This past weekend, my aunt (xiao nian niang) and uncle (xiao gu fu) came all the way from Los Angeles to visit us, and we decided to spend the weekend up in New Hampshire, soaking in the fall colors. It was a perfect opportunity for a little leaf-peeping adventure, and though we hit a few bumps along the way (hello, leaf-peeping traffic), the weekend was filled with laughter, great food, beautiful sights, and unforgettable memories.

Day 1: A Scenic Detour and a Cozy Night In

We kicked off our weekend early Saturday morning, leaving the city behind as we made our way up north. Our first destination was the famous Kancamagus Highway, known for its breathtaking views and fiery autumn foliage. But little did we know, we weren't the only ones with this bright idea. Every single lookout point was packed, with lines of cars stretching down the road. Each time we tried to pull over, it felt like we were caught in a parade of eager photographers!

Rather than stress about it, we changed course and headed to Loon Mountain for the afternoon. The gondola ride up was a game-changer! As soon as we stepped out at the top, we were met with stunning panoramic views of the White Mountains. I'd only ever been to Loon for snowboarding, so discovering the ice caves there was a total surprise. Exploring the narrow crevices and scrambling through the cool, shaded spaces was so much fun. It felt like we had stumbled into a secret world hidden beneath the slopes I knew so well.

By the time we finished, traffic on the Kancamagus was still crawling, so we decided to head straight to Madison, NH, where we had rented a cozy cabin along a quiet lake. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day of traveling and sightseeing. As soon as we unpacked and got settled, we fired up the hot pot for dinner. There’s just something about sharing a meal like that — the bubbling broth, fresh ingredients, and everyone gathered around the table — that made the evening feel extra special. The night ended on a peaceful note, with all of us unwinding in the comfort of the cabin, grateful for a quiet retreat away from the world.

Day 2: Chasing Views to Mount Washington

The next morning, we woke up to a crisp autumn breeze and a hearty breakfast at the cabin. After fueling up, we set out on our drive toward Mount Washington. Our route followed the Saco River, and we couldn’t resist stopping along the way to take in the scenery. Every bend in the road revealed another postcard-perfect view — crystal-clear waters framed by fiery red, orange, and golden trees. What was supposed to be a quick 45-minute drive stretched well over an hour as we kept pulling over to snap photos and enjoy the views.

One of our favorite stops was the historic Wiley House. The view of the lake from there was serene, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do the short loop trail behind the house. It was a peaceful walk through the woods, with the crunch of leaves underfoot and bursts of color all around us.

Eventually, we made it to the Omni Mount Washington Resort, sitting grandly at the base of the mountain. It felt like stepping into another era — the grand hotel surrounded by towering peaks, with fall colors spilling down the slopes. We decided to take a break there and sat outside on the veranda, sipping tea and nibbling on small bites. The sun was shining, and the air was just cool enough to feel refreshing without being too cold. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to slow down, and we just enjoyed each other’s company with the mountains standing proudly in the background.

After that relaxing stop, it was, unfortunately, time for me to head back home, but my parents, aunt, and uncle stayed in Madison for another night. They spent the evening unwinding at the cabin, soaking in the stillness of the lake.

Day 3: A Kancamagus Do-Over

On Monday, my family made one last pass along the Kancamagus Highway — this time with much better luck! With the weekend crowds gone, they were able to stop at all the scenic overlooks we had missed on Saturday. They sent me photos of everything I wished I could have seen: waterfalls framed by vibrant leaves, rolling hills draped in fall colors, and quiet forest trails leading to hidden gems. It felt like the perfect conclusion to their trip, and I was so glad they got to experience it without the stress of traffic.