Peak Times in Boone

I love fall, just as much as the next person, maybe even more.  I may not partake in the pumpkin-spice craze that seems to sweep the world around this time of year, but I do love the changing of seasons, the clothes, football, campfires, and of course, the beautiful colors.

One of the perks of living in Boone is definitely the scenery.  It’s hard not to marvel at the mountains even in the midst of a bad day or when you’re driving to your fourth preschool of the day.  Even when you’re already in Boone, the mountains continue to call.  This time of year, the colors are amazing.  Even after two weeks of constant rain and a year that supposedly isn’t the top of the leaf looking continuum, the beauty is undeniable.

Because of that beauty, Boone becomes a magnet in the fall.  A magnet for the infamous “leaf-lookers.”  I’ll avoid name calling here, but I will admit that sometimes it isn’t fun to try to take the parkway when there’s a fifty car line, all going ten miles an hour, all with license plates proudly bearing the name “Florida.”  If you’re ever in Boone during the month of October, don’t even try to eat at the Dan’l Boone Inn. 

For some reason, this year, more than any other, I’ve been approached by these wonderful visitors.  Maybe we’ve been in extra tourist-y spots, maybe we’re approachable because of the social butterfly that is Amelia or maybe we just look like we are leaf connoisseurs.   The main question that is thrown our way is the same every time…”so, when is peak?”

When this happens, Adam and I take deep breaths, assure these visitors that it’s definitely “peak” or close to it and that if they drive up the parkway, they’ll be confident that their eight hour drive to look at an annual occurrence was totally worth it.  As soon as they walk away, we make at least fifteen minutes worth of jokes about the leaf-looking phenomenon. 

I honestly do understand that it’s beautiful.  I’m not denying that.  I’m even completely jealous of my parents’ upcoming train ride through the mountains, all to see leaves. 

All of that aside, I will admit that I do lose my patience when asked the notorious “peak” question. Appreciate the beauty, if you drove for hours to get here, you’ll find it.  Don’t worry about whether or not it would look slightly different in two days or fifty miles down the road or if the colors don’t “pop” as much this year.  Also, evergreens can be pretty too. 

And anyway, why’s it always about color?  Adam and I have decided to raise Amelia to be accepting of all sizes, shapes and colors of leaves.  They’re all a part of nature as a whole and they’re all beautiful in their own way.