In northern New England, this season's name is mud

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — It’s known in northern New England as the fifth season: mud.

But the time of year when the thawing winter landscape turns dirt roads into mucky seas and paved highways into frosty roller coasters sprinkled with potholes doesn’t get featured on tourist calendars.

Every place with a snowy winter has its own version, but mud season occupies a special place in northern New England. It’s the ugly mirror image to the picture-perfect foliage of September and October that draws millions to look at mountains painted red and gold.

From late March to May, many hotels offer rock-bot...