Fall is finally in the air, and — dare we say it? — everyone knows it’s the best season of the year. By now, we’re all ready to abandon our swimsuits and flip-flops in favor of chunky scarves and riding boots. By some miracle, we’ve managed to stave off our fall foodie cravings for the last few months, but it’s high time we consume all the pumpkin-flavored stuffs.
Yeah, you might say we’re pretty pumped that the glory of autumn is descending upon us. If you’re as stoked as we are, you might be thinking ahead to your first getaway of the season: somewhere you can revel in all things fall. Well, we’ve got you covered.
When you start planning your pilgrimage to the perfect fall locale, grab a PSL and peruse this list. These picturesque towns, tiny though they may be, were practically made for fall strolls.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol is chock-full of the quaint charm you’d expect from a tiny Northeastern town. Founded in 1685, the coastal stop drips with maritime history, as it was a critical Colonial era port. Why not cozy up in one of Bristol’s adorable bed and breakfasts while you’re in town? Just don’t forget to check out Blithewold Mansion & Gardens during your stay for spectacular fall foliage.
Calistoga, California
Situated at the end of Napa Valley, Calistoga has a reputation for being the cutest little town in California wine country. You’ll likely agree once you stroll down Lincoln Avenue popping into lovely little art galleries and book stores as you go or when you soak in one of the area’s many natural hot springs.
Deadwood, South Dakota
Nestled in the Black Hills, Deadwood offers no shortage of outdoor activities to keep you on your toes: fly fishing, rock climbing, hiking, ATVing, mountain biking… the list goes on. But you’ll find plenty within the circa 1876 town to keep you entertained too. After all, the town retains much of its rustic Old West appeal — plan to meet Old West legends, to explore the area’s rough-and-tumble(weed) history and to spend time in the old-fashioned saloons (not to mention more modern casinos).
Breckenridge, Colorado
How much fun is it that Breckenridge was founded by a small group of prospectors brought to the area by the Gold Rush? Or that the little town was actually left off the map in the mid-1800s and became known only as “Colorado’s Kingdom”? This Rocky Mountain ski town will wow you with its scenery, unique sense of self and flurry of fall-themed activities and events.
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Located in the heart of Wisconsin’s North Door Peninsula, Fish Creek — aside from having an incredibly fun name — lures in visitors with miles upon miles of picturesque shoreline and lush natural surroundings. Looking to get your blood pumping? Try a hike along the Niagara Escarpment. Hungry? Take your pick of world-class eateries. Just want to relax? Lake Michigan provides a pretty spectacular backdrop for your R&R.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Could this Michigan town be any cuter? You can’t get much more charming than Frankenmuth, nicknamed “Little Bavaria.” Centered around the idea of togetherness, this sweet village is downright idyllic, with horse-drawn carriages, covered bridges, river boats and world-famous chicken dinners. All of that and it boasts the world’s largest Christmas store.
Hood River, Oregon
There’s no denying Hood River is home to some of the most scenic vistas in the Pacific Southwest, so it’s no wonder it exudes a magic like few other places in the fall. Nature lovers, this is your nirvana! Get up close and personal with the fall foliage on a brisk hike along Indian Creek Trail or go whitewater rafting through the Columbia Gorge to make the most out of your Hood River pilgrimage.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Here’s some happy news if we’ve ever heard it: Despite the area being ravaged by wildfires last year, Gatlinburg is still standing. In fact, this Great Smokies getaway is better than ever. Need proof? In addition to its trademark charm and southern hospitality, Gatlinburg has a slew of fall activities slated, including Taste of Autumn, the Sugarlands Mountainfest, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament and their own Oktoberfest.
Jasper, Arkansas
Hugged by the country’s first national river, the scenic town of Jasper offers much for the adventurous vacationer. Mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and paddleboarding are but a few of the popular options. The picturesque downtown area welcomes fall each year with the annual Buffalo River Elk Festival, which celebrates the reintroduction of elk (a herd of roughly 450 roams the area).
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
There’s little you can’t do in Jackson Hole! Not only is the scenery second to none (those mountains!), but the tiny town also enthralls with its wide array of outdoor activities, museums, fine dining and more. You can’t miss the entrance to the town square, which is framed by the famous Antler Arches of Jackson. Also a must-do? Biking at Antelope Flats, which boasts arguably one of the most iconic visages of the area.
Mystic, Connecticut
Take it from somewhere who lived in Mystic for many years — it really is as pretty as it looks in pictures. Even better? It’s ridiculously charming thanks to quaint shops and friendly locals. Find a spot near Steamboat Wharf to watch sailboats and ships pass through the Mystic drawbridge, or get your fill of cinema fanfare (and fantastic food) at Mystic Pizza, made famous by the 1988 Julia Roberts rom-com of the same name.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Bordered by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and surrounded by Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, this little town offers loads of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Bonus? The Appalachian Trail literally runs right through the heart of the town. Considered a living-history town, Harpers Ferry is also rich in culture.
Leavenworth, Washington
Settled as a Wild West-style sawmill town back in the 1890s, Leavenworth was reimagined in the 1960s in the image of the one place said to rival the area’s beauty: Germany’s Bavaria. The charming village is now a top tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s easy to see why. You can take old-timey photos, tour wineries, toss back a pint (or two) at a local brewery or partake in any of the many outdoor activities and fall festivals.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Settled in the 1600s, Kennebunkport retains much of its maritime charm — it’s not uncommon to see schooners making their way down the river. The seaside town proves a super-popular summer destination, but don’t miss the chance to soak up all it has to offer in the fall. Stroll down charming streets, and take in historic mansions built by ship captains. Check out the fishing village of Cape Porpoise, and collect seashells at Goose Rock Beach.
Oakland, Maryland
As if the vibrant hues flanking the Youghiogheny River weren’t enough to convince you to make a trip to Oakland, this should do the trick: In early October, residents spend five days ringing in the season with the annual Autumn Glory Festival. And yes, it’s every bit as fun as it sounds thanks to music, parades, marching bands and hayrides.
Saranac Lake, New York
Known as the coolest place in the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake basically buzzes with art, music and culture. And that’s not all this mountain village has to offer, either. In addition to having more than 100 lakes to paddle or cruise, it’s a scenic (and short!) drive to New York, Boston and Montreal.
Park City, Utah
This little town of fewer than 8,000 people may not be a household name like some of Utah’s other tourist attractions, but you’ll be hard-pressed to understand why after one visit. Surrounding resorts, as well as Utah Mountain Park, make for year-round outdoor activities thanks largely to 400 miles of well-maintained trails. If you’re a daredevil, you definitely want to check out The Comet, a bobsled ride that is one of the longest slides in the world.
Taos, New Mexico
There’s something inherently special about visiting Taos, and that feeling is magnified in the fall. Rich in native culture, the charming town is a distinctive convergence of old-world and new. Marvel at pueblos, experience the spiritual traditions or visit the Kit Carson Park and Cemetery to immerse yourself in the old. Then when you’re ready, bike over to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for stunning views before heading back to town for some of the finest dining in the new world.
Sugar Hill, New Hampshire
While New Hampshire holds many tiny towns, arguably none are quite so charming as Sugar Hill. Even the name sounds dreamy, right? Home to only 500 people, the stunning town overlooks the White Mountain National Forest and is filled to the brim with postcard-perfect wildflowers. Be sure to take a break to ooh and ahh over the fall foliage and drop into Polly’s Pancake Parlor for a maple-syrup-laden meal.
Waynesville, North Carolina
It may be a small dot on the map, but Waynesville is worth a visit, friends. If the precious downtown district doesn’t win you over, the Smoky Mountain scenery surely will. Carve out at least an afternoon for scoping out the scenic natural surroundings (Maggie Valley and Cherokee are close by) and another for exploring the divine Southern-cooking restaurants downtown. And no visit to Waynesville would be complete without a stop at Mast General Store.
Woodstock, New York
Yes, that Woodstock! A hop, skip and a jump from New York City (aka, a two-and-a-half-hour drive), this eclectic town boasts beaucoups character and beautiful natural scenery. A must-do? Hop the Catskill Mountain Railroad Scenic Tour to get the ultimate fall foliage experience via train ride.
Stowe, Vermont
Fall foliage abounds in Stowe, from mountains and fields to creeks and trails. Plus, it’s impossible not to get into the autumnal spirit when you’re learning to make maple syrup or picking apples at a local orchard. The vibrant village was made for strolling, and it offers plenty to keep the kids happy, like the Percy Farm Corn Maze and the ’50s-style Depot Street Malt Shoppe.
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