Plan Now for the Best Fall Getaways

Autumn looks and feels different depending on which part of the country you call home. In the northern tier of states, the season quickly morphs from sunshine and brisk afternoons to wet days and chilly temperatures that carry more than a hint of the winter to come. In the desert Southwest, by contrast, fall presents an open invitation to get out and enjoy the natural world without fear of having to confront dangerous triple-digit temperatures.

No matter where you live, however, the season offers some of the biggest travel bargains of the year, as airfare, lodging and other costs significantly drop once the kids are back in school. If you’re in a position to access those bargains, here are six fabulous fall destinations to consider.

Leavenworth, Washington: If you’re looking for a taste of Germany but overseas isn’t in the cards, head to Leavenworth. One of the nation’s most authentic Bavarian-style towns, it sits along the eastern slopes of the Washington Cascades and ranks among the best destinations for autumn foliage in the West. Not surprisingly, Leavenworth also hosts a world-famous Oktoberfest complete with outstanding brews, German cuisine, live music and a wide range of family-friendly activities.

Taos, New Mexico: Situated at nearly 7,000 feet, Taos is well known for its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty. In fall, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures among a backdrop of multi-colored aspens, golden and red cottonwoods and the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead. The city also offers the free Taos Fall Arts Festival featuring performances, projection art and installations amid historic adobe buildings.

Brown County, Indiana: Located in south-central Indiana, this rustic destination is a hidden gem well known to Hoosiers but largely overlooked elsewhere. Reputed to have the most stunning fall foliage in the Midwest, Brown County also is home to an acclaimed state park, several quaint towns and a thriving art and music scene in its largest city, Nashville. And visitors are just a short drive from Bloomington, home of Indiana University and one of the nation’s most vibrant college towns.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: For a budget-friendly fall vacation that includes the chance to explore history and haunts, try Gettysburg. Here, 51,000 union and Confederate soldiers died during a three-day battle in July 1863, the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War. Particularly popular in October is the Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour, in which visitors learn more about the battle and the fallen while strolling the grounds by candlelight. You also will find among the changing leaves apple orchards and farmers markets, as well as the opportunity to experience the increasingly popular hard cider scene.

Asheville, North Carolina: Home to one of the nation’s longest and most vibrant fall season, Asheville is a joy to visit, with its mild temperatures and Blue Ridge Mountains setting. Hiking is a way of life in Asheville but the city that gave the world Thomas Wolfe is also known for its dynamic literary, music and arts community.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.