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The crisp fall air, the dramatic colors of the changing leaves, and the cozy comforts of small romantic inns all combine to make a fall foliage trip an excellent choice for a fall getaway. The scenery is lovely throughout the Northeastern and Midwestern United States as well as Eastern Canada, but a few destinations stand out for their combination of beautiful landscapes and romantic bed and breakfast inns and lodges.Our favorites are:

1. Berkshires - Located in the western part of Massachusetts, the Berkshire Hills are dotted with scores of small and charming bed and breakfast inns, many of which date to the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The area is also home to the Norman Rockwell Museum; Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony; and plenty of antique stores and art galleries. For best leaf color, visit in October.
2. Maine - One of the first parts of the country to show leaf color, the coast of Maine offers small, picturesque seaside villages and miles of shoreline as well as acres of changing leaves. Drive along route #1, near the coast, or venture inland to Rangeley Lake State Park in the western park of the state. The color starts as early as mid-September in Maine. While you’re there, make sure to sample the fresh seafood and check out the art galleries in the villages that line the Atlantic Coast.
3. Upper Michigan - Michigan’s “UP,” or Upper Peninsula, is the arm that extends into Lake Superior from Wisconsin, one of the most northern parts of the United States. The area is known for its rugged beauty, independent residents, and luxurious yet casual guest lodges. The red, yellow, bronze, and gold leaves start appearing around mid-September. The season also holds a variety of fall festivals, with live music, fair food, and lots of fun.
4. Ontario - The region around Toronto and Canada’s capital, Ottawa, turns bright with fall color in and around October. Combine a stay in the city, with fine restaurants, plentiful shopping, and world-class theater, with a drive into the countryside. Or, stay at one of Ontario’s casually relaxed country inns and view the foliage from your bedroom window. Fall is also harvest time for the many Niagara wineries. More have tasting rooms where you can sample the latest vintage.

^{(photo credit flickr cc)}

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 23rd, 2007 and is filed under Thirty Dates in Thirty States, United States.