The Keene Pumpkin Festival in Keene, New Hampshire is the kind of event you have to see to believe.  Last year the total  pumpkin count was 25,644.  This year even more are expected on October 17th when folks from all around bring their customized pumpkins to Keene for the 17th annual pumpkin festival.

The jack-o-lanterns line the streets of downtown Keene, set up on huge scaffolds.  At night they are even illuminated, creating a spectacular glow of pumpkin colored light into the night.  This event, like any good fall festival, is complete with craft and art vendors, live music and entertainment, fireworks and of course lots of great food (last year Tim unsuccessfully tried to eat his weight in cider donuts).

So carve your pumpkin and take it to the Keene Pumpkin Festival!  Help them reach their world record goal this year of 29,000 pumpkins – topping their old world record which was just short of that. For lots of information about the festival and a schedule of this years event, check out www.pumpkinfestival.org.

There is no doubt that Vermont is one of the best places in the Country to see the fall colors.  Foliage time in Vermont is spectacular and it is easy to find yourself rediscovering drives that you take.  As innkeepers in Southern Vermont let us answer some of your questions about the fall foliage…

When is prime foliage viewing time?

The time of year that is best to see the fall colors in Vermont varies based on the summers weather.  It is a safe bet that from late September through the third week or so of October, you will be able to see some great leaf action.  Check out this interactive foliage map of Vermont for an idea of where and when you will see the best color.

Is Vermont the best state in New England to see foliage?

Vermont is the largest producer of Maple Syrup in the country.  Maple syrup comes from Maple trees, which are the most vibrant tree in the fall, with leaves changing to the most dramatic colors.  With a large number of these trees in an unspoiled mountainous terrain, Vermont is certainly one of the most dramatic places to see the fall foliage.  In addition, the historic charm of covered bridges, the preserved wilderness and the many beautiful back roads make the overall landscape ideal for the fall addition of color.

Where can we go to see the leaves?

Well of course, our beautiful Bed and Breakfast in Southern Vermont is a great place to start!  During the peak times in Brattleboro, our backyard and the Hogle Wildlife Sanctuary on the water behind us becomes a beautiful canvas of color.   Of course when Brattleboro hasn’t peaked yet, we have assembled driving directions for some amazing rides from the inn to put you in the middle of fall splendor regardless of the time that you visit.   Our turn by turn directions will take you through some beautiful back country roads, along winding brooks, past waterfalls and bring you safely back to Forty Putney Road.

Retreat Meadow, our backyard at Forty Putney Road B&B

Where should you stay when checking out the foliage?  Clearly the obvious answer is our great Southern Vermont Inn, Forty Putney Road B&B.  But you don’t have to take our word for it!  Here’s what the folks that have been here before are saying – we would love to add you to our family of guests and share the beautiful fall foliage with you this year.  Reserve your stay now!