As the leaves begin to paint the world in warm red, orange, and gold hues, there's an undeniable magic in the air – autumn has arrived! For many, this season is synonymous with cozy sweaters, warm beverages, and the comforting embrace of a crackling fireplace. But why limit yourself to the same old routines? This is one of the best times of the year to get out of your comfort zone and explore a new destination!
From quaint countryside retreats to vibrant urban escapes, we've compiled some of the top holiday destinations that perfectly capture the essence of fall. Keep reading to discover the best autumn destinations for your next fall getaway!
Stowe, Vermont
Dubbed as the 'Fall's Color Capital,' Stowe can indeed claim this title with its vibrant tapestry stretching as far as the eye can see. Peak foliage season typically hits late September through mid-October. Here, you can walk, bike, or drive through the Stowe Recreation Path while soaking in the changing colours. Don't forget to take the gondola sky ride at Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, offering a panoramic view of the Green Mountain State at its golden best.
Bled Lake, Slovenia
Slovenia is an incredibly underrated fall destination, especially if you visit Bled Lake in the Slovenian Alps. This crystal clear lake looks especially beautiful when it's surrounded by leaves changing colour. Take a stroll around the lake, hike to several local viewpoints, or visit Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia.
Leavenworth, Washington
This charming Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains turns into a golden wonderland every October. You can explore the town, hike in the surrounding alpine areas, or take a relaxing riverboat cruise. After a day of sightseeing, tantalize your taste buds with seasonal autumn brews and authentic German cuisine at the local wineries and breweries.
Fuji Five Lakes, Japan
Located on the northern side of Mount Fuji, you'll find the Fuji Five Lakes region in Japan. This aptly named area consists of five lakes created by the eruptions of this infamous volcano.
As you explore this region, you'll notice the vibrant red hue of the Japanese maples up against the backdrop of the bright blue lake, with Mount Fuji looming in the distance. This white-capped mountain looks especially majestic when surrounded by autumn's colours.
London, England
London is a fantastic place to visit no matter the time of year, but it is stunning in the autumn. The city gets quieter as the summer fades away, so you'll have a more laid-back experience if you visit during the fall months.
While the entire city's foliage will be turning shades of yellow, gold, orange, and red, Hyde Park, home to over 4,000 trees, is one of the best places to witness this autumnal scenery. After a day of strolling and sightseeing, curl up in front of the fireplace in one of this city's numerous cozy pubs for some brews and comfort food.
Mystic, Connecticut
As small as it might be, Mystic splashes a brilliant palette of autumnal shades in mid-October. Wander the historic downtown, take a scenic sailing trip down the Mystic River, or explore the Mystic Seaport Museum. Don't miss the chance to munch on New England's favourite fall treat - apple cider doughnuts.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh comes alive in the autumn, with a tapestry of trees turning burnt orange, ruby red, and bright yellow. This city's castles, dungeons, and vaults look incredibly mysterious as the weather gets cooler, and many travellers enjoy ghost tours around the city. Edinburgh also has a variety of incredible farmers markets during this time of year, and you can also visit the International Storytelling Festival in October.
Final thoughts
Each of these destinations offers a unique leaf-peeping experience that celebrates the splendour of the fall season. Throw on your scarf, grab your favourite pumpkin-spiced treat, and enjoy the season in the most colourful fashion possible!
