The summer heat and the summer crowds are gone, and you’re ready for a fall vacation. Do you crave the spectacular sight of autumn foliage, or a return to summer with a few days in a warm climate? Or would you like to beat the crowds and start your holiday shopping while enjoying a new city or revisiting an old favorite?
Fall Foliage
You can enjoy the foliage from a car or on a bike, or even on a cruise. For fall foliage, the journey really is the destination. Fly to a place that appeals to you, and then set out by car, bike, on foot, or all of these.
New England and New York
Several destinations get you close to the best foliage in the northeast. From either New York or Albany, head for the Adirondacks. Or from New York City, take a foliage cruise up the Hudson. From Boston, go north to the White Mountains of New Hampshire or the Green Mountains of Vermont, or go west to the Berkshires. Check local Web sites for back roads; they have less traffic and more interesting views. After “leaf-peeping,” you can enjoy gourmet restaurants, galleries, concerts and shopping in the area’s many resort towns.
The Southern Appalachians
For a slightly later fall, both Atlanta and Charlotte are just a few hours away from the magnificent foliage displays in the southern Appalachian Mountains, or fly even closer, to Asheville or Knoxville. Hike a part of the Appalachian Trail, or ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Then take in a Blue Grass or folk music concert, shop for local crafts, and enjoy southern cooking and southern hospitality.
The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes region — on both the Canadian and U.S. sides — rivals New England for beautiful fall color. Fly to Minneapolis, rent a car, and spend a fall weekend exploring Prairie Home Companion country. Or fly to Ottawa or Quebec, and view the magnificent scenery in the luxury of a St. Lawrence River cruise
Kouyou in Japan
The season of Kouyou — fall foliage — is a favorite time for the Japanese to travel to the countryside or the mountains. Consider joining them for a fall foliage vacation you’ll never forget. This getaway lets you combine the urban sophistication of Tokyo and the beauty of the Japanese landscape.
Return to Summer
Would you rather go somewhere warm? In the fall, you can avoid the peak-season crowds and prices in Florida and the Caribbean, Charleston and Savannah, Mexico, Santa Fe, Las Vegas or California. Or enjoy the mild temperatures of Portland, Seattle or Vancouver.
Pre-rush Holiday Shopping
Start your shopping early and avoid the crowds. Whether it’s Fifth Avenue or SoHo, New York is a shopper’s paradise. Or what about a quick trip to Chicago? Combine fall foliage and sophisticated shopping in Montreal, or return to summer in Los Angeles and shop on Rodeo Drive. And think of the people on your list who would be thrilled with a gift from London, Paris or Rome.
