Fall is one of the favorite times of the year for getaways
and scenic road trips, especially for those looking for some colorful foliage,
crunchy leaves and a more intimate autumn
escape.
Small towns offer the ideal blend of natural beauty and
local culture, each providing its own unique charm and experiences. And the
best part is that these storybook destinations not only come with cozy inns and
B&Bs, hot cider and pumpkin patches, they offer all the magic of fall without
the crowds.
Fall colors in Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont. (Photo Credit: Adobe/Jenifoto)
Montpelier, Vermont
Located in America’s smallest state, Montpelier, the capital
of Vermont nestled in the Green Mountains offers small-town charm, rich
history, and a quintessential New England feel. The town is intimate and
walkable with much of the downtown architecture dating back to the 1800s and
early 1900s creating a preserved, timeless ambience. There are no chain stores
here, rather, locally owned bookstores, cafes, artisan shops and a thriving art
scene.
In-town Hubbard Park offers forested hiking trails and a
stone observation tower; the Winooski River flows right through the town adding
a peaceful backdrop and scenic Smugglers Notch State Park is only 24 minutes
away.
Leavenworth, Washington
Autumn brings magic to this Bavarian-style village with
alpine charm, colorful foliage and festive fall celebrations. Oktoberfest takes
over in autumn with music, food and festivities that feel so authentic, you’d
feel like you’re in a real Bavarian town. Leavenworth is full of specialty
German-style bakeries, beer gardens, and authentic food specialties. The town
even sports a nutcracker museum.
Leavenworth is tucked into the Cascade Mountains and
surrounded by forest, rivers and trails— a good base for outdoor lovers. The
area around the town offers gorgeous scenic drives with vibrant fall colors
through winding forested mountain roads.
Galena, Ill. Photo by David Wilson / flickr. (Photo Credit: Photo by David Wilson / flickr.)
Galena, Illinois
The photogenic Midwest gem in northwest Illinois is filled
with 19th century architecture, hilly streets and Mississippi River
and breathtaking views. At its height in the mid-1800s, the town was a bustling
river port between St. Louis and St. Paul. As river commerce and the once
profitable lead mining declined, so did the town’s economy. However, many of
its historic buildings survived, most in the Galena Historic District and
listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Main Street features dozens of boutiques, antique stores,
art galleries, bed and breakfast, charming inns and tasting rooms. One of the
best times to visit is the fall offering a vibrant array of autumn colors
across the Mississippi River Valley with scenic overlooks and small-time
festivities.
Hood River, Oregon
With the backdrop of the picturesque Columbia River Gorge,
Hood River is a Pacific Northwest treasure, especially in the fall when the
town transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant color.
Crisp air and harvest-time charm make this a favorite
getaway destination that also offers breathtaking drives through vine
maple-lined forests. One of the favorite fall experiences is a scenic ride on
the Mt. Hood Railroad’s Harvest Train, venturing through the countryside,
showcasing autumn hues and offering themed experiences like Oktoberfest.
Downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas (Photo via IIP Photo Archive / Flickr / Creative Commons)
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
With the stunning backdrop of the Ozark Mountains, Victorian
architecture and winding streets, this Southern hub is a hidden fall treasure.
From mid-October to early November, the Ozark Mountains burst
into brilliant reds, oranges and golds, making it one of Arkansas’s most
picturesque seasonal destinations. The town’s shops, galleries and cafes offer
warm hospitality and seasonal treats, and as always, the thriving art scene in
Eureka should not be missed.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Though this Colorado Rockies mountain town is well-known as
a winter destination for skiing and snow activities, autumn is one of the most
beautiful times of the year, when the aspens turn golden and “quake” when gentle
breezes blow through the branches.
The historic town located 80 miles west of Denver was
founded in 1859 during the California Gold Rush. Today, the 19th
century Victorian mining town sports carefully preserved structures, charming
colorful boutique shops, art galleries and a myriad of restaurants. The easily
walkable town also offers a free downtown shuttle making it convenient to get
around this fun and fascinating hamlet.
Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania in Autumn. (Photo via jing2vlz / Flickr)
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” this scenic town nestled
in the Pocono Mountains offers breathtaking views year-round, but autumn is
especially magical.
The town is surrounded by vibrant forests, and the Lehigh
Gorge State Park offers excellent hiking, biking and whitewater rafting.
Originally named Mauch Chunk, the village was renamed Jim Thorpe in 1954 to
honor its hometown Olympic athlete. Downtown features preserved Victorian
buildings, cobblestone streets in an easily walkable area. The Lehigh Gorge
Scenic Railway offers seasonal train rides through the colorful gorge,
especially popular during the Fall Foliage Festival.
Helen, Georgia
A visit to Helen is like experiencing the magic of Bavaria.
The Alpine village about 90 miles northeast of Atlanta and situated on the Chattahoochee
River is renowned for its alpine charm, outdoor adventures and festive
atmosphere- especially in the fall.
Helen was transformed in the 1960s from a declining logging
town into a picturesque replica of a small German village. Today, its
cobblestone streets, timber-framed buildings and colorful facades make it a
beloved destination in the Southeast. The town hosts one of the longest-running
Oktoberfests in the U.S. with German music, dancing, bratwurst and beer flowing
through the festhalle from mid-September to late October.
Helen, Georgia (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Lake Placid, New York
Famous for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980,
Lake Placid is a picturesque alpine village in the Adirondacks renowned for its
stunning natural beauty and year-round outdoor adventures.
Autumn brings crisp mountain air, vibrant foliage and a cozy
village charm ideal for a seasonal retreat. Due to its location in the High
Peaks region, Lake Placid boasts one of the best places to experience peak
foliage when the panoramic Adirondacks are blanketed in color, best experienced
by scenic drives along the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway, exploring hiking
trails or paddling around serene Mirror Lake.
Camden, Maine (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Camden, Maine
One of New England’s most scenic autumn escapes, Camden is a
postcard-perfect coastal town known for its scenic harbor, mountain views and
charming downtown. Camden’s iconic slogan ‘Where the Mountains Meet the Sea’
fits this town to a T given its bustling harbor with panoramic views of Penobscot
Bay and Camden Harbor.
With lighthouses and small islands, hiking
opportunities to Mount Battie for sweeping views of the town and bay, hills ablaze
with color, boutique shops, art galleries and historic buildings along Main
Street, Camden makes for an ideal fall getaway. And aside from its seasonal
menus highlighting Maine’s fall harvest, there’s always lobster.
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