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Saturday, October 2, 2021

Leaf Peeping Tips

fall foliage - maple leaves
Autumn is prime time for leaf peeping in New England. This article offers a variety of tips for planning a trip to view fall foliage and other natural beauty in New England.

To experience beautiful views of fall foliage in the New England region, travelers should plan ahead whenever possible. Leaf peeping can be done on day trips, overnight excursions, or multi-day vacations.

New England states provide travelers with extensive resources for trip planning. Most states provide fall foliage forecasts, weekly updates, and route information.

Other sources of leaf peeping information can be include local contacts such as county tourism officials, innkeepers, restaurant staff, and members of the travel industry.

Although many travelers prefer to enjoy fall foliage from their own vehicle, an array of options exist. Leaf peeping can be enjoyed by train, bus, or other modes of transportation. More intimate views can sometimes be found by hiking. 

Choosing items to take on a trip will depend on the length, transportation mode, and other factors. For most travelers, water is an essential item. Other useful accessories might include snacks, eyewear, proper clothing, and a digital camera.

For independent travelers, navigation is an important subject to consider. Although smartphones and other electronic devices are convenient, it's usually good to have paper maps and possibly a compass.

Weather can be another factor to consider. Fall is usually a time when there are plenty of bright clear days which are suitable for leaf peeping and nature appreciation. Between periods of fair weather, storms or other natural events can limit travel opportunities.

The fall season in New England can be a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Travelers can make the most of their time by doing pre-trip research, being ready on short notice, and taking opportunities when they arise. 


Monday, January 25, 2021

Vermont Free Ice Fishing Day 2021

 

yellow perch

This year's Vermont free ice fishing day is Saturday, January 30, 2021. On Vermont free ice fishing days, anyone, resident or nonresident, may go fishing in Vermont without a fishing license.

Due to COVID restrictions this year, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (VFWD) is unable to host its normal in-person Ice Fishing Festival that is normally held on Free Fishing Day. In place of that, VFWD created a Virtual Ice Fishing Festival that will give anglers the opportunity to learn about ice fishing basics.

According to a 2019 VFWD angler survey:

  • Yellow perch, northern pike, and lake trout were the three most preferred species when fishing through the ice
  • A majority of anglers rated the quality of fishing in Vermont as good or excellent
  • Crowding at access areas and overall access to fishing was not seen as a significant problem in Vermont. 

source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department