One of the greatest shows in the natural world occurs yearly in the forests and fields of the eastern United States as prolific flowers, turning leaves and colorful creatures paint the Autumn landscape. Nature's annual autumn color festival is certainly one of the greatest shows on earth. Each fall, millions of trees in the eastern deciduous forests respond to the shorter days and cooler nights by beginning preparations for their dormant winter period. It is just business as usual for the trees, but for us, it is a spectacular display of the beauty and diversity of nature. The changing colors of autumn signal that the trees are getting ready for winter. Throughout the spring and summer most of the foods necessary for the tree's growth are made in the leaves. This food-making process takes place in the cells containing chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color. In fall, partly because of shorter periods of daylight and the cooler temperatures, the leaves stop making food. The chlorophyll breaks down and the green color disappears. Yellow and orange, previously masked by the green, appear. The vibrant reds, purples and bronzes come from other chemical processes. The brilliant red of maples has a sweet side: in the warmth of fall days, sugar is produced in the leaves, and then trapped by the nights' chill. The more sugar that accumulates, the brighter red the leaves turn. The degree of color varies from tree to tree. Leaves directly exposed to the sun may turn red, while those on the shady side of the same tree may be yellow. Color also varies depending on the combination of weather conditions. When autumn is warm and rainy, leaves have less coloration. For more information on the foliage, contact the Foliage Network.

Mulburn Inn Fall Foliage Packages

2 Nights Lodging
3 Night Package
2 Full Breakfasts
Same Package, add 1 additional night, and 1 additional breakfast $579
1 Dinner for 2
4 Night Package
Complimentary Bottle of Wine
Same Package, add 2 additional nights, and 2 additional breakfasts $745
Bottle of Maple Syrup  
$415 plus tax (800)457-9440