Beech Tree News Network

In the fall, kids go back to school and adults usually work. This can result in lower travel prices and less crowding in addition to cooler temperatures at many popular vacation destinations. With fall break just around the corner, I’ve been reading about ideas for fall vacations. 

U.S. News (https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-fall-getaways/) pulled together a list of twenty travel destinations for fall that allow visitors to enjoy foliage and autumn activities. The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings were based on an analysis of both expert and user opinions. The top ten destinations chosen within the United States are listed below:

1.      

Grand Canyon (Arizona)

2.     

Sedona, Arizona

3.     

Ashville, North Carolina

4.     

Yellowstone (Wyoming, Idaho, Montana)

5.     

Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina, Tennessee)

6.     

Telluride, Colorado

7.     

Charleston, South Carolina

8.    

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

9.     

Adirondacks (New York)

10. 

San Francisco, California

This information interested me because it included many areas easily accessible to our region of the United States. Additionally, several national parks – excellent educational opportunities – were considered in their recommendations.

A second article by Christopher Koulouris, “Cheap Fall Break Destinations in the U.S.,” listed six popular locations that are good for families as well as being more affordable during fall break. Those destinations included Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; the Catskill Mountains in New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Visitors might also choose local October activities for family entertainment at these destination.

Finally, an article, “10 Best Fall Shoulder Season Destinations for Families” (https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/family/photos/10-best-fall-shoul...), identified nine U.S. destinations for family vacations during the fall shoulder season (A shoulderseason is a travel season between peak and off-peak seasons, especially spring and fall, when fares tend to be relatively low.). The nine destinations were:

·        

Niagara Falls, New York

·        

Colorado Springs, Colorado

·        

Tucson, Arizona

·        

Las Vegas, Nevada

·        

Cooperstown, New York

·        

Orlando, Florida

·        

Branson, Missouri

·        

National Parks

·        

Texas Hill Country

Interestingly, national parks were again mentioned as a favorite for family vacations, and Branson, Missouri – not too far away – was also included in this list.

Even though I don’t enjoy traveling as much as I did when I was younger, I do appreciate the occasional visit to the Smoky Mountains or to a beach destination. Also in the U.S., I would like to visit (1) the western national parks and some of the northwestern coast line, (2) many of the New England states, and (3) parts of New Mexico and Texas. However, during this fall break, I plan to spend my time in Morgantown, and I’m hoping for beautiful fall weather.