A slight nip is in the air with a crisp feel to it that instantly refreshes the mind. The arrival of autumn means trips are being planned, and Americans are setting off to witness yet another riot of colors all around them.
With the change in weather, fall travels also usher in the festive season and the holiday mood in many ways. If you haven't had time to make it a weekend of colors, don't lose hope, but there's not much time left.
Before you plan, check out the farmer's almanac to match the dates with your state. It is a pretty decent guide to the best times to visit, region wise. Once that's done, it's time to check out the top places to visit in your area, unless you want to make it a longer trip. Usually, it is a weekend affair, so people tend to stick to close by to where they stay.
A little research will yield some great results for places that will offer the best scenic view and pleasure in and around your area. It doesn't always have to a great natural splendor or a national landmark, your local arboretum might have great things in store as well.
If you are not too far from your state line, however, and the next state is a bonafide leader for fall colors, go ahead and plan more. Here are some of the top places for fall travel in the U.S. this year. Scan through to choose one that appeals the most for your quick getaway.
1. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee
This is the height of the fall foliage season in the Smokies. The Great Smoky Mountains attract visitors around the year, but there is something special about the colors galore that adorn these mountains in fall.
With more than 100 species of flora and 800 miles of scenic roads to drive through or hike, there is no end to exploring these stunning vistas from early October to early November. It's hard to get your fill since there is so much to see, but you can stay over at the tourist town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, nearby and soak up as much color as you can.
2. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
The Ozarks are a popular summer destination, not just for Missourians but for people from all over the U.S. However, not many are aware of the splendid vistas they offer in fall.
The forests all around portray a brilliant array of colors in a mix of mahogany and gold, scarlet and russet to create an unforgettable scene. The weather is also at its friendliest best with the summer gone and winter not just here yet.
One can take in all the scenic drives and spend hours outdoors to really absorb the beauty of the mountains, lakes and forests all around. The best times to visit are the last two weeks of October, so hurry.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
It's nature at its best throughout this iconic route. The interesting topography lends a hand in making every season beautiful here, but you could say that the fall colors are definitely state of the art, natural art that is.
For almost the whole of October there is an array of colors to enjoy, so one can plan a weekend trip anytime during this month. As the leaves change color and also fall off from the highest peaks to the lowest levels of vegetation, they create a sight definitely worth watching.
4. Sonoma, California
Yes, there's much more Sonoma than its wine. Those who can boast easy access to this wine country can also enjoy a fall foliage tour that is simply mind-blowing. To top it all, the region keeps up its reputation for fine entertainment with wine tours merged with nature trails that offer a scenic fall-color experience with a difference.
Harvest season in Sonoma County is a rich and bountiful time where farmlands, forests and vineyard foliage join hands to turn from green to gold in unison. The colors last from mid-October to mid-November so there's time yet to plan and savor the tours here.
5. Arkansas Scenic Highway 7
If you stay in Arkansas or a bordering state and still haven't got around to planning your fall foliage tour, then a scenic drive through the Highway 7 here will take care of your wish.
These last few days of October see a riot of colors all over the meandering route that stretches from Arkadelphia or Hot Springs through the Ouachita Mountains, the River Valley Region and finally to the Ozarks. The diversity and richness of Arkansas’ terrain offers an incredible opportunity for nature lovers to commune with it in peace.
It's a great time for travelers and travel industry professionals alike. Along with the fall tours, bookings for the upcoming holiday season augur well for the entire travel and hospitality industries at large.
According to a survey conducted by Travel Leaders Group, travel volumes in fall this year are higher than 2013. Almost 90 percent of travel agents across the country have reported higher bookings, which shows a healthy growth curve for the industry.
