The anticipation for the fall season is beginning to build as the days feel a touch cooler, the leaves are transitioning into their vibrant hues and seasonal treats tasting of autumn are popping up on shelves. Where summertime is for fast-paced adventures and extended trips, fall offers a level of peace and serenity, an essence best captured by small towns. If a deep breath of fresh air, outdoor activities and slow-paced vibes are on your radar this fall, check out these six quaint destinations around the U.S.
Havre de Grace, Maryland
Including the east coast for any type of fall-related travel is a must. Havre de Grace, also referred to as HdG, is a charming historic town with plenty of scenic spots and a welcoming atmosphere. Concord Point Park is a favorite stop here, as this overlooks where the Susquehanna River meets Chesapeake Bay. The Concord Point Lighthouse adds a unique coastal element, while several art installations located throughout the park contribute to the overwhelming sense of community in HdG.
Considering the close proximity to the Susquehanna, a hike through Susquehanna State Park showcases stunning views of the glistening water, towering trees and abundant waterfalls, all enhanced further by the surrounding fall foliage. Visitors to HdG should be sure to check out the Promenade, a boardwalk along the prized river featuring seafood dining options and plenty of local shops. Don’t forget to head downtown as well to Bomboy’s Homemade Candy and try some handmade sweets!
Taos, New Mexico
Likely not the first place that comes to mind for a fall-themed vacation, but Taos has all the seasonal stops. Located in northern New Mexico’s high desert by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the weather may allow for activities such as hiking, rafting, biking and flyfishing — a journey up Wheeler Peak, the state’s tallest peak, is worth the long miles for the views of civilization far below. Taos may not appear so, but the town is rich with history. Roughly one mile away sits Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site harboring a Native American community actively living in multi-story adobe buildings. A stop here and at the Taos Pueblo Collective in the visitor’s center offers a snapshot into the culture of the Puebloan people through local vendors and artists. In addition to this unique community, Taos is also home to the San Francisco de Asis Church, an active 18th-century parish and National Historic Landmark.
Travelers can take in the sights of Taos and neighboring areas with a picturesque 85-mile drive on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway — starting in Taos, the route moves through Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest and Angel Fire. For some fall festivities, visitors should stick around for the last weekend of October (25-27) for this year’s Taos Mountain Balloon Rally. The event hosts roughly 35-50 hot air balloons, complete with sunrise mass ascensions, live music and children’s activities.
Bainbridge Island, Washington
A ferry ride out from Seattle and across Puget Sound, the family-friendly destination of Bainbridge Island awaits. While it certainly is not a small town in its population, the layout and community activities make it feel that way. The Bainbridge Farmer’s Market is a great place to start, with local vendors selling seasonal goodies and fresh produce. Travelers can enjoy the classic PNW weather with a stroll through the Gardens at Bloedel Reserve or hike in the Grand Forest — the mixture of mature trees and gloomy clouds makes for a superb autumnal experience.
Back downtown, Winslow Way, Bainbridge’s main street, is a lovely opportunity to mingle with locals as it's filled with independent shops, restaurants and art galleries. For the adults, a winery or brewery may be on tap to taste the flavors of a new region — Eleven and Bainbridge Brewery & Taproom are especially noteworthy for their craft drinks. Visitors during the month of October should participate in the Pumpkin Walk at Bainbridge Gardens, where a historic nature trail is lined with hundreds of hand-designed pumpkins — admission is free and perfect for all ages.
Stanley, Idaho
Categorizing Stanley as under-the-radar would be a severe understatement considering the state’s inhabitants don’t even seem to know about it — a 2020 U.S. census report puts the town’s population at only 116 people. Despite its size, Stanley is a gorgeous town located at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, providing especially beautiful views during the fall months. Hiking around Bench Lakes, Alice Lake and Sawtooth Lake is recommended, though other activities such as fishing, river rafting and horseback riding are available, weather permitting. Stanley is also home to plenty of naturally occurring hot springs, and travelers can take advantage of this wellness experience at Boat Box Hot Spring or Sunbeam Hot Springs.
While there are plenty of outdoor activities to be had in Stanley, visitors can spice up the trip with a quick drive over to neighboring towns such as Ketchum and Hailey, noted for their one-of-a-kind craft breweries. For the history buffs, the ghost town of Custer is located 40 minutes away. Settlers around 1879 moved to the area in hopes of finding iron and gold, but as the resources dried up, residents moved away. Some of the buildings, such as the Empire Saloon and schoolhouse, have been restored and are now popular attractions. Regardless of how a visitor spends their time in Stanely, one thing is a must: stargazing. The town is a Dark Sky Reserve and the only Gold Tier dark sky park in the United States, meaning nightfall is an extraordinary time to witness some one-of-a-kind views.
Lenox, Massachusetts
Another town with loads of history, Lenox strikes a balance between modern spaces and charming restored spots. For a taste of the past, the “cottages,” as they’re fondly referred to, are a must-see attraction in Lenox. Because of the town’s geographical location to Boston and New York City, during the Gilded Age, wealthy families from those major cities would build summer homes here. As a result, these cottages look much closer to what we would consider today, a mansion, sitting on acres of property. If travelers are interested in chic accommodations, some of these homes have since been transformed into hotels, and others, museums. The Mount, where Edith Wharton gathered the social elite and sought her writing inspiration, is another mark on this town’s history books that is worthy of a visit.
Aside from the extensive history, Lenox has much to offer the modern-day visitor, starting with Lenox Village, the area’s downtown. The streets are lined with beautiful buildings, art galleries, boutiques and delicious restaurants. Specifically, The Bookstore & Get Lit Wine Bar has gained recent attention for its blending of new and used books with wine tastings. To incorporate the classic Massachusetts outdoor atmosphere, Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary hosts nearly 1,500 acres of land with miles of trails and a large pond. For the adventurers, the Overbrook Trail leads to the summit of Lenox Mountain for stunning views of the town.
Old Westbury, New York
Nestled quietly in Nassau County, Old Westbury may be overlooked by some visitors, but the village is bursting with seasonal activities and majestic places to explore. Naturally, the Old Westbury Gardens is a popular place to start, as this historic landmark is one of the town’s main attractions. The former estate of John Shaffer Phipps, a businessman and heir to his family’s fortune, the now-converted museum home sits on 200 acres of formal gardens and grounds. It’s a sight to behold, especially as vibrant fall leaves add to the scenery. Tours of the property run from April to October, but travelers should keep an eye out for events such as health and wellness classes, car shows, book signings and more.
For more fall-themed festivities, travelers of all ages should check out Hicks Nurseries. Parking and admission are free, in addition to activities such as corn hole, scarecrow ring toss, Connect 4 and bowling. The young ones will particularly enjoy meeting Otto the Ghost and participating in his immersive Halloween story experience. Of course, a corn maze and food trucks are also on the grounds to complete the experience. Visitors up for some paranormal activity can move over to Oyster Bay, roughly a 15-minute drive away, to participate in Raynham Hall Museum’s Historic Spirits Tour. Once the home of Robert Townsend, a spiritualist healer takes guests around the property to show where spirit energy resides and how to respectfully communicate between worlds.
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