THE THOMS SUNDAY TRAVEL SECTION.
Autumn Leaves
In August, we were not thinking of traveling much further than the mailbox. And with the heat, and the restrictions and…
Then it was September, and things began changing. Some schools began opening. A few parks began opening. Some restaurants began…
And now it’s October. But that means it’s too late to plan an Autumn vacation.
Say WHAT? It’s a perfect time.
Fall is not the least expensive period (in most places) to travel. But, it sure is easier on the pocketbook than “family vacation” months June – August.
Kids are back in school, physically or not, so the large family units are not traveling.
However, in seasonal areas (Alaska, lakes, etc.), their workforce is returning to college if they were open this summer. Service levels may drop, or services may be non-existent. Expect seasonal restaurants to start running out of certain items the closer to the end of the season.
As always, a little due-diligence can pay off.
So Where Do You Want To Go in Autumn?
September Song.
Fall is festival time. Google fall festivals in _______ (city or state you wish to visit.)
Bourbon festivals, cranberry harvest, and even a head start on Octoberfest are a few fun things to experience in September.
The Northern States are the first to receive fall-like weather and temperatures.
Although it’s too early for the “fall colors” in New England, it’s a great time to explore there. Think smaller crowds and hikes are better in “brisk” weather.
When was the last time you went to a college football game? Set up a tailgate in your driveway with a few people in your bubble.
Why are we even talking about September? Don’t I know what month we are in?
I mention it because several September activities are taking place this year in October. And yes, many are taking place next year. But it is worth a Google.
October Road.
Festival time is in full bloom. Google October festivals in _______ (city or state you wish to visit.)
Everyone is German, or at least drinking beer. Trees are turning in the northern states, and more crops are coming in. You might find the number of Pumpkin Festivals surprising.
Some of the “must-play” golf courses have lower (I did not say cheap) rates towards the end of the month. For courses in the south, that’s not bad news. Maybe now you can add “that” golf shirt to your collection.
Hot air balloons are finding great flying weather.
Wineries are winding up their harvests.
Not near a winery? Have your bubble group over for a wine tasting on the back deck before it gets too cold. Or grill some brats and drink German beer. There is no law you must do it in Germany.
How about a firepit with hot apple cider?
Drive through the countryside and tell yourself you’re in Maine or New Hampshire. The Maples trees look the same in Indiana as they do in Vermont.
Treat yourself to some pancakes with real maple syrup or something with maple frosting.
Did they cancel a concert? Get together with whoever you were going with. Put on one of their recordings, and use the money you saved on parking for good treats.
Dust off the imagination. Any trip right now is good for the soul.
A little Further Away.
Alaska has the “Gone Fishin” sign out, and everyone is hibernating, somewhere sunny. Expect rain. Salmon fishing is over. The bears who eat them are also hibernating. Trout fishing is great. Denali Park stops the mandatory school bus tours in mid-September. In October, guests can drive their own car as far as mile marker 30. That’s neat. Your car should be more comfortable than the seats on the park’s buses. However, it’s still the same one road in, and then 30 miles back on the same road. With minimal wildlife sightings and visibility if it is raining. Not my first choice to see the “spectacular” that is Alaska.
But what about Autumn in the Rockies, Blue Ridge, Cascades, Tetons, Allegany, or Space Mountain?
Have you seen Rock City?
November Rain.
Outside festivals in the north are slowing down. In the south, outdoor weather ranges from sweaters to swimsuits. Google November festivals in _______ (city or state you wish to visit.)
The southwest is warm but not oppressive. The snowbirds have not descended as heavily as they will in December.
Get out there and hike all those parks you said you would visit in Utah and Arizona. See the beautiful landscape of New Mexico.
Prices near Florida’s beaches and in Hawaii are starting to creep back up again.
Do you need one last tan to get through the holidays?
Can you reach sunshine by driving instead of flying?
A little Further Away.
Alaska in November?? Are you crazy? Yes, but regardless, it can be a GREAT time to visit Alaska in three words – The Northern Lights.
They may start appearing in late September. But by November, with shorter days of daylight, there are even better chances of seeing them.
NOTE: The Aurora Borealis is like Alaska wildlife. There is a strong chance of seeing them, but there is no guarantee.
The BEST part of doing this in November is that the Polar Express has not yet come to Alaska. Dumping 100 feet of snow and plunging temperatures into silly numbers. Even vodka should not be that cold.
What else can you do in November?
Sure there is Turkey day coming up in the United States. How can you make the most of that and be safe?
Maybe this is not the year to go out for dinner. Stay home and make grandma’s recipe that you have not had in 20 years?
Actually, attempt that pumpkin pie you have been threatening to make for the last 10 years?
Have a kids table, even if they are in their thirties. And a senior one, for that matter. It promotes safe distancing, and people get more one-on-one conversations.
For dessert, have some people change tables, so everyone gets time together.
Autumn Sweater Weather
We just had the Harvest Moon on October 1. Did you see it?
If not, do not frown. On October 31, there is the Blue Moon. Don’t let it see you standing alone.
But wait, that’s not all. Look at it before midnight, and you will also be seeing the Full Hunter’s Moon.
Mull some wine, or heat some cider.
Make homemade yeast balls like the pioneers, rolling them in cinnamon sugar when they come out of the hot oil.
Or buy some donut holes at Duncan and nuke em.
Your mind and your soul deserve a vacation.
There is something out there that respects your comfort and safety level. Find it!
Please scroll down to the “comments” section at the bottom. Please tell me your thoughts on:
“What is a favorite Autumn memory for you?”
Please help me spread the news by rating, commenting, and sharing this blog below. – THANKS!
“See the World” Continued on Page T3. “Taste the World” Continued on T11.
“Even vodka shouldn’t be that cold.” HA The line of the week. Also, I have seen Rock City, and I am here to report that the best part was the triple decker grilled cheese in the local diner. You’re welcome. <3
Reveling in autumn leaves while driving through Brown County, Indiana is one of my favorite family memories. Even a pandemic can’t stop a leisurely drive in the country. Then I will come home and nuke some Dunkin Donuts (for me, that was the line of the week!). I can smell them now…
Don’t forget the Cumberland mountains of western Maryland. It is glorious in fall and even has a fall foliage train ride. Come visit me and we can explore! PS don’t forget to bring the too cold vodka – very witty Thomas!
Another excellent article! Have to save this one for next fall’s travels.
One of my favorite Fall memories growing up in Central Florida where the seasons are mild was Halloween because we kids got to pick our own costumes and then trick or treat in the neighborhood. It was a simpler era. One of my more recent memories was traveling to Indiana and Michigan to visit family, see the Fall foliage, the fields of corn and orchards of apples ready for harvesting, and sitting on a porch enjoying good food, fresh pies and warm conversation.