Pocono News Section

Warm Weather Was Good For Tourism

Warm Weather Was Good For Tourism - Friday, October 12, 2007 at 09:02AM EST

Reported by: Les Still
Friday, Oct 12, 2007 @09:02am EST

TUNKHANOCK, WYOMING COUNTY- With the turn to cooler weather happening just in time for this weekend, you might be thinking more about those traditional fall activities, such as viewing the fall colors. But that record breaking warmth hasn’t been too bad for the tourism business.

Normally taking a walk through a tree lined valley during October requires wearing a light jacket or sweatshirt as you stop to look at the pumpkins and mums.

But the recent July-like temperatures have been perfect for our tourism business.

Jean Gasper Executive Director of Endless Mountain Visitors Bureau explained “People are always thinking fall foliage especially in the Endless Mountains. This past weekend was extremely busy. With the nice weather I think a lot more people have come out.”

Whether taking a ride on your motorcycle or driving with the convertible top down while viewing the leaves, finding a place to sleep at the end of the day has been difficult.

“A lot of our bed and breakfasts, county inns, and resorts here have been full” stated Gasper.

The great thing is that this record warmth has extended the fall foliage season slightly, delaying the peek of the colors by a couple weeks.

One of the best routes to take here in Northeast Pennsylvania to see the fall foliage is route 6, and there are a lot of place to go along it.

From Laceyville to Gaines the northern hardwood forests are at their peak this week. Be a little adventurous and follow any country road.

Across the central region the early color species of Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Black Gum, White Ash, Dogwood, Birches, and Aspen have begun to change. But the Oak will be delayed an extra week. That means peak color here will wait until next week.

In the southern region some bright reds, yellows, and oranges are on display. But the Oaks are still mainly green. This yields only 10 percent of color this week. Expect a peak across the south the last week of October.