The fall and winter months can feel far too eerie to tolerate, but the good news is that they don’t have to stay that way when you’re traveling. In this article, we present six cities with awesome seasonal activities to check out so you can avoid those cold-weather blues.
1. Visit Sleepy Hollow
Washington Irving’s classic novel, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” was based in Sleepy Hollow, making it one of the most iconic fall destinations. Beyond the haunted houses and Great Jack-o-lantern Blaze (the famous fall and Halloween festival), you can go on graveyard tours or take autumn hikes to view the Hudson Valley.
2. Visit Dallas, Texas
Enjoy a plethora of fall festivals and learn more about the history of Halloween when you book your flights to Dallas. From pumpkin patches and exhibits to the four twenty-foot-tall pumpkin houses, there are a lot of fall activities to see and enjoy!
For a spooky, outdoor hike, head out to The Katy Trail, an old route built on a railroad line. This trail leads to the Katy Trail Icehouse, where you can stop in for a beer to cool off. EDM fans can head to Lights All Night Festival in the winter. If family holiday events are more your speed, attend the Dallas Holiday Parade and watch marching and street bands dance their way through the holiday season.
3. Visit Tarrytown, NY
In Tarrytown, watch the Tarrytown Halloween parade or the costume-filled 5k runs that take place during the season. Enjoy the Music Hall Holiday Market, catch a $5 holiday film, or shop at the Holiday Boutique at Philipsburg Manor in the winter.
4. Visit Chicago, Illinois
Chicago in the fall is the best time to visit because the weather is pleasant and there’s also an abundance of haunted history to investigate! You can take ghost tours in Lincoln Park or go on your own to the Graceland Cemetery, where famous individuals from the 19th Century were buried.
Check out the apple-picking farms and have a blast exploring pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Or experience winter wonderland in Chicago’s botanical gardens, then ice skate at Maggie Daley Park and attend the Lincoln Park Zoolights Festival for twinkly holiday magic.
5. Visit Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Although the Pacific Northwest is known for its varying landscapes, the fall season is a consistent treat every year. The 80-mile canyon that is the Columbia River Gorge boasts views, hiking trails, and spots for wine tasting. The area celebrates the fall season with the Hood River Fruit Loop, a scenic drive that directs you to farms, wineries, and other goodies.
Decide what to be for Halloween and party hard at The Haunted Hotel Halloween Bash in Hood River. In the winter, attend the Hood River Holidays parade, a tree lighting ceremony, and ride on the Mt. Hood Christmas Train!
6. Visit Black Hills, South Dakota
Head over to Black Hills and admire the colorful fall leaves bordering the many winding roads. Visit Custer State Park and watch the annual Buffalo Roundup, where cowboys and cowgirls direct a herd of over 1,000 buffalo.
If you stay well into October, you can have some fun at the Deadwood Oktoberfest. Black Hills offers a unique winter experience that includes snowmobiling across 350 miles of trails. For something more chill, go snowshoeing in Spearfish Canyon and take in forest views.
The Big Picture
From September to December, these destinations will spark your love for the season. Whether you’re ready for a spooky adventure or just want to get your fill of farmer’s markets, the above six cities will be a hit!
