When Will Fall Colors Happen in Your Area?
If you’re like me, then you want to savor summer as long as you can. But, fall is coming up soon, and believe it or not, some areas are starting to see leaves changing colors very early this year. So, when will fall colors happen in your area? Let’s look at what’s going on in the United States this year and what it means for fall colors. Some areas of the country are seeing fall colors early, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be vibrant colors come autumn.
When Will Fall Colors Happen in Your Area This Year?
If you’ve noticed leaves changing early this year, like really early, it’s probably because of weather conditions over the summer. According to the experts at Harvard Forest, summer droughts can stress trees out. “They may thus lose their leaves prematurely or start color production prematurely,” they state. “The result is a reduction of color during the peak of the season.” So, areas that get adequate summer rain get healthier trees, and because of that, those trees change color in the fall, not the summer. I’ve seen some leaves already changing colors where I live, so it likely has to do with a lack of water this season or the very warm temperatures. It’s just wrong to see fall colors in July and August, if you ask me. The trees didn’t even start to bud until early summer, and now we’re already getting some colors, and I’m not okay with it.
The experts at the Farmer’s Almanac are out with their annual predictions on when to expect fall colors in your area. They note that leaves can change their color from mid-September through early November, depending on where you live. Of course, as mentioned earlier, that’s for healthy leaves. Unhealthy leaves can produce changing colors even sooner. In general, the Farmer’s Almanac says the second and third week of October are the best times to see fall colors, but it varies based on where you are and what weather you’re experiencing.
So, when will fall colors happen? Experts from the Farmer’s Almanac say that “foliage starts to change in the northern-tier states out West and in the Midwest by late September” and that by Oct. 4, the foliage in many spots will be past their prime. Also, “Much of New England as well as the Pacific Northwest, will be at or near peak fall color by Oct. 11.” Finally, looking south into the Blue Ridge Mountains, the best time to view radiant fall colors this year is mid-October. In general, the further south you go, the later the timing for peak colors. So, if you’re wondering when will fall colors arrive, that’s a timeline. According to the Smithsonian Institute, “The lack of chlorophyll reveals yellow and orange pigments that were already in the leaves but masked during the warmer months,” as we all learned in grade school.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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