With fall quickly approaching, we want to remind you of places in the northeastern United States and Canada that are simply magical during this time of year. Now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the vibrant foliage. Any of these destinations would be a great addition to your bucket list this year or beyond.
Vermont is well known for having a beautiful landscape. It is green and lush in the spring and summer, but nothing compares to what you get in the fall. There are picturesque mountain ranges in Manchester, pops of red, orange, and yellow everywhere you look, and many great places to eat, shop at, and explore. Some places to stay include the Kimpton Taconic Hotel and The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa. Restaurants to check out are Bronwyn on Battenkill, The Restaurant at Hill Farm, and Charlie’s Coffee House.
Maine offers both a gorgeous landscape and seascape, and in the fall, it is a great place to admire the changing seasons. Bar Harbor is one of our favorite stops in the state to enjoy the color of the leaves changing and bundle up to enjoy fall drinks and cuisine (if you are a lobster lover, the fall is the height of the lobster season in Maine). Near Bar Harbor is Acadia National Park. Kayaking is still available on the coast, and you can ride on the Downeast Scenic Railroad. If you’re looking for places to dine, check out C-Ray Lobster (open in the summer through the fall), Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, and Coffee Hound Coffee Co.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island comes alive with vibrant hues in the fall. Once you’re there, some of the must-see places are Meat Cove, Egypt Falls, Aspy Fault, and St. Ann’s Bay. The entire fall is a spectacle on the island, but the best time to visit to enjoy the colorful foliage is mid-October. Stay at any of the hotels, bread & breakfasts, cottages, or campgrounds there. Enjoy meals at Butter Beer, Breton Brewing Co., or Baddeck Lobster Suppers.
Letchworth State Park, New York
Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park is majestic year-round and a bucket list must. The weekends are busy, but if you visit on weekdays, you truly get to enjoy the scenery. Because this is such a popular destination, plan your stay ahead of time. Don’t miss out on seeing the Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls. Hike the trails and drive to viewpoints. Stay and dine at Glen Iris Inn.
Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Visiting, camping, and hiking at Terra Nova National Park in the fall is one of the most beautiful experiences you could have. Not only is the daytime a picturesque experience, but at night, the skies are dark and full of gorgeous stars. Terra Nova is designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, it is free of light pollution.