Fall destinations you can cozy up to
Fall is the perfect time enjoy these delightful destinations
Vibrant colors, crisp air and fun seasonal attractions make the fall a great time to travel. Whether you head north, south, east or west, you’ll discover something magical about each place. When you want to feel extra cozy this autumn, there are destinations with their own distinct flair that will show you just how amazing this time of year can be.
NORTHEAST
Rutland, Vermont
Warm up with a sweet treat made from locally sourced Vermont milk before venturing into the Appalachian Mountains.
The northeast is coveted by travelers looking to see see beautiful fall foliage, so why not sweeten up your experience with some locally sourced and hand-crafted chocolate? The Vermont Truffle Company uses milk from nearby farms to create their signature maple truffle. Bring a bag of these sweet treats with you to share when hiking the Dear Leap Trail, a moderate, kid-friendly loop overlooking the Appalachian Mountains. Before leaving town, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum of Vermont to pick up a print of the celebrated artist’s famous illustrations.
Syracuse, New York
Picking apples and drinking cider in Upstate New York are activities best done in the fall.
Apple picking is a family-friendly activity that can make your autumn truly memorable. Rockinghorse Farm is a family run apple picking orchard less than 20 minutes from Syracuse. In addition to plucking crisp apples, you can visit the mini donkeys and alpacas available for sale on the farm. Afterwards, take your apple cravings to a new level with visit to Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Co. The tasting room serves handcrafted hard ciders and ales and offers a selection of preserves, snacks and souvenirs for purchase.
SOUTHEAST
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Island is where you can get a birds-eye view of the colorful Great Smoky Mountains.
Since Pigeon Forge is located just 5 miles north of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the city is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Take in the beautiful fall weather on one of the forested trails of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kids who are enjoying fall break can spend time at The Island, a family-friendly shopping and entertainment center. You can purchase a pass to ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which will take you into the sky to see views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Asheville, North Carolina
Travelers can find autumn adventure in Asheville and along nearby Blue Ridge Parkway.
Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most stunning scenic drives in North Carolina regardless of the time of year you visit. Autumn is when it’s at its most spectacular with orange, red and gold leaves surrounding picturesque trails and lakes. When you’re done cozying up to parkway surroundings, make your way over to the Adventure Center of Asheville for ziplining, a Treetop Adventure Park and KidZip. Reservations are recommended as the popular attraction and its rides fill up fast.
SOUTHWEST
Taos, New Mexico
The flavors of New Mexico pair nicely with refreshing autumn weather in Taos.
The Southwest is often overshadowed as an autumn destination by other regions that are better known for their colorful foliage. Taos is a remote mountain town with charming qualities that become even more obvious when the weather cools. Enjoy delicious local cuisine at Orlando’s New Mexican Café while taking in the refreshing outdoors on their patio enhanced with vibrant Day of the Dead décor. Afterwards, take a stroll through historic downtown and see Taos Plaza, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and famous art dwellings like Blumenschein House.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Pike’s Peak – America’s Mountain near Colorado Springs is a fall-time playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
When autumn rolls around, the great outdoors of Colorado becomes nature’s playground. Pike’s Peak offers a wide range of outdoor attractions just 20 minutes from Colorado Springs, providing the ideal setting for time with Mother Nature. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is where you can see more than 30 endangered species in their natural habitat. Academy Riding Stables is another family-friendly attraction with one and two-hour scenic horseback rides through the Garden of the Gods natural park.
MIDWEST
Branson, Missouri
Visit Branson in the Ozarks to see breathtaking fall colors on a vintage train ride.
Most visitors photograph Branson’s fall colors on a road trip, but a more unique experience can be had on the Branson Scenic Railway. The vintage train ride picks up passengers at the historic 1905 depot in downtown Branson and whisks travelers through the Ozarks. When the 2-hour ride is over, Branson Landing is where you can do some shopping and grab a bite of seasonal fare along the banks of the White River.
Madison, Wisconsin
Gardens, walking trails and a university arboretum are Madison’s fall treats.
The capital of Wisconsin has an abundance of attractions to make any autumn travel extra cozy. When the leaves start to transform into golden hues, take a leisurely walk through Olbrich Park and the Botanical Gardens. Their collection of local Midwest plants covers 16 acres of thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. Make the most of the University of Wisconsin’s campus with a drive through the Arboretum. The scenic drive has walking trails and gardens for taking that perfect fall-inspired selfie.
WEST
Petaluma, California
Get into the spirit of the season by planning a day at the pumpkin patch.
Sonoma and Napa counties are best known for their wineries, but the town of Petaluma just 30 minutes from Sonoma offers a spin on tastings. At McEvoy Ranch, you can enjoy award-winning olive oils made from trees growing on their property. The musky flavor of the olive fruit pairs very well with fall weather. Kids don’t have to feel left out of the fun, especially if you treat them to a day at Petaluma Pumpkin Patch. Enjoy petting farm animals, picking the perfect pumpkin for carving or getting lost in a corn maze.
Vancouver, Washington
Drive along Officer's Row to see historic homes and enjoy a farm-to-table meal with fresh local ingredients at the Grant House in Vancouver USA.
On the banks of the Columbia River is a Northeastern autumn paradise known by travelers as Vancouver USA. Not to be confused with the Vancouver in Canada, this city in Washington is home to Officer’s Row Historic District with over 20 Victorian-style homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Plan time for lunch at The Eatery located in the Grant House. The restaurant offers a farm-to-table menu featuring the season’s freshest ingredients. Then, walk off your meal at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Have your camera ready to capture photos of wild Canadian Geese who use the land as their habitat starting in the fall.
Search Hotels
More to Explore
Great Smoky Mountain Adventures
Find endless outdoor recreation and stunning autumn colors in this top National Park.
Blue Ridge Road Trip
Cruise along this scenic byway from North Carolina to Virginia.
Fall Fun Around Boston
Beantown and the surrounding area offers some of the best leaf-viewing in the country.