Friday, August 22, 2014

Plan an Inexpensive Daycation Viewing Fall Foliage

I was a bit surprised to learn that some areas collect fees from people wishing to see fall foliage. Homes in the suburbs have changed the natural habitat over the past six decades. Native trees and vegetation were ripped from the grounds and replaced by single-family homes, apartments, townhouse, and condominiums. Families either have to visit a state or national park to get a view of the colors of fall or depend on others to let them know where to see glorious leaves of gold, bronze, and crimson.

Driving along Hwy 80W between Fernley and Reno, Nevada presents a wonderful opportunity to see the vegetation ready itself for winter. It is about a 60 mile drive on well-maintained highway. Plan a daycation by packing a lunch, some bottles of water, and a digital camera. 


Exit off the highway and park along the side of the road while you take pictures. You'll find small communities where visitors are welcome to stroll the lanes and admire the scenery. Dogs are allowed to roam free, so don't venture too far away from your vehicle.

Sagebrush is the official state flower of Nevada. It provides a golden color to the hills and much of the flat acreage in Northern Nevada. Lilacs, apricots, maples, and cottonwoods begin their impressive change, as do the vines that entwine with tree branches and climb fences. Long green pods turn brown and burst open to drop seeds on the ground for next year's growth. 


Beautiful climbing vines gradually changes to russet, copper, and red, highlighting the deep green of the leaves that have yet to change. Edit your pictures for easy posting in blogs, FB, and emails. Friends around the world may return the favor by sharing a view of their autumn foliage with you.

57 comments:

  1. I love this idea! We have some beautiful trees that will be changing soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Early color changes this year usually lead to long, hard winters. I'm still glad to see the lovely shades each tree develops.

      Delete
  2. What a great idea. You don't have to go far or spend a lot of money to have a relaxing getaway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lately we've been concentrating on closer to home for short adventures.

      Delete
  3. The leaves will be turning here in New England soon and that will bring in all the leaf peepers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Every area has its share of seasonal beauty. New England is amazing in the fall.

      Delete
  4. That is a wonderful idea! And so low cost. I love watching the leaves change, they just recently started to in our area. A few years back they would go from green to brown with no transition!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The in-between colors are much better - glad the trees are growing and showing off the transformation.

      Delete
  5. This is such a smart idea! Fall is such a beautiful time.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That is a great daycation idea. The colors are just now starting to turn in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Another 2 - 3 weeks and it's going to be stunning here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I need to schedule a longer road trip next year or the one after. I haven't visited Michigan for a few years now, and it's time.

      Delete
  7. This is a great idea. Why spend money on a big trip when you can stroll through the neighborhood and admire the scenery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's even more fun when you have little kids that appreciate "stopping to smell the roses".

      Delete
  8. This is a wonderful idea. This is a great way to spend quality time with the family while enjoying nature.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marina. I have two adult rescue cats that love to stroll along with me.

      Delete
  9. I haven't heard the term 'daycation' but it sure does sound good to me. I like the pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. An overnight stay is a minication. The terms sure identify the demise of the one-week grand tour of a decade ago.

      Delete
  10. A daycation is a great idea! I know I love to see the great colors of fall.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Carly! I do, too, even though it means lots of raking lies ahead.

      Delete
  11. This is a wonderful idea! I love looking at the colors changing on the leaves. Fall is my most favorite time of year :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you on the favorite season. Thanks for dropping by.

      Delete
  12. I live in Texas so don't really get to see much of fall colors. I would love to be able to take a day trip and enjoy them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check with the Texas Fish & Game. Your state has some awesome celebrations and reduced rates for parks at certain times of years. There may be somewhere close to you that no one has mentioned.

      Delete
  13. we have lots of parks in our area. I like to just head out in the fall and take pictures

    ReplyDelete
  14. i love fall foliage. we're starting to geocache so we can do two things at once!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! That is definitely exciting. Kids remember the fun times (as do we).

      Delete
  15. I have learned of a few places here in my home state of NH where they do things for Fall foliage and I plan to attend some of them. Will be a great time for the family!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love visiting gardens in Florida. They're usually so cool and tons of things to take photos of!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Looking at the Fall colors is one of my very favorite things to do!!! We don't get much color here in the coastal region, so I'm loving your photos.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I wish we had that down here in Florida! I have to go visit family to see the changing leaves

    ReplyDelete
  19. That is a great way to reduce stress. take a day and enjoy nature

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love daycations. Vacations without any of the hassle.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love seeing the leaves change. I have to drive somewhere to see it b/c we don't get much of that where I am!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I had no idea that Sagebrush was the official state flower of Nevada. I love seeing the colors of Fall. Wish we had more of them here on the Central Coast.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Beautiful autumnal pictures! I'd love to take a fall trip across Tennessee. Their leaves changing and hills and mountains are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a great idea! Perfect for making memories with the kids!
    ~Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  25. We love fall - we always take a trip to northern Wisconsin the leaves are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  26. So pretty. Fall is my favorite season because of the change of leaves and colors.. the crisp air... Oh my can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
  27. That's a really cool idea. My kids love anything having to do with nature.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Living in the City means I have to go pretty far to see Fall Foliage. I look forward to Fall and the nice break from the heat and humidity!

    Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sounds like a nice idea... I would have to drive to see nice green like this. Everything is so dry here.

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is such a beautiful place. I believe it would be beautiful throughout the year!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the idea of a daycation like this! We live in Georgia, so we have nothing but beautiful blooms and Spanish moss to look at all day. Great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love a daycation! This sounds like a perfect way to see the beautiful fall colors.

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a lovely idea - there is something about the colours of autumn that are so beautiful. x

    ReplyDelete
  34. We do not get the luxury of watching the leaves change here in southern Nevada, so making a short trek up north sounds fantastic. I will be sure to keep this in mind over the next few months.

    ReplyDelete
  35. How cool! I love this idea. Day cation is something I never would think of but think its brilliant and much needed! - jeanine

    ReplyDelete
  36. A Daycation is a great concept! Getting out and spending the day in nature or where ever can be a much needed break. My family has Staycations where we go to nearby hotel and the spend the night just to get away from the house for awhile.

    ReplyDelete
  37. That is such a fun idea! We love viewing fall foliage!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Mother Nature really does have the best box of crayons. As sad as I usually am to see summer go, my spirits lift with the amazing scenery fall brings.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love road trips and Mother Nature is one of my favorite ways to celebrate being able to take one.

    ReplyDelete
  40. This is a great idea.
    Also, it's never too early to plan on trips :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow, I like this idea. It hurts my budget when we go on an expensive trip. We'll try this!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Life is so busy, it seems like a daycation is about all we can fit in time and money wise. I say it is time and money well spent though.

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is a great idea. I will keep it in mind for fall. Right now I am still enjoying the heat.

    ReplyDelete