After that long-awaited summer vacation has come and gone, and the holiday season still feels miles away, you might be tempted to fill the calendar with a long weekend getaway. Take this as the sign you’ve been looking for to start planning a weekend away this fall, and keep reading for some ideas of great destinations throughout the United States.
Nashville, Tennessee
If you’ve been shying away from visiting Music City during the summer due to its sweltering summer heat, a trip to Nashville this fall might just be your jam! While temperatures during the day don’t drop too low, your days will definitely feel cooler and your nights might get downright chilly—perfect for enjoying outdoor patios with fire pits. Seasonal events like Oktoberfest, Musicians Corner Fall Series, and other outdoor markets and festivals will keep you busy, but don’t forget that this city escape is known for its honkey-tonks and other live music venues, along with rooftop bars, Western shops and trendy boutiques, as well as plenty of places to catch a football game if that’s a nonnegotiable for your group.
Boston, Massachusetts
This destination is perfect for travelers longing to see autumn in New England, while enjoying Boston’s buzzing atmosphere. Known for being very walkable, exploring the city’s historic landmarks, neighborhoods, and college campuses will be much more enjoyable in fall’s temperate weather. And while Boston is a city, you’ll definitely see plenty of fall foliage, especially in places like Boston Common, Public Garden, and along the Charles River Esplanade. That being said, many travelers looking to venture to more rural parts of Massachusetts for some leaf peeping use Boston as a starting point anyway, so don’t rule out a day trip if you have time!
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Trying to escape a big city and head to a cozy retreat? Hot Springs is a hidden gem, and absolutely perfect for a fall weekend getaway. Located in the Ouachita Mountains, this little city is an easy drive from Little Rock and has a surrounding national park with trails and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower that lets visitors discover the beautiful changing leaves. Stroll through historic Bathhouse Row, and pop into Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center, Superior Bathhouse Brewery, or many of the other shops, galleries, and eateries. Visit the area’s 210-acre Garvan Woodland Gardens to see a blend of beautiful natural scenery and architectural masterpieces. You’ll be able to relax but still feel like you’ve seen and done a lot during a long weekend at this slightly off-the-radar destination.
San Antonio, Texas
If you’re not ready to give up the summer sun quite yet, San Antonio’s autumnal weather might be what you’re looking for. Much more comfortable than its summertime highs, average temperatures drop from the low 90s in September to the low 80s in October and even the low 70s in November—the perfect temps to explore this historic city in! The crowds will lessen around San Antonio’s iconic landmarks like The Alamo and its picturesque River Walk, and you’ll have plenty of options to stop for a bite to eat to try local fare like delicious Tex-Mex and barbecue. While San Antonio easily deserves a longer stay, a long weekend gives you just enough time to soak up the culture, flavors, and charm that make this city unforgettable.
Bend, Oregon
A blend between the mountainous terrain of the Cascade Mountains and the beauty of the high desert, the changing leaves during fall in Bend make the landscape take on a golden glow. During your weekend getaway, you’ll enjoy an equal part of outdoor adventure as well as a cozy, small-city atmosphere. From trails that give you waterfront or waterfall views, to hikes that lead you through old-growth forests and desert scenes, it’s hard not to get outside and explore on foot. Bend’s downtown is also very walkable, and you’ll find local coffee shops, art galleries, boutiques, and more around every corner. Oh, and did we mention that Bend has more breweries per capita than most cities in the United States? Happy brewery hopping!
