Fall in Northern New England

[AZBuck]

OK - so let's see if we can't at least finish up the outline of a great trip that will knock your boyfriend's socks off. I last left you heading west on US-2 out of Bangor towards New Hampshire. This is as real as real Maine is going to get. Away from the coast and away from the tourist spots, this road will take you through some of the economically depressed old mill towns. Don't get me wrong, the drive will be gorgeous and the people will be wonderful, but do take the time to have a meal in one of the local restaurants, talk to some of the 'regulars' and drop some much needed coin where it will be appreciated. Anyway, off my soapbox.

Just before you enter New Hampshire, you should take a left onto ME-113 and drive up into Evans Notch. Be sure to stop at the Ranger Station and get info on the Patte Brook Auto Tour. I'm now having trouble with the link I supplied for it, so here's another one. This will give you a good intro into what the next couple of days are going to be like. Most of the tourists coming up from Boston, Hartford and New York will stop when they get to the White Mountains. The beauty of coming into New Hampshire on US-2 from Maine is that you are already on the 'back' side of the mountains which act as a filter. These areas will be much less crowded than even 25 miles south. Once you've gotten a taste of this, head back up to US-2 and continue westward through the Shelburne Birches. I'm going to suggest that you stay for a couple of days in the Jefferson, NH area to experience the White Mountains. There are a couple of places that might meet your needs. One is the Applebrook Bed and Breakfast. I stayed there last year and liked it very much. It is an old New England home, so it creaks a bit, but the hosts were incredibly gracious, and it's right across the road from the Waumbek Country Club (a local institution) and its great views of the Presidential Range. The other is the Mountain View Grand which I think might fit your definition of a fancy shmancy hotel. Either way, or if you stay somewhere else, the point here is to get into the mountains a bit. A couple of options would be to drive to the top of Mt. Washington, but this might be a bit crowded and is not for those with acrophobia. If you're into hiking, one of the best all day hikes is the climb from Jefferson Notch to the top of Mt. Jefferson. As they say, inquire locally. There are also any number of less strenuous hikes in the region. Also take the time to wander around the typical northern New England towns of Lancaster, Littleton, and Gorham. And just soak up the beauty.

OK - I didn't get as far as I would have liked. Next will be Vermont - Ben and Jerry's, covered bridges, lake cruises, college town night life, a trip back in time, and more great scenery.

AZBuck