Buckle Up: These Are The 8 Best Fall Break Roadtrips to Take This Year
You did it – you beat the heat! Summer is officially over, and whether you’re a parent, retiree, student, young adult or literally just a girl, you deserve a break – a fall break, that is. From rolling hills, glass lakes and rich foliage to touristy treks, historic havens and Appalachian adventure, we’ve rounded up some of the best roadtrips for you to take this fall.
In This Article
Asheville, North Carolina
Fall Destination Known For: Foliage, Food and Fun in the Blue Ridge
Foliage, food and fun await in the charming town of Asheville. Planning your perfect fall escape is easy with the Asheville Fall Color Report, which sends photo updates on the hues from September through November, so you know just the right time to go. The land’s biodiversity and altitude make it one of the best places in the country to experience the color of the season at its finest. Naturally, this lends itself to a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking on scenic trails, fishing and rafting along the Green River or even ziplining through lush treetops.
As diverse as its terrain, the culinary scene in Asheville is one that is truly worth exploring. From seafood and southern cooking to Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine, you can have a little bit of it all here. Taste James Beard Award-winning Indian Street Food at Chai Pani, sample fresh burgers, street corn, and pizza at Twisted Laurel, have a brew and BBQ Brisket Mac-n-Cheese at the historic Packs Tavern downtown, then top it all off with a piece of the famous chocolate cake at French Broad Chocolate Lounge (yes, it’s worth the line). And your trip here wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Biltmore, a National Historic Landmark and America’s Largest Home®. Roam the grounds, learn about its past inhabitants and explore more than 92,000 artifacts dating back to the 1500s.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Fall Destination Known For: Adventures in the Nation’s Most Visited Park
With sweeping views, racing rivers, trails aplenty and loads of nearby attractions, the Great Smoky Mountains are, well, great. The most visited National Park in the country, it spans nearly 200,000 acres along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The mild temperatures make it a perfect place to enjoy whitewater rafting, tubing, fishing, bicycling, hiking or just the great outdoors during the fall season. While you’re there, be sure to check out local businesses and legendary attractions in downtown Gatlinburg, dinner shows and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and hundreds of places to shop in Sevierville. All that adventure is sure to have you ready to relax, and you don’t have to go far to do so. The mountains are home to cozy cabins, tidy campsites, adventurous resorts, world-class RV parks and even luxury treehouses.
Explore More: Get Outside: Things To Do in East Tennessee in Every Season
Hudson Valley, New York
Fall Destination Known For: Historic Estates and Autumn Scenery
It’s no secret that New York City is home to some of the most well-known historic buildings, museums and monuments in the world. But a short drive away, Hudson Valley is steeped in the culture, architecture and charm of days gone by. Featuring over 7,000 miles of rolling hills, preserved estates and hidden gems, there’s no lack of seasonal activities here. Take your experience to new heights (literally) with a hot air balloon ride in Columbia, take a swing and enjoy the greens at Copake Country Club in Craryville, hop on for a horsebike excursion in Pine Bush, spend the day on the water in Nyack or hit the slopes at Windham Mountain.
Learn something new and see something extraordinary at the Adirondack Experience (Blue Mountain Lake), Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt (Hyde Park), Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown), KinoSaito Art Center (Verplanck) and Mills Mansion (Staatsburg). And don’t miss out staying at a cozy cabin, cottage or bed and breakfast. Charming Peppercorn Cottage in Hudson, Bella Vista in Ulster Park, Juniper Hill Cabin in Wilmington and Moonriver Inn in Narrowsburg are all stellar picks.
Lexington, Kentucky
Fall Destination Known For: Bluegrass, Bourbon and Horse Country
Saddle up for a trip to the land of bluegrass and bourbon. Known as the horse capital of the world, Lexington provides nearly 300 square miles of rolling hills, lush foliage, historic landmarks and legendary racetracks. Beginning in September, you can join in on a true local (and authentic Kentucky) experience: Keeneland. Filled with exuberant hats, mint juleps and best-in-class breads, it’s as close to the Kentucky Derby as you can get this time of year. And, as a repeat leading sire, you might just get to see a future winner.
Aside from thoroughbreds, there are plenty of other delights to indulge in here. Lexington has a lively downtown district (home to Rupp Arena, where the Kentucky Wildcats play each year), The Henry Clay Estate and the Mary Todd Lincoln House. Plus, a short drive outside the city will lead you to some of the most prestigious distilleries in the country, including Buffalo Trace Distillery, Castle & Key Distillery, Wild Turkey Distillery and Woodford Reserve Distillery.
Explore More: Go There: How To Spend a Weekend in Lexington, KY
Lake Tahoe, California
Fall Destination Known For: Mountain Lakes and Crystal Clear Waters
With plenty of mountains, lakes, trailheads and nightlife, no shortage of adventure awaits in Lake Tahoe. Located just on the border of California and Nevada, it’s the perfect road-trip stop between the two, or a quick drive from either or. The combination of colorful trees and crystal clear waters makes any outdoor activity ideal. Mountainbiking, kayaking and paddleboarding are all popular here. But for a slower pace, try horseback riding through Tahoe National Forest, a picnic on Fallen Leaf Lake or just a walk in Emerald Bay State Park. In the evenings, locals love exploring Heavenly Village. The hub is an adult and family-friendly destination, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants and salons, as well as live theatre, miniature golf and a scenic gondola lift.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Fall Destination Known For: A Warm, Crowd-Free Beach Escape
A crisp fall isn’t for everyone, so if you’re looking for somewhere that brings the heat (literally), look no further than Sanibel Island. Known for its small-town, hospitable vibes, Sanibel offers all the bells (pun intended) and whistles of a beach vacation without the touristy fuss. The beaches are quiet, the lines are short and the sunsets are straight out of a movie. But there’s still plenty to explore. The island offers plenty of local shops, restaurants and entertainment, including J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, The Village Shops, MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, Cielo, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and the Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market.
New England
Fall Destination Known For: The Ultimate Fall Foliage Road Trip
Search for fall foliage photos anywhere on the web, and there’s a high chance that they were taken in New England. And the best news? It’s just as stunning in person. Spanning several states and over 70,000 miles, your itinerary options are endless. Popular spots include Boston, Salem, Plymouth, Newport, Providence and Hartford. But don’t overlook the charm of the lesser-known, such as Londonderry, Holyoke, Concord and Burlington.
Alongside the sweeping scenery, you can expect to see a whole lot of history, great food and small-town (Stars Hollow, anyone?) vibes. Must-dos include Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum in Boston, The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the Witch Memorial in Salem, and iconic restaurants and coffee shops like Farmers & Foragers Dockside in Burlington, The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth and New Harvest Coffee Roasters in Providence.
Explore More: 5 Real-Life Versions of Stars Hollow Every ‘Gilmore Girls’ Fan Should Visit
Seattle, Washington
Fall Destination Known For: Culture, Coffee and Iconic Views
Grab your coffee, cozy sweaters and maybe an umbrella, because these Seattle stops will leave you speechless, not sleepless. One of the larger cities on our list, this bustling hotspot is full of things to see, sip and savor. Start by playing tourist at some of the city’s must-sees, including the Washington Park Arboretum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pike Place Market, Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center, the Seattle Great Wheel and, of course, the Space Needle.
Afterwards, fuel up with coffee shop stops galore. Local favorites include Lighthouse Roasters, Espresso Vivace, Piedmont Cafe and Storyville Coffee. And whether big spending or shopping small is your vice, Seattle has plenty of both to offer. Bop around local boutiques and major retailers alike at University Village, buy the perfect souvenir at the Waterfront, find a one-of-a-kind at Late Night Vintage Mall or ball on a budget at Seattle Premium Outlets.
