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40 sweet spots for fall
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United States & Canada
Fall forecast: Fall nudges the northern part of the U.S. and most of southern Canada into their climactic foliage-filled primes. It’s the Atlantic’s hurricane season, leaving Florida relatively empty of visitors (unless El Niño manages to keep away hurricanes and tropical storms) but teeming with deals. Out West, hot, dry Santa Ana winds and the harvest season mark the beginning of fall, while many Western ski resorts offer pre-Christmas deals in November. Early cold spells in November can put a damper on Canadian and northern U.S. travel.
32. Atlanta
Like the blossoms that brighten this Southern belle's landscape every spring, Atlanta is a perennial rejuvenator, infusing her classic charm with modern style and welcoming visitors to her unique blend of history, dining, shopping, and adventure. Its grade-A Southern hospitality, historical roots (MLK was born here), modern-day attractions, and up-and-coming art scene are the city's major draws.
Why go in fall: With the summer heat gone, fall in Atlanta makes for enjoyable sightseeing, while the build up to the holiday season brings in throngs of shoppers from across the South.
33. Cape Cod , Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
Visitors flock to Cape Cod and its neighboring islands for its quaint villages, hundreds of miles of beaches, clam shacks, and, of course, "sand dunes and salty air." This charming New England region draws family and East Coast weekenders.
Why go in fall: As the summer crowds retreat, this quintessential slice of New England becomes much easier to navigate. Empty expanses of sand and mild, perfect-for-a-walk-on-the-beach temperatures pervade. Take advantage of historic B&Bs that offer rooms at half off in October.
34. Colorado
Colorado’s storied past as a territory of the Wild West is still evident in its mining towns, rustic dude ranches, Rocky Mountain switchbacks, and pioneer tradition. There is, however, more to the state than awe-inspiring mountain landscapes and cow herders. It’s also a land of thriving cosmopolitan towns like Denver, luxurious ski resorts, and outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and rafting.
Why go in fall: Fall weather is pleasant for sightseeing in Denver and accompanied by blazing fall foliage in the surrounding mountains. By November, the slopes are just beginning to open, and ski resorts often tout promotional packages that precede the holidays.
35. Disneyland
Inaugurated under the Southern California sun in the summer of 1955, The Happiest Place on Earth is still the country’s premier family destination. Head here for the sunshine and to please the kids (or the kid inside) ... nothing makes ‘em smile like Mickey and the gang.
Why go in fall: With the season kicking off a back-to-school frenzy, weekday visits pretty much ensure that you’ll walk on to most rides with little or no lines. Special Halloween events add to the festive atmosphere.
36. The Hamptons
Fifty miles of seashore with powder-fine sand, secluded bays, and colonial villages make The Hamptons a playground for beach lovers, glamour seekers, culture hounds, and the rich and famous. Dabble in Hollywood-esque glitz and glamour along the shore at pricey luxe hotels and reservations-required restaurants.
Why go in fall: Early fall weather, usually a balmy 60 degrees, is still warm enough for swimming, making the hotel discounts a real bargain. Beaches are nearly empty as families are city-bound for the school year.
37. Hawaii
Few places satisfy the urge for a carefree tropical vacation like the islands of Hawaii. Indeed, the 50th state’s stunning beauty is no secret — nowhere else in the U.S. boasts the combination of white-sand beaches, lush green landscapes, pounding surf, and rich culture of these far-flung Pacific islands. But what’s less well known, especially for first-time visitors, is that there’s a lot more to the state than Oahu’s Waikiki Beach. In fact, of the eight islands in Hawaii, six are primed for tourists, each with different reasons to visit, from ecotourism and active volcanoes to beaches and nightlife.
38. Las Vegas
Las Vegas celebrated its centennial in 2005 — not that it needed an excuse to party. “Sin City,” “Lost Wages,” “The City That Never Sleeps” — call it what you will – this Nevada desert city will awe you from the moment you fly over its glittering expanse to the day you leave. But believe it or not, there's more to Las Vegas than debauchery, including a world-class restaurant scene and fantastic shopping.
Why go in fall: Barring no special events, you’ll get the best bang for your buck by visiting in October and early November, months that offer mild temperatures and generally better rates.
39. Miami
Sprawling, sexy, sometimes unruly, and occasionally outrageous, Greater Miami has become an urban mix unlike any other in America. The beach vacation city of Miami is one part sun-splashed resort playground, one part glamorama party capital, and one part bustling, Latin-flavored sprawl. Head here to party with beautiful people by night and recover on beautiful beaches by day.
Why go in fall: You’ll get the best deals in September and October, after the kids go back to school and before winter high season kicks into gear. Watch out for hurricane season, though, which runs from June to November — most hotels and airlines will accommodate date changes free of charge, however, should a storm put a wrench in your travel plans.
40. Montreal
With a population of 1.6 million, Montréal is the world's second largest French-speaking city after Paris. It’s a captivating mélange of old-world charm infused with the up-to-the-minute energy of North America's most modern cities. Set on the St. Lawrence River, this Canadian metropolis comprises an easily accessible patchwork of neighborhoods, each with its own unique joie de vivre. Visitors can still get their fix of Old World Europe (think small cafes, monument-filled plazas, and basilicas) without crossing the Atlantic, but a clutch of trendy new hotels, restaurants, shops, and clubs are the latest indication that this city will never become a stodgy artifact of past triumphs.
Why go in fall: Rooms are reasonably priced and easy to find. Fall also brings astonishing foliage, while temperatures vary from 50 to 70 degrees earlier in the season.
ShermansTravel is a guide to top travel deals and destinations. Sign up for Sherman's Top 25 e-newsletter which features the best editor-screened deals from hundreds of travel providers and is delivered to over 2.5 million subscribers, free, each week. ShermansTravel also publishes trip ideas and travel features to inspire, guide, and go.
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