Fall Colors – Better Life Maids Offers Fall Tips

Fall is an amazing time of year, and the staff favorite of our Better Life Maids, St. Louis office. First, kids go back to school giving summer-worn moms and dads a much needed break. Second, the days are cooler, a bonus after the blistering hot summer almost everyone in the U.S. experienced this year. Third, incredible color. Fall is noteworthy because it dresses up in the most beautiful colors allowing the trees and foliage to make a gracious and impressive exit into winter.

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing family outing – or a memorable date – driving to spots featuring fall colors is an inexpensive and easy-on-the-eyes afternoon. So where are the best spots in the two-state area of Missouri and Illinois? Better Life Maids with some help from Midwest Living, can answer that question!

Missouri Botanical Gardens

You don’t have to travel far to get an eyeful of fall colors. The botanical gardens boast a wide variety of trees and shrubs that glisten and sparkle in the fall sunshine. The Japanese Garden is especially resplendent as the native Japanese maples are revered for their head turning colors. Visit www.mobot.org to learn more. In fact the Missouri Botanical Gardens is hosting a great fall event The Green Homes & Great Health Festival at the garden on September 29th. Better Life Maids and Better Life natural household cleaning products will both be represented at the event. To find out more about the event visit http://goo.gl/f8BJS.

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway

Located near Peoria, the Illinois River Road boasts incredible foliage and an interesting drive through natural areas with phenomenal bluff views. There are also a number of stops along the way – antiquing anyone? Learn more at http://www.illinoisriverroad.org/. For some great tips on getting your car ready for a road trip using Better Life natural cleaning products http://goo.gl/N7XEF.

Missouri Wine Country

The deep reds of fall seem to mimic the beautiful deep colors of cabernets, merlots and pinot noirs. What better way to celebrate fall and enjoy cooler weather than to visit local wineries nestled amongst the trees? Augusta, Hermann, Defiance and Ste. Genevieve all provide amazing views and unforgettable wine tastings. Visit http://www.missouriwine.org/ to see a complete list of wineries. Now you can even download a free app for your iPhone or Android smartphone! Make sure you bring a bottle of Better Life’s what-EVER! for the road. You can use it as a rinse for fresh fruits, or to clean up sticky messes at the picnic tables.

Katy Trail

What better way to utilize a trail blazed by the railroad than by turning it into a biking/hiking trail? The Katy Trail was developed out of a defunct railroad line that travels from St. Charles, MO and goes westward for 225 miles. It winds through small towns and beautiful scenery that you’d miss otherwise while journeying on the highway. It’s a great way to get exercise and see some lovely fall foliage in a quiet and contemplative setting. Consider making a night of it and stay at a B&B near the trail. More information is available at http://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park. Get your bike ready for the trail with some great cleaning tips from Better Life http://goo.gl/u60pZ.

Great River Road

Stretching from Louisiana all the way to Minnesota, the Great River Road features exquisite views of the Mississippi River and impressive fall colors. In the Missouri/Illinois area, the Great River Road near Alton, Illinois, is renowned for its eagle watching December through March. Winding through small towns, the drive is leisurely and relaxing. Intrigued? Learn more here: http://byways.org/explore/byways/2279/

The best time to view fall colors in Missouri and Illinois is usually mid-October. Midwest Living featured 25 spots in the Midwest. If you’d like to see the entire list, which also includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin, click here: http://www.midwestliving.com/travel/around-the-region/25-great-midwest-spots-to-see-fall-color/