As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, travelers are trading long vacations for weekend escapes to make the most of the fall season. This year, there’s a notable shift towards shorter, more frequent trips, with a focus on experiencing the unique offerings of autumn.
The allure of fall travel lies in its perfect blend of pleasant weather, vibrant landscapes, and unique seasonal activities. From leaf peeping to apple picking and from exploring quirky small towns to visiting iconic sports venues, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy during this beautiful season.
Top destinations for fall foliage
For those seeking to witness nature’s spectacular color show, these destinations offer some of the best fall foliage in the country:
New England charm
In the northeast, Camden, Maine and Hartford, Vermont offer quintessential New England scenes, with sailboat-dotted harbors and historic covered bridges framed by fiery maples. Further inland, Tannersville, New York in the Catskills, provides breathtaking mountain views and charming breweries.
Southern Appalachian beauty
The southern Appalachians boast dramatic fall color, with Blowing Rock, North Carolina offering stunning Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks. Meanwhile, Blue Ridge, Georgia combines scenic train rides with apple picking and trout-stream backdrops.
Western wonders
Out west, Glenwood Springs, Colorado pairs golden aspen groves with soothing downtown hot springs. In Oregon, Bend showcases brilliant yellow larches along high-desert trails, with snow-capped Cascade peaks as a backdrop.
Gen Z’s love for lore-tripping
The younger generation is gravitating towards small towns and under-the-radar destinations with unique backstories, a trend known as lore-tripping. These destinations offer affordability, authentic local culture, and offbeat attractions that appeal to Gen Z travelers.
Quirky small towns
From the Mothman legend in Point Pleasant, West Virginia to the life-size bronze statues of U.S. presidents lining the sidewalks of Rapid City, South Dakota these small towns offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Other notable mentions include Helen, Georgia with its faux-Alpine facades, and Gibsonton, Florida known for its sideshow legacy and roadside oddities.
Artsy outposts and historic towns
Twentynine Palms, California offers high desert murals and Joshua Tree’s rock formations, while Williams, Arizona on historic Route 66, holds onto its neon signs and vintage diners. These destinations provide a mix of artsy charm and historic appeal.
The rise of groundhopping
A new trend is emerging among sports enthusiasts: groundhopping the practice of visiting as many stadiums, arenas, and venues as possible. This trend is gaining traction, with nearly 70 percent of survey respondents expressing interest in exploring live event landmarks.
Whether chasing a tour date or a rivalry game, fans are eager to travel to iconic venues around the world. This trend builds on the record-breaking wave of soccer fans traveling across North America this summer and is expected to continue gaining momentum.
