Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore! Find the top best things to do during the autumn season in the USA and around the world!
Día de Muertos, Mexico
Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is Mexico’s largest fall festival. Some of the most festive celebrations take place in Mexico City, Guanajuato City. And the well-known Oaxaca Day of the Dead holiday celebration, considered the country’s best cultural event. The holiday officially takes place on November 1-2, though towns start preparing much earlier. Mexico City is the one real exception, as the large Day of the Dead parade usually takes place the weekend prior to November 1. For the other towns in Mexico, you can expect city-wide celebrations. With music, parades, and dancing in the streets for days. Though it is a holiday to commemorate the deceased, it is in no way a somber event. Rather, it’s a chance to party with our departed loved ones, who are said to return earth-side during the holiday.
One of the most beautiful elements of Dia de Los Muertos are the ofrendas, or altars. The altars are adorned with images of the deceased as well as their favorite items, foods, and drinks. It is said they will be tired after their journey back and in need of refreshment! There are also marigold flowers, candles, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), and other symbolic items. If you are planning to attend Day of the Dead in Mexico; most city-wide events, parades, and street parties are free to attend. While less of an issue in Mexico City, if you’re visiting any of the pueblos (small towns), book your accommodation early. As hotels often sell out. Wherever you choose to attend, book a place as close to Centro Historico (each town’s Historic Downtown) as possible. As that’s where the big events will take place.
Recommended by: Shelley at Travel Mexico Solo
Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
Known as one of the most scenic drives in Colorado, the Trail Ridge Road stretches through Rocky Mountain National Park. Traveling from Estes Park to Grand Lake. It’s designated as an American Scenic Byway. And there’s no better way to experience this gem of a drive than by treating yourself to the spectacular views of the fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The bright yellow hues of aspens are the signature fall colors of the drive, and you will encounter the full spectrum from red to orange to golden brown by visiting during the autumn. The drive is 48 miles long, but it’s recommended to allow at least a full day to explore, especially if you want to take a break to stretch your legs (many of the best hikes in Colorado are in the area!) Local tip: Start driving as early in the morning as possible. This is a very popular drive, so the best way to beat the crowds is by getting there earlier than they do. Start your drive early! Note that the road closes when it snows, so check the weather.
Recommended by: Meg at Fox in the Forest
Mount Rainier, Washington
A wonderful fall activity is huckleberry picking and a great place to do so is Mount Rainier, National Park. Huckleberry picking is a wonderful end-of-summer tradition that you can do with your kids (though they may eat most of the berries while picking them), partner, friend, or alone. Huckleberries are small berries that range in color from red to black. They grow on small plants and are mostly found in the PNW. These tasty little berries are perfect for making jam or to use in muffins, pancakes, or other delicious baked goods.
In Mount Rainier NP non-commercial berry picking is allowed. You don’t need a permit and you may gather up to two quarts per person per day (by hand). The best places to go hunting for berries are along the Noble Knob trail and at the Indian Henry’s Hunting Grounds. Besides huckleberry picking Mount Rainier is also a wonderful place to admire the fall colors. Tackle one of the many trails (the Alta Vista trail is a great option for any fitness level) or go mountain biking or horseback riding. The Paradise Inn is the best place to stay, but it’s often fully booked. Note that the Paradise Inn is open for the 2021 Season until October 4, 2021. Here you can find more information about the current (COVID-19) conditions at Mount Rainier.
Recommended by: Lotte at Eschbach Consulting
Great Smoky Mountain, Tennessee
Along with the beautiful fall foliage in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, there are a number of fun fall festivals and activities in Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas. The best time to see the fall colors in Great Smoky Mountain National Park is from mid-October to early November. The Park has about 100 species of trees ranging from scarlet oaks to red maples. The changing colors of the leaves do vary by elevation with the lower elevation having later peak foliage. The most popular time to visit is the last three weeks in October.
Here are the best things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park to see the fall foliage:
Drive or bike Cades Cove
Hike along the Appalachian Trail
Climb to the top of Clingmans Dome
Visit Laurel Falls
As well as spending time in the park, be sure to check out some of the festivals and fall events in the area. Fall At Kyker Farms is usually open from the last week in September through October 31. There are a lot of family activities like a corn maze, petting zoo, hayrides, and more. You can also pick out your own pumpkin at Pumpkin Patch Express. Ober’s Oktoberfresh runs through November 1st and celebrates the traditions in Munich, Germany. Be sure to visit hungry so try all of the Bavarian-inspired cuisines. The Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is a great place to pick up some artisan souvenirs.
Recommended by: Candice at CS Ginger
Salam, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts is one of the oldest towns in the United States, founded in 1626. Best-known as the site of the horrifying Salem Witch Trials of 1692, Salem is also home to fantastic museums, beautiful green spaces, and great restaurants. One of the best things to do in the city is planning an October visit, in order to take advantage of the month-long Haunted Happenings Festival. October is a truly special time of year in Salem, and there are all sorts of fun activities for all walks of life, from families to young couples, to a girls’ trip. Wander the streets peeking at the elaborate costumes, listening to talented buskers and street performers, and window-shopping at the variety of small businesses selling homemade goodies like soaps and candles at the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, as well as lots of witch-and-warlock themed apparel.
There are different activities each day on the calendar released by the festival, so you’ll be able to plan ahead based on what you would like to do. The Festival also celebrates the Pagan holiday Samhain, as well as hosts a Grand Parade, movie nights, costume balls and theatre performances, and ghost tours and haunted houses galore. Be sure to download the special app prior to arriving! The cherry on top of your visit will be getting to see gorgeous fall leaves. Salem is an easy day trip from Boston on the commuter rail, so perhaps schedule a day trip over as part of a larger trip to Boston. If you’d like to stay in Salem proper, consider the historic Hawthorne Hotel.
Recommended by: Tegan + Alex at Why Not Walk Travel Guides
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