Even though the end of the summer is frequently bittersweet, having fun doesn’t have to end when you live in a major city. You’ll want to spend as much time as you can outside before hibernating for the winter when the weather begins to deteriorate and the trees begin to change color to tones of vivid red, burnt orange, and bright yellow. Of course, nothing beats a journey through the countryside to take in the stunning fall colors, but metropolitan locations still offer their own special seasonal beauty. Imagine savoring bourbon with a chill in the air on Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail or leaf-crunching your way through New York’s Central Park.
From Savannah with its Halloween ghost tours to Santa Fe with its chili harvest, here are the best American cities to visit in the fall.
01 Denver, Colorado
In the resort areas outside of Denver, the leaves begin to change early, but in October, the city’s foliage takes center stage. It is clearly seen from the Cherry Creek Regional Trail and the High Line Canal, which is bordered with cottonwoods that are a vivid yellow color. However, beer enthusiasts might be excused for never noticing any trees. The Great American Beer Festival and the Denver Oktoberfest are just two of the beer events that take place here in the fall.
02 Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville’s greatest events are a reflection of the city’s passion for great music and the great outdoors. When it holds events like Americanafest, a multi-venue celebration of the nation’s musical melting pot, and September Sundown, a series of free concerts held every Friday and Saturday at Centennial Park, Music City lives up to its moniker in the fall. The Southern Festival of Books is held in October as a reminder that not all poetic expressions in this town are sung aloud.
03 Portland, Maine
Ride a bike through Portland, Maine, or climb Bradbury Mountain in adjacent Pownal to witness the greatest foliage. After all, working out while the leaves are changing is a simple way to justify all the delicious meals this seafood-loving city has to offer. Harvest on the Harbor is Portland’s famed gastronomic extravaganza. Highlights of the event include a cocktail party, an oyster tasting, and the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year competition, in which a rabid audience gets to sample and vote alongside expert judges.
04 New York, New York
New York in the autumn. The song asks, “Why does it seem so inviting?” One explanation would be Central Park’s pastoral serenity. Check into a room at the Mandarin Oriental New York with a view of the park before going to the Ramble, south of Belvedere Castle, and exploring the meadow that becomes crimson in the fall from the black tupelo trees. A section of the High Line, a park made out of an abandoned elevated rail route, is located between 23rd and Gansevort Streets. Long into October, you may swing by Doughnutterry for a bite-sized delicacy or have a glass of wine from the outside Hearth on the High Line.
05 Santa Barbara, California
This seaside town, which has nicknamed itself the American Riviera for a while, has a busy summer season just like its French equivalent. However, once fall arrives, hotel rates drastically decline, with September often having the lowest costs. Additionally, fall weather is frequently more pleasant than summer, which might be susceptible to June Gloom’s haze. Santa Barbara, which is close to the Santa Ynez Valley wine region, has a large number of tasting facilities where you can try the regional wines. Visit Conway Family Wines, which is located on Stearns Wharf and overlooks the water.
06 Louisville, Kentucky
Locals in this Kentucky city celebrate their contribution to the world’s bourbon whiskey during National Bourbon Heritage Month in September. On the Urban Bourbon Trail in Louisville, though, you may enjoy all fall long. One place to visit is the Down One Bourbon Bar & Restaurant, which offers more than 160 different varieties of the state’s iconic bourbon. Check out the foliage in Frederick Law Olmsted’s Iroquois Park for a stroll without booze. The 5,000 carved and illuminated pumpkins on display at the annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in October are worth staying up late to see.
07 Salt Lake City, Utah
In Salt Lake City, autumn typically means reduced pricing, less tourists, and the opportunity to view vibrant foliage while driving or hiking along Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons. The Utah State Fair, which features its own rodeo and is held every September just northwest of downtown, is also present during this time of year. And don’t forget to purchase your tickets for Oktoberfest, a yearly event that takes place at the Snowbird ski resort between August and mid-October and features beer, German cuisine, and live music.
08 New Orleans, Louisiana
In the fall, when events like the New Orleans Burlesque Festival, the Krewe of Boo Halloween parade, and the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival take place, New Orleans experiences fewer crowds and less humidity. Fall also heralds the return of Saints football’s near-religious zeal. Before home games, you may gather with black-and-gold-clad locals at Champions Square, a public area close to the Superdome, for live entertainment, tailgating food, and amiable Who Dat celebrations.
09 Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
While many people like cycling around town in the dead of winter, for the majority of locals, autumn is the last chance to ride bikes and go for jogs around the lakes. Plan to attend one of the several fall galas held in the Twin Cities, including the Minneapolis Monarch Festival, Twin Cities Book Festival, and Twin Cities Film Fest. Visit U.S. Bank Stadium to watch the Minnesota Vikings play to demonstrate that you are as tough as the locals
10 Boston, Massachusetts
Even if you aren’t enrolled in American Lit this fall, there is a palpable sense of back-to-school excitement in Boston. At well-known bookshops like the outdoor Brattle Book Shop or the Trident Booksellers & Cafe, you may browse the newest releases. The Boston Public Market’s Red Apple Farm apple cider doughnuts are likewise at their peak at this time of year. The Harvest Party, which features a buffet dinner and live music, is held here each October. Also, go through Jamaica Plain’s Arnold Arboretum, one of the many parks that make up Boston’s Emerald Necklace, in the early October to see the greatest local foliage.
11 Orlando, Florida
The start of the school year is a fantastic time to visit Orlando if you want to bring your preschoolers to the theme parks or just ride Space Mountain again without any kids in tow. This is because theme parks are typically less crowded at this time of year. However, the city is more than just Disney World and Universal. Stylish options like Domu for Japanese food or Enzo’s on the Lake for Italian with a view may be found in the vibrant downtown eating scene.
12 Chicago, Illinois
Early fall in the Windy City is when the weather is most agreeable since the chilly air makes people want to dance. On September 15, Douglass Park will host the punk-fueled Riot Fest, which will be followed by the Hyde Park Jazz Festival and the citywide World Music Festival. Try the North Coast Music Festival for an eclectic experience to see a range of hip-hop, rock, and electronic performers; previous headliners have included The Chemical Brothers, Kid Cudi, and Fatboy Slim.
