New England expects spectacular fall colors; offers deals to entice visitors

CONCORD, N.H. — Northern New England's fall foliage is expected to be spectacular this year, unlike visitor numbers which likely will remain muted because of the economy — and that's prompting some lodging deals to attract tourists.

Abundant rain during the summer should boost the vibrancy of the red, orange and gold foliage that attracts millions of visitors to New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont each fall. Tourism officials are offering a variety of packages and deals in hopes of matching or beating last year's revenues, which were down significantly from previous years as recession gripped the nation.

In Vermont, more than 60 lodgings, tourist attractions and restaurants are offering tourists with midweek bookings "Midweek Peek" deals ranging from "stay two nights, get the third night free" to a free round of golf or a free half pint of maple syrup.

Dozens of properties in Maine are offering similar getaway packages during foliage season. In New Hampshire, the state tourism Web site lists "Yankee Dollar-Stretching Deals," and individual properties have their own promotions. Whitney's Inn in Jackson is offering a third night at half price or a free fourth night. The listed rate for late September until mid-October is $129 per night for a standard room for two people.

Innkeeper Susan Pettengill said the inn is in good shape for foliage season — all but six of the 26 rooms are booked for the busy Columbus Day weekend — but acknowledged the toll the economy has taken.

"We've had to lower our rates, and people are very comfortable asking for discounts," she said.

Mal Pattiarachi, an information technology consultant in Canberra, Australia, is heading to Vermont and New Hampshire next month as part of a trip that also includes visiting friends in Oregon, Colorado and Illinois. With the Australian economy and its dollar quite strong, and airfares to the U.S. cheaper than ever, it's a perfect time to travel, he said.

"I've always wanted to see the leaves changing color in New England and I have never been to that part of the U.S.," he said. "I had heard it's quite a majestic sight."

Pattiarachi, 28, said he found it impossible to find affordable accommodations in popular spots like Stowe, Vt., so he chose locations farther out. That didn't bother him — he figures he'll see more of the scenic countryside — but he was a bit stressed out about trying to time his trip during "peak foliage." This year, leaf peak is expected across most of New Hampshire and Vermont around Oct. 10-12 and in central Maine Sept. 29- Oct. 5.

"Compared to Australia, which is extremely dry and has really only gum trees, even slightly off-peak in New England I think is going to be an amazing experience," he said.