By Morgan Kacalek
- Smokey Mountains:
The extensive Smokey Mountain range, covering the Tennessee and North Carolina border, is one of the most beautiful places in the country during the fall. October is especially vibrant because it is the month of peak fall foliage. Not only is this region beautiful, but it’s also entertaining. Fall festivities such as the Gatlinburg farmers market are great options for visitors wanting to get the full fall experience. The Anakeesta Bear Varian Festival is another fabulous opportunity for entertainment. This award-winning festival runs from September 9th to October 31st. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while walking through the Halloween-themed park. Visitors can sip on special drinks and regional craft brews, exploring nature and crossing rope bridges through the trees. You can experience the taste of unique foods such as Pork Schnitzel with brussels at the Cliff Top restaurant, or a giant turkey leg from the Smokehouse Bar and Grill. The Smokey Mountains have plenty to offer when it comes to your fall experience!
- New York:
New York City is beautiful for the entirety of the fall season, however it is even more spectacular during Halloween. New York City has some of the best Halloween events in the country. Tourists can visit the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze where they can lay eyes on some of the most elaborately carved jack-o-lanterns set up in detailed displays. Visitors to NYC can explore other pumpkin themed events like Pumpkin nights at the Bronx Zoo. Pumpkin nights feature magnificent displays of more than 5,000 carved and painted pumpkins that are manipulated and illuminated to look like different animals. NYC visitors can visit some of the city’s farmers markets as well. New Yorkers love to enjoy apple cider donuts and other apple treats while walking around enjoying the fall scenery in the city.
- Yosemite National Park:
While many people think the east coast is where fall is the most admirable, there are many west coast destinations that have the same autumn charm. One example is Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite is known for its Sequoia trees and granite cliffs of El Capitan. There are countless paths and trails that lead tourists to waterfalls and other sightseeing areas of interest, and they are even more breathtaking in the fall. Yosemite is a great place to witness the transition from summer to fall and see the wilderness’s transformation take place.
- Pagosa Springs
Similar to Yosemite, Pagosa Springs is another location that is great for catching a glimpse of nature during the fall season. Pagosa Springs is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and attracts plenty of wildlife. Pagosa Springs is especially great for hunting elk and deer, where the season peaks in late September. The aspens turn magnificent fall colors, and the leaves display the most vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow. This destination is also great for other outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. The San Juan river that runs through Pagosa Springs is one of the best fishing spots in Colorado during the fall. Fishermen can expect to catch trout of all different sizes and species, specifically rainbow and brown trout. If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for some fun this fall, Pagosa Springs is a marvelous place to plan your travel to.
- Seattle
Seattle, Washington is a perfect place to visit during the fall if you are looking to get a cozy, northwest, marketplace vibe. Seattle is such a great option because it is home to Pike Place Market. No matter what time of year, Pike Place is a bustling tourist attraction where visitors walk up and down the market, exploring the foods and knick-knacks that are sold at the different vendors. In the fall time, you can enjoy fall treats and pumpkin picking while enjoying the fall scenery. Seattle is also home to the Space Needle, which provides a great way to see the city and all the colorful, fall frondescence. The region stays at a crisp 53 degrees on average throughout the months of September, October, and November.