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Best Autumn Destinations in the US: The Places to Be When the Autumn Leaves Start to Fall

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best autumn destinations

Fall is my favorite season of the year. The best autumn destinations all share special traits: crunch of the fall leaves under your feet, the smell of freshly baked apple pies in the air, and the taste of seasonal coffees from your local café that bring you the  coziest experiences of the year.  

We tend to look at all the amazing things going on around the world, but today we want to focus on fall traditions you can start right here in the United States. 

You can easily book your next fall adventure through ALLMYNE! Pick the location and have a local guide to help you fill in all the little details. You can also customize it all on your own, too! Through ALLMYNE, you get access to locations and experiences you would have never considered before through the AI Recommender feature. 

We encourage you to play around with our trip builder. On top of that, you can capture these memories through the Journal function on the app, which works like a digital scrapbook for all of your travel endeavors. 

Besides the fact that my birthday is in autumn (shout out to my October babies!), I adore the communal vibes that emerge during the season. You have corn mazes, hay rides, and pumpkin carving contests, and these are all things one can do with their family and friends. 

Recently, my boyfriend and I went to our local Pumpkin Fest. It was so wonderful to check out the little boutiques and food trucks. (If you love food trucks as much as I do, I encourage you to check out this article!) And of course, I couldn’t leave without grabbing some loaves of pumpkin roll. I mean, pumpkin bread and cream cheese are one of my favorite food combinations out there!

With that being said, we’ve compiled a list of the best autumn destinations to be during this and the fall seasons to come. Whether you’re looking for a place with colorful parades and fall foliage or tasty treats and pumpkin decorating, we’ve got you covered.

Love Arts & Crafts? Add These Destinations to Your Trip

Fall arts and crafts have definitely expanded into something more than just carving pumpkins into jack o’ lanterns. The places below all find a way to celebrate their communities while encouraging creativity, so they should definitely be on your list of best autumn destinations in the US.

New York – The Great Jack o’ Lantern Blaze

Take for example, the Great Jack o’ Lantern Blaze in New York. 

Fall in the Northeast is always so breathtaking! The event, held in Long Island and Hudson Valley, is a pumpkin trail through a 19th-century village or 18th-century estate amidst thousands of hand-carved jack o’ lantern sculptures. 

This family-friendly experience has free parking, and you have to book your tickets in advance. The event has truly blossomed every fall since its beginning in 2005. 

Mississippi – Natchez Balloon Festival

Have you ever wanted to ride in a hot air balloon? Well, the Natchez Balloon Festival in Mississippi just might be your chance to experience one! 

Tethered balloon rides are offered to the public during this festival on Saturdays (weather permitting) along with a dozen other attractions, like carnival games, live music, and local food vendors. 

You won’t want to miss the annual Natchez Balloon Race where pilots race over the Rosalie Mansion bluffs.

Minnesota – Sever’s Fall Festival

Maybe you’re looking for classic fall festival autumn destinations, the ones with pumpkin patches and petting zoos. Then head over to Minnesota for Sever’s Fall Festival, home of Minnesota’s biggest corn maze. They have tons of other things to do, too. 

Take your family with you to bounce around on the “jumping pillows” attraction, get in line to blast some pumpkins, or watch a pig race! You can find cool souvenirs to take home with you from the artisan market, as well.

Nebraska – Junkstock

Now, a lot of us have most likely heard of Woodstock, but this next place is nothing like that festival. Junkstock is definitely one of the best autumn destinations in the country: a place for vintage and antique vendors to sell one-of-a-kind items. 

Sip on a Bloody Mary as you walk through all of the artisanal stands just outside of Omaha. Catch this festival next year and enjoy tunes from local artists while you’re at it. They even have what they call “Junkhunks” to help you with large items you purchase!

Illinois – Scarecrow Weekend

In St. Charles, Illinois is the Scarecrow Weekend with its 100+ handmade scarecrows displayed in a friendly contest where visitors vote on their favorites. 

This is a great fall experience for those with kids. You can take photos with your family in their Activity Zone or head to the Family Zone for some pumpkin bowling. No matter what you decide, it is sure to be straw-some time.

Florida – Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival 

Next, we head down to sunny Florida, the home of Disney World. Boca Raton hosts the Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival every year. They have a carnival and a scarecrow village where you can dress up scarecrows. 

Their pumpkin food court is something out of a book (specifically one written by Linda White), with pumpkins cooked, baked, and roasted in every way imaginable. Adults can also take advantage of their Pumpkin Beer Bar for those warm afternoons.

California – Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Mark your calendars for 2025 because the Sonoma County Harvest Fair in California will be on October 11th, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best autumn destinations for next year. 

On their site, they say that the fair “highlights local agricultural, industrial, and recreational growers, makers, and crafters.” How delightful! Taste award-winning wine paired with locally-made cuisine. 

With presale tickets clocking in at $80, you can dress in your Sunday Best and head over to the Grace Pavilion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for a one-night-only event.

Michigan – Grand Ledge Chambers of Commerce

Every year, the Grand Ledge Chambers of Commerce in Michigan put on their own fall festival. In the middle of all the pony rides, photo booths, and food trucks, adults can enjoy the Grand Ledge Beer Fest and get themselves a cup (or two!) of craft beers and ciders. 

Use your drink tickets and souvenir beer glass to taste the evening away on Fitzgerald Field.

Tennessee – The Southern Festival of Books

Rounding out this section of the article is a festival in Tennessee. When I came across the name, it immediately got my attention—as well as a place on my fall bucket list. So, listen up, fellow bookworms. The Humanities Tennessee program in Nashville hosts The Southern Festival of Books every fall. 

This literary festival is free—that’s right, I said free!—and is one of the oldest in the country, so it’s no surprise it’s made it to our list of the best autumn destinations of the year. You can check out this year’s list of authors here

With a plethora of writing workshops and book vendors, this is any book lover’s safe space. Cuddle up with a book surrounded by the autumnal aesthetic and like-minded literature fanatics.

Pennsylvania – Bedford Fall Foliage Festival

Taking applications already for craft vendors next year, the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival in Pennsylvania is something to behold.

Oprah has named it as one of the top twenty-two festivals in the United States! Due to borough ordinance, dogs can’t be allowed at the festival, but that shouldn’t take away from the fun. 

best autumn destinations

All throughout the streets of Bedford, you have over 400 vendors to check out. From jewelry and festive treats to handmade apparel and home decor, the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival is the place to be for autumn lovers alike, making it one of the best small towns to visit in the fall.

Food & Drink

If you’re like me, you are very food-focused. When I’m invited anywhere, I have to know what the food situation will be. If dinner is going to be something delicious, I’m going to have a good day. So, it comes as no surprise that I like my fall festivals with a nice delicious dish in hand.

Pennsylvania – National Apple Harvest Festival 

With 60 years under their belt, the National Apple Harvest Festival in Pennsylvania has perfected its celebration of fall. 

Of course, you have pony rides, orchard tours, and steam engine displays, but what about the food? No list of best autumn destinations can be written without thinking of the food!

Well, it is—unsurprisingly—all apple-related. You’ve got apple cider, an apple pancake patio—this is an intriguing concept—applesauce, candied apples, apple butter… The list goes on. So, bring your sweet tooth with you when scheduling your visit to one of the best apple orchard festivals around.

Washington – Projekt Bayern Oktoberfest

The first Oktoberfest to appear on our list, the Projekt Bayern Oktoberfest in Washington is one for the books—or ALLMYNE app journal! At the time, they are working on funding in order to reinstate it to its former glory; but in the meantime, you can check out all the things that will be awaiting you when they reopen. 

The festival stretches over three weekends, so you’ll never run out of fun things to enjoy in one of the best autumn destinations in the country. They import German beer, have live German music, and make authentic Bavarian food. I’ll take two pretzels, please!

Ohio – Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Celebrating the abundant German heritage in Ohio, Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is a joy for people of all ages. For you beer drinkers, you can check out their beer guide in preparation for what next year will bring. 

You can find metered and free parking close to the festival or take the electric-powered streetcar! Over four days, there are 30+ performers to enjoy while you chow down on some bratwurst, bavarian nuts, and kettle corn.

Colorado – Breckenridge Oktoberfest

The Breckenridge Oktoberfest presented by the Breckenridge Brewery takes place in Colorado. You can purchase your very own stein with their annual logo on it, which actually looks really cool even if the event has ended this year. 

Pair Breckenridge Brewery’s signature Oktoberfest brew with classic festival food and traditional German cuisine.

November – Fall for Greenville

You’re in luck because the Fall for Greenville festival has been postponed to November. Head to South Carolina to enjoy over 50 beers, 300 foods from 60 restaurants, and 80+ bands. 

They have a Spotify playlist you can check out while you’re waiting for the exciting day to arrive, and culinary competitions between national as well as regional chefs with winners selected from a panel of judges to look forward to.

New Mexico – Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

This year, New Mexico had its 33rd annual Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, a five-day event celebrating the culinary excellence of Santa Fe.

Chefs from all walks of life are welcome to bring Sante Fe cuisine to communities around the world who come to share in the festivities. 

Ohio – Circleville Pumpkin Show

Back up in Ohio is the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Always falling on the 3rd Wednesday through Saturday in October, the Circleville Pumpkin Show has pageants, giant pumpkins, and musical experiences. 

With baked goods galore, you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time wandering through the art show or watching the parade floats competition!

Hawaii – Kona Coffee Cultural Fest

Over in Hawaii, there is the Kona Coffee Cultural Fest. Now, if you are in the region where Sheetz—a rival of Wawa—is a thing, then you remember the beloved Kona Mocha Coffee that was discontinued some time ago. 

Just mentioning the words brings tears to my mother’s eyes. For the first few days of November, Hawaiians celebrate the Kona coffee lifestyle. This is Hawaii’s oldest food festival and is meant to preserve its coffee heritage. You can enjoy spending time at a brewing workshop or go out on a farm to pick some coffee beans. 

Massachusetts – Red Apple Farm

In Massachusetts, there is the famous Boston Public Market that’s often listed as one of the best autumn destinations in the US. During the fall season, Red Apple Farm is a constant presence in the market, and all because of one thing: their apple cider donuts! And it doesn’t end there. 

They have fall popcorn flavors and Cider Bar drinks that are just as divine as their mini cider donuts. You have to get your hands on one or two—or a bunch—when you’re in town over fall.

Wisconsin – Warrens Cranberry Festival

Have you seen those Ocean Spray commercials where the two guys are standing in a pool of floating cranberries? If you saw it and wanted to know what that experience was like, then look no further than the Warrens Cranberry Festival in Wisconsin. 

Put on those cute, brown overalls and step into a sea of cranberries. It boasts of having hundreds of flea markets, food, and farmers market booths, so you have endless choices when it comes to souvenirs and on-the-go snacks.

Sights & Sounds

Sometimes, we want to just enjoy the scenery. Take a moment and breathe in the smells of fall. If you’re one of those people, then this section of the best autumn destinations is for you! These are all the sights you’ve gotta add to your Ultimate American Fall Experience List.

New York – Adirondack Balloon Festival

Firstly, did you know that New York City has its very own fall foliage map? You can check the report out here for the best locations for watching falling leaves. 

That aside, New York has the Adirondack Balloon Festival, which started in the early 1970s. The event is held at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury and brings in over 100,000 people through the four-day event. You can read a bit here about how their balloon ride policy works before you plan your visit next September!

Idaho – Trailing of the Sheep Festival

This next sight is something unlike anything we’ve mentioned up to this point. Idaho, this year, is celebrating its 29th Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival

You read that right. The Trailing of the Sheep Festival celebrates the Western culture and history of sheepherders! This is a must-see experience for family and friends alike.

Iowa – Madison County Covered Bridge Festival

Following that up is the Iowan Madison County Covered Bridge Festival. Here, you can watch the beautiful parade go by and/or visit their five covered bridges— which you would never find me journeying through at night time. Their Welcome Center has a lovely map to guide you along the way! Of their five bridges, only two are accessible via pavement. 

Oregon – West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta and Harvest on the Harbor 

Back on the West Coast, we are heading to Oregon. The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is something that just has to make it onto your bucket list. 

It is literally people dressed in costumes (sometimes pumpkin costumes) who get across the Lake at Tualatin Commons in pumpkin-esque paddle boats. Sounds fun, right? If boat races aren’t your thing, you can participate in—or watch from the sidelines like me—the 5K Run/Walk they do! 

“Harvest on the Harbor” just sounds like the epitome of autumn. Now, I will admit that the Harvest on the Harbor festival in Portland is extremely food-centric. I mean, every single event involves food. 

From distillery tastings to oyster shucking, this festival celebrates the divine culinary prowess of Maine. However, the view of beautiful foliage surrounds you as you dig into award-winning seafood. So, I’m bending the rules just a little for this one!

South Carolina – Pecan Music Festival

This next festival, the Pecan Music Festival in South Carolina, has an incredible biking experience that allows you to see Florence firsthand. 

Amidst all the nut-related puns, you can glide through trials of orange, red, and brown. You can also get a chance to see their classic car show from the Swamp Fox Old Car Club if that’s something you’re interested in!

Texas – Autumn at the Arboretum

From the end of September to the beginning of November, Dallas, Texas holds what Fodor’s Travel describes as “one of America’s best pumpkin festivals.” Autumn at the Arboretum features thousands of Floydada pumpkins, gourds, and squash amid tons of fall plants. Each year, the festival embraces a new theme, with this year’s being about the history of Texas pioneers.

Kentucky – Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular

Kentucky’s Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular is nothing short of an experience. 

Follow the trail through the Iroquois Park which is lined with hundreds upon thousands of pumpkin carvings. Pictures don’t do this event justice! As an added bonus, ticket sales all go to the Parks Alliance of Louisville non-profit. 

Illinois – Krewe of Boo! Parade

Next up, we have a parade you can’t miss. You thought Mardi Gras was a spectacle in Louisiana. Well, you’ve never heard of the Krewe of Boo! Parade in New Orleans. 

Kern Studios’ beautiful yet horrific props and sculptures on top of the floats are enough to turn your nightmares into reality. Witness the unforgettable sight yourself the weekend before Halloween brought to you by one of the best autumn destinations in the country.

Alaska – Kid’s Halloween Train

Our final stop—no pun intended—involves the Alaska Railroad. During fall, they have a Kid’s Halloween Train, where families can enjoy the beautiful foliage along the tracks while enjoying entertainment and tasty treats. 

Be sure to check out the other fun event trains the Alaska Railroad has. Their beer-themed trains sell out quickly!

Don’t Forget to Wake Me Up When September Starts

No matter where you find yourself during fall, take some time to enjoy the views around you. Experience this fall with all of your five senses and celebrate what is really important: being with your family. 

Whether you’re making baked goods together or going apple picking, spend time with the people who matter most, especially in such cozy and romantic settings.

Download the ALLMYNE app from the APPLE STORE or GOOGLE PLAY to seamlessly plan, capture, and share your travel journey with a global community of fellow explorers. 

Upgrade to our PRO subscriber level for even more perks, including audio recording in your journal, AI-powered location suggestions tailored to your interests, unlimited trip locations, and unlimited storage for all your travel memories. 

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Jaden Parker

Jaden Parker, an English Masters graduate from Penn State University, has been writing stories since elementary school.

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