AGP Executive Report

Fall Foliage Travel: Leaf peepers are already heading into northern New Hampshire and the White Mountains for peak color, with reports of strong reds and good overall conditions. Weekend Weather: Cooler air and morning fog are expected Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the 60s, plus a small chance of a shower later. Road & Bridge Updates: A crack found during inspection led to a closure of one westbound lane on Hudson’s Veterans Memorial Bridge, while NHDOT also announced a one-day closure of the I-89 Exit 20 southbound off-ramp in West Lebanon for granite curb work. Outdoors Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game said a hiker died after being found unconscious on the West Rattlesnake Mountain trail in Holderness. Gas Prices: The national regular gas average fell nearly 7 cents to $4.41, after a record September. Local Culture & Leisure: The Lakes Region Camera Club’s annual photography show runs Oct. 15–25 at the Tanger Outlets Mall in Tilton.

Fall Foliage Forecast: New Hampshire is set for a cooler but sunny fall-foliage weekend, with colors at or near peak in northern and some mountain areas; Saturday stays bright and clear with highs in the 60s, while Sunday turns cloudier with only a small chance of a shower. Road Work Disruption: I-89 Exit 20 southbound off-ramp in West Lebanon will close Monday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) for granite curb installation, with detours via Exit 19. Local Travel & Outdoors: A new piece explores the Ossipee Pine Barrens near Silver and Ossipee Lakes, highlighting rare habitat, threatened species, and the aquifer that helps supply clean water. Ski Season Planning: Epic and Ikon season-pass prices are set to rise soon (Epic Oct. 7, Ikon Oct. 8), making the next few days the last chance to lock in current rates—especially relevant with El Niño favoring snowier forecasts. Arts in the Lakes Region: The Lakes Region Camera Club’s “Through The Lens Photography Show” runs Oct. 15-25 at the Tanger Outlets Mall in Tilton.

Road & Rail Updates: NHDOT says the I-89 Exit 20 southbound off-ramp in West Lebanon will close Monday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) for granite curb installation, with drivers detouring via Exit 19 and the Exit 20 northbound ramp; the work is part of a multiyear bridge replacement project. Fall Foliage Tourism: Leaf-peeping is already underway in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, with towns seeing early visitors and lodging bookings picking up for weekends and some weekdays. Travel Forecast: New Hampshire’s weekend outlook points to wetter ground in the north after Friday rain, low clouds early Saturday, and a sunnier Sunday in higher elevations. NH Tourism Economy: The state is forecasting a strong fall season—about 3.9 million visitors and roughly $2 billion in spending, driven by foliage plus hiking, scenic drives, farms, and seasonal experiences. Ski Season Planning: Epic Pass and Ikon Pass prices rise soon (Epic Oct. 7, Ikon Oct. 8), making the next few days a key window for skiers planning 2026-27 trips. Canadian Visitor Watch: Canadian tourism to New Hampshire is up slightly but still below past peaks, with some travelers citing political tensions as a reason they didn’t come last summer.

Fall Foliage Forecast: Leaf-peeping is already underway in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, with visitors arriving early and local businesses bracing for a big bump in demand. Tourism Numbers: The state is forecasting a strong fall season—about 3.9 million visitors and roughly $2 billion in spending, up slightly from last year. Upper Valley Trails: A Grafton-area trail system called the Isinglass Trails is expanding access for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, built with help from private landowners. Lodging Spotlight: The Inn at Hancock has reopened after a major renovation, leaning into bold decor and offering multiple dining options. Getting There Matters: A travel roundup highlights scenic trips where the journey is part of the fun, including rail and road routes that pair well with fall travel. Sports & Events: UNH men’s hockey opens Friday at Quinnipiac, and cycling races keep rolling at the Magic Mile at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Canadian Tourism: More Canadians are visiting NH, but recovery is still modest compared with past peaks.

Tourism Forecast: New Hampshire’s Division of Travel and Tourism Development is projecting a strong fall season: about 3.9 million visitors and $2 billion in spending, up 3% and 5% respectively, with foliage, hiking, farms, and seasonal experiences driving the bump. Leaf-Peeping Updates: The Monadnock Region is estimated at 30–40% color change as early reds and auburns show up along Route 202, and the Upper Valley is seeing a “resurgence” in leaf-peepers after last year’s dip tied to fewer Canadian visitors. Weekend Plans: Dover’s Apple Harvest Day returns Saturday with free admission, 350 vendors, and a 5K plus an apple pie contest; the White Mountains are also starting to light up. Local Attractions: Portsmouth was named one of Yankee Magazine’s best coastal fall foliage towns, praising walkable waterfront streets and Strawbery Banke. Outdoors Safety: NH Fish and Game reported a carryout for an injured hiker on the Artist Bluff and Bald Mountain Loop Trail near Franconia. Community & Culture: Wilton photographer Kim Nagy is encouraging “green time” through wildlife photography, and the Gilead Historical Society has restored tracks at the old train station for rail-history visitors.

Fall Foliage Travel: Priceline’s 2026 leaf-peeping rankings put the Adirondacks at No. 1, with Bretton Woods in New Hampshire listed among the top scenic fall-color spots—good news for Granite State leaf chasers planning early. Weekend Events: Dover’s Apple Harvest Day returns Oct. 3 with nearly 350 vendors, live entertainment, and a free shuttle plus an Apple Pie Contest; it’s one of the biggest fall draws in the state. Outdoor Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game reported a carryout after a hiker fell on the Artist Bluff and Bald Mountain Loop Trail near Franconia, reminding visitors to check summit forecasts and pack the “ten essentials.” Local Nature & Tourism: New Hampshire gardeners are turning yards into wildlife habitat by planting native species—an easy way for visitors and locals to support pollinators during peak fall. Tech & Privacy: A crowdsourced map flagged Flock-style cameras in Hanover’s Upper Valley, but officials say the data is wrong and the town doesn’t have ALPR cameras. Scams: A Bedford man lost $15,000 after an AI voice-clone scam mimicked his son, urging travelers and families to stay alert.

Outdoor Rescue: New Hampshire Fish and Game said a hiker was carried off the Artist Bluff and Bald Mountain Loop Trail in Franconia after falling and being unable to walk; the patient was reached by Conservation Officers and PEMI Valley Search and Rescue and transported to Littleton Regional Hospital. Solar & Power Bills: States are moving to allow balcony “plug-in” solar, but safety rules and standards still lag behind the fast-growing tech—leaving some systems in a legal gray area. Walkable Getaways: TravelAwaits highlighted Portsmouth, NH as a fall-friendly coastal base, spotlighting walkable Vrbo stays near Market Square and the historic district. Fall Foliage Planning: Lake.com released its 2026 “Fall Foliage Dupes” report, pairing top crowded lake towns with quieter nearby alternatives that match color timing and reduce drive time and crowds. Local Events: Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire & Vermont is bringing back Mile for Mentoring at Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford on Oct. 4. Community & Culture: The Lakes Region Art Association named People’s Choice winners from its 86th Annual Members Exhibit in Tilton.

Tourism & Outdoors: Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford hosts the second annual Mile for Mentoring on Oct. 4, a family-friendly one-mile race and fun run supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire & Vermont. Local Culture: The Lakes Region Art Association in Tilton named People’s Choice winners from its 86th Annual Members Exhibit, with “Flowers in Vase” and “The American West” tied for Best in Show. Community & Travel Planning: New Hampshire’s School Funding Fairness Project says shrinking state revenues are pushing more costs onto local property taxes, with a presentation in Littleton aimed at explaining the system and options. Road & Safety Watch: A pending Hampton I-95 liquor store redevelopment project cleared a committee vote, but a lawsuit from a losing bidder remains active. Tech & Privacy: In Hanover, officials say crowdsourced reports of Flock license-plate cameras are wrong after residents raised concerns about automated surveillance downtown. Fall Fun: New Hampshire’s leaf-peeping season is expected to bring more visitors, and local lists highlight top cider donut stops. Sports Travel: A Conway off-road racing team is training in New England ahead of its annual desert race, while another New Hampshire racer is chasing speed and family tradition in the West.

Economic Growth & Planning: New Hampshire’s authority begins work on a regional plan aimed at driving economic growth, tackling housing, skills, transport, and energy as it shapes an investment pipeline. Fall Food Favorites: New Hampshire locals weigh in on their five favorite cider donut spots, with hot, fresh donuts leading the list. Leaf-Peeping Timing: A guide to when fall foliage peaks across New England points travelers to the best windows for color. Tourism Recovery Watch: New reporting notes more Canadians are visiting New Hampshire, but overall tourism numbers remain notably down. Travel Disruptions & Safety: Nor’easter impacts across the Northeast include power outages and dangerous conditions that can affect travel plans. Getting There: Southwest Airlines adds new domestic routes, including service that reaches the Manchester-Boston area, expanding options for NH-bound trips. Outdoor & Winter Prep: UMF is part of a new NSF-backed snowpack monitoring effort, supporting better understanding of mountain snow that matters for winter tourism. Family Fun Event: RiverFire returns to Berlin on Oct. 17 with a pumpkin bridge display and Halloween vibes.

Air Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines announced five new domestic routes launching in October, including new nonstop service from Nashville to Manchester-Boston (MHT) and Reno, plus Austin to Memphis and other destinations—good news for NH travelers looking for more options. Fall Travel Planning: A new guide breaks down when fall foliage peaks across New England, with northern New Hampshire and the Great North Woods typically hitting late September into early October. Local Road & Visitor Access: Keene is starting overnight milling and paving prep on Court Street, with alternating one-way traffic and parking restrictions through the week. Outdoor & Winter Readiness: UMaine at Farmington is joining an NSF-funded Snow STORE project to build a high-elevation snowpack monitoring network across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine—aimed at better understanding winter conditions that drive NH’s tourism economy. Community Events: RiverFire returns to Berlin on Oct. 17 with a “Pumpkin Bridge” display and bonfires along the river. Food & Dining: Portsmouth’s Puddle Dock is spotlighted for its early New England and British-American comfort-food menu, a solid cold-weather stop for visitors. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel and premium gas deals in parts of New Hampshire, with prices varying by county.

ATV Safety: A 61-year-old Brentwood woman was seriously hurt in an ATV rollover on Smitty’s Trail in Berlin on Sept. 26; she was taken to Androscoggin Valley Hospital, and Fish and Game urged riders to stay within their skill level on technical terrain. Fall Travel Forecast: New Hampshire officials expect about 3% more visitors during leaf-peeping season, with roughly 3.9 million trips and $2 billion in spending through November, though Canadian arrivals remain a watch item. Canadian Tourism Update: One Exeter campground says it’s still not seeing the Canadian numbers it used to, reflecting a slower recovery after last year’s U.S.-Canada tensions. Nor’easter Disruptions: A powerful nor’easter is driving heavy rain, coastal flooding, and power outages across the Northeast, with New Hampshire among the affected states—plan for delays and check conditions before heading out. Bridge Reopening: Manchester’s Queen City Bridge has reopened after an inspection cleared structural safety concerns, while Hudson’s Veterans Memorial Bridge still has a westbound lane closed for repairs. Local Interest: A Lincoln teen won a regional junior Scottish fiddle title at Loon Mountain and advances to nationals in 2027.

Nor’easter Disrupts Travel: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast with strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding, and widespread power outages, including smaller outages reported in New Hampshire—expect messy roads and delays through the storm’s passage. Bridge Update for Drivers: Manchester’s Queen City Bridge has reopened after an inspection cleared structural safety concerns, while the nearby Veterans Memorial Bridge in Hudson remains partially closed after a separate inspection found a cracked girder. Leaf-Peeping Forecast: New Hampshire tourism officials are projecting about 3% more visitors this fall, with roughly 3.9 million people expected to come through between now and November and spending forecast at about $2 billion. Canadians Still Hesitant: Canadian tourism to NH is recovering only slightly; one Exeter campground says the political climate kept many Canadians away despite early-season discounts. Solar for Renters: Plug-in solar power was legalized in New Hampshire, aiming to help homeowners and renters cut electricity costs starting in January. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest Sullivan County premium price at $5.09/gallon for the week ending Sept. 19, as prices remain volatile heading into peak travel season. Seacoast Events: The Great Bay Stewards announced the Great Bay 5K on Oct. 24, a Seacoast fundraiser along Great Bay.

Leaf-peeping forecast: New Hampshire tourism officials expect about 3% more visitors this fall than last year, with roughly 3.9 million people projected to come through between now and November and about $2 billion in spending. Cross-border travel: The state says Canadian arrivals are up year-over-year in recent months, but overall tourism from Canada is still below past peaks as travelers weigh political and trade uncertainty. Seacoast storm watch: A nor’easter is expected to bring rain, strong winds up to 40 mph, rough surf, and rip-current risk to the Seacoast this weekend; officials are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the ocean. Local travel planning: If you’re driving, keep an eye on conditions—reports also note traffic disruptions from crashes in the region. Energy cost relief for visitors and locals: New Hampshire’s new plug-in solar law (effective January) is aimed at helping homeowners and renters cut electricity bills, including renters who can use smaller plug-in units. Community events: The Great Bay 5K returns Oct. 24 in the Seacoast area, with personal-record perks and team competition.

Nor’easter Watch for New Hampshire: A powerful nor’easter is bringing heavy rain, strong winds, coastal flooding risk, and power outages across the Northeast, with New Hampshire on the storm’s northern fringe—still expect rough surf, gusty conditions, and minor coastal flooding concerns. Fall Foliage Timing: Despite the storm, late September and October should still deliver good leaf-peeping; the biggest foliage impact is expected to be wind, not a total washout. Gas Prices at the Pump: Fuel costs remain volatile: the national regular average is up nearly 5 cents to $4.48, and New Hampshire reports include a Carroll County premium low at $3.99 (week ending Sept. 19). Lakes Region Tourism Pressure: Lakes Region business owners say rising costs and fewer Canadian visitors are hitting sales, with one winery reporting a tough year and considering layoffs. Seacoast Weekend Plans: Officials are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the ocean during peak storm hours, as downed limbs and hazardous beach conditions are possible. Great Bay 5K: The Great Bay Stewards’ Great Bay 5K returns Oct. 24 in the Seacoast, with personal-record photo perks and team competition prizes. Local Safety Note: A fatal motorcycle crash in Gilford highlights ongoing road-risk concerns around popular curves.

Nor’easter Watch (Seacoast NH): A weekend nor’easter is expected to bring rain and strong winds to the Seacoast, with New Hampshire and southern Maine on the storm’s northern fringe—still enough for rough surf, possible minor coastal flooding, and downed tree limbs. Lakes Region Tourism Pressure: Rep. Chris Pappas heard from Lakes Region business owners, including Hermit Woods Winery, about rising costs and fewer Canadian visitors hitting sales and staffing. Alpine Ecology Update: New research finds alpine zones across the northern Appalachians are greening fast, with shrubs and hardy plants spreading above tree line—good for some habitats, but potentially harmful for rare alpine species. NH Outdoors Safety: NH Fish and Game reports a hiker died on the Mt. Willard trail in Coos County after collapsing during a short hike. NH Travel Spotlight: New Hampshire was ranked the “most naturally beautiful state in the US” in a Travel + Leisure-highlighted study. Local Fire Training: Ashland firefighters are raising funds for a new training center using shipping containers and a donated bridge, aiming for operation by summer 2027.