These 7 charming small towns in the United States are perfect for a fall getaway
Whether you love wrapping up in sweaters during the cold winter or want to extend your summer in warmer climes, experiencing the seasonal shifts from summer to fall is a delightful experience. Here are seven charming small towns in the United States chosen by Travel + Leisure magazine for the perfect autumn getaways.
Whether you love wrapping up in sweaters during the cold winter or want to extend your summer in warmer climes, experiencing the seasonal shifts from summer to fall is a delightful experience. Here are seven charming small towns in the United States chosen by Travel + Leisure magazine for the perfect autumn getaways.
- Cape May, New Jersey
After September, when the summer crowds fade, this quaint coastal town becomes a haven for lucky residents or visitors seeking a taste of autumn. With over 600 beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, Cape May’s historic district is a National Historic Landmark. It’s not only scenic but also a perfect seaside destination: there are walking and biking trails and numerous excellent restaurants serving local seafood. Visitors can tour historic buildings, climb the Cape May Lighthouse, sample wine at Cape May Winery, or explore the Washington Street Mall. For a fun twist, consider combining your itinerary with Sherlock Holmes Weekends, held annually from late October to early November, where you can participate in activities and solve puzzles.
- Gretna, Louisiana
Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River across from New Orleans, Gretna is the center of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana’s largest National Register Historic Site. Autumn, when the summer heat subsides, is a perfect time to visit. A variety of events celebrate the harvest season with music, dance, food, and local culture. The Louisiana Sugarcane Festival, hayrides, corn festivals, and pumpkin patches are all family-friendly. For a taste of New Orleans’ nightlife, take the ferry across the Mississippi River every 30 minutes.
- Cashiers, North Carolina
Located in Jackson County in western North Carolina, Cashiers is a quiet village of fewer than 1,000 residents nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Town life revolves around the Village Green, a 13.2-acre park featuring a large playground, botanical gardens, art galleries, and trails, along with regular seasonal events. Visitors in autumn can enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, boating, golf, and a variety of outdoor activities in the mild climate. Those visiting for the stunning fall foliage can also experience the nearby “Shadow of the Bear” spectacle, a 30-minute daily spectacle where the shadows of the mountains slowly shift, eventually forming the silhouette of a bear.
- Manchester, Vermont
The Vermont Maple Leaf Prediction Center notes that Manchester, in southwestern Vermont, is a quintessential autumn destination, with the maple leaves at their peak in mid-October. The city center boasts a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, boutique hotels, and historic buildings, all illuminated by vintage streetlights at night. This area, nestled between the Taconic and Green Mountains, offers shaded paths to waterfalls and breathtaking views. Just outside the city, you’ll find covered bridges, farms, antique shops, and apple orchards.
- Torrey, Utah
Torrey, with a population of fewer than 300, sits at a cool 6,830 feet above sea level and is known as the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. Founded by Mormons in the 1880s, the town is said to be named after Colonel Torrey, a member of Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. Capitol Reef’s sweltering summer heat makes it unsuitable for hiking, but autumn brings pleasant weather, making it a perfect time to hit the trails. It’s also a popular stargazing destination, designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015. The cool, clear autumn nights are perfect for identifying constellations.
- Bardstown, Kentucky
Founded in 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest city. Autumn offers cooler temperatures and significantly lower humidity than summer, making it a great time to visit. A glass of bourbon can help keep the chill off on cooler evenings. Nearly 200 buildings in the historic downtown area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including a stagecoach stop built in 1779, now home to the Old Talbott Tavern, the world’s oldest bourbon bar. Bourbon has been closely associated with Bardstown since the 18th century, and the city is home to the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. In fact, Bardstown, along with neighboring Covington and Frankfort, boasts some of the world’s most renowned bourbon distilleries, offering a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, bistros, and boutique inns.
- Cambria, California
Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this historic coastal town is a delight to visit year-round. During the cool autumn weather, strolling through the town or biking along its picturesque trails is particularly enjoyable. The Victorian architecture dates back to the 19th century, when Cambria was a thriving mining town. Today, visitors can explore the beachfront, art galleries, boutiques, and historic buildings. See elephant seals and other wildlife at the Piedras Blancas Rookery, especially during the fall when the pups return to their nests. Alternatively, drive 40 minutes inland to the wineries of Paso Robles, and make sure to reserve time for the Sensorio Arts Center, featuring its stunning “Field of Light” exhibit.
