Glorious Getaway This Fall
The glory of fall beckons for a glorious vacation. Cooler temperatures, illustrious colors, and fewer crowds make for a perfect travel recipe. Though the pandemic continues, social distancing and traveling strategies can make for a beautiful vacation.
San Diego, CA: Finery in the Fall
America’s Finest City is even finer in the fall. Without summer crowds or heat, San Diego is ever peaceful and beautiful. Some of our favorite socially distanced activities in this fine city include:
- Taking in the stunning architecture and gardens of Balboa Park and enjoying open-air theater at the authentically reproduced Old Globe Theater of Shakespeare fame
- Strolling Seaport Village followed by an open-air ferry ride to Coronado Island
- Being awed by the brilliant colors at Sunset Cliffs (make sure to check daily sunset times ahead of time)
- Experiencing bliss at the silent, meditation gardens of Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas above Swami’s, the world-renowned surf spot
- Enjoying Del Mar Dog Beach for those traveling with their furry friends
- Jaunting to Julian, a mountain town just an hour away. In the fall, it is ripe for apple picking and the best apple pies this side of the Mississippi!
Hudson Valley, NY: Apple Delight
Did you know New York is the second largest apple producer in the US? Enjoy the brilliant orchards and sip on some of the best cider in the United States as you explore each of the charming villages in the Valley. Adorable Airbnbs cottages dot the Hudson Valley, or you can stay at the Monhonk Mountain House, built in 1869 on 269 acres. Afternoon tea is complementary here, and you can take in the stunning views from the deck’s rocking chairs. Active seniors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, and even rock climbing on the property.
The best fall colors are usually in mid-October, but areas to the north peak earlier, while regions in the south can peak into early November. Croton Gorge Park glows with reflected colors, making it a perfect place to meditate. Pine Hollow Arboretum, just minutes from Albany, feels like another world. In fact, it’s described as a real-life Thomas Cole painting in the fall. Enjoy walks along 11 ponds or take the trails, made even sweeter with free admission. Most beloved is High Falls Conservation Area, which is home to easy trails with spectacular views.
Visitors during September to mid-November should drive south and enjoy the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, featuring thousands of artistically carved jack o’lanterns. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance because they sell out quickly.
St. Louis + The Ozarks, MO: America’s Favorite Place in the Fall
St. Louis is glorious in the fall with foliage and festivals for every palate, including Q in the Lou from October 1-3, where the top BBQ chefs across America converge to serve the best BBQ in our country. Take in the brilliant view from the STL Arch. Enjoy a day at Forest Park and make sure to stop by the Jewel Box, a stunning, aptly named 1930s Art Deco greenhouse complete with a reflecting pool. On Sept. 22, the St. Louis Symphony will be performing a free concert at Forest Park at the base of Art Hill, followed by fireworks. For those willing to venture indoors, all the museums in the city are free. The St. Louis Zoo is also free, and advanced reservations are currently required
About 20 minutes away and highly recommended is St. Charles, the lovingly preserved historic riverfront town from which Lewis and Clark left for their great expedition. Stroll, trolley, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride down their adorable Main Street, with some buildings older than the founding of the United States! Check Airbnb for cute lodging in the historic area near Main Street or stay at the history Boone’s Colonial Inn.
A four-hour drive away, Lake of the Ozarks will take your breath away with their fall colors, which peak in mid to late October. Maples, ashes, oaks and hickories sparkle in their brilliance against the mirror of the lake. Over 1,000 miles of shoreline lined with pristine hardwood forests make it a prime location for viewing. It placed only second to Michigan's Upper Peninsula in a nationwide poll for America's favorite place to see fall. Take a self-guided driving tour, play a round of championship golf, hike in the state parks, or dine at a lakeside restaurant.
Enjoy a beautiful getaway this fall! Share your favorite places with us below. We look forward to your journey!
