Seasonal Guides
Hocking Hills Fall Foliage: Where to See it Best
When & Where to See Hocking Hills Fall Foliage
Hocking Hills fall foliage draws visitors back to the region year after year, and it’s easy to see why. By late September, sugar maples begin turning a deep red, oaks shift to a slower bronze, and the hemlocks hold their dark green through the season, which makes the surrounding color look even more vivid by contrast. Morning fog settles into the gorges most days this time of year, then burns off into a clear, crisp afternoon.
Glenlaurel sits on 140 acres in Rockbridge, right in the middle of the region’s best color, and our guests plan entire trips around this window. Peak color typically lands in mid-October, though the exact week shifts depending on temperatures and rainfall, so it’s worth checking the state park’s foliage reports before you lock in dates. A visit to Hocking Hills in October rewards planning, but any week in autumn is a beautiful time to visit.
Book Hocking Hills Romantic Cabins as Your Home Base
Our romantic cabins in Hocking Hills put that scenery outside your door instead of down the road. Rooms, suites, and named cabins each carry their own character, and many include a private hot tub, a fireplace, and a jetted or clawfoot soaking tub. Every stay includes a full gourmet breakfast, and guests can walk from their room straight down into Camusfearna Gorge on Glenlaurel’s own private trail, watching the same fall color up close before heading out for the day.
After a day spent climbing rim trails and photographing waterfalls framed in fall color, Glenlaurel’s grounds are built for slowing back down. An eight-hole Scottish links golf course played with hickory clubs comes complimentary with your stay, along with pickleball, bocce, and horseshoes. Evenings center around the fire pits and the nightly Pub Social, followed by a multi-course dinner at Thistle and Stone. Guests arriving in an EV can charge for free during their stay. Book your Hocking Hills romantic cabins getaway today.
Where to Find the Best Color in the Park
Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, about a mile and a half from the inn, is home to Ohio’s largest natural bridge, a sandstone arch that stretches more than a hundred feet across a forested ravine. The loop trail circles above the canopy rather than looking up from below, and it’s short enough to work as a first stop before a longer hike.
Conkle’s Hollow cuts two hundred feet deep through sandstone walls, and the rim trail on top opens onto a wide view across the treetops below. It’s a more strenuous walk than most on this list, so plan extra time, but the overlook is hard to match anywhere in the region.
Hocking Hills State Park is one of the most popular places to see the fall colors in Ohio. Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave connect along the Grandma Gatewood Trail and are usually visited together. Old Man’s Cave is the most visited spot in the park, with cliffs above the gorge lined in red and orange by mid-October.
Cedar Falls, the largest waterfall in the county by volume, collects drifting leaves along the creek below it. Ash Cave, the largest recess cave in Ohio, closes out the trail with an easy, mostly flat approach through a hemlock-lined gorge. This stretch draws the biggest crowds during peak weekends, so arriving early or visiting on a weekday makes a real difference.
Rock House, the only true cave in the area, is a shorter, easier walk than Old Man’s Cave or Conkle’s Hollow. Its arched sandstone windows frame some of the best fall photos in Hocking Hills.
Hocking Hills Fall Foliage FAQ
Where is Hocking Hills located in Ohio?
Hocking Hills sits in southeastern Ohio, centered around the town of Logan, about an hour southeast of Columbus.
When is peak fall color in Hocking Hills?
Peak color typically arrives in mid-October, though it can shift a week earlier or later depending on rainfall and temperature that season.
Is Hocking Hills open in the fall?
Yes. The state park trails and nature preserves stay open through autumn, and fall is one of the busiest and most popular seasons to visit.
How to Enjoy Your Weekend Escape to the San Juans
Best Things to Do in the San Juan Islands This Winter
Winter is an inviting time to slow down and explore the best things to do in the San Juan Islands, especially if you are planning a coastal weekend escape. With fewer visitors, peaceful scenery, and a relaxed pace, winter in the San Juan Islands offers a different and deeply rewarding experience. The islands benefit from a rainshadow effect, which often brings drier weather than surrounding areas, making it easy to enjoy both outdoor adventures and cozy indoor moments.
Friday Harbor is the heart of winter activity on San Juan Island. Spend time browsing local boutiques, independent bookstores, and galleries, or warm up with coffee at a nearby café. The Whale Museum is a favorite winter stop, offering engaging exhibits about the orcas and marine life of the Salish Sea. Art lovers will also enjoy the San Juan Island Museum of Art and the many small galleries scattered throughout town.
Outdoor exploration remains one of the most popular things to do in the San Juan Islands in winter. Forest trails and shoreline paths take on a quieter feel this time of year, creating an ideal setting for hiking, beach walks, and fresh island air. After a day outside, unwind with a craft beer at San Juan Island Brewing or enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a book at Griffin Bay Bookstore.
Cozy Friday Harbor Lodging for a Winter Weekend
After exploring the best things to do in the San Juan Islands, returning to welcoming Friday Harbor lodging makes the experience even better. This well-appointed bed and breakfast in Friday Harbor offers comfortable guest rooms, thoughtful amenities, and inviting spaces to relax after a cool coastal day. Many properties also offer private suites and cottages, perfect for a peaceful winter weekend getaway.
Winter is also the perfect season for a little indulgence. Booking a spa day, enjoying a leisurely meal at one of Friday Harbor’s top restaurants, or simply relaxing by the fire are all part of the experience. With concierge services available to help plan activities, dining, and transportation, your winter visit feels effortless from start to finish.
If you are looking for a refreshing coastal escape, winter in the San Juan Islands delivers. From outdoor exploration to dining, shopping, and comfortable Friday Harbor lodging, there is no shortage of memorable ways to spend a winter weekend. Book your stay and experience it for yourself.
How to Plan Your Winter Getaway at our Luxury Cabins in Washington
Best Luxury Cabin Getaway for Winter in the Gorge
Winter in the Columbia River Gorge is the perfect excuse to slow down and plan a luxury cabin getaway designed for comfort, connection, and adventure. As the season settles in, snow dusts the mountain peaks, the pace of life eases, and the Gorge transforms into one of the most rewarding winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
A winter luxury cabin getaway offers the best of both worlds. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on Mount Hood, explore scenic trails with snowshoes, or seek out iconic waterfalls framed by winter light. Many of the things to do in the Columbia River Gorge remain accessible throughout the season, just with a quieter, more intimate feel that makes winter travel even more magical.
After a day spent exploring, returning to a private cabin changes the entire experience. Warm fireplaces, generous soaking tubs, and thoughtfully designed interiors create an inviting place to unwind and truly relax. Winter is when our luxury cabins near Hood River shine, offering an atmosphere that encourages lingering mornings, unhurried evenings, and time well spent together.
A Cozy Retreat Designed for Winter Getaways
Our cabins in the Columbia River Gorge are ideally positioned for winter travelers who want easy access to Mount Hood, Hood River, and the surrounding landscape without sacrificing comfort or a personalized touch. Luxury amenities elevate each stay, while the privacy of a standalone cabin adds a sense of exclusivity that hotels simply cannot match.
Even if you choose to spend a day staying in, the experience feels indulgent. Curl up by the fire, soak away the chill, or enjoy the peaceful setting that winter brings to the Gorge. These moments are what define a true luxury cabin getaway.
Conveniently located within reach of Portland and Seattle, the Columbia River Gorge feels worlds away once you arrive. Winter travel here invites you to disconnect from busy schedules and reconnect with what matters most.
Lake Granbury’s Favorite Fall Festival
Don’t Miss Granbury Lakefest
Granbury Lakefest turns the shoreline of Lake Granbury into a full day of live music, food trucks, and free family entertainment every fall. Hosted by 92.1 Hank FM at the Lake Granbury Conference Center, the festival draws visitors from Fort Worth, Dallas, and across Hood County for an afternoon of vendor booths, a cornhole tournament, and an evening concert that closes with a drone show over the water. If you’re planning a lake getaway around Granbury Lakefest, the earlier you book lodging, the better, since rooms near the festival grounds fill quickly.
Granbury Lakefest is just one afternoon of what makes this town worth the drive from the Metroplex. Historic Granbury Square sits a short walk from the festival grounds, lined with independent shops, restaurants, and live theatre. Between the square, the lake, and the surrounding wineries and golf courses, there are enough things to do in Granbury TX to fill an entire weekend, not just a single evening.
What Happens at Granbury Lakefest
Granbury Lakefest is a free, one-day festival held on the shore of Lake Granbury, typically in late September. The Lake Granbury Conference Center becomes festival headquarters for the day, with food trucks, vendor booths, and a cornhole tournament running through the afternoon before the music takes over at night. Past lineups have leaned into Texas country and classic hits, and proceeds benefit Mission Granbury, the local nonprofit behind the area’s family violence shelter and food pantry.
Daytime hours are built for families. Hank FM’s Party Patrol typically runs a kids’ zone on Granbury City Beach, sandcastle contests included, while the main lawn fills with festival food and the sound of the cornhole tournament. If you’re visiting without kids, arrive mid-afternoon, work through the food truck lineup, and stay for the evening set when the crowd shifts toward adults settling in with a drink and good music.
The drone show is the reason to stay until the end. Once the sky goes dark, a fleet of drones takes over with choreographed shapes and color-changing animations set to a live soundtrack, with the display reflecting off Lake Granbury for extra effect. It typically starts around 9:30 pm, so claim a spot on the shoreline before then.
Lake Granbury Marina typically offers same-day pontoon, tritoon, and Sea-Doo rentals, just a half-mile walk or short boat ride from Historic Granbury Square, for anyone who wants to experience Granbury boat rentals firsthand and take in Lakefest from the water. A valid boater safety course through Texas Parks and Wildlife is required to rent. Texas Malibu also sets up a lineup of wake boats along the shore during the festival, worth a walk over even if you’re not shopping for one.
Granbury Lakefest isn’t the only reason to plan a fall visit. The Historic Granbury Merchants Association runs Oktoberfest the first weekend of October and the Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts in late October, giving visitors two more Granbury Texas events worth building a trip around.
Your Home Base: Granbury Hotels on the Lake
Among the Granbury Hotels on the lake, Inn on Lake Granbury sits on three acres of lakefront grounds just minutes from where Lakefest happens, making it a natural fit for couples treating the festival as the daytime highlight of a longer weekend getaway for a girls’ weekend with friends in Texas. The property is adults-only, with private balconies overlooking the water in many rooms and suites.
Return from the festival to cool off in the saltwater pool, then unwind with complimentary chef’s choice appetizers and a glass of wine, tea, or lemonade before heading back out for the evening entertainment. Mornings bring a chef-prepared breakfast, think upside-down banana walnut French toast or green chile cheese grits, with bottomless coffee to start the day.
FAQ: Planning Your Granbury Lakefest Weekend
What is Granbury Lakefest?
Granbury Lakefest is a free annual fall festival on the shore of Lake Granbury, featuring food trucks, vendor booths, a cornhole tournament, live music, and an evening drone show, with proceeds benefiting Mission Granbury.
What are fun things to do in Granbury TX besides Lakefest?
Historic Granbury Square offers shopping, dining, and live theatre within walking distance of the festival grounds, and the lake itself supports boating, wakeboarding, and waterfront dining throughout the fall.
What are the best things to do in Granbury TX for couples?
Pairing Granbury Lakefest with a stay at an adults-only lakefront inn, a walk through Historic Granbury Square, and a boat rental on Lake Granbury makes for a fun weekend getaway.
Is Granbury Lakefest good for a weekend getaway in Texas?
Yes. Lakefest anchors a single evening, but the surrounding attractions, from wineries to the lake itself, make it easy to extend into a full weekend.
Leaf Peeping in Southern Vermont
Best Fall Foliage Adventures in New England
As summer gives way to crisp autumn days, Brattleboro becomes one of the best places to experience fall foliage in New England. Located in southern Vermont, this welcoming town offers colorful mountain views, scenic backroads, and inviting small-town charm, making it an ideal destination for a couples getaway. Whether you prefer hiking to panoramic overlooks or enjoying a leisurely drive through the countryside, there are countless things to do in Brattleboro.
One of the most common questions travelers ask is, when is peak fall foliage in Vermont? While weather conditions influence the timing each year, the general pattern remains consistent. Color begins appearing in northern Vermont and at higher elevations during mid to late September before gradually moving south. In Brattleboro and the surrounding region, peak fall foliage typically arrives during the second half of October, giving visitors a longer opportunity to enjoy vibrant landscapes throughout the season.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of places to admire the changing leaves. Popular destinations include the Retreat Trails, Fort Dummer State Park, Wantastiquet Mountain, Hogback Mountain Conservation Area, Putney Mountain, and the Ledges Overlook Trail. Each offers a unique perspective of the rolling hills covered in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.
Drivers can also experience spectacular scenery along the Molly Stark Scenic Byway, the Connecticut River National Byway, Scenic Route 100, the Shires of Vermont Byway, and the drive between Brattleboro and Mount Snow. Covered bridges, working farms, and classic New England villages make every mile memorable during fall.
Stay at a Charming Brattleboro Bed and Breakfast
The Inn on Putney Road provides an exceptional home base for exploring southern Vermont during fall. Set beside the Retreat Meadow, this beautifully restored 1938 French Baronial manor features six thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, personalized hospitality, and a gourmet breakfast prepared fresh each morning. Guests can even enjoy remarkable foliage from the property, including views of one of the country’s largest Cut Leaf Japanese Maple trees.
Whether you spend your days hiking scenic trails, exploring Vermont’s picturesque byways, or relaxing on the property, Brattleboro offers everything needed for an unforgettable fall in New England. Reserve your stay atthe premier Bed and Breakfast in Brattleboro VT to one of New England’s most beautiful seasons.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Best Stephen Foster Story Summer Musical in Kentucky
Summer in Bardstown offers the perfect opportunity to experience the Stephen Foster Story, Kentucky’s longest-running outdoor musical. Performed beneath the trees at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheater inside My Old Kentucky Home State Park, this beloved production has entertained audiences since 1959 with music, history, and unforgettable performances.
Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, the production follows the life of Stephen Collins Foster, whose music helped shape American songwriting. Throughout the evening, audiences enjoy more than fifty of Foster’s best-known compositions, including “Oh! Susanna,” “Camptown Races,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” and Kentucky’s state song, “My Old Kentucky Home.” The combination of live music, period costumes, and the natural outdoor setting creates a memorable summer experience for visitors of every age.
The Stephen Foster Amphitheater sits on the grounds of historic My Old Kentucky Home, making the performance even more meaningful. The nearby Federal Hill mansion is widely associated with Foster’s famous song, giving guests the opportunity to connect Kentucky history with one of America’s most influential songwriters. Along with the musical, visitors can explore the park, tour the historic home, and discover why this destination remains one of the top things to do in Bardstown, KY.
Bardstown also serves as the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country. Before the evening performance, spend the day visiting world-renowned distilleries, exploring the charming downtown district, browsing local shops, or enjoying one of the city’s excellent restaurants. Pairing the Stephen Foster Story with Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences makes for a rewarding summer itinerary that easily fills an entire weekend.
Stay Near the Stephen Foster Story at Maple Hill Manor
Complete your romantic getaway Kentucky vacation with a stay at Maple Hill Manor. Located just outside Bardstown on a historic working horse farm, our Bed and Breakfast offers peaceful surroundings while keeping you close to the area’s most popular attractions. Wake each morning to a freshly prepared breakfast, relax on the porch after a day of sightseeing, or unwind with a glass of Kentucky bourbon before returning to your comfortable guest room.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to enjoy another summer performance, Maple Hill Manor provides an inviting home base for exploring Bardstown, My Old Kentucky Home, and the unforgettable Stephen Foster Story. Reserve your stay today and make this Kentucky tradition part of your next getaway.
One of the Most Unique Things to Do in Granbury
Best Brazos Drive In Weekend Escape Near Dallas
There are few places where a movie night feels like an event, but the Brazos Drive In continues to offer a nostalgic experience every summer. As the longest continuously operating drive-in theater in Texas, this local landmark offers classic nostalgia with modern conveniences, making it one of the most unique things to do in Granbury TX.
Located just a short drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Brazos Drive In welcomes guests looking for a memorable evening under the stars. With room for approximately 250 vehicles and modern high-definition projection, the theater provides a comfortable way to enjoy current releases and classic films alike. Guests can watch from the comfort of their vehicles or bring lawn chairs and relax outside while enjoying the warm Texas evening.
One of the biggest draws is the seasonal double-feature format. For a single admission price, visitors enjoy two movies, creating an affordable entertainment option for couples, families, and groups of friends. The concession stand offers movie-night favorites, including popcorn, candy, nachos, Frito Pie, and ice cream floats, or indulge in car-side service.
Before the show begins, visitors can spend the day exploring other Granbury attractions. From shopping and dining on the historic downtown square to enjoying water activities on Lake Granbury, there is no shortage of ways to fill a summer itinerary. Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and boat tours are all popular options for visitors seeking outdoor recreation.
Stay at One of the Premier Granbury Hotels
A visit to the Brazos Drive In becomes an even more memorable experience when paired with a stay at Inn on Lake Granbury. Among the most distinctive Granbury Hotels, our lakefront property offers beautifully appointed accommodations, manicured gardens, a heated pool, and personalized hospitality designed to help guests unwind.
Whether you are planning a unique summer getaway, a romantic escape, or a relaxing weekend away from the city, our boutique hotel provides the perfect home base. Spend the afternoon exploring Granbury and then head to the Brazos Drive In for a double feature beneath the Texas sky.
Book your stay at Inn on Lake Granbury and experience one of the most unique summer getaways in Texas.
Our Favorite Reasons to Visit Gettysburg This Fall
Gettysburg Events for the Best Getaway in PA
A Gettysburg getaway hits differently once the summer crowds thin out and the maples along the battlefield start to turn. From early September through the last weekend of November, Adams County settles into its best season: cooler mornings, a packed calendar of harvest festivals, and some of the most striking fall color in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re chasing craft cider, walking the battlefield at golden hour, or looking for a little Halloween mischief, this is the moment to plan your trip. There are so many great things to do in Gettysburg!
When to Go and What to Expect
Fall temperatures in Gettysburg are ideal for exploring on foot. Mornings run in the 60s, afternoons warm up comfortably, and evenings call for a light jacket. Color starts appearing as early as September, with peak fall foliage typically arriving in mid to late-October. If you’re timing your trip around the leaves, check a Pennsylvania foliage tracker before locking in dates, since the shift can vary by a week or two each year.
Gettysburg Events & Festivals
The season opens with the Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival in September, a relaxed, walkable event featuring local wineries and live music. It’s a good reminder that Adams County’s agricultural roots go well beyond apples.
Speaking of apples, the National Apple Harvest Festival runs two weekends in October with apple butter kettles, craft vendors, and locally made cider drawing visitors from across the state. Nearby, PippinFest takes over historic Fairfield in September, mixing small-town charm with craft vendors and food, plus a bit of extra flair this year as part of America’s 250th anniversary programming.
Mid-October through early November is when the Gettysburg National Military Park hits peak color, and misty mornings across the battlefield add real atmosphere to an already historic setting. November brings two of the most meaningful dates on the calendar: the Remembrance Day Parade honoring the soldiers who fought here, and Dedication Day, marking Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. This year’s “Shall Not Perish” program ties both events into the town’s 250th commemoration.
For a different perspective on the battlefield, Horse Tours of Gettysburg offers two-hour rides across the same ground Union and Confederate cavalry once crossed. Their new History and Haunts tour covers the same terrain after dark, for visitors who want their history with a little more edge. As the season winds down, the Gettysburg Battlefield Illumination places thousands of luminaries across the battlefield to honor the fallen. It’s quiet, moving, and one of the best ways to close out a Gettysburg getaway.
Ghost Tours and Halloween Happenings
Gettysburg’s history makes it a natural fit for the spookier side of fall. Evening ghost walks and paranormal tours run year-round but pick up considerably in October. Gettysburg Ghost Tours offers everything from cemetery walks to spirit-focused pub crawls. The town also throws a Halloween dance party and parade on October 20, bringing a lighter, more playful energy to the historic downtown, and watching trick-or-treaters make their way up and down the street in costume is one of the small pleasures of visiting this time of year.
Choose a Historic Gettysburg Hotel
Where you stay is one of the important parts of your getaway! The Union Hotel sits right in downtown Gettysburg, steps from Lincoln Square and the battlefield, shops, and restaurants. With twelve recently remodeled suites, free parking, and Sign of the Buck, the hotel’s own farm-to-table restaurant, just downstairs, it’s the ideal spot to make your lodging. After a day of orchard-hopping or walking the battlefield, coming back to a boutique property in the middle of it all makes the whole trip easier to enjoy.
Fall is simply the best time to visit Gettysburg, whether you’re coming for the first cider pressing in September or the Illumination in late November. Pick your festivals, book your stay at one of Gettysburg’s historic hotels, and let the season do the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Gettysburg?
Most visitors find fall, particularly mid-September through mid-November, to be the best time to visit Gettysburg. Temperatures are mild, the battlefield is at its most photogenic, and the town’s festival calendar is at its fullest.
What is the best time of year to see fall foliage in Gettysburg?
Color typically begins in early September and peaks in mid-October, though it can shift by a week or two depending on the year.
What events take place in Gettysburg in the fall?
Fall events include the Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival, the National Apple Harvest Festival, PippinFest, Remembrance Day, Dedication Day, the Halloween parade, and the Gettysburg Battlefield Illumination.
What are the best boutique hotels in Gettysburg?
The Union Hotel is one of downtown Gettysburg’s few remaining historic hotels, offering twelve remodeled suites, a central Chambersburg Street location near Lincoln Square, and its own restaurant, Sign of the Buck.
Plan Ahead for the Epic Autumn Glory Festival in Maryland
Best Autumn Glory Festival Romantic Getaway Guide
The Autumn Glory Festival is one of the most anticipated Deep Creek Lake events, offering a distinctive way to experience fall in Maryland. Held each fall, this five-day celebration brings together seasonal traditions, local culture, and the vibrant colors of a classic Maryland autumn. For couples planning a romantic getaway, the festival provides a well-rounded mix of activities set against the backdrop of peak foliage.
The festival schedule features a variety of experiences that highlight the region’s character. The Autumn Glory Grand Parade in downtown Oakland is a central event, with marching bands, floats, and local vendors creating a lively atmosphere. Throughout the week, visitors can explore the artisan markets at Mt. Fresh Pavilion, where locally made goods, seasonal produce, and handcrafted items are available.
Scenic driving tours are among the most popular ways to enjoy fall in Maryland during the festival. These self-guided routes wind through Garrett County, passing landmarks such as Swallow Falls State Park and the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center. The Turkey Trail adds a culinary element, with local restaurants offering traditional meals that reflect the area’s agricultural heritage.
Beyond the festival, there are additional things to do in Deep Creek during the fall season. Activities include visiting antique and craft shows, navigating a corn maze at Cove Run Farm, and booking a guided horseback ride through the surrounding forest. Outdoor options such as kayaking, biking, and exploring nearby parks extend the experience beyond scheduled events.
Boutique Hotels at Deep Creek Lake
Where you stay is a big part of your Autumn Glory Festival experience. Lake Pointe Inn offers a boutique hotel on Deep Creek Lake, providing convenient access to festival events while maintaining a quiet, lakefront atmosphere. Guests can relax in thoughtfully designed rooms, enjoy lake views, and take advantage of amenities that support a romantic stay.
With its combination of seasonal events, scenic landscapes, and refined accommodations, the Autumn Glory Festival remains one of the best ways to experience Maryland in October. It is a destination that encourages visitors to explore, unwind, and return year after year. This is a very popular time to visit Deep Creek Lake, so be sure to book your lodging well in advance.