Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) innkeepers wish they had a nickel for each time they’re asked, “What day will the leaves turn?.” The innkeepers of these nine beautiful inns wish even more that they had the answer. Each year weather conditions, temperatures and the conditions of the day change the exact pattern of fall colors. That means if you saw it one year, you’ll be treated to a whole new patina of fall foliage color the next year. Mother Nature never disappoints the guests of DINE inns nor all visitors to New England inns. It’s not too early to start planning your New England fall foliage getaway, and as we say each year, “Book now or forever hold your peep.” Your romantic getaway to DINE country will be even better if you can choose your favorite room. As we get closer to peak foliage, availability starts to disappear, so start planning now!
We’re innkeepers, not meteorologists, so to get fall and long term winter forecasts, we turn to the wise weather wonders at Yankee Publishing/NewEngland.com and the Farmer’s Almanac. Each year, they turn out long and short term fall foliage and weather forecasts from expert meteorologists. One great tool that we love to recommend is Yankee Publishing’s New England Foliage Map. Plug in the dates you plan to visit DINE country, and you’ll get a sense of how far along the foliage color is expected to be in the location you’ll be visiting. The same page offers up all sorts of “Top 10” ideas for everything from corn mazes to apple orchards, pumpkin fests and prettiest fall foliage villages – home to many of the DINE inns.
Generally speaking, but no guarantees, the foliage typically peaks around Columbus Day in the Northern parts of New Hampshire, the Berkshires and Vermont, while it’s still great beach weather on Cape Cod and on the Connecticut shore in early and mid-October. You’ll find fall foliage season stretching into late October and early November in the southern states of New England. Of course, we say that with the caveat that each year is different. Shorter days will remain true from year to year, but equally important in making leaves turn is the colder weather. That remains a mystery until we get closer.
Given the drought we’ve experienced in New England this summer, it’s possible that fall color may come a little earlier and a little more muted this year. Fear not, however, as the contrast of green pines against red, orange and yellow foliage on a beautiful sunny day never disappoints. In addition, the flavors of fall – from apple to pumpkin – will always be memorable at all your favorite DINE inns. Enjoy décor from mums to gourds along with plenty of hayrides, apple picking, hiking, and even late season beachcombing throughout the fall in DINE country. These, along with the amazing hospitality of DINE innkeepers, is what make fall foliage getaways in New England the best.
Turning to later in the year, our friends at the Farmer’s Almanac tell us that winter will make for some good snuggling this year. According to their long-term forecast, “The first bite of winter should come earlier than last year’s. December 2022 looks stormy and cold nationwide with an active storm pattern developing and hanging around for most of the season over the eastern half of the country. (Maybe there will be a white Christmas in some areas?).” That means flannel and fleece may need to be under the Christmas tree this year and sitting by the fire or snuggling under beautiful quilts at your favorite DINE inn will be the order of the day for winter escapes.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy the Farmer’s Almanac’s “Hot Chocolate Warning” for the Eastern states, in December and January, which should set the tone for some great skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and sleighrides. Fear not, if you don’t love snow, the very long range forecast is for February to bring milder temperatures that should make winter seem more bearable.
While we know that only Mother Nature really knows what the weather will bring, we also know that she can be fickle. The old adage, “Don’t like the weather in New England? Just wait five minutes!” holds true. You can count on at least one day of your DINE inn escape to be clear!
Keep an eye on Yankee’s Foliage Map and the Farmer’s Almanac for updated color and cold weather reports. And follow the DINE Facebook and Instagram pages for updated photos of color at your favorite DINE inns. Don’t forget to book your DINE getaway soon for the best availability.
In Maine: Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunkport
In Vermont: Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford & Grafton Inn in Grafton
In New Hampshire: Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield
In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic
In Massachusetts: Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod.