While it is the majestic beech trees for which Newport is so renowned, come this time of the year it is the graceful, multi-hued Japanese maples that steal the show. Without intentionally meaning to, I’ve realized that the maples are the subject of most of these images.

Treescapes, landscapes, viewscapes, and streetscapes–the Japanese maples lend such a presence to each.

With fall 2021 being one of the longest in my memory, with the most pristine, crystalline days, I couldn’t resist scooting out with cell in hand one more time before taking off for Dallas. And my first stop was Bois D’Ore, where its statuesque avenue of pollarded lindens bordering the drive are bathed in gold.

And at The Elms, the French garden pavilions are even more enchanting when viewed through a veil of red.

Whether siting Japanese maples on either side of a front door…

or at the entrance leading to the Woodland at Parterre…

or at a handsome wrought iron gate, they never fail to add a welcome seasonal presence.

It almost becomes a game to discover the most outstanding examples, especially when paired with Bellevue Avenue’s (and its side street’s) stone walls.

Always glorious, Fall (or Autumn, as the rest of the world calls it) is such a necessary transition from summer to winter that you want to thank Mother Nature for gifting us this season.

For, when else can you run through a crush of fallen leaves?

Happy almost Thanksgiving…