10 Best Destinations For Your Next Fall Trip
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For many of us, vacations are reserved for summer and spring. This means that booking a fall getaway can feel like you are indulging in a guilty pleasure. However, there is nothing sinful about taking a fall break. Seasonal trips away can be a nice change of pace during the holidays or even before they start. America is home to many beautiful destinations that we’re sure will be the best fall vacation for you to return home leaving you feeling rejuvenated and aesthetically fulfilled afterwards!
Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
It can be argued that the south provides some of the best places to visit in the fall. The southern fall weather, paired with the sublime autumn colors, makes many locations in the south ideal for hikers, campers, and those who love outdoor adventures. Arkansas’s Ozark National Forest is a prime example of this. Ozark offers stunning autumn views along multiple trails that visitors can hike. Adventurers can take the popular Whitaker Point Trail One to Hawksbill Crag, arguably the most picturesque location in the entire state. Make this a family holiday road trip and stop at Pack Rat Outdoor Center along the way to pick up extra gear and engage in special events adventurers will love!
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Tennessee is home to multiple family holiday destinations. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee are two different picturesque towns connected by a 15-minute trolley. Gatlinburg houses Ripley’s Believe or Not!, where guests can get lost in a mirror maze, enjoy festive activities like the haunted adventure, and grip their chairs as they ride through the moving theater! Pigeon Forge hosts Dolly Parton’s legendary Dollywood, an amusement park perfect for some family fun. Because Tennessee boasts brutally hot and humid summers and ice-storm field winters, the fall weather makes this the ideal time to come visit and enjoy some country fun.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another Tennessee destination full of fun and adventure that’s just right for a family holiday. Although difficult to predict exactly when the leaves and trees will be at their peak autumn colors, the park is one of the best places to visit in October to truly witness the majestic quality of a Tennessee fall in the mountains. Secure your campsite or book a lodge within the mountains well in advance, as it gets pretty busy around this time of the year.
New York City, New York
New York, New York is not a city that needs to be sold. It’s safe to say the majority of us have considered or taken a trip to the city at some point. Sure, summer in NYC is fun, but fall in NYC is sentimental. New York’s holiday season is the stuff movies are based on. From watching The Rockettes kick in the Macy’s Day Parade up close and personal, to basking under the glow of 7,000+ jack o’ lanterns at The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, New York City is the place to be to enjoy time with family in the midst of the holiday and shopping season.
North Fork, Long Island, New York
Some of us aren’t city people and that’s okay. If you want to enjoy fall away from the city, North Fork in Long Island, New York, is the best place to visit. This location is a short road trip away from New York City, famed for its summer. However, its falls are even better! You can enjoy family fun discovering boat history at the Maritime Festival, visit one of the many Oktoberfests located in the area, or the adults can get away for some authentic wine tasting at One Woman Wines and Vineyards. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to pack a coat as fall on the east coast can get a little chilly.
Telluride, Colorado
There is no better place to enjoy the festive season with optimal autumn colors in the background than in Telluride, Colorado. The town is a prime fall getaway spot as it offers something uniquely different for each person and family. The array of golden and green foliage is guaranteed to bring a sense of peace and warmth to the multitude of outdoor activities offered, such as hiking, biking, and jeeping. Telluride also boasts several fall festivals and events, such as the spooky Telluride Horror Show, the edgy Original Thinkers Festival, and the thrilling Spartan Challenge
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Perfect is an understatement when describing Stevens Point, Wisconsin as it’s a place to savor nature’s fall beauty. A fall getaway to this city will leave your eyes in awe of the foliage made from Wisconsin fall colors. The leaves and deciduous trees are full of the autumn colors we all think of when we think of fall. Visitors can enjoy this scenery on a hike on the Green Circle Trail that connects to the unique Stevens Point Sculpture Park, a 20-acre home to outdoor artwork made by local, regional, and national artists.
Vermont
Vermont’s fall foliage is so iconic that a foliage forecaster has been created so that visitors can plan ahead and visit when the autumn colors are at their peak. There are many cities in Vermont that offer fall activities, as the warm-colored trees and leaves blow in the background, that we couldn’t pick just one. From camping in one of the 18 campsites at Grout Pond, to tasting the freshest Vermont apples at Allenholm Farm, to pedaling along the Burlington Bike Path, Vermont is an expansive state with many cities and activities wonderful to enjoy on a family holiday this fall season.
Napa Valley, California
Fall enhances the already cherished memories the iconic Napa Valley has to offer. As one of the best places to visit during harvest season—typically from August through October—you’ll be able to relish in the fall weather, while enjoying a variety of activities. You may even run into a few celebrities and preview exclusive films at the Napa Valley Film Festival that takes place annually in November. Take a couple friends along to stomp grapes like Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy at many locations, such as Grigch Hills Estate. (Be sure to call well in advance as COVID precautions may limit availability.) And of course, you cannot visit Napa Valley without indulging in wine tasting! One of the best reviewed locations to enjoy delectable wines is Sequoia Grove Winery. You can also partake in Camp Schramsberg, a three-day annual fall event that hosts grape harvesting and wine tasting, amongst many other fun things!
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts was the site of the Salem Witch Trials that saw many women burned at the stake. Because of this controversial history, Salem has become the quintessential festive seasonal destination for Halloween and lovers of all things spooky. Patrons can learn about the supernatural history of Salem, all while taking tours of the historic Witch House, the Candlelit Ghostly Walking Tour, the Salem Wax Museum, and so much more!
Everyone deserves a getaway every now and then. Don’t forget to put your health and well-being first. Book a fall vacation today so you can feel rested tomorrow!