NANTUCKET -- The summer crowds are gone and it's a bit chilly for ocean dips, but there are plenty of reasons to visit Nantucket this fall.
Architecture and history buffs will enjoy strolling through Nantucket Town's cobblestone carriageways and narrow lanes, featuring 800 houses built between 1740 and 1840. Nature-lovers will revel in the foliage, dramatic sunsets, and bird-watching; hiking and biking opportunities also abound. The island also is home to many museums, shops, and restaurants, ranging from cafes and pubs to fine dining and family-oriented establishments.
Autumn events include the annual Arts Festival, Oct. 1-10; Oct. 4 outings with bird-watching and marine ecology themes; the Octobeer Fest featuring German cuisine and wine and beer from the local Nantucket Vineyard and
The island can be reached by boat from Hyannis. While a car ferry is available, consider parking on the mainland and taking the high-speed passenger ferry. Once on the island, you can bike, walk, or take a taxi or shuttle bus.
For details on events, help with accommodations, or other information, visit www.nantucket
chamber.org or ask for a copy of the official guide to Nantucket at 508-228-1700.
Colorado offers colorful autumn
DENVER -- Experience the season Western-style with a trip to Colorado this fall. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offer picturesque autumn landscapes. The Durango train runs a "Photographer's Special" tour on Sept. 25.Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker's paradise, whether you head for the front range overlooking Boulder or tree-lined trails shimmering with golden aspens and red oaks.
Grand County considers itself the country's "Mountain Bike Capital," while guided horse rides can take you through the San Juan Mountains on everything from an early morning trail ride to a chuckwagon dinner outing to an overnight adventure. Or join in the all-terrain vehicle "Historical Color Tour," Sept. 22-25, in Buena Vista, where you'll cross the Continental Divide at 13,700 feet while enjoying the foliage and touring old mining sites and ghost towns.
For a free vacation guide, call 800-COLORADO or visit www.col
Mad River Valley's wild about foliage
WAITSFIELD, Vt. -- They got out their crystal balls in Vermont's Mad River Valley and determined that Tuesday, Oct. 5, will be "peak day" for fall foliage, with 8:37 a.m. chosen as the precise moment for collective oohing and aahing over the maples, beeches, birches, and other colorful trees. The locals acknowledge the silliness of their declaration while simultaneously reveling in it. They'll be counting down the days and hours, and a local radio station will provide live coverage of the presumed moment of autumnal perfection.For information, go to www.madrivervalley.com or call 800-82-VISIT.
