By JUNE SULLIVAN
Taking in fall's burst of colors against a crisp blue backdrop has become part of our state's big business. Many come from all over the world for this spectacular display. And imagine! We live right in the middle of one of nature's grandest expressions.
Autumn invites weekend getaways and weeklong vacations throughout the state, as well as the traditional drive to the country. Helpful weekly fall foliage reports on the progress of the changing leaf colors statewide, begin mid-September and continue until the end of the foliage season, usually around the first week in November. These are available from the New York State's Department of Economic Development.
The change in color from the bright greens of summer to the brilliant hues of fall follows a predictable pattern across the state, say state tourism experts. "I Love NY" travel news explains that it begins high in the Adirondack and Catskill mountains in late August and early September, and spreads out and down across the hills and valleys of the state, ending on Long Island and in New York City in late October to early November. And it takes about two weeks for the color to complete its cycle in any given area, with peak brilliance lasting three to four days in any one spot.
Long Island Excursions
For a quick fix for the soul, South Shore residents can simply hop onto one of our parkways. In October, short drives along the Wantagh Parkway, for example, can be intoxicating. In spots, the large full trees seem to reach out toward each other, creating a tunnel effect of perfect beauty.
Getting slightly more ambitious, how about strolling around the grounds of Old Westbury Gardens or other Gold Coast estates and/or arboretums? And a quick drive up to Rte 25 A - where it winds around Cold Spring Harbor - will draw up a deep sigh from almost any foliage follower.
Still more ambitious, a complete excursion (or parts of it) out to Long Island's east end, being careful to drive along true "foliage laden" routes, may be just about perfect. Michael Hollander, President of the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (LICVB) suggests heading up to Rte 25A (Long Island's Heritage Trail) and follow it along the North Shore out to Port Jefferson.
From there, he suggests taking the LIE to the end (exit 78) and make a left on Rte 105, then right on to Rte 25. Then travel through the wine and agricultural area on to Greenport, and take the ferry to Shelter Island. (Travelers should note that the trees are denser on the north side of the Island and that Shelter Island's foliage changes differently from the main island.) Should you decide to stay over night on Shelter Island, one writer tells us that, because the small island is virtually lightless, nighttime views of the heavens above "are simply stellar."
From Shelter Island, take the ferry south to Sag Harbor and come back home through the Hamptons, suggests Mr. Hollander. Montauk Highway (Rte 27) is the route to take. To get to Rte 27, one can take Rte 114 south from Sag Harbor, then east for a quick visit to Amagansett and/or Montauk. Or simply take Rte 5 down to Rte 27, and travel through Water Mill, Southampton, Hampton Bays, staying on Rte 27 all the way home.
Four Day Upstate Excursion:
Capital, Bath and Battlefield
The Department of Economic Development suggests a four-day foliage excursion that begins in Albany. Enjoy a guided tour of the Capital building - which took over 30 years to construct and the adjacent Empire State Plaza to view its mammoth contemporary paintings. Also consider visits to nearby New York State Museum followed by shopping at Crossgates Mall - one of the largest shopping malls in the Northeast.
How does a massage and steam bath in Saratoga Springs sound? As a resort long celebrated by visitors year-round for its sparkling and restorative waters, it is a must, say "I Love NY" travel news writers. "The 19th century town has an aura of elegance that permeates everywhere," they write. And its wide, tree-lined main thoroughfares have a mix of Victorian, Grecian and Roman architecture.
Famous in summer for thoroughbred racing, in the cooler months visitors enjoy Saratoga Spa State Park where the maple trees turn brilliant red, orange and yellow. In contrast, the impressive Avenue of the Pines maintains a deep green throughout the year.
Next, travel to the village of Lake George, where you can hike one of the surrounding mountain trails or, in the early fall, take a steamboat ride along the lake. Through Columbus Day, visit the Adirondack Museum - called "the best of its kind" by the New York Times.
Then, visit Lake Placid, host to two Winter Olympics, where you can ice skate year-round and delight in scenic views atop the Olympic ski jump. The splendor of the glorious autumn vistas will warm you throughout the winter months ahead.
(I Love NY foliage reports, updated weekly, are available from the New York State Department of Economic Development by dialing, toll free 1-800-CALL NYS (225-5697). Throughout the season, these weekly reports and statewide events are also posted on the web at http://iloveny.state.ny.usa.)
