Spring is one of the most rewarding times to experience the Olympic Peninsula. As snowmelt feeds rivers and waterfalls and the forests regain their color, the region feels open, energetic, and refreshingly uncrowded. With cooler temperatures and longer daylight hours, spring is ideal for travelers seeking adventure without the pace of peak summer travel.
One of the most popular things to do on the Olympic Peninsula in spring is exploring Olympic National Park. Waterfalls such as Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls are especially impressive this time of year, fueled by seasonal runoff. Lower-elevation Olympic Peninsula hikes begin to open, offering access to mossy forests, river valleys, and coastal trails before summer crowds arrive.
Birdwatching is another highlight of spring across Olympic Peninsula Washington. Migratory species return to wetlands, shorelines, and forest edges, making places like the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge a favorite for both casual observers and dedicated birders. Scenic driving along the Olympic Peninsula Loop also feels more relaxed in spring, with wide-open views of the Olympic Mountains, quiet coastal stretches, and charming small towns along the way.
Spending time in Port Angeles and Sequim adds a cultural layer to any spring adventure. From waterfront walks and local dining to farm visits and boutique shopping, these towns offer plenty of things to do in Port Angeles and in Sequim that balance outdoor exploration with laid-back enjoyment. Spring is also a great time to explore the beaches along the Strait of Juan de Fuca or the rugged Pacific coastline, where tidepooling and wildlife viewing are seasonal favorites.
After full days exploring trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, having a comfortable place to return to makes all the difference. Our vacation rentals in Port Angeles and Sequim place you close to Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, and many of the region’s top attractions. With spacious layouts, well-equipped kitchens, and pet-friendly options, these homes are ideal for couples, families, and adventure-focused travelers. Book your spring stay and experience the best things to do on the Olympic Peninsula at your own pace.
Sugarbush Resort is widely known for winter sports, but summer reveals a different side of this Vermont destination. Set in the Mad River Valley, the resort transitions into a mountain landscape filled with fresh air, open trails, and a wide range of outdoor activities. A summer visit offers the chance to experience Sugarbush Resort from a new perspective, where hiking, biking, and scenic views define the pace of each day.
Hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore the area. Trails at Lincoln Peak range from short, accessible loops to more demanding climbs, such as the Castle Rock Summit route. Scenic lift rides add flexibility, allowing visitors to ride up and hike down or create a customized route. Mountain biking is equally prominent, with lift-served downhill trails designed for experienced riders, along with rental options for those who prefer a more relaxed ride.
Golf is another highlight during the summer in Vermont. The Sugarbush Resort Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., features an 18-hole course shaped by the natural terrain of the Green Mountains. Disc golf provides a casual alternative, with a wooded course located near the base area. Heading to Sugarbush in the warmer months is one of the best things to do in Vermont!
West Hill House B&B offers convenient access to Sugarbush Resort while providing a comfortable and welcoming place to stay. Located just minutes from the resort, this Sugarbush Bed and Breakfast combines historic character with thoughtful amenities. Guests can start the day with a freshly prepared breakfast before heading out to explore hiking trails, schedule a tee time, or visit nearby dining options.
The property features nine guest rooms, each designed for relaxation after a day outdoors. Common spaces, including a sunroom and gardens, provide quiet areas to unwind. Innkeepers are available to assist with local recommendations, helping guests make the most of their summer itinerary in the Mad River Valley. It’s the perfect place for a couple’s getaway!
From outdoor recreation to local dining and seasonal events, Sugarbush Resort, Vermont, offers a well-rounded summer experience. Booking a stay nearby ensures easy access to the area’s activities while maintaining a comfortable retreat at the end of the day.
Driving the San Juan Skyway in fall is the best day trip you can take from Durango, and every September our guests ask us the same question at breakfast: when do the aspens turn? Fall foliage runs September through early October, and this 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains is the perfect way to see it. Widely considered one of the most spectacular scenic drives in Colorado, the San Juan Skyway scenic byway climbs the famous Million Dollar Highway, threads the high country from Silverton to Telluride, and rolls past gold-drenched hillsides and historic mining towns for hours. The whole loop starts and ends right here in Durango.
With so many things to do in Durango, the San Juan Skyway is just one reason we love autumn here. Our favorite hikes near Durango, like the Colorado Trail at Junction Creek, put you inside those aspen groves instead of just driving past them. Durango Jeep tours for off-road adventure take you deep into the high country on old mining roads. And Durango mountain biking is legendary for good reason, with hundreds of miles of singletrack from mellow river trails to the Horse Gulch network minutes from downtown. It is easy to spend an entire week in this area.
After a day exploring the San Juan Skyway, you will want to relax at the best Durango lodging. Blue Lake Ranch sits on a private ranch just west of Durango with views of the La Plata Mountains, a spring-fed lake, and lush gardens. As Southwest Colorado’s first Bed and Breakfast, we have spent decades perfecting the routine our guests love: a Southwest-inspired breakfast buffet to fuel the day, then an evening back at your own cabin or cottage, many with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs for cool mountain nights.
The San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile loop designated as an All-American Road, the highest level of scenic byway recognition the U.S. Secretary of Transportation can give, awarded in 1996. The full loop requires roughly six hours of driving without extended stops, though most visitors spend an entire day exploring the overlooks and mountain towns. Heading north from Durango on Highway 550, you will climb Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass, both over 10,600 feet, with views of Pigeon and Turret Mountains and three fourteeners: Windom, Eolus, and Sunlight. In late September, the aspen groves along this stretch turn entire mountainsides gold, and the pullouts at Molas Pass are perfect for photos.
Then comes the stretch everyone talks about. From Silverton, the road becomes the Million Dollar Highway, climbing over Red Mountain Pass before clinging to the steep canyon walls of Uncompahgre Gorge as it descends into Ouray. Nobody knows for certain where the name came from, though local lore credits the construction cost, the views, or the gold ore left in the roadway fill.
The Million Dollar Highway is a serious mountain road with drop-offs lacking guardrails, so take it slow and trade drivers if you both want to enjoy the scenery. We always tell our guests to run the loop counterclockwise instead. Driving west from Durango first puts you on the inside of the steepest curves when you reach the Million Dollar Highway, with the rock wall beside you rather than the edge. Always check road conditions before you go, since fall weather in the high country changes fast. Early October can mean sunshine in Durango and snow flurries at the passes.
The towns break up the drive beautifully. Silverton’s downtown is a National Historic Landmark District, its architecture a leftover of early mining wealth, and the Old Hundred Gold Mine tour is a favorite attraction. Ouray, called the “Little Switzerland of America,” is home to Box Cañon Falls and a large natural hot springs pool. The leg from Silverton to Telluride crosses the Dallas Divide past Mount Sneffels, one of Colorado’s most iconic fall viewpoints, before dropping into the box canyon that holds Telluride, where you can ride the free gondola for aerial views of the fall colors. The return leg holds quieter charms, including the galleries and studios of the Mancos Creative District, and the turnoff for Mesa Verde National Park.
Among the scenic drives in Colorado, the San Juan Skyway stands out for its remarkable variety, with alpine passes, Victorian mining towns, river canyons, and ranch country all within a single loop. Start early, fill the tank in Durango, pack layers since higher elevations run cool even in warm months, and skip scheduling anything for the evening.
A full day on the San Juan Skyway deserves an equally special place to begin and end your fall road trip. Blue Lake Ranch can help you make the most of your trip. Before you leave, the kitchen can pack a made-to-order picnic lunch, which beats hunting for a table in Telluride at peak leaf season. When you roll back in, there are 70 acres to stretch your legs on, or skip straight to a wine and cheese platter on your private patio while the La Platas catch the last light. Every room, suite, casita, and cabin here is individually decorated, ranging from the La Plata Vista Room with its whirlpool tub and private balcony to the Cabin on the Lake, which sleeps a full group with three bathrooms, two fireplaces, and a complete kitchen. Bringing the dog along for leaf season? The Cottage in the Woods and the River House are both pet-friendly.
The aspens only give you a few weeks each fall. Book your stay at Blue Lake Ranch and come see why this loop tops every list of scenic drives in Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Million Dollar Highway?
The Million Dollar Highway is the stretch of U.S. Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado, and it forms one of the most dramatic legs of the San Juan Skyway.
Why is it called the Million Dollar Highway?
No one knows for certain. Local lore credits the original construction cost, the million-dollar views, or gold ore mixed into the roadway fill during construction.
How long is the Million Dollar Highway?
The Million Dollar Highway runs about 25 miles between Silverton and Ouray, though it is often used to describe a longer stretch of Highway 550 through the San Juan Mountains.
Is the San Juan Skyway dangerous to drive?
The Million Dollar Highway section has steep drop-offs without guardrails, so drivers should go slowly and consider running the loop counterclockwise from Durango to stay on the inside of the sharpest curves.
There is a reason so many people plan their vacations around Vermont in the fall. The air turns crisp, and the hillsides burst into shades of red, orange, and gold. The crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of woodsmoke drifting from nearby chimneys, and earlier sunsets all signal that autumn has arrived. The foliage may steal the spotlight, but it is only one reason to love this season. Vermont in the fall also means warm apple cider donuts, charming small towns, and scenic back roads that make you forget where you were headed in the first place.
Our corner of Vermont does fall especially well. Route 100 runs right past us, winding through covered bridges and mountain views on its way toward Weston, one of the most charming small towns in Vermont. A short drive away, you will find even more things to do in Woodstock, a beautiful historic town. Scenic drives, mountain hikes, and historic villages all sit within easy reach, making the Ludlow area one of the best places to visit in Vermont during autumn. Whatever you are after, there is no shortage of things to do in Vermont in the fall within a few minutes of Echo Lake Inn.
After a full day of leaf peeping, there is something to be said for coming back to a fire lit in the hearth and a home-cooked breakfast waiting the next morning. That is what awaits at our historic inn on Echo Lake. The hospitality, views, and proximity to the top things to do in Vermont in the fall are exactly why Echo Lake Inn is one of the best places to stay in Vermont for a fall getaway.
Vermont in the fall reaches its peak from late September into October, when brilliant foliage blankets the mountains and weekends become especially popular. Ludlow sits close to many of the best things to do in Vermont in the fall, most within a twenty-minute drive, making it easy to fit more than one destination into a single day.
Here is where we send guests when they ask what to do during their stay:
Bring a light jacket for cool mornings, comfortable shoes for hiking and village walks, and a little flexibility so you can stop whenever another scenic overlook catches your eye.
After a day exploring fall in Vermont, there is nothing quite like returning to Echo Lake Inn. Originally built in the 1840s, our historic inn combines classic New England character with the amenities that make Vermont in the fall even more enjoyable. Every guest room has its own personality, and some feature gas fireplaces or jacuzzi tubs, especially welcome after a cool afternoon outdoors. Before dinner, relax in our pub, challenge the family to a game, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting overlooking Echo Lake.
Mornings begin with a hearty, made-to-order breakfast included with your stay. In the evening, our restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from Vermont farms whenever possible. Beyond the dining room, guests enjoy lake access with complimentary kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and tennis and pickleball courts.
If you are searching for one of the best places to stay in Vermont, Echo Lake Inn puts you minutes from the region’s most popular fall attractions while giving you a warm place to return to at the end of the day. Book your fall getaway at Echo Lake Inn and come experience Vermont in the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should you stay in Vermont in the fall?
The Ludlow and Plymouth area makes an excellent base, putting Echo Lake Inn within a twenty-minute drive of Okemo Mountain, Killington Peak, Weston, and the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site.
What is the best time to visit Vermont?
Late September into October is generally considered the best time to visit Vermont, when fall foliage reaches its peak across the Green Mountains.
What is there to do in Vermont in October?
October offers peak foliage viewing, foliage train rides, the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site before it closes for the season, and small-town stops like Weston and Woodstock.
When is peak fall foliage in Vermont?
Peak fall foliage in the Ludlow area typically arrives in the first two to three weeks of October, though timing shifts slightly each year depending on weather.
Winter brings a quieter, more intimate side of the Shenandoah Valley, making it an ideal time to slow down and experience the region at your own pace. With fewer crowds and crisp mountain air, winter in the Shenandoah Valley highlights scenic beauty, rich history, and a long list of activities that feel even more special this time of year.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do in the Shenandoah Valley in winter. Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer peaceful winter hiking, scenic overlooks, and wildlife viewing made better by unobstructed views. Popular trails like Crabtree Falls take on a new personality when dusted with snow, while nearby routes in Staunton and Lexington offer easier walks close to town. After snowfall, select areas even open for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.
If exploring charming towns is more your speed, downtown Staunton and Lexington deliver memorable winter experiences. Both are known for boutique shopping, historic architecture, and standout dining, making them excellent stops for a relaxed afternoon. Cultural highlights like performances at the American Shakespeare Center add another layer to winter visits, especially during seasonal productions.
After full days exploring, where you stay becomes part of the experience. Choosing Steeles Tavern Manor, a leading romantic Bed and Breakfast in Virginia, offers a more personal way to enjoy winter in the Shenandoah Valley. From spacious guest rooms with fireplaces to private cabins in Virginia designed for quiet evenings, the right accommodations elevate the entire trip.
Travelers seeking privacy often gravitate toward Shenandoah Valley cabins, especially those with hot tubs, kitchens, and fireplaces. These spaces allow you to enjoy winter nights on your own schedule while still being close to the area’s top attractions. A Virginia Bed and Breakfast experience adds the bonus of thoughtful hospitality and freshly prepared breakfasts to start each day.
Winter is also an ideal season to focus on rest and relaxation. Onsite spa services, scenic views of the surrounding mountains, and inviting common areas encourage guests to slow down and enjoy the moment. Whether you spend the day exploring or staying in, winter in the Shenandoah Valley offers flexibility and comfort.
With so many things to do in the Shenandoah Valley this winter and inviting lodging options waiting at the end of the day, planning a seasonal mountain getaway has never felt more rewarding.
Durango is one of the best places to experience winter in Colorado, especially for travelers seeking a romantic mountain escape. December transforms this southwest Colorado town into a snowy playground filled with alpine scenery, festive charm, and memorable outdoor adventures. From powdery downhill runs to peaceful forest trails, Durango brings together everything people love about Colorado winters in one welcoming destination.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless ways to enjoy the season. Purgatory Ski Resort is a favorite starting point, offering skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowmobiling surrounded by dramatic alpine views. If you prefer gliding across quiet landscapes, the Durango Nordic Center provides more than 20 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails along with lessons, rentals, and family-friendly programs. The peaceful, snow-covered forests and mountain vistas create an ideal setting for beginners and seasoned skiers alike.
Beyond the trails, Durango offers lively December experiences that highlight the magic of the season. Ride the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for holiday-themed excursions, visit the Durango Dog Ranch for an unforgettable dogsled outing, or unwind in the warm mineral pools at Durango Hot Springs. Couples especially appreciate the combination of crisp winter days and cozy après-ski experiences that make the area perfect for romantic winter getaways.
When your day winds down, our elevated Durango Lodging offers the comfort, warmth, and hospitality that elevate your winter stay. Just minutes from downtown Durango yet surrounded by natural beauty, this Historic Bed and Breakfast offers a refined, peaceful home base close to the best things to do in Durango, CO!
Each guest room offers luxurious bedding, fireplaces, and private baths, creating a restful space to recharge after a snow-filled day. Mornings begin with a chef-prepared breakfast made with local ingredients, and thoughtful add-ons help customize your stay. For an unforgettable evening, the Chef’s Table Dinner Experience for Two brings elevated dining directly to the inn, perfect for couples seeking a romantic touch.
With easy access to skiing, Nordic trails, hot springs, and festive holiday events, Antlers on the Creek offers a winter in Colorado experience that guests return to year after year. Now is the perfect time to plan your December mountain getaway in Durango.
A winter escape to Granite Peak Ski Area delivers the kind of skiing experience travelers seek when planning a Midwest mountain getaway. Located just outside downtown Wausau, Granite Peak Ski Area stands out among ski resorts in Wisconsin for its impressive vertical, modern lift system, and dependable snow conditions throughout winter. With long runs, varied terrain, and night skiing, it offers an experience that feels elevated without feeling overcomplicated.
Granite Peak Wisconsin rises to nearly 1,950 feet, offering about 700 feet of vertical drop and close to 70 trails spread across more than 400 skiable acres. This creates a top-to-bottom experience that feels satisfying by Midwest standards. Skiers and riders can move seamlessly between wide cruising trails, beginner-friendly runs, challenging steeps, glades, and terrain parks designed for all progression levels. Extensive snowmaking ensures reliable conditions from early winter through spring, making it a strong choice for anyone planning a winter getaway focused on skiing in Wisconsin.
Night skiing is another highlight. With many trails lit after sunset, it is easy to extend your day on the slopes, then head back into town to enjoy even more things to do in Wausau, including dining, shopping, breweries, and arts scene. This balance between mountain time and city energy is what sets Granite Peak apart from many ski hills in Wisconsin.
To match the quality of your days on the mountain, where you stay matters. The Stewart Inn consistently ranks among the best hotels in Wausau, offering a refined yet comfortable home base for winter ski trips. This luxury boutique inn blends historic Prairie-style architecture with thoughtful modern amenities, creating a stay that feels personal and polished.
After skiing, unwind in well-appointed guest rooms, many featuring fireplaces or steam showers, and enjoy elevated touches like gourmet breakfast and evening wine and cheese. Located near downtown, the Stewart Inn allows easy access to Wausau’s best restaurants and attractions, while Granite Peak Ski Area is only a short drive away. Pairing one of the best Wisconsin ski resorts with one of the city’s top lodging options turns a ski trip into a complete winter getaway worth repeating.
Snowshoeing in Vermont is one of the most rewarding ways to experience winter in the Green Mountains. Flexible, approachable, and well-suited for all ability levels, snowshoeing allows travelers to explore terrain that feels quiet and untouched, even during peak winter months. The Mad River Valley stands out as a premier destination for winter adventure, offering access to scenic trails, guided experiences, and protected forest land.
The region features a wide variety of snowshoeing trails, from gentle routes near village centers to backcountry terrain within the Green Mountain National Forest. Popular routes include sections of the Long Trail, the Catamount Trail, and lesser known paths that wind through forests and open meadows. Many visitors also enjoy snowshoe trails located just steps from their lodging, making it easy to explore without driving far.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided outings with Clearwater Sports offer an excellent way to discover snowshoeing in Vermont. Local guides lead small groups through unmarked terrain and quiet winter landscapes, adjusting pace and difficulty based on experience. These tours often include naturalist insights, animal tracking, and seasonal highlights that deepen the connection to the land. Options like moonlight headlamp tours and adventures featuring the locally invented Mad River Rocket add a sense of excitement to the experience.
After a full day on the trails, a comfortable place to return to makes all the difference. A historic Bed and Breakfast in Vermont, located in the village of Warren, provides a peaceful home base close to Sugarbush and many of the area’s best snowshoeing trails. Guests enjoy warm shared spaces, a welcoming atmosphere, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Each morning begins with a multi-course breakfast designed to fuel winter adventures. Hot coffee, hearty dishes, and thoughtful hospitality set the tone for another day of exploration. If you’re seeking an adventure with snowshoeing in Vermont, along with a cozy mountain stay, West Hill House B&B creates a winter getaway worth planning around.
Spring is when the Columbia River Gorge feels most alive. Waterfalls surge with snowmelt, hillsides shift back to green, and the light stays soft long enough for a full day outside. If you are looking for Columbia Gorge getaways near Seattle, this is an ideal season to plan a weekend that balances movement, views, and real downtime.
Start with the classics. Iconic waterfall stops like Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Horsetail Falls are at their most dramatic in spring, with easy walks that still deliver that wow factor. If you want a bigger day on the trail, late spring brings wildflower season, with favorites like Dog Mountain and Rowena Plateau offering wide-open views that reward the climb. Prefer to keep it flexible, a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway is a perfect spring itinerary builder, with viewpoints and trailheads that let you choose your own pace.
Midday is made for river towns. Hood River, White Salmon, and Stevenson are easy places to reset between adventures, whether that means a relaxed lunch, a tasting room stop, or browsing local shops before heading back out for golden hour.
There may be plenty of things to do in the Columbia River Gorge, but the best weekends in the Gorge include time to slow down, not just time to explore. Columbia Gorge cabins make it easy to shift from trail days to restorative evenings, with privacy, design-forward comfort, and a setting that keeps the landscape front and center. Begin your morning with coffee and mountain views, come home to a fire after sunset, and let crisp spring nights set the tone for a true reset.
If your idea of a weekend getaway includes wellness, you can elevate your stay with in-cabin massages and thoughtful amenities that support rest and renewal. After a day of chasing waterfalls and viewpoints, the simple luxury of a warm soak, quiet surroundings, and space to unplug is exactly what spring in the Gorge is all about.