Ready For A Great Trip: 6 Amazing Fall Vacation Ideas

Fall vacation ideas

Fall is one of the best times of the year to take a vacation. The weather is mild and popular tourist destinations are usually less crowded because kids are back in school. Airfare and hotel rates can also be lower during the fall depending on where you travel, allowing you to save some money. Plus you’ll get to admire the changing autumn leaves and enjoy fun seasonal activities like pumpkin and apple picking. To help you plan a memorable autumn getaway, here are six fall vacation ideas.

Asheville, North Carolina 

Asheville, North Carolina is one of my favorite fall vacation ideas. The town is surrounded by stunning mountains that look even more beautiful during fall foliage season. The Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is a wonderful place to hike and admire the changing leaves and mountain views. There are even waterfalls along the trail, which makes the scenery even more picturesque.

Asheville also has lots of local shops such as Mast General Store and Ten Thousand Villages, which features hand-crafted home decor and gifts. Plus you’ll love the wide selection of breweries and restaurants downtown. There are several vegan and vegetarian eateries like Plant and my personal favorite, Laughing Seed Cafe. But you can find almost any cuisine you’re craving, from Ethiopian to homemade pizza.

Last but not least, make sure you visit Biltmore Estate during your trip. It’s a sprawling 250-room mansion with 8,000 acres of grounds and several gardens. It’s very ornately decorated inside and is a must-see attraction!

New York City, New York  

The most popular fall vacation ideas usually center around tranquil small towns. But if you’re looking for more excitement and adventure this autumn, consider heading to New York City. There’s nothing quite like NYC in the autumn. Central Park looks magical with all the fall foliage on display. You can ride bikes and go leaf peeping around the park or even rent a rowboat and glide around the lake.

Many NYC zoos and botanical gardens also have fun fall events. The Bronx Zoo usually hosts a festival called Pumpkin Nights, which features thousands of carved, lit up jack-o-lanterns. The New York Botanical Garden also has an event called Fall-O-Ween with autumnal food and beverage tastings, gourd displays, pumpkin carving, and other family-friendly activities.

If you want the best of both worlds, spend a few days in New York City and then rent a car to explore upstate New York. Woodstock and Rhinebeck are only 2.5 hours away from NYC and both have a great small town vibe.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Travel and Leisure rated Mackinac Island as the best island in the continental United States for good reason! The picturesque island is completely vehicle-free, which makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Enjoy a horse carriage ride around the island and take in the stunning views of the water, fall foliage, and historic homes. Or rent bikes and ride the 8.2 mile loop around the island to soak in the scenery. Don’t forget to visit Arch Rock, an iconic rock formation that’s more than fifty feet wide.

Make sure to visit the Grand Hotel and sit on their porch, which is reportedly the world’s longest at 660 feet. It offers amazing views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinac. While you’re there, stop by Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor and the Grand Hotel Stables, which are home to an antique carriage museum.

End the day by strolling through downtown and sampling fudge from the adorable gift shops that line the street. Grab dinner at the Pink Pony, which was called Michigan’s most iconic bar by Thrillist.

Manchester, Vermont 

You can’t make a list of fall vacation ideas without mentioning Vermont! Although you’re probably more familiar with Stowe and Montpelier, don’t overlook Manchester, which offers stunning views of Vermont’s Green Mountains. The town also has designer outlets, numerous restaurants, a nice golf course, and historic Hildene mansion, which was the Lincoln family’s home.

You can also road trip through nearby Mount Equinox Skyline Drive. It features views of several different mountain ranges including the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Although you have to pay a small entry fee, the panoramic views are worth it. The road is over 3,000 feet above sea level and has breathtaking vistas.

Tucson, Arizona 

Flagstaff is usually recommended as a fall vacation destination, but don’t forget about Tucson. Madera Canyon is nestled in the Santa Rita mountains and is about a 25-mile drive from Tucson. In late October, the canyon is ablaze with gorgeous autumnal colors. It’s also one of the most popular bird watching destinations and has lots of trails to explore.

The city of Tucson itself has wonderful art museums and galleries. There’s also a beautiful botanical garden, a zoo, and an air and space museum. Don’t forget to visit Saguaro National Park where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the desert and cacti.

If you’re willing to splurge on accommodation, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort is well worth the price. It features luxurious amenities including multiple golf courses, a multi-level pool, a lazy river, and an outdoor terrace complete with fireplaces and firepits.

Boulder, Colorado 

Boulder, Colorado is the only city on this list of fall vacation ideas that I haven’t visited, but it’s definitely on my bucket list. The city is known for its beautiful murals, active music scene, walkable layout, and foodie culture. I can’t wait to stroll around Pearl Street, visit the Dushanbe Teahouse, and watch the street performers that often congregate there. Boulder also has mural tours, microbrewery tours, and multiple fall festivals. Check out Fall Fest, Rayback Oktoberfest, and Porchfest, during which dozens of local musicians play on front porches for free.

To see fall colors, drive along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, which is lined with beautiful yellow-tinted aspens. If you’re an avid hiker, there are numerous trails to explore, including the McClintock Trail and Long Canyon. You can also wander around the University of Colorado campus to reminisce about your college days and admire the changing leaves.

Do you have any fall vacation ideas? Share your favorite destinations in the comments!

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