Hot apple cider, comfy sweaters, anything pumpkin flavored…just a few things that come to mind when fall is in the air. I find myself wanting to stay in more, sipping on a nice cup of hot tea curled up on my comfy couch (in the corner, of course, my family knows the spot). I also find myself thinking about where would be the best place to explore during the autumn. You know, the places that you imagine would be in story books and paintings with brightly colored fall foliage. Beautiful places that you can enjoy a brisk hike in nature or wander down charming streets to find that one coffee shop that makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. Here are my top 5 picks:
Photo via Flickr by Anthony Quintano
1. New York, New York
I have visited New York in the summer and winter months, but never in the fall. I mean, who wouldn’t want to wander about Central Park in all of it’s fall-ish glory? Yes, my fellow wanderers, New York is number 1 on my list and I hope to make this dream a reality very soon! I can imagine it now…starting out my day with breakfast, a chocolate croissant and coffee to be more specific, from the Eric Kayser bakery. I would then take a stroll through Central Park, maybe finding a spot on a bench somewhere to daydream about what it would be like to live in such a place. Once I woke up from my daydreaming a bit, I would pay a visit to one of NYC’s amazing art museums like maybe the Guggenheim. I would then like to explore more of the neighborhoods, Greenwich Village and Soho (grabbing lunch and doing a bit of shopping). A perfect ending to my day would be taking in a Broadway show followed by dinner at Carmines. **sigh**
Photo via Flickr by Damien Roue
2. Paris, France
When I make my return to Paris, I would love for it to be in the fall! Don’t get me wrong, I could probably enjoy just about any season in Paris! However, picturing Paris in the fall just seems right…sitting outside at a corner cafe, feeling the cooler air on your skin all while enjoying a cafe au lait as you watch Parisians do life. I’m guessing the Eiffel Tower is even a bit more enchanting with autumn colors surrounding the base of her silhouette. I’ve also read that tourism dies down a bit in the fall, which would be another plus. Maybe this time I’ll venture outside Paris a bit too, to see more of the French countryside. Yes, Paris is always a good idea…but I wonder if it’s even a better idea in the fall?!
Read more about Paris here…Top Ten Reasons I Want to Go Back to Paris
Photo credit the Biltmore Company
3. Asheville, North Carolina
I have had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, located in the city of Asheville. You can read about my trip more here…Tour of the Biltmore! I hope to pay a visit here again soon and hope to explore more of what downtown Asheville has to offer. From what I hear, it is just amazing! I have only seen Asheville in the winter and driven through during the summer months, but I can imagine how beautiful it must be showing off the Blue Ridge Mountains accessorized by fall foliage! For more on what Asheville has to offer click on the following link…Explore Asheville!
Photo via Flickr by mat.1268
4. London, England
I say London because I haven’t been to England as of yet. I’m sure the parks in London and seeing Big Ben surrounded by yellow, red, and orange hues that autumn brings would be a beautiful sight to see! However, if I was visiting London during the fall months, I would love to take a day trip to another one of England’s picturesque cities like Oxford or Cotswolds. Wandering down streets adorned with thatched roof cottages, drinking tea and crumpets sitting fireside in an old English-style Tudor B&B, yes please!
Photo via Flickr by Michael Matti
5. Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon made the list because I have heard so many wonderful things about this city…the people, the nature, the art, the coffee houses, the Portland Japanese Gardens (which is closed now until March 1 for an expansion) just to name a few. Located just 30 minutes (driving-time) outside Portland, you can explore the beautiful Multnomah Falls. Seeing photos of Multnomah Falls during the fall is what first captivated and inspired my desire to visit Portland.
Now that you’ve seen my top 5 picks, what would be your top cities to explore during the fall?
I would pick anywhere East coast. Willaimsport, PA is close to my heart. Although we currently live in Bavaria Germany and I’ve never seen the colors change like this. Love your ideas too!
Oh, Bavaria! We have a family trip planned there this coming summer! I’m so excited!! What a wonderful place to call home:-) Hope you make it over here and to the east coast for a visit soon! I’ve never been to Williamsport, PA. I’ll have to check it out:-) Thanks for the lovely comment, Lisa!
This is the perfect list, Andele! I would pick the same places too! Fall is such a beautiful season and anywhere that has big, beautiful trees and cool weather is best enjoyed in the fall. Btw, the corner of the couch is my favorite place too 😉
Thanks, Joscelyn! You and I seem to have a lot in common:-) Isn’t there just something about the corner of the couch that says “I’m comfy, sit here” haha!
I am such a travel hooker –I mean ‘globe trotter’ as I pay my own way– at heart that just about anywhere would work. Although, people do visit from all over to the NC mountains. I would like that too! Just a dance away…. I think I will go. You’re making me froth at the coffee cup about travel!
Hi, Amy! Yes, you should pack a bag and go get wonderfully lost somewhere! Sounds like a travel adventure is well overdue 😉 Thanks for reading and the lovely comment!