Top 10 easy fall weekend getaways

6. New England
Nowhere is more synonymous with fall than New England, where picture-postcard images of whitewashed steeples set against flame-red leaves epitomize the very essence of the season. Whereas summer months in the region are devoted to coastal pursuits, states like Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire get their due come September, when their leafy towns, soft mountain ranges, country roads, and apple orchards beckon outdoor lovers in droves. You could easily spend a glorious fall day driving through Vermont's many covered bridges, or visiting Applecrest Farm Orchards — New Hampshire's oldest and largest orchard — or heading straight for L.L. Bean, in Freeport, Maine, the ultimate New England country store. There will be plenty of stops along the way to take in the lush seasonal scenery — and hop on a hayride or two.

7. New York City
Autumn in New York has been heralded in song lyrics and movie titles for good reason — ask any New Yorker, and chances are the season is their favorite time of year in the Big Apple. This enchanting time, dominated by refreshingly crisp air and sunny skies — a welcome respite after hot, humid summer months — also finds Central Park and tree-lined neighborhoods aburst with color, and atmospheric streets piled high with fallen multi-colored leaves. It’s not all about the outdoors come fall, however, as a large part of the new season’s appeal is the reopening of the performing arts and cultural season; heavy hitters like the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera, among others, return from summer hiatus and the social calendar is once more in full swing. Of course, everybody loves a parade, and fall also welcomes the classic, quirky, over-the-top Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.

8. Provence
After the hordes of tourists leave the Provençal region of Southern France every summer, a wonderful thing happens — the charming, rustic French villages remain drenched in warm Mediterranean sun and are left to the whims of off-season travelers, who can freely explore without bumping elbows or competing for seats at outdoor cafés.

Toby Talbot / AP file The colors of fall are seen on trees that frame a First church in South Woodbury, Vt.

Ideally situated between the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the towering French Alps, whose leaves turn varying shades of ochre and magenta at this time of year, the area is also a renowned wine region — the oldest wine-producing area in all of France — which means the vendange (grape harvest) begins in earnest each September. One could easily pass fall days here exploring the quiet backcountry roads lined with oleanders and lavender fields, enjoying waterfront pleasure ports, sampling new wines at Châteauneuf du Pape, or admiring ancient relics like the majestic arena at Nîmes or the Papal Palace and old cobbled streets of Avignon.

9. San Francisco

More from ShermansTravel.com Top 10 fall foliage destinations Top 10 emerging wine regions Top 10 Thanksgiving destinations

Autumn is your best bet for a trek to San Francisco, as this northern California city’s warm weather and sunny skies only officially debut in September, at the start of what locals call their “Indian summer,” a delightful season that unfolds through early November each year. Whereas summer can often be chilly, with foggy days, and downright bone-chilling nights, fall brings pleasant sun-filled days, mild nights, and rare rainfall — great conditions for enjoying a stroll on the café-lined streets of North Beach, browsing the groovy shops in Haight-Ashbury, or ogling sun-bathing sea lions down by Pier 39. For those who want a view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in all of its glory, fall offers one of the few times of year when the famous Bay fog actually lifts off the bridge — yet another reason to prioritize a visit for this time of year.

10. Shanghai
China’s largest city can be oppressively hot and crowded in summer, but it's simply wonderful in late October and early November, when the weather becomes agreeably mild at the same time as the last of the crowds disappear. Nestled at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the up-and-coming port city is a hodgepodge of east and west, with an astonishing array of traditional Chinese teahouses, temples, gardens, and ancient pagodas combined with westernized country clubs, cathedrals, and distinct neighborhoods full of European architecture (where French communities once resided). Visiting fashionistas will love the trend-setting styles available in the shops along Nánjing Lù — the most popular shopping street in China. Various new theaters, cultural centers, and art museums have also sprouted up throughout the city, providing superb eye candy, while new skyscrapers, including the world’s tallest hotel, tower over the city.

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.

Don't miss these Travel stories from msnbc.com   Popular ski playgrounds around U.S.   The top-rated travel photos of 2009 Uniquely American: PB&J and cheeseburgers Slice of heaven: The country’s best pizza The fastest disappearing natural wonders

MORE FROM SEASONAL

Seasonal Section Front

Holiday scenes in New York City Man apologizes for defacing famed Vegas sign Thousands flock to Aria for glitzy unveiling Will the real Las Vegas please stand up? Las Vegas golf vacations for any budget 10 things not to do in Las Vegas Beyonce talking Vegas shows with Wynn Mandarin Oriental opens at CityCenter in Vegas CityCenter mall in Las Vegas opening to public CityCenter’s Vdara officially open for business Seasonal Section Front   Add Seasonal headlines to your news reader: