Is fall not the perfect season? It signals a reprieve from soaring high summer temps and provides us with an opportunity to cozy down for the winter.
It’s also a time when nature puts on her most glorious display. Right before she goes dormant, she dazzles us with a delightful array of effervescent yellows, reds, and golds.
Together, let’s celebrate the autumnal equinox — the one day of the year with an almost equal amount of daylight and nighttime — as we seek to restore our own personal balance, as well.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Have we really experienced the joys of the season if we haven’t dipped in and out of New England? The Berkshires, in particular, is a leaf peeper’s delight. Here, you’ll find a 98-mile stretch of picture-perfect towns and sweeping mountain vistas.
Sip on some apple cider in Lenox before you visit Edith Wharton’s home. Cozy into a B&B in Stockbridge with a never-ending supply of hot cocoa after you’ve visited the Normal Rockwell Museum.
No matter which small town you choose to call home for the weekend, you’ll never forget the blanket of fall foliage that surrounded you everywhere you went.
The Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes offer visitors (and residents) year-round serenity. Coming in the fall means you’ll drift away like floating leaves into wave upon wave of relaxation. With over 100 wineries to visit, this is bliss in its purest form.
On the days you’re not touring wineries, you’ll also have the pick of the crop, in terms of pumpkin patches and apple orchards. Woven into all of that, there are also a host of harvest festivals on display throughout this time of year. You might come here for the wine, but you’ll end up finding so much more.
New York, New York
Further down the line, you have the most magnetic city in the world. This is the perfect time to visit Manhattan and stock up on all your fall and winter fashions. The city is also starting to buzz with the energy that comes with the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Christmas season.
Of course, it’s not just concrete pavement, either. You can still be dazzled by fall foliage in Central Park. With over 800 acres to roam, you’ll be enveloped in oodles of archways of changing leaves as you sit on a green park bench and watch the world go by.
The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. So, if you push your New York City trip to the end of November, you’ll be kissed by the start of the season.
For additional ways to maximize your time in this sprawling metropolis, here are several other unforgettable experiences — in New York City and beyond.
Paris, France
As we know, “Paris is always a good idea.” While it’s particularly brimming in spring and summer, the fall is actually our favorite time of year to visit this serene beauty.
For starters, you’re more likely to find lower airfare and better deals on hotels and Airbnbs. And, if you can hold out until mid to late November, you’ll also be treated to the kickoff of the Christmas season, including delightful Christmas markets and golden, glimmering Christmas decorations all throughout town.
While you’re there, here are 20 iconic sights you can’t miss.
Burgundy, France
Before or after Paris, you can also savor the charming delights of the fall season in Burgundy, about 200 miles southeast.
If you take aim at Dijon, the region’s capital, you’ll be treated to a show-stopping array of Michelin-starred restaurants, a never-ending supply of heart-warming burgundies, and plenty of chateâus-turned B&Bs to elegantly ensconce you in all the flavors of the fall.
Tuscany, Italy
Similar to Burgundy, Tuscany is preparing for its biggest show of the season, with a bold display of orange and yellow leaves. Pick a charming chateâu to base yourself out of as you tour the region and watch the master vintners engage in their busiest time of the year – harvest season.
Montepulciano is a great place to base yourself out of, as is Florence. While in Florence, you can also tour some of the more famous sights, like Il Duomo, without as many crowds. The rates on your flights and accommodations will also leave a little wiggle room for that extra glass of Chianti.
Montréal, Québec
For North American charms similar to the Parisian dream, you can always head to Montréal. Québec personifies Christmas, with its festivals, Christmas decor, skating rinks, and world-class hot chocolate.
Old Montréal, in particular, will steal your heart away with all its sights of the season. This is also a nice time to bundle up and tour the city’s botanical gardens which are speckled with lanterns throughout September and October.
Banff, Canada
Clear across Canada, you also have Banff. This is a hiker’s delight, especially in the fall season. Renowned for its bright blue waters and staggering mountainscapes, Banff will remind you what a wonderful world it is.
One thing that will never escape your mind is the way the golden tips of the larch trees sway in the breeze in bold contrast to the frosty white tips of the mountains. If you can find a way to base yourself out of Fairmont Banff Springs, you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations and easy access to all of the region’s charms.
Savannah, Georgia
Like Paris, Savannah is always a good idea. She’s pretty as a picture in the summer, when her oak trees are fully festooned in swathes of Spanish moss. But, in the fall, her streets cool off a little and offer a bit of a reprieve for those Sunday morning strolls.
Take aim at Jones Street, a marvel of Antebellum architecture, before heading into Gallery Espresso for a bagel and lox.
Spend a little bit of your hard-earned savings on Broughton Street before heading down to River Street to cap off a most glorious day at the rooftop bar of the Bohemian Hotel, overlooking the Savannah River.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Nearly 10,000 feet in the air, Breckenridge will be happy to delight you as the air becomes thick with pre-season excitement. Most of the resorts anticipate their ski seasons to kick off in mid-November. So, if you can wait that long, you could christen the season.
With plenty of Airbnbs and VRBOs on deck, you can find your own personal chalet to ski in and out of before you sip on some hot cocoa on the balcony or dip into a hot tub for the evening.
Breckenridge’s Main Street is also eager to serve you gourmet cuisine in places like the Blue River Bistro. When you’re ready for a nightcap or two, head to Gold Pan Saloon, established in 1879.
Kyoto, Japan
America’s Northeast doesn’t have the monopoly on fall foliage – although it is pretty spectacular. Kyoto also knows how to put on a show, thanks to their crimson red maples. The peak performance time for the maples is mid-to-late November.
To avoid the overwhelming crowds that could diminish the peace of the region, aim to come in early November, just for a taste. Stroll through Kyoto Imperial Park as the trees prepare for their biggest performance of the season.
All you have to do is hunt down a lovely ryokan (Japanese Inn) with an onsen (hot spring) like Yuzuya Hotel Isshinkyo to dip into the most transformative experience of your life.
Kaua’i, Hawaii
It may seem strange to have a few beaches on this list but, the truth is, they can be far more soothing in the off-season. While we’ll discuss a few Atlantic beaches that get quite chilly, the good news about Hawaiian beaches is that they stay warm year-round. The only trick here is to come in October – before November’s rainy season.
Coming to Kaua’i in the fall means you won’t have so many crowds blocking your view of Waimea Canyon State Park and Wailua River State Park. Stroll the soothing shorelines of Ke’e Beach, as well, where, again, the crowds will be far more muted.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Sticking to the mainland, Wyoming – and other parts of this region – also have a lot on offer after the autumnal equinox graces us with its presence. The main attraction during this time of year is the National Elk Refuge.
As soon as autumn sets in, elk, deer, coyotes, and other majestic forms of wildlife start making preparations for the winter. In the case of the elk, they’re looking to find their mate for the season. As such, the symphony of bugle calls throughout this time of year is incomparably enchanting.
Crete, Greece
You can imagine how the streets of Crete must overflow in the spring and summertime. Thankfully, resort owners enjoy a little bit of a break in mid-October when most of them start to shut down for the season.
Imagine coming in late September, early October, when the buzz has started to settle. You’ll get to know the locals a little better while still being able to dip your toes into the pink sands of Elafonisi Beach.
If you find that you just can’t pull yourself away from the island (and its delicacies) when some of the staples start to shut down, Chania and Heraklion are known to remain relatively wide-open year-round.
Inverness, Scotland
Fall into the Highlands when you’re ready to experience this rugged landscape at its finest. Truthfully, you could wander this entire terrain and be dazzled from sun up to sun down. Nature puts on a spectacular show this time of year, as everything becomes glazed in golden hues of glory.
Inverness is a nice place to base yourself because the soup will be hearty, your pint glass will always be full, and the locals will be happy to treat you to a warm welcome or two, especially when the live music is on.
Whenever you need a reprieve from the dipping temps, you can always head to Old Town to step inside their 18th-century Old High Church or, for something more contemporary, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Sticking with Scotland, autumn is also a magical time to visit the city that inspired Harry Potter. The rainy season is still working its way through the city, even through October. So, if you can time your visit more towards the end of October or early November, you might stand a better chance of not being cold and wet.
Still, follow our Edinburgh guide to walk in the steps of someone who was enormously enamored by the city – J.K. Rowling. Wander through historic cemeteries; visit the Writers’ Museum; sit in a tea room or cafe as you journal about the wonder of this misty, magical metropolis.
Snowdonia, Wales
Over in northwest Wales, you have Snowdonia – a seemly perfect place to pause for reflection before the winter snow sets in. People flock here for Snowdonia National Park, filled with rugged mountain terrain that was formed over 400 million years ago by volcanic rock.
This is a dog-friendly park, so don’t be surprised if you find Fido accompanying his best friend to the peak of Mount Snowden. Instead of hiking, you can also climb aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway to reach the summit. Trains will run until October 27th (as long as the weather behaves).
Prague, Czech Republic
There’s something about a medieval town and autumn that pairs so well. Perhaps it’s the way the robust reds and burnt oranges brighten up the ancient patchwork of stone that dates back hundreds of years. It’s a bit like opening a jewel box for the first time.
While you’re here, the Charles Bridge will open your world to the many wonders that exist. Of course, Old Town Square is also waiting for you, with its display of baroque buildings and Gothic architecture. You can stay practically anywhere in this city and feel safe, well-fed, and blissfully warm if you treat yourself to a glass or two of mulled wine.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
We alluded to the beauty of an Atlantic Beach in the fall season and Fernandina is a chart-topper. Located on Amelia Island in one of the northernmost corners of Florida, you’ll find a laid-back beach town with magnificent shops and restaurants, as well as broad, sandy beaches. Main Street will treat you to all those culinary delights and, if you take aim for Amelia Island Lighthouse, you’ll enjoy those sandy shorelines, as well.
Amelia Island State Park will also be happy to host you as you watch the migratory birds start to land for the season, depending on when you can time your trip to the island. With stars like Kenny Chesney and Oprah Winfrey having visited the area a time or two, you know there must be something sensational about this tiny island off the eastern coast of Florida.
Cape May, New Jersey
For one more Atlantic beach that chills out in the autumn, but still knows how to please its visitors, we must head to Cape May, New Jersey. Known for its historic Victorian homes, an aimless wander through the town will be enough to set your heart on fire.
For something a little more tangible, however, you can plan to bundle up and walk through Cape May Point State Park until you find Cape May Lighthouse. Of course, many of those gorgeous Victorian homes are now welcoming B&Bs.
If you can’t find something to work with your itinerary, Congress Hall is also a lovely place to stay, with plenty of oceanfront views. At night, treat yourself to the attached Blue Pig Tavern for a savory sensation.
A Season of Renewal
However you plan to savor the season of renewal, we hope you enjoy smooth travels as you develop enough memories to last a lifetime. Fall is the perfect time to hit the reset button on this thing called life. Together, let’s pause to reflect on what really matters as nature delights us with its radiant show.
Whether you find yourself standing on the shifting sands on the isle of Crete or on the top of Snowdon Mountain in Wales, we have a destination guide to help you tour the area in style. Here’s hoping we see you out there on the road to the Highlands someday.