An Insider’s Guide to the Best Places to Visit in the Fall

Flannels. Crunchy leaves. And pumpkin spice everything. There’s no denying it — fall is in the air! And so are getaways,… Because a trip out of town to see spectacular foliage (and maybe stomp on some grapes) is the perfect autumn adventure.

What do you say? Ready to pack your bags? Before you book a flight, check out our picks for the best places to visit in the fall for foliage, festivals, and fun!

• Asheville, NC

  Picturesque Asheville, tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the quintessential town for a fall getaway. Nearby Pisgah National Forest (with over 120 species of trees!) is prime hiking territory, ideal for spending a crisp day surrounded by colorful changing leaves. Hike or drive, your preference, for the ultimate in scenic foliage views.

  Beyond foliage, downtown Asheville offers plenty of opportunities for fall fun. Pick apples in an orchard, indulge in a picnic basket from one of Asheville’s famous tailgate markets, or sip a craft beer while listening to bluegrass playing in the background.

  Don’t forget: Asheville is also a great city for traveling with your furry BFF!

• Berkshires, MA

  Composed of several charming towns (Lenox, Stockbridge, Pittsfield, and more), the Berkshires are one of the northeast’s best places to visit in the fall. The rolling mountains are filled with natural beauty as the dazzling autumn colors go on display. For an Insta-worthy side trip, take Route 8 to the top of Mount Greylock. At almost 3,500 feet, it’s the highest peak in the state and offers unparalleled views.

  Pick one town or road trip through several of them. You’ll find the classic New England brick buildings and white steepled churches, along with independent bookshops and antique stores.

  Foodies will delight in the many farm-to-table restaurants in the area. Hikers, you can get a taste of the Appalachian Trail.

• Franklin, TN

  Franklin is an autumn-lovers’ paradise! The town is filled with maple, oak, and hickory trees that come alive in vivid hues during the fall. A walk through the historic downtown, with its traditional Main Street, is the perfect way to admire Franklin’s colors.

  But Franklin has more than foliage to draw visitors in the fall.

  Make a pit stop at Gentry’s Farm, only open to the public in October. Go on a hayride, pick a pumpkin from the patch, or test your navigational skills in the four-acre corn maze. It’s an autumn extravaganza!

• Sonoma, CA

  Most people think of the northeast when they think of fall, but believe it or not, Cali has one of the best places to visit in the fall!

  Sonoma’s vineyards are filled with rows of bold colors, ranging from bright gold to dazzling crimson. Sommelier-led tours will take you through the wineries, so you can enjoy a sip or two of wine with your foliage-watching.

  Fall is harvest time in Sonoma, so you’ll get an up-close glimpse of how the wineries work. Many of them celebrate with their own harvest festivals, where you’ll get the chance to eat, sip, and be merry. Parties, festive hikes, and even wine stomping competitions are all part of Sonoma’s fall fun.

• Stowe, VT

  Stowe is nicknamed “Fall’s Color Capital,” and for good reason. Just one visit will convince you that it’s one of the best places to visit in the fall! You’ll be surrounded by the vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow whether you’re in town or out in the countryside.

  Stowe gives visitors some fun options for taking in the foliage: bike or hike its extensive trails or paddle along the river. Feeling a little extra adventurous? Zipline right through the changing leaves!

  If the weather drops too low (this is Vermont, you guys!), take in the spectacular scenery during a leisurely car ride, instead.

Make your fall getaway a bit easier by eliminating baggage hassles. Ship your luggage to your Airbnb or hotel with LugLess. No waiting at baggage claim and no having to drop off bags. You’ll be able to hop off the plane and get right to having fall fun!