First in the nation for many things including holding the first United States Presidential primary in the 1800's and inventing the first alarm clock, New Hampshire should also be first on your list as a place to visit to experience a true fall foliage.

From Boston Logan International Airport, I am in an Alamo rental car headed to the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire about a 150 miles away. Leaving the rental car lot it is a quick and easy access to I-93 North but have your wallet open. It is a $3.50 toll to experience one of Massachusetts biggest and most expensive public project. At a cost of about $22 billion, yes billion dollars “The Big Dig” is considered by some “America's Greatest Highway Robbery” and how fortunate I am to be a part of it.

Soon the $3.50 toll becomes worth it as crossing the New Hampshire state line I relive the stories told and history of America's fight for independence.

"Live Free Or Die".

At the state's “Welcome Center” I load up on maps and a wealth of information for my journey northbound. Hints of what lies ahead line I-93 North and makes me feel like I am on a treasure hunt. I am told that Exit 34C about 100 miles away marks the spot but I can sense that there are many “X's” along this route including a Dunkin' Donuts.

Here, I am forced to have a sweet taste of fall with a hole in the middle. Pumpkin Spice how nice!

Another toll booth and I begin to enter the canvass of a great artist. Rolling hills and distant mountains covered with various shades yellows, reds and orange, I know Picasso or Rembrandt must be close by. A sheared mountain side rises of my left, it's feet decorated with sprinkles of yellows and orange. This is no work of a human artist it is nature reminding me of it's awesome beauty.

Exit 34C approaches and I am at Franconia Notch, my pupils are dancing to rich colors of the fall foliage that only they can capture beyond imagination. This afternoon it is a bit cool under partly cloudy skies but the weather condition those little to dampen the brilliant colors here. On a sunny afternoon it would be one of nature's perfect postcards.

For photos:http://dmbtravelerusa.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-hampshire-fall-foliage.html

Nice report. I've lived in New Hampshire for 30 years and still do lots of 'wows' when driving this time of year. Too bad the weather has been somewhat uncooperative, although this weekend looks like a 10.