Saving the Best for Last this Fall

Fall in mid-October in Burlington.

For a little while, I thought Vermont's fall foliage season had passed me by. I was in Burlington on those magnificent days in early October when the mountains popped with peak color and everyone was "liking" stunning photos of Stowe, Stratton and Jay Peak on Facebook. Oh great, I thought, my leaf-peeping this year will consist of looking at photos on Facebook.  Perfect.

Clearly, I felt like I was missing out. I told Dave we needed to make a date to get out of Burlington. We took a drive to Ripton, Shelburne and Middlebury over Columbus Day Weekend, which was exactly what I needed. The trip gave me my foliage fix for 2012, and that was that. 

What I had forgotten was how beautiful Burlington is during the latter part of foliage season. Over the past week, the colors have been magnificent in the city's neighborhoods and along the waterfront. What was I fretting about a few weeks ago? We didn't need to go anywhere to see the leaves. Eventually, the trees pop with color right here in our own backyard.

Still, the season is almost over. But while the city's autumn glow lingers a bit longer, I'll be away from the computer, enjoying the outdoors in the city I love. 

 **If You Go: Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce

Bright leaves near Perkins Pier along Lake Champlain.

Maple trees in Burlington's South End.