For all you Leaf Peepers, September is here and the fall foliage reports are being updated. Below is a list of those websites that predict the weeks of the various autumn color stages –

• Maine Foliage Report
• New Hampshire Foliage Report for 2007
• Vermont Fall Foliage Report
• Massachusetts Fall Foliage Report begins September 14, 2007
• Connecticut Fall Foliage Report begins September 17, 2007
• Rhode Island Fall Foliage Report
• New York Fall Foliage Report begins September 12, 2007 – (leaf guide)
• Pennsylvania Weekly Fall Foliage Leaf Report
• Virginia Fall Foliage Report begins October 1, 2007
• Northern California Fall Foliage Report begin September 21, 2007
• USDA Fall Foliage Report

If you happen to be in New York, more specifically Long Island, and you are into historical architecture you may want to visit Old Westbury, Coe Hall or other Gold Coast mansions.

Most of the glitter that was once gold on Long Island, is gone, but some still remains hidden.

During the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s, Long Island was the backdrop for architectural extravagances and reckless spending for luxuries. This propensity for lavishness was characteristic of the period referred to as the “Gilded Age” or the “Age of Elegance.” It was a time when American tycoons had big money, no taxation and were vying with one another for prominence.

To read more about two very popular sites on Long Island’s Gold Coast, you can visit the following websites:

• Old Westbury Gardens
• Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

If you would like to read more about Long Island’s Gold Coast, you can purchase a copy of Glitter That Was Once Gold

Although there are seventeen communities on Fire Island, the two predominantly gay communities are Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines. The two communities are separated by an undeveloped stretch of land that runs from the bay to the ocean with huge dunes and a maze of forest trails known as the Carrington Tract (it is also known as the Judy Garland Memorial Forest and the Meat Rack by locals). Visitors can take a walk on the beach or through this enchanted forest to get to either of the towns. No cars are allowed on Fire Island during the summer vacation months; therefore, the only way to get around is by walking the boardwalks or beaches.

Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove is considered America’s first predominately gay & lesbian resort town. Cherry Grove has a lively nightlife and boasts colorful and charming modest homes and a small downtown area with a hotel, shops, bars and restaurant. The town residents include artists, drag queens, leather men, lesbian moms and a few straight residents. Cherry Grove got it’s name from the predominance of wild cherry trees found there. By the 1960s the community became known for the openly gay and bohemian lifestyle of its residents and international visitors. The town sponsers a variety of events including Home Coming Queen, Pride Fireworks, the Art Show and an annual volleyball game played against the local police. Annual benefit events include PAWS, Breast Cancer, and the Doctors Fund.

The Fire Island Pines
The Fire Island Pines is east of Cherry Grove (and the forest), and is a predominantly gay male town. The town is more than twice the size of the Grove, and there are larger more luxurious homes on wooded lots, some with beautiful gardens. This town is more popular with the young, affluent, fashion and body conscious crowd. The downtown area includes restaurants and shops and is located on a beautiful harbor.
Although the towns have their differences, they do come together each year for the 4th of July Drag Queen Invasion and the annual Pines Party on the beach.

Cherry Grove has two hotels, but due to the size of the rooms, restrictions, as well as the expense, most people opt to have shares in homes. This allows you to experience the outdoors too by enjoying the privacy of your backyard or grilling dinner on your rooftop deck.

Weekly activities include Porsche’s show at Sunsets on the Bay (not to be missed), her amazing impressions of legends like Judy Garland and Janis Joplin, and Bette Davis will keep you rolling. There is the Friday Night Underwear Parties at Tides Friday and Erotica Night on Thursdays as well as local theater productions which have included performances of Vagina Monologues, Twisted Nunsense, Torch Song Trilogy, and Vampire Lesbians of Sodom.