping by P&P and leaving a comment.
J.