Finding fall magic in unexpected locations

Key takeaways

• As the cooler air takes over the heat of summer, fall provides an excellent opportunity to plan a unique trip that is sure to have a stunning natural backdrop.
• To make the most of fall, ask yourself: Are you looking for relaxation, culture or the great outdoors?
• From golden cottonwood trees shading ancient pueblos to observing bison in the wild, fall travel provides unforgettable options for all types of tourists.

More to love about fall

Crisp air fills your lungs as the relaxing crunch of fallen leaves underfoot provides a soothing soundtrack to take in the great work of art that is nature all around you. It’s fall once again, that fleeting but magical time of transition before winter’s cold. Maybe a trip to a new part of the country is exactly what you need to immerse yourself in the season.

So grab your favorite flannel, order a pumpkin spice latte and get ready to embrace a time of year so loved it comes with its own aesthetic. September and October are full of adventures and getaways, while pleasant temperatures are inviting for vacationers of all types. And with the peak travel season of summer in the rearview mirror, the fall foliage makes for a gorgeous backdrop to sightsee with fewer crowds. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just looking for a unique family trip, here are some top destinations to get your planning started.

Be a leaf on the wind

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a charming mountain city where historic architecture meets a deeply restorative wellness ethos. Experience stunning fall foliage by driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and explore trails at Mount Mitchell State Park, which is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. Fall is also a great time to soak in the naturally warmed mineral waters in the nearby town of Hot Springs.

Where to stay in Asheville

• The breathtaking Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa, featuring several historic buildings constructed of massive granite boulders, offers you the chance to unwind in a subterranean spa set within cavernous rock walls. Indulge your tastebuds with hand-cut steaks at the Sunset Terrace, while taking in a panoramic view of the setting sun as it dips behind mountain peaks.
  
  
• The Kimpton Hotel Arras offers laid-back luxury in the center of downtown, with mid-century modern perfection designed specifically to give you the feeling of a trendy studio apartment. Whether you’re enjoying Mediterranean fine dining at the chic Bargello or a serene escape at the in-house spa, the staff at this boutique hotel work to make your stay feel tailored to you.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

As the summer heat fades, Santa Fe welcomes fall with the golden leaves of cottonwood trees turning a brilliant yellow against the deep blues and greens of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Meander through ancient pueblos made from the very sand beneath your feet. With several tours to choose from around Santa Fe, this experience is unlike anything else in the country as these are not ruins frozen in time but living communities with ancient traditions. Walking through them allows visitors to connect to the thousand-year-old history of people who existed on this land long before it was called America.

The city of Santa Fe itself is a nationally treasured artistic hub. Start on Canyon Road, a half-mile stretch that’s home to over 100 galleries. As you wander the winding adobe-lined path, you'll encounter everything from kinetic wind sculptures in hidden courtyards to traditional Native American pottery housed in centuries-old haciendas.

Don’t forget to make time for wellness. The ancient Pueblo people have long viewed water as a healing agent, and in Santa Fe you’ll be able to experience legendary hot springs resorts that will take you to new levels of rejuvenation. These restorative soaks rely on mineral-rich waters and piñon-scented air to ground your spirit and soothe your senses.

Where to stay in Santa Fe

Santa Fe offers an array of boutique hotels that feel like private sanctuaries designed to celebrate the rugged beauty of the Southwest and the artistic spirit found throughout the area. Take a quick search through Citi Travel® to find one that will help you mellow out in exactly the way you’re looking for.

Harvest and history

Napa and Sonoma, California

Fall means harvest time in one of the world’s premier wine regions. As the vineyards turn gold and crimson, you’ll have a behind-the-scenes look at the art of wine making. The region turns festive and celebratory with themed events surrounding the season. During what is often referred to as crush, named after the time period when grapes were literally crushed by foot, many wineries offer fascinating tours to watch their processes in action.

Where to stay in Napa and Sonoma

• The luxurious Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa offers the unique experience of tasting wine underground in a cave as well as at the hillside vineyards on-site.
• In Sonoma, the Victorian-era MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa is a former estate with winding paths, secret nooks and a stylish pool, all right in the center of town.
• For an enchanting experience, stay at Liora Estate in Healdsburg, an extraordinary boutique hotel that feels like a 17th-century French manor.

Charleston, South Carolina

As the summer humidity subsides, Charleston’s refreshing coastal breeze makes wandering its cobblestone streets a true pleasure. This historic port city is a masterpiece of meticulously preserved architecture, featuring 18th- and 19th-century homes and the iconic Rainbow Row — 13 row houses with pastel facades.

In autumn, the Preservation Society of Charleston hosts a series of tours that offer access inside some of the private and meticulously maintained residences that are typically closed to the public.

Where to stay in Charleston

• For a stay steeped in local history, look to the inviting hospitality of the Andrew Pinckney Inn, which combines Southern charm with a rooftop solarium overlooking the city’s skyline, famously decorated with church steeples.
• Book a stay at The Vendue, a hotel dedicated to art — and not just hotel art, but 200 rotating pieces of curated original art. This comfortable retreat is ideal for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life or may be looking for a muse of their own.  

Adventure in the outdoors

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Among the strikingly massive Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole’s golden aspen groves and cooling temperatures are practically begging for anyone who wants to explore the wilderness of the West. Early fall is the best time of year for nature lovers looking to spot elk roaming Grand Teton National Park — keep your eyes peeled for bison, bears and moose preparing for the winter months ahead.

For a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, find a campsite at an area like Jenny Lake, and bring your own tent for a night under the stars. Far away from light pollution, you’ll enjoy an unmatched view of the Milky Way and the chance to spot a passing shooting star.

Where to stay in Jackson Hole

While there are plenty of tent-only options for your accommodations, Jackson Hole is full of high-end resorts that combine natural beauty with modern-day luxuries. So after a long day of hiking extreme mountain trails, it’s up to you if you want to roll out a sleeping bag or curl up in a king bed with high-thread-count sheets.

Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island, Michigan

Fall is arguably the most spectacular season to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as extensive forests of maple and oak erupt into a vibrant palette of reds and oranges. Spend your days exploring over 300 waterfalls hidden within the dense wilderness or hiking to the top of Lake of the Clouds, a magical body of water dropped into the Porcupine Mountains not far from Lake Superior.

Or take a short ferry ride back in time to Mackinac Island, where bicycles and horses are the only modes of transportation allowed. This serene destination offers opulent hotels, welcoming shops, fine dining and famous fudge — try some while riding in the back of a horse-drawn carriage. And be sure to visit Mackinac State Park, a lush forest with excellent views of the Great Lakes and the famous Arch Rock, a natural limestone formation that juts 146 feet above the water.

Where to stay in the Upper Peninsula and on Mackinac Island

While in the northern parts of Michigan, look for a unique bed-and-breakfast. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to stay in a charming historic house and experience local culture with a friendly host ready to help you make the most of your trip.

Fall in love with fall

Fall is a time of year that reminds us we’re humans living in an always changing and beautiful world. The ephemeral nature of fall is somehow both exciting and calming at the same time. And while the fall you know is most assuredly magnificent in its own right, don’t miss out on exploring other autumn experiences around the country to see what else will capture your heart.

Find your fall now

The colors of fall are calling your name, and you can answer by booking through Citi Travel with an eligible Citi® credit card that lets you earn points on hotels, car rentals and more. It’s the best way to make your travels even more rewarding.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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