The Great Garden Escape: Chasing Fall Colors Instead of Sprouts Jenell Jones

Ah, fall is right around the corner and it’s time for the fall and winter planting. Buy the seeds, weed the patch of dirt, dig in the dirt, get down on your knees for the dirt. Or, hear me out… maybe this year you enjoy a leisurely, restorative drive around the eastern United States to enjoy the ageless, never boring fall colors.

Compare and Contrast

The Garden Route: You’ll spend hours digging, planting, and hoping the weather plays nice. Your biggest excitement? Watching tiny green sprouts poke through the soil, if the squirrels don’t get them first. And don’t forget the thrill of weeding—your new favorite pastime! You’ll bask in the glow of your harvest, which will mostly be kale because everything else decided to call it quits.

The RV Adventure:

On the flip side, you hit the open road with your RV, chasing down fall colors like a leaf-peeping bounty hunter. Your "gardening tools" are a map and a GPS, and instead of dirt under your nails, it’s a camera in your hand, capturing nature’s fireworks show. No weeding required—just roll down the window and let the crisp air and scenic views flood your senses.

So, why choose? The garden will be there when you get back, probably thriving better without your constant meddling. Meanwhile, the fall colors wait for no one, and they’re putting on a show that’s best enjoyed through the windshield of an RV or a hike. This year we ride!

The Science Behind the Comfort

But why does leaf peeping bring us such comfort? Scientists suggest that our love for fall colors is deeply rooted in our biology. The change in scenery signals the onset of cooler weather and the winding down of the year, which can evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection. Additionally, the colors themselves—especially reds and oranges—are known to have a calming effect on the brain. They can reduce stress and evoke feelings of warmth and safety. In a world that often feels fast-paced and unpredictable, this annual display of nature’s beauty offers a moment of peace and reflection.

The Golden Route: Starting in New England

Our adventure kicks off in the cradle of American leaf peeping: New England. Picture this: you’re cruising along in your RV, the air crisp with the scent of pumpkin spice and woodsmoke, your favorite fall playlist on repeat. First stop, Vermont. Stowe and Woodstock are the celebrities of the leaf peeping world, but we’re going off-script. While the is a popular tourist attraction that is certainly worth visiting, I prefer to explore off the beaten path. After all, one of the main reasons we buy an RV is to experience America in all its true and diverse beauty.