Slow changing leaves hurting tourism

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's just starting to get colder out, and many of the leaves continue to be very green.

Tourists don't seem to be flocking to the area despite the upcoming Columbus Day weekend.

The Lathrop House Bed and Breakfast is right across the street from Forest Park in Springfield and owner Diana Henry says October is normally the busiest time of the year.

"Leaf season is fabulous for tourism. We have some visitors coming but not as many this year. Tourism is off," said Henry.

The Pioneer Valley has some of the best destinations for fall foliage including here in Forest Park which is a popular destination among tourists.

Two of the guests at the Lathrop House visit Springfield every other year and they love to come in the Fall.

"We like coming in the Fall because the leaves are so beautiful and everywhere is so wet," said Hilary Hurwitz visiting from Israel.

"It's just much prettier, you've got the changing colors, the bright leaves, it's also a lot cooler," said Leo Langevin also in town from Israel.

But even still, this year is slower than usual for the bed and breakfast because of the slow change in color, but Diana says there's still hope.

"Well, I'm still hopeful for this year. It's just that what's happening in this economy is that people are booking much closer to the time we're going away. People are calling me and saying do you have room for this weekend," said Henry.

Peak foliage in the area is expected to be the week after Columbus Day.