East Coast Fall Vacations

Everyone is familiar with an East Coast summer; long walks on the beach, lobster rolls and soaking up the sunny days. But have you considered an East Coast fall? Imagine the vibrant colours of the leaves as you sip on a warm apple cider, your favourite knit sweater keeping you cozy in the ocean breeze. So as we head into the cooler months, here are just a few ideas to enjoy these East Coast Fall vacations.

Vermont

A state filled with picturesque rolling hills, charming small towns and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and biking, there is plenty to do in Vermont in the fall. Vermont has the highest concentration of maple trees in the country, making this the perfect location to take in the changing leaves. Try and visit towards the end of September or the beginning of October if you want to have the best chance to experience peak fall foliage, there is nothing more beautiful than when the trees are at their brightest colour. If you’re looking for a unique way to take in the leaves, consider a scenic chair lift ride at one of the many ski hills that offer rides up the mountains for total panoramic views of the landscape. If you prefer to stay on the ground, map out a drive through the scenic byways that travel through forests and farmlands. No matter what you choose to do, fall in Vermont will not disappoint!

Acadia National Park, Maine

Many will say that fall is the best time to visit Acadia National Park. Less crowds, pleasant hiking temperatures and cheaper hotel prices make this an excellent time to visit one of the best National Parks in the US. Consider staying in Bar Harbor, which is a convenient trip away from the park and has a great selection of places to eat. While visiting the park, try some impressive hikes to take in the fall foliage or drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise.

Tip – If you want to drive up to Cadillac Mountain, you will be required to make a reservation ahead of time. Make sure to plan ahead and book your spot!

Hudson Valley, New York

Located two hours from New York City, this is a great weekend getaway location on the East Coast. In a region famous for its vineyards and apple orchards, you can partake in all of the essential fall activities. Many of the farms offer classic family-friendly events such as hay rides, corn mazes and pumpkin picking, making this a fun destination for all ages! For the adults, if you want to visit the wineries, check out the Shawangunk Wine Trail. The trail is made up of award-winning wineries, cideries and distilleries, all with breathtaking views of the mountains and the Hudson River. Nothing beats sampling a few glasses of wine with beautiful scenery.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Once summer ends and the beachgoers head home, Cape Cod in the fall is a quieter atmosphere with the same coastal charm, beautiful beaches and delicious seafood. The days are still warm in the fall months so that you can spend time outdoors and the weather is perfect for activities such as biking, kayaking or golfing, there is so much to do! If you’re interested in a whale-watching tour, the fall is a great time to do so before the whales migrate south for the winter. There is nothing more thrilling than seeing these large mammals in the wild! Finally, this is a great time to try some of the best restaurants without needing a reservation. During the peak summer months, it can be impossible to book restaurants with all of the crowds. Once late summer and early fall hits, you most likely won’t need to reserve at any of the restaurants with the exception of possibly some weekends. This is a great time to enjoy the seasonal produce and eat your way along the coast!