An interesting article, but the opening paragraph is puzzling: >Until recently, it was assumed by scientists is that the autumnal coloring >of leaves was caused by waste products accumulated in the leaves which >only become apparent with the fading of green chlorophyll pigments. >However, recent research indicates that fall color pigments are produced, or >revealed, only in living leaf cells during the seasonal process of leaf >senescence and that they serve to protect cellular functions during this >critical time. I've never heard of anthocyanins and carotenoids described as "waste products", and the idea that they provide a protective function is not new by any stretch.

Oh I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous! I would love to be headed up north for some leaf peeping! Anyway, yes get some Lust Bars at the trading Post - my tastebuds are tingling at the memory LOL! I would definitely make a stop at Stonewall Kitchens too - they have a nice little cafe and there is lots of stuff open on the counters around the store for tasting. I picked up a jar of the Roasted Vegetable Bruschetta Spread and I wish I had gotten a couple, it is awesome! If you go up as far as Kennebunkport, I would make a stop at Federal Jacks. The Brewmaster (and the whole staff) is quite well versed in explaining a lot of the beers they make on site and you can see the brewery as you walk in to the restaurant. The food was great too and it is right on the harbor so the view is lovely. There is also the Red Hook Brewery in Portsmouth and they have tours also. The food was awesome when we were there a month ago - the only drawback is not much of a "view". It is on the old Pease AFB property. In Ogunquit there are a couple of worthwhile destination restaurants - Arrows and The Tavern at Clay Hill Farm. Both are pricey, but the food is awesome. They both have web sites with menus, so you can google them if you are interested. Of course there is Flo's in Cape Neddick - hit the one on Rt 1 instead of the one in the Trading Post parking lot. Order your dogs with Flo Sauce and mayo - they are insane. If I think of others I will post them. Have a great time and take lots of pics :-) Alexa

Thanks for posting the article. DH came home with news of the sale last week after hearing about it on the radio. I couldn't believe it. We've been shopping at Tuttle's for decades. DD's first paying job was working in their gift/floral dept. summers during HS. My first adult job was working at a Dover bank where Hugh Tuttle served as a Trustee. He was one of the nicest and most respected people in the area. No one had better corn, and I still make a special trip down for the fresh mozzeralla and feta cheese they stock. So sad to see the end of this era.

Cape Cod: Chatham Islands: If you have to choose one, I'd recommend Nantucket over Martha's Vinyard. There is a high speed ferry which only takes an hour but be sure to make reservations. The Vinyard is beautiful but very much like the rest of the Cape. Nantucket's historic district is truly like walking back through time - complete with cobblestone roads! Definitely worth googling to see if it's of interest to you. RI: Newport - Cliff Walk, Mansions, Thames St shops/restaurants, Inn at Castle Hill - fabulous (but pricey) waterfront dining/lodging or just enjoy a drink while sitting in their Adirondack chairs (weather permitting). Fantastic sunsets. CT: Mystic - downtown & Sea Port Waterford: Harkness State Park - beautiful, waterfront, mansion, popular with fishermen/family picnics. Essex: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Tour: http://www.essexsteamtrain.com/ Madison: Lenny & Joes - casual, seafood Have a great trip!