Images from Tropical Storm Irene scared off some leaf peepers last year but businesses hope to recoup their losses with a strong foliage season this fall after a sunny, dry summer.

VPR's Jane Lindholm talks with Tourism Commissioner Megan Smith about what's behind the 11 percent increase in September's rooms and meals tax revenue, the primary indicator of the state's tourist industry.

Businesses that rely on tourism say this weekend and next are critical to their bottom line. Despite the damage caused by Irene, the promise of bright foliage is keeping tourists coming. That's a big change from six weeks ago.

Vermont's tourism industry is sponsoring Lt. Governor Phil Scott's new race car at a big event in New Hampshire this weekend, to highlight the fact that Vermont is open for business this fall.