Fall Staycation Ideas- Delicious and Fun Ways to View the Changing Leaves

Saturday is the first day of Fall!!!! If you are anything like me, this is super exciting. Autumn can be a lovely time of year. The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, pumpkin coffee is at every corner shop, and Halloween is bringing out the kid in everybody. It is a great time of year to really appreciate what your local area has to offer- or travel (kids are in school, so it's not a prime time) to a place a bit more hoodie-friendly for those in the warmer climates.

Wine trails- These are not just for Napa. While the best wine may come from more distant locales, much of the United States is covered in grapes. Wine trails are a beautiful, and delicious, way to sample some local vintages and get gorgeous views of the local area. A simple Google search of "autumn wine trails" has brought   up such diverse states as Ohio, Michigan, and Connecticut. Delaware is offering a wine AND ale trail, and York County Pennsylvania has many trails to explore. There may be seasonal wine offerings, as well. A winery out of Lancaster, PA (Tamanend Winery) offers a pumpkin and apple wine! So, go to your local tourism website and look up what there is to offer. You may be surprised what is hidden in the local hills.


Hayrides- These are fun for the whole family. The kids can burrow and the couples can cuddle. They are a very cozy way to enjoy the local view of the harvest or the countryside. Many come with perks such as they take you out to pick apples or pumpkins. One that I love is in Lancaster, PA at Cherry Hill Orchards. For a very low price, they provide apples on the ride, explain the orchard operations, and take you out to pick  your own pumpkin!

Pick your own apples or pumpkins- Many local orchards and farms offer for you to pick your own fruit. While it is much easier (and cleaner) to pick them up already picked at the farm stand or supermarket, there is something fun about picking your perfect apple right off the branch or hunting for the best pumpkin in the whole patch. These also often come at much cheaper prices than the already picked bunch. They also often come with a hayride, as Cherry Hill did. For apples, I also recommend Milburn Orchard in Elkton, Maryland. There is no cost to pick the apples, you just pay for what you pick. They also have a petting zoo, and various seasonal activities. You can make a day out of it by also renting hayrides complete with a bonfire and apple cider. If you do go, you cannot leave without trying one of their cider donuts!

Train rides- If hiking isn't your thing, sit back and take in the changing leaves with a tourist train ride. To find a local tourist rail, go to http://www.touristrailways.com. Many have dinner cars, wine and cheese rides, and festive attractions as well.

Festivals- Some towns go above and beyond in the fall. Keene, New Hampshire is famous for their annual Pumpkin Festival. I have never been, but it is certainly on my bucket list! In Delaware, there is the Harvest Moon Festival. In Half Moon Bay, California, there is the Pumpkin and Art Fest. There are many weekend festivals countrywide. Once again, this time of year, your state's or town's tourism page is your best friend. Please report back with any other great festivals you find!


What festivities are your fall favorites?