By Scott & Nancy while traveling in Vermont

October is here, and Autumn is in full swing. The leaves around many areas of the Northern Hemisphere are slowly turning ablaze into their dazzling shades of reds, oranges, and yellows, ushering us gently into the cooler seasons of the year.

Autumn is beloved by many, with the ceremony outside keeping pace with the fall sports season and back-to-school bustle. It’s also an incredible time to travel, so pack up your warm sweaters and head out, even if it’s just for a weekend getaway!

The golden foliage is breathtaking right now in many areas of the United States, Canada, Europe, and other places, but today we will focus on a few favorite Fall destinations:

New England, United States

From the winding roads of quaint Connecticut and New Hampshire to the romantic lighthouses of Maine, New England offers poetic sights galore. Travelers to this area will find all sorts of treasures in Autumn, from apple picking orchards to haunted hayrides to the countless maple syrup stands where you can get a bottle that’s been tapped straight from the tree. Autumn drives are popular weekend activities for locals and visitors alike, where the byways yield sweeping views of the changing leaves followed by stayovers in area hotels and charming B&Bs.

Vermont is one favorite New England destination that has long captivated lovers of the outdoors, with its lush forested mountains and flowing streams. The atmosphere is as homey as the warmed apple cider that you can drink along the roadside stands or at local pubs.

Realtravelers Scott & Nancy were charmed by Vermont’s small towns during their recent East Coast Road Trip. They explored local cheddar cheese factories, breweries, and even hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Here’s a glimpse into their blog:

“We then moved to northern Vermont, of course while hitting a few key breweries along the way. We chose to base ourselves in Burlington which is a pretty college town located on Lake Champlain in northwest Vermont. We also spent a day in Stowe (the real life Von Trapp family built a lodge here) and spent our morning hiking to the Pinnacle for great views of the surrounding areas and the afternoon checking out the shops including the local chocolatier and local brewpubs. Great little village once again. All of these little villages have little or no chains to speak of, which is so refreshing (with maybe an exception of a Dunkin Donuts in some larger towns as they seem to reign in New England). There is a lot of focus on supporting the small business and local farmers and artisans. Very nice to see.” (more…)

(Read their whole entry for a good list of recommended Vermont breweries.)

Resources:

New England Fall Festivals
Vermont Foliage-Viewing Travel Tips
Vermont Foliage Forecaster
Fall Foliage Map of the United States

Lake District, United Kingdom

England’s Lake District is a magical spread of golden foliage in Autumn, providing a sweeping panorama of color that is also reflected in the region’s many lakes. Though a popular getaway for the British, especially Londoners looking to take a breather from their urban lifestyles, travelers from the all corners of the world enjoy visiting this enchanting region for its pleasant hiking and breathtaking views.

Cape Town native Karen Watkins experienced hiking in the Lake District and describes it in her blog:

“Derwentwater, at 1.6km wide and almost 5km long, is owned by the National Trust. Cradled by hills and fringed with autumn colours. Four small wooded islands Beatrix Potter was a regular visitor…Our highest point would have made a fantastic picture, surrounded by purple-pink heather, lake-strewn Derwentwater below framed by the sensuous curve of distinctive Cat Bell’s opposite and Basinthwaite Lake to our right. One of the islands is a literary landmark, St Herbert’s – only accessible by boat. Wordsworth and a century later Beatrix Potter took the island as inspiration for Owl Island in Squirrel Nutkin. Down to the road at Ashness Bridge and then a short way to Watenlath, salivating in anticipation of tea and scones on the tarn-shore…” (more…)

Resources:

Lake District Travel Guide
Lake District Pictures
United Kingdom Tourist Map

Ontario, Canada

The northeast Canada destination of Ontario, with its abundance of maple trees, is a fantastic place for foliage-viewing. From my parents’ favorite weekend getaway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, to the majestic beauty of Algonquin Park, there’s no shortage of vacation destinations. A perfect Autumn activity for nature lovers is to rent a canoe or kayak and glide along while soaking up the surrounding glorious Fall beauty. Or take a hike along the many paths at the Ontario parks. The air will be crisp, and the sweet scent of the changing seasons and wood-burning stoves will enhance the visions you see along the way.

Wandering Muse has had many adventures throughout Ontario. Here’s a taste of her blog from her kayaking trip through the Georgian Bay and the Killarney Provincial Park:

“With continued calm weather (the water could now be officially mistaken for glass), we followed along the far side of the Fox Islands straight into Desjardins Bay. Here we found an obstacle course of islands, many with long stretches of rocks reaching like fingers into the lake. Fun for camping, swimming and general mucking about…” (more…)

Resources:

Best Places in Canada for Fall Foliage
Ontario Parks Fall Colors Guide
Quebec’s Symphony of Colours Festival
Niagara-on-the-Lake Guide

More Useful Links:

Why Leaves Change Color
The Foliage Network for the U.S.
How to Preserve Autumn Leaves

Bookmark to: