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THE MIDWEST: DOOR COUNTY, WISCONSIN
THE SOUTHEAST: THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, GEORGIA
This sleepy Wisconsin county is a true getaway in the fall, when summer activities give way to seasonal offerings, like farmers markets, fall festivals, birdwatching tours, and apple picking. Complementing the fun is autumn foliage so beautiful that the county offers a regularly updated Fall Color Report to help visitors time their vacations just right. Check it out at doorcounty.com before booking your trip.
Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains cool down a bit in the fall, but the tem- peratures are far from the frosts of New England. Mixed with the gor- geous colors, that warmth is the perfect recipe for backpacking or hiking in short sleeves. Visit in mid- to late-October to go leaf-spotting on the Appalachian Trail, then stay to take in the majesty of Amicalola Falls and raise a glass around the campfire.
THE SOUTHWEST: THE ENCHANTED CIRCLE SCENIC BYWAY, NEW MEXICO
THE WEST: ASPEN, COLORADO
Here’s a tip: If a town is named after a tree, it’s a good bet the trees there are worth visiting. Aspen lives up to its moniker each autumn when its namesake trees blaze bright yellow against deep emerald evergreens. Mid- to late-September is the best time to visit for the full effect and is also the perfect time to bike, hike, golf, or fly fish before the Colorado winter sets in.`
Though it is perhaps the last region you’d think to migrate for fall leaves, the Southwest is home to one of the most unique and colorful drives in the country: The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. The byway circles Wheel- er Peak, New Mexico’s tallest mountain, and its leafy vistas are home to 2-billion-year-old quartz and feldspar, an OldWest melodrama theater, a fish hatchery, and an abundance of local art. Visit in late September or early October for the best colors.
Some dogs that found deceased victims refused to eat or interact with other animals. Search and rescue dogs became increasingly stressed and depressed the longer they searched without any results, mirroring their handlers. It wasn’t uncommon for handlers to stage mock “findings” of survivors to keep the dogs’ spirits up. Fortunately, the sacrifices these dogs and their handlers made did not go unnoticed. Many dog owners were inspired to earn their search and rescue certifications after the events of 9/11, promising to aid in future disasters and hopefully lessen the impact of such catastrophes. After 9/11, various researchers conducted many studies examining the effect this kind of work has on animals, both physically and mentally. Many of these studies wouldn’t be possible without the AKC Canine Health Foundation, so if you’re looking to give back this September, visit them at their website to see how you can help: AKCCHF.org. THE 4-LEGGED HEROES OF GROUND ZERO Honoring the Canines of 9/11
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets to clear rubble, offer supplies, and search for survivors. It was a powerful act of resilience in a deeply trying time, and while most of the individuals helping with the disaster stood on two feet, more than 300 canines also answered the call to service. Dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, including search and rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, were brought in to help find and care for survivors in the wake of the destruction. They worked tirelessly alongside rescue crews as they searched through the debris. Search and rescue dogs and their handlers worked 12–16-hour days, searching for survivors and victims. They worked through dangerous conditions: Many dogs burned their paws as they dug through hot rubble, and both handlers and canines inhaled toxic dust. The task was both physically and mentally exhausting for the dogs during their shifts.
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