Fall is a great time to travel, and there is a well-worn path heading to America’s Northeast to see the fall colors every year. You have to try to get your reservations early for fall foliage viewing, and then fight the crowds, which doesn’t sound like much fun to me. But then again I try to stay away from crowds whenever I can, so if you don’t want to fight the crowds at the B&B’s or simply are looking for a different way to experience fall colors, here are my best suggestions for atypical Fall Destinations.
Above, Alaska
Minnesota From Above
While everyone heads east, why not just head North to Minnesota? There’s an excitement in Minnesota in the autumn as everyone tries to soak up every last minute of great outdoor time they can before the harsh winter comes. The Land of 10,000 lakes also has thousands of trees, and viewing them from above in a hot air balloon is a great way to see the fall colors.
Alaska in August
Don’t blink or you may miss it! Fall comes and goes really fast in Alaska so timing is everything. The beautiful backdrop of snowy mountain peaks and glaciers is a great way to experience fall colors. The blooming pinkish fireweed quickly turns to a rustic red color and the birch trees start glowing bright gold. They practically look illuminated next to the green pine trees. You’ll want to plan your fall color viewing trip for the end of August/beginning of September. Or if you are planning on going further north above the Arctic Circle, then you’ll see the fall colors much earlier in August!
NYC Inwood Park
Don’t forget urban leaf viewing; sometimes you can find great autumn serenity in your own backyard – even if it is surrounded by skyscrapers. A few years ago while in NYC I decided to go to Inwood Park in Northern Manhattan – a place seldom visited by downtown locals or tourists. The park is surprisingly full of hills and large boulders that you wouldn’t expect to find in NYC. You’ll also find beautiful views of the Hudson River and you may even forget that you are in the city!
Sherry Ott is a refugee from corporate IT who is now a long term traveler, blogger, and photographer. She’s a co-founder of Briefcasetobackpack.com, a website offering career break travel inspiration and advice.
Additionally, she runs an around the world travel blog writing about her travel and expat adventures at Ottsworld.com.com.
