Health WellNews

As summer fades into memory and the crisp air of autumn settles in, parts of the United States transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Fall foliage is one of nature’s most stunning displays, and there arenumerous destinations across the country where you can experience this seasonal spectacle. Here are some of the best places to see fall foliage in the United States.

New England: The Quintessential Fall Experience

Vermont is often considered the crown jewel of fall foliage destinations. With its rolling hills, quaint villages, and covered bridges, the state provides a picture-perfect backdrop for leaf peeping. Here are two of the best places to leaf peep this year. 

• Stowe: Known for its charming village and beautiful mountain scenery, Stowe offers breathtaking views of fall colors. Take a drive along the Green Mountain Byway or hike the trails in Mount Mansfield State Forest.
• Woodstock: This picturesque town is surrounded by vibrant foliage. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park offers scenic trails, and the nearby Sugarbush Farm is perfect for sampling local maple syrup and cheese.

New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a haven for fall foliage enthusiasts. The combination of towering peaks and expansive forests creates a stunning display of colors. Here are two recommendations if you live in or near New Hampshire.

• Kancamagus Highway: This scenic byway is renowned for its fall colors. Stretching for 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest, it offers numerous overlooks and hiking opportunities.
• Franconia Notch State Park: Home to the Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, this park provides spectacular views of the surrounding foliage.

Maine’s rugged coastline and dense forests make it a prime destination for fall foliage. Two of the best places to see some stunning sights.

• Acadia National Park: The park’s diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastline, offer a stunning array of fall colors. Drive along the Park Loop Road or hike the trails around Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain.
• Rangeley Lakes: This area is known for its serene lakes and vibrant foliage. The Height of Land overlook offers one of the most spectacular views in Maine.

The Mid-Atlantic: History and Nature Combined

Pennsylvania’s extensive state parks and forests provide a beautiful backdrop for fall foliage.

• Pocono Mountains: The Poconos are a popular destination for their colorful fall display. Take a scenic drive along Route 507 or explore the trails in Promised Land State Park.
• Gettysburg National Military Park: The historical significance of Gettysburg combined with its stunning fall colors make it a unique destination. Walk the battlefield trails while enjoying the vibrant foliage.

New York offers a diverse range of fall foliage experiences, from bustling cities to tranquil countryside.

• Adirondack Mountains: The Adirondacks are famous for their fall colors. Take a scenic drive along the Adirondack Northway or hike to the summit of Mount Marcy for panoramic views.
• Hudson Valley: Just a short drive from New York City, the Hudson Valley offers a mix of historical sites and beautiful fall foliage. Visit the Walkway Over the Hudson or take a river cruise for unique perspectives.

The South: Unexpected Fall Beauty

North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning display of fall colors.

• Blue Ridge Parkway: Often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of scenic beauty. The stretch between Asheville and Boone is particularly renowned for its fall foliage.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The park’s diverse range of elevations results in a long foliage season. Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove are popular spots for viewing the vibrant colors.

Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is a top destination for fall foliage.

• Skyline Drive: This 105-mile road runs the length of Shenandoah National Park, offering numerous overlooks and hiking opportunities. The views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley are spectacular in the fall.

The Midwest: Heartland Colors

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a hidden gem for fall foliage.

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: The park’s dense forests and rugged terrain provide a stunning backdrop for fall colors. Lake of the Clouds is a must-see viewpoint.
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, this park offers beautiful fall scenery along its river and surrounding forests.

Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes offer beautiful fall foliage.

• Door County: Known for its charming towns and scenic shoreline, Door County provides a picturesque setting for fall colors. Peninsula State Park offers numerous trails and viewpoints.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest: This forest’s rolling hills and glacial formations create a unique fall foliage experience. The Ice Age Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities.

The West: Majestic Landscapes

Colorado’s high elevations and aspen groves make it a unique destination for fall foliage.

• Aspen: The town of Aspen is famous for its namesake trees, which turn brilliant gold in the fall. The Maroon Bells are a particularly iconic sight.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: The park offers a stunning array of fall colors, from golden aspens to vibrant shrubs. Trail Ridge Road provides panoramic views.

California might not be a place you think of for fall foliage, but its diverse ecosystems offer a surprising variety of fall foliage. 

• Lake Tahoe: The area’s mix of evergreens and deciduous trees creates a beautiful contrast. Emerald Bay and the Tahoe Rim Trail offer stunning viewpoints.
• Yosemite National Park: While known for its granite cliffs and waterfalls, Yosemite also offers beautiful fall colors. The valley floor and the higher elevations both provide unique foliage experiences.

Fall foliage in the United States is a sight to behold, with each region offering its own unique display. Whether you’re hiking through the vibrant forests of New England, driving along the scenic byways of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or exploring the rugged landscapes of the Rockies, the beauty of autumn is sure to leave you in awe.

After the renewal of spring comes the warmer and longer days of summer. As the sun stretches its arms across the sky the bountiful offers of summer’s harvest come into their own. The familiar summer tapestry of colors and flavors comes to life. Farmer’s markets are filled with the scent of ripe fruits and vegetables as the stalls overflow with nature’s treasures. 

Only during the height of summer can we enjoy so many fresh fruits and vegetables as they are the stars of many recipes. From succulent berries bursting with sweetness to crisp cucumbers and peppers and the juiciest tomatoes, the options are as abundant as they are diverse. 

One of the best gifts of the summer is watermelon. Click here to find 28 watermelon recipes you can serve this summer. From ice cream to pie, to salads, drinks and soups, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Peaches are another favorite summer staple. Click here to find 60 different peach recipes you can experiment with this summer. There are options here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so there are plenty to try all summer long.

Just type tomato salad recipe into Google and see what happens! Clicking on just one link can get you more than 150 recipes to enjoy this summer. The Editors of Food and Wine magazine have curated 31 summer vegetable recipes to try. There really is no shortage of options!

How about a strawberry spinach salad filled with juicy strawberries, spinach leaves, creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of your favorite balsamic vinaigrette. Or maybe a fresh Caprese salad piled high with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. 

But summer’s bounty isn’t limited to just fruits and vegetables. You may also notice an array of herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill ready to add a burst of freshness and flavor to your summer soups, salads, and main dishes. What tastes more like summer than taking a bunch of freshly-picked basil and blending it with toasted pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan cheese to create a vibrant pesto for that al dente pasta.

And let’s not forget about the zucchini, a versatile vegetable that can be spiralized into noodles and tossed with cherry tomatoes and fresh feta cheese to a light and refreshing summer “pasta” or grill thick slices and layer them with creamy ricotta cheese and marinara sauce for a vegetarian twist on a classic lasagna. 

As you explore the endless possibilities of summer produce, you’ll find new and creative ways to integrate your favorites into breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, let your creativity flourish in the kitchen. So, what summertime delights will you surprise your friends and family with this summer?

After the renewal of spring comes the warmer and longer days of summer. As the sun stretches its arms across the sky the bountiful offers of summer’s harvest come into their own. The familiar summer tapestry of colors and flavors comes to life. Farmer’s markets are filled with the scent of ripe fruits and vegetables as the stalls overflow with nature’s treasures. 

Only during the height of summer can we enjoy so many fresh fruits and vegetables as they are the stars of many recipes. From succulent berries bursting with sweetness to crisp cucumbers and peppers and the juiciest tomatoes, the options are as abundant as they are diverse. 

One of the best gifts of the summer is watermelon. Click here to find 28 watermelon recipes you can serve this summer. From ice cream to pie, to salads, drinks and soups, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Peaches are another favorite summer staple. Click here to find 60 different peach recipes you can experiment with this summer. There are options here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so there are plenty to try all summer long.

Just type tomato salad recipe into Google and see what happens! Clicking on just one link can get you more than 150 recipes to enjoy this summer. The Editors of Food and Wine magazine have curated 31 summer vegetable recipes to try. There really is no shortage of options!

How about a strawberry spinach salad filled with juicy strawberries, spinach leaves, creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of your favorite balsamic vinaigrette. Or maybe a fresh Caprese salad piled high with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. 

But summer’s bounty isn’t limited to just fruits and vegetables. You may also notice an array of herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill ready to add a burst of freshness and flavor to your summer soups, salads, and main dishes. What tastes more like summer than taking a bunch of freshly-picked basil and blending it with toasted pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan cheese to create a vibrant pesto for that al dente pasta.

And let’s not forget about the zucchini, a versatile vegetable that can be spiralized into noodles and tossed with cherry tomatoes and fresh feta cheese to a light and refreshing summer “pasta” or grill thick slices and layer them with creamy ricotta cheese and marinara sauce for a vegetarian twist on a classic lasagna. 

As you explore the endless possibilities of summer produce, you’ll find new and creative ways to integrate your favorites into breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, let your creativity flourish in the kitchen. So, what summertime delights will you surprise your friends and family with this summer?

Whether you are a seasoned gardening expert, or this is your first attempt, follow these tips to stay on top of your summer gardening. There is a lot to consider when deciding to plant a summer garden. If you are an expert, you begin preparations long before the season is here. However, if this is your inaugural garden, here are a few things to keep in mind so you can enjoy a successful harvest this year. As you check each of these off your list, you will maximize the beauty of your garden and support the health of your plants.

First on the checklist: mulch. It’s important to spread a two inch thick layer of mulch over your soil. The mulch will shield the soil from the sun and keep it cooler. This can put less stress on the roots of the plants and slows the moisture loss due to evaporation. As it decomposes, the mulch will help to improve the structure of the soil and add much needed nutrients. 

Second, make sure you have eliminated the weeds that thrive in the summer. If you aren’t vigilant, they can go from a small patch to taking over your garden! Remove them immediately so they don’t steal the moisture and nutrients from your plants. Moistening the soil can also help in their removal. 

Summer provides lots of colorful options so the third thing to keep in mind is to enjoy this color and plant heat-loving annuals like Angelonia, lantana, ageratum, sweet potato vine and zinnia just to name a few. These types of annuals grow quickly in warm weather and will give you a great burst of color! Add some additional variety by planting summer bulbs like calla, canna, and dahlia. Again, this adds even more color to your garden and will thrive all summer long. 

If you have late blooming perennials (think mums, sedums and asters), keep them in check by pinching the top inch or two of new growth. This often results in more compact, sturdy growth. Another item on the list is to remove any faded flowers. If you remove the spent blooms from the annuals and perennials you have, you just might see more blooms. 

And perhaps the most important item on the list: watch out for pests and diseases. As vigilant as you are with weeding, keep an eye out for pests and disease during the entire growing season. Midsummer is an important checkpoint as many bug populations are in full force and you don’t want all your hard work to go to waste because of unwanted bugs and the diseases they bring. Some problematic species include grasshoppers, tomato hornworms, and cucumber and Japanese beetles. 

And finally, make sure you water appropriately, especially during the warmer months! Experts advise that most common plants require an inch of water per week and it’s best to apply it all at once to encourage the roots to sink deeply into the soil. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are perfect for this job.

Now that you know the basics, your summer garden can thrive as you work your way through this checklist!

Whether you are a seasoned gardening expert, or this is your first attempt, follow these tips to stay on top of your summer gardening. There is a lot to consider when deciding to plant a summer garden. If you are an expert, you begin preparations long before the season is here. However, if this is your inaugural garden, here are a few things to keep in mind so you can enjoy a successful harvest this year. As you check each of these off your list, you will maximize the beauty of your garden and support the health of your plants.

First on the checklist: mulch. It’s important to spread a two inch thick layer of mulch over your soil. The mulch will shield the soil from the sun and keep it cooler. This can put less stress on the roots of the plants and slows the moisture loss due to evaporation. As it decomposes, the mulch will help to improve the structure of the soil and add much needed nutrients. 

Second, make sure you have eliminated the weeds that thrive in the summer. If you aren’t vigilant, they can go from a small patch to taking over your garden! Remove them immediately so they don’t steal the moisture and nutrients from your plants. Moistening the soil can also help in their removal. 

Summer provides lots of colorful options so the third thing to keep in mind is to enjoy this color and plant heat-loving annuals like Angelonia, lantana, ageratum, sweet potato vine and zinnia just to name a few. These types of annuals grow quickly in warm weather and will give you a great burst of color! Add some additional variety by planting summer bulbs like calla, canna, and dahlia. Again, this adds even more color to your garden and will thrive all summer long. 

If you have late blooming perennials (think mums, sedums and asters), keep them in check by pinching the top inch or two of new growth. This often results in more compact, sturdy growth. Another item on the list is to remove any faded flowers. If you remove the spent blooms from the annuals and perennials you have, you just might see more blooms. 

And perhaps the most important item on the list: watch out for pests and diseases. As vigilant as you are with weeding, keep an eye out for pests and disease during the entire growing season. Midsummer is an important checkpoint as many bug populations are in full force and you don’t want all your hard work to go to waste because of unwanted bugs and the diseases they bring. Some problematic species include grasshoppers, tomato hornworms, and cucumber and Japanese beetles. 

And finally, make sure you water appropriately, especially during the warmer months! Experts advise that most common plants require an inch of water per week and it’s best to apply it all at once to encourage the roots to sink deeply into the soil. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are perfect for this job.

Now that you know the basics, your summer garden can thrive as you work your way through this checklist!