Fall Adventures in NH

If antiques call your name, consider a drive along New Hampshire’s Antique Alley, beginning at the Lee Traffic Circle. Along this 22-mile stretch, you’ll find a great assortment of antiques (and yes, occasionally some junque) .  I especially like T. Berries Antiques and Primitives, Parker-French Antique Center, and Parker-French West Antique Center, all in Northwood, but be sure to check out the many other antiques shops along the route. The nearby Deerfield Fair takes place from Sept. 9-Oct. 2.  It’s a great family event, with something to appeal to all ages. Here’s a link for information: www.deerfieldfair.com  Also in the area is the University of New Hampshire at Durham. There’s also something going on at the campus most of the time and if you’re traveling with a potential college student,  fall is an excellent time to introduce him or her to the college scene. The gorgeous campus will encourage any high school junior or senior to hit the books, and Thompson Hall (locally known as T-Hall) in the middle of campus  is beloved by antiques enthusiasts and architecture buffs. www.unh.edu

Happy traveling. The leaves will soon be turning and New England will once again glow brightly.

 

Maine’s Wicked-Good Wine Trail

Fall is fabulous in Maine, and all the more so if you take time to explore the state’s exceptional wine trail. Vintners are doing amazing things not only with grapes but also with fruits like blueberries, cranberries, and elderberries. The results are both innovative and interesting. Many of the wineries are situated at family-owned farms where you can also enjoy visiting with the farm animals (a pig named Lettuce! Goats named Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir!).  I had so much fun visiting wineries that stretch almost from one end of the state to the other that I wrote about them for Wine Enthusiast Magazine.  Here’s a link if you’d like to check it out.  http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2011/Maines-Wine-Trail/  At the end of the article you’ll find links suggesting  places to stay and a trolley that will take you to some of the midcoast wineries. Enjoy this unusual experience, perfect for a fall getaway!