This is the peak weekend to see colorful fall foliage in New England. Here's a 50-mile loop for a weekend road trip, winding through quaint New Hampshire towns and along crimson country roads, to please both leaf peepers and garden lovers.
Starting in Holderness, the itinerary will take you through Sandwich, Tamworth, Moltonbourough, and back to Holderness, where you can stay the night at Rockywold-Deephaven, a centuries-old family camp on Squam Lake.
In addition to the stops listed here, I'd also recommend stopping in at Squam Lake Market Place in Holderness for sandwiches and baked goods, and getting coffee at The Barking Dog Cafe, in the town of Sandwich, to fuel your trip. Finally, if you have a bit more time to explore, make your way to Plymouth, which isn't on the loop, but is definitely worth a stop for its charming Main Street, antique shops, and the picturesque Holderness School campus nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains.
Photography by Christine Chitnis for Gardenista.
Above: At Rockywold-Deephaven Camps, awaken to the haunting call of loons, enjoy the solitude of your own dock, take a hike up Rattlesnake Mountain, or enjoy an evening kayak ride.
Above: The view from the top of Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness.
Above: For tasty, locally made cheese and ice cream, stop at The Sandwich Creamery, where you can grab a serving of ice cream or a block of cheese on the honor system. Bring cash to pay for your treats.
Above: Chickens abound at The Community School, a grades 6-12 alternative school and farmstand in Tamworth. Stop by for a you-cut flower experience and organically grown produce, and learn more about the progressive school while you're there.
Above: Tamworth is a charming town, with all the buildings and homes done in the same shade of white with green shutters and doors, which makes for a picturesque experience. Located in town is the Tamworth Lyceum- a great shop where you can grab a coffee, breakfast, and a host of artisan liqueur, as well as a carefully curated selection of gifts.
Above: A few doors down from the Lyceum, the Tamworth Distilling and Mercantile will open its doors in winter 2014, and produce farm-to-bottle spirits.
Above: Remick Farm offers sweeping views of Tamworth and the surrounding area.
Above: Garlic for sale at the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm in Tamworth.
Above: Antique mason jars for displaying wildflower bouquets; for sale at The Glass Knob in Moultonborough.
Above: A vintage bike for sale at The Shoppes at Red Hill in Moultonborough, with a basket perfect for wildflowers or a stray pot or two.
Have a case of wanderlust? Plan your escape with recommendations from our Destinations section. For more outdoor adventures, consider going on one of our Favorite Hikes.
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