There's no denying that autumn is a stunner in New England. But if taking it all in through a car window leaves you uninspired, maybe you need a change of perspective. Consider the view from a kayak or canoe as you meander along New Hampshire's gentle Saco River. Run by five generations of the Hoyt family since the early 1900s, Purity Springs Resort is located on the shores of Lake Purity, in quiet East Madison in the White Mountains. The annual Peepin' Paddlers Foliage Tour is the most popular kayaking weekend, conveniently scheduled for the long Columbus Day weekend, October 10 to 12. For rates that start at $214 for adults and $108 for kids (per person, double occupancy for the weekend), you'll get:
- Friday and Saturday night lodging (there are 70 rooms spread between lodges, cottages, and condos)
- six meals (Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, BBQ lunch, and dinner; Sunday breakfast and lobster and steak cookout)
- shuttle service to and from the Saco River in North Conway
- kayak, canoe, and equipment rental
- Saturday night movie
- traditional lobster and steak cookout on Purity Island
- use of kayak and canoes at Purity Spring
- guided tour of Purity Lake on Sunday morning
- all resort amenities (indoor pool/hot tub, fitness center, hiking trails, paddling, mountain biking, tennis)
If you want to take advantage of the long weekend and stay Sunday night, you'll get 50% off the regular rate, plus dinner and a breakfast cookout Monday morning.
Want to get on the water sooner? The resort also has a Fall Kayak Adventure Weekend September 26-28 that includes many of the same elements.
