Happy Wednesday, friends!
Exactly three months ago, I asked you to share your favorite US SUMMER DESTINATIONS and boy did you deliver. We counted up so many and shared your TOP 10 with the group should anyone be looking for a road trip or summer vacation destination.
Over the weekend, I posed the question “What is your favorite charming fall town” and HOLY COW there were HUNDREDS of responses. You girls are MY KIND OF PEOPLE as you know where to find the fall!
Once again, there were so many that I enlisted Mackenzie here in my office to help me tally them up and find your TOP 10 CHARMING FALL TOWNS as well as honorable mentions. I have the results below to hopefully make your fall town planning a tad easier. For the record, ALL of our favorite US Summer Destinations were mentioned once again for fall, so please keep that list in mind as well when planning leaf peeping trips during the “ber” months…and two of the towns from our summer list even made it into our Top 10 Fall list too!
Okay, here are the TOP 10 based on your answers. I looked up each city and found their local tourism website as well so that you can click and read more about that particular city.
I know we probably missed many, so please, please, please share your faves in the comment section below too. I have been to many of these towns, but I’m excited to now visit even more!!
Happy fall travels! xx
ASHVILLE, NC
FRANKLIN, TN
SALEM, MA
CHARLESTON, SC
LAKE PLACID, NY
DOOR COUNTY, WI
BLOWING ROCK, NC
STOWE, VT
WOODSTOCK, VT
LEAVENWORTH, WA
And here are the HONORABLE MENTIONS as well…
Bentonville, AR
Breckenridge, CO
Estes Park, CO
Vail, CO
Helen, GA
Bar Harbor, ME
Ogunquit, ME
Portland, ME
Mackinac Island, MI
Traverse City, MI
St. Charles, MO
Boone, NC
Highlands, NC
New Hope, PA
Jim Thorpe, PA
Newport, RI
Gatlinburg, TN
Fredericksburg, TX
Charlottesville, VA
Burlington, VT
If you have other cities, other insights, other helpful ideas for this community, please share below.
Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance! I just LOVE that you ladies love fall as much as I do! xx
Jami Romano says
I’ve never been to any of these, but they all look super cute ◡̈
Kristen Thompson says
So many beautiful places to see, now I am ready to plan a weekend getaway!!
Lauren says
Yay Blowing Rock!!! It’s the most precious town!!
Catherine Base says
Blowing Rock and Boone are being overrun. The charm is dissipating rapidly. I know. I live there.
Emi says
Cape May, NJ is a gem!!! Not really a fall town but SO charming! There is so much to see and do. Truly a great place. And it’s incredible around Halloween and Christmas time!
Jess says
I love this!!! So many great ideas and it’s exciting to see so many of the towns I grew up in on the list!!! Also northern Vermont around the islands is gorgeous this time of year (Grande Isle, Isle la Motte, Alburgh) and bonus is that it’s a very easy drive to Montreal so you can get both the cozy leaf peeping and a unique New England meets Europe in the fall feel from the Vieux Vile!!! 🥰 if you’re road tripping through Vermont in the fall, don’t go on the highway, take “the notch” through the mountains, you won’t regret it and it’ll fill your camera roll!!!
Elspeth says
So may quaint spots! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sara says
We’ve done a few of these. Estes Park, CO, was amazing in September / October timing. Drive there from the airport was stunning. Salem is so much fun, especially if you love history and quaint seaside towns — we’ve done this twice in the fall. Burlington is beautiful as well. We rented a house there on Lake Champlain with a fireplace, window seat in the kitchen (to curl up with a good book) porch/deck overlooking the lake, and the most amazing bed, lol. Kids loved playing on the beach everyday (despite it being October!). That same trip, we left there and went to Cooperstown, NY, also lovely in the fall! We did Newport in the fall as well, but it I would keep it as an honorable mention.
Sara Gillen says
I’m heading to Salem on a girls trip in early October. SO excited to see fall there! 😍🍁🍃🎃
Laura says
I can confirm that Asheville is one of the best places to be in the fall!! I knew it was gonna make the list! So many cool things to do and views to see.
Kristi says
Laura, any favorite spots to visit/shop/eat that you’d care to share? My cousins and I will be visiting in 2 weeks. Can’t wait!!
Sherry Kenney says
You have to go sit on the terrace at Grove Park Inn! There is a first come first served area (along with several restaurants) where you can sit on the patio and order drinks and small bites. The view is fantastic!
Laura says
Yes! Grove Park Inn (you can go and walk around or have a meal/drink, you do not have to stay there. Gorgeous views!) and the Biltmore (I believe you can walk the grounds for free? Or of course could do a tour) are my favorites. There are lots of scenic drives. Asheville has a hilly but cool & hippie downtown area with lots of shops, craft vendors, etc. I know there are good hikes but I’m not sure what to recommend. Black Mountain nearby is a cutesy small town and at least a few years ago they had a little general store and bookstore you could go to in their little downtown. Lake Junaluska is beautiful and you can walk the perimeter (1 mile?? 2?) and see beautiful views. I know it’s a chain but I love Tupelo Honey restaurant, and there is also a good burger place downtown with all locally grown produce that was delicious. Hope you have a great trip!
Karleigh Johnson says
I was so disappointed with Salem, MA. We went last year and it was just very—carnival-esque. Maybe we did it wrong, but we did not enjoy it at all. Absolutely loved Woodstock, one of my favorite places. Would LOVE to see Leavenworth in the winter, but now in the fall, too! Great list!
Dawn says
I didn’t care for Salem either. I enjoyed seeing the Hocus Pocus house but that was about it!
Sarah says
We LOVE Blowing Rock!! It’s such a sweet little small town plus there’s great restaurants, cute shops, all set against the beautiful NC mountains! It’s cute anytime of year, but when the leaves change in the fall in the mountains… amazing!!!
Lauren says
As a lifelong resident of NC, I needed to tell you that it’s spelled AshEville with an E! 😄 Also Boone and Blowing Rock NC are literally towns right next to each other so I highly recommend combining those two. Great list overall!
Shannon Garrison says
Thanks for commenting this. I’ve lived in NC my whole life and the first thing I noticed was Asheville spelled wrong. It bothered me (I’m also a teacher 🤣) I went to college in Boone so I’m super bias toward Blowing Rock and Boone! 🩷
Sheaffer says
I’ve never been to Vermont, but it’s calling to me.
Dawn says
I adore Vermont!! Bring on the maple syrup! Billings Farm near Woodstock is so cute!
Liz Proulx says
What a great idea Shay! The list makes me want to hop in the car and seek these quaint towns out!
Erin says
Leesburg VA
Frederick MD
Karen in Virginia says
Must be a Northern VA gal? Yes to both of these!!
Kelly says
Yes! I was hoping for some Virginia shout outs- we are in Fredericksburg and always up for a day trip!
Erin says
I forgot Middleburg, VA. Seriously, Google it. Soft, rolling hills with rolling fence lines. The town itself is like a movie. At Christmas, it’s breathtaking.
Erin says
I don’t know what people think when they think of Virginia, but Northern Virginia is really not representative of the rest of Virginia. It could be its own state. Lol As one giant rolling suburb of DC, the culture, pace and lifestyle there doesn’t really match the more central or southern parts of the state. People who don’t live there don’t know that. It’s busy, affluent and suburban with access to many things like the city, beaches, mountains and a lot of other things just a short drive away. It’s interesting!
Michelle Bingham says
Asheville in the fall is the best!
Melissa says
Thank you for putting together this list! I have been to a few of these but would love to visit the ones more north.
Angie Pelaggi says
Lots of ME and VT but how is NH not on this list? Both North Conway, NH located in the White Mountains and Portsmouth, NH on the Seacoast are worth visiting in the fall.
Jenn says
I’ve skied in North Conway. So fun!!
Cheri says
Madison, Indiana
Galena, Illinois
Morgan says
I’ll second Galena, IL! Bayfield, WI is also a gem in the fall. Doesn’t get much more beautiful than the Northwoods turning red, gold, and orange.
Kim M Letteer says
Interestingly, Boone and Blowing Rock were listed separately. As someone who lives 2 hours from there and frequently is there for both work and pleasure; they are neighboring towns about 2 -5 miles apart, with a ski resort and the Blue Ridge Parkway separating them.
Pamela Garrett says
What a fantastic list! I don’t think a person could ever go wrong with anywhere in East Tennessee or Western NC…the Smoky Mountains are beautiful! Thank you for all your hard work!
Kara says
Happy to see Newport on there since that is our October trip and we have never been before! 🧡🍁
Karen in Virginia says
I grew up in Rhode Island. Make sure to go across the bridge to Jamestown and visit beavertail. It is absolutely gorgeous there!
Nicole Seeley says
I have been to Woodstock, and I loved everything about it! The Woodstock Inn was gorgeous- the perfect place to stay!
Natalie Alvarado says
I keep seeing reels about Woodstock, Vermont. It looks like a dreamy fall town. 🍁
Courtney Mac says
Love some Hot Spring, AR, in the fall. Such a fun, walkable place downtown!
Michelle Skow says
If you want to go to the Halloween capital of the world it’s in Anoka, MN!
Sarah DeWald says
Well now I have a fall travel list! 🙂
DJ says
I’m going to Leavenworth, WA for the first time this fall so this was especially exciting to see!
Alyssa Norman says
I live in Colorado and agree with all on these on the list. One to add is Telluride CO! It’s incredibly beautiful in the fall and there’s far less people since it’s before ski season/ after summer. The gondola is free between the mountain village and the town of Telluride and the views on that alone are breathtaking in the fall. 🍁🍂
Peggy Jenkins says
I second this – definitely a favorite!!
Katherine says
Franklin, TN is my favorite on your list! I was lucky to have lived just a few miles from there for 4 years!
Deena says
Me too! We lived in Brentwood and loved going to Franklin! It’s such a cute place, especially the downtown.
I really want to go to Leavenworth so hoping for next year.
Joanna Narayanan says
You should check out Half Moon Bay, Ca! It’s the pumpkin capital! There are like 9 pumpkin patches in our small town! There is an entire weekend where thousands of people come called Pumpkin Festival and they have the giant pumpkin festival and pumpkins from all over the country come to be weighed!!!
Ramona Puckett says
Eureka Springs is a fall destination for our family. Victorian architecture downtown and houses. Very walkable, lots of springs, great places to eat, explore. We love it!
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
Northern Michigan in the fall is 😍😍😍 and the von Trapp lodge in Stowe is a fun adventure!!
Donna says
Blowing Rock and Boone are absolutely beautiful in the Fall. I love to vacation in that area!
Elizbaeth S says
Love Charleston anytime of the year. Such a fun place to visit. I have ridden the Katy Trail through Missouri in October and it is a beautiful ride. Such a fun list, makes me want to add a few to my travel list.
Liz says
I was about to be like, “BUT WHAT ABOUT MAINE SHAY.” Then I saw the honorable mentions, haha! Happy fall ma’am!
Kelly says
Omg want to travel to them all!!! Thanks for sharing!
Debra E says
This is the perfect thing to read today. We were just trying to decide on a place to visit this fall. Thank you for these ideas.
Kristin Originally from Minneapolis says
I will add to the list Red Wing, Minnesota about an hour from Minneapolis. It’s located on the Mississippi River, with trees surrounding both sides. It’s a real river town. The St. James Hotel is gorgeous and was built in 1875. There is a roof top restaurant that overlooks the river. The shops in town are fabulous too! 😊 If you want to head down the road a bit to Scandia there’s a fabulous pie shop also right on the river. It’s very old and also has great shops. Really they are both beautiful 3 seasons out of the year!
Nichole says
I will second this! I live nearby in Hastings, MN. Red Wing is gorgeous!!
Amy says
Already checking out a couple of these towns to visit! I may have to go by myself but will definitely hit one of them!! Thank you for all the work you put in to this blog!
Alicia says
What a great list!! I would also add Lake Tahoe. Beautiful!
Ruby Huling says
Anywhere in NW Arkansas is beautiful in the fall, and traveling the winding Highway 7 through the mountains is absolutely gorgeous!! There are too many neat little towns along the way to just mention one.
Lisa D says
Bar Harbor Maine definitely! And Steamboat Springs Colorado 😊
I’m a Colorado gal for over 30 years now, there so many great Fall places here.
Robin says
I’ve been to several on your list, Franklin, TN, Blowing Rock, NC, Boone, NC, Asheville, NC, Gatlinburg, TN, Fredricksburg, TX, Charleston, SC, and Highlands, NC. I’d love to add some of the northern towns to my list. Cute small towns are so much fun.
Deb Tjelta says
Fabulous list! For those in the Midwest…the rolling hills of Iowa are amazing in the fall. The colors are stunning and seeing farmers harvesting is a beautiful sight!
Christa Liso says
I live in North Carolina and can honestly say that Blowing Rock is precious. It is always a favorite of ours and we try to get there at least once every year or so. Ashville is beautiful also! I haven’t spent much time there but I’d love to do some exploring. Love these posts! ☕️🍁
Yvonne says
Yay! I love this list!!! I was just thinking yesterday…Shay should do a fall town list and you did it!!! Love all this fall content!!! This is a great list, so helpful since I am always dreaming of where to go in the fall! Reading it just makes me happy, thank you!
Have a great day!
Colleen says
Northern Michigan is beautiful in the fall! I used to live in Cadillac, MI, and that area is gorgeous in the fall. Go visit and take a fall colors tour!
Christine says
Great list! Makes me SMELL FALL!!!!
Erika Slaughter says
I’m confirming Asheville, NC, as well! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen more GORGEOUS trees in the fall! STUNNING!
Heather says
Yay, so happy one of our happy places Blowing Rock made the list. Go Apps🖤💛
We just so happen to be headed to Lake Placid, Next Friday! So excited to give a new place on this fabulous fall list a try.
Lisa says
Not sure where you’re flying into but we flew into Burlington, VT then drove and took the ferry across Lake Champlain to Lake Placid. This was a couple of years ago but it was a nice drive.
Lisa Elliott says
I’ve always wanted to head up the east coast during the fall. Maybe some day!
Marie Donoghue says
Lake Placid is beautiful in fall and a great place to visit no matter what time of year!
E. Lancaster says
Being from North Carolina, I can confirm the two NC cities are great places to visit!!!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
Definitely Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine! Portsmouth, NH is fun too. I forget how blessed I am to live in Maine / New England… it’s like living in Stars Hollow in the Fall. 🍂🤎
Rahel Young says
Fun! I don’t think I’ve been to any of these…Niagara-on-the-lake in Ontario, Canada is super cute in the fall too if anyone is heading north of the border!
Becca Mahoney says
Love Franklin, TN and so glad to see it’s on your list! I would also add Stillwater, MN and Duluth, MN!
Casey says
Litchfield, CT -> Washington Depot, CT -> New Milford, CT for your Gilmore Girls experience! Gorgeous!
Jenn says
Yes! This is where I’m from. Just mentioned them below too!!
Lizzie says
Oh how I miss the scenery in NW Arkansas. Went to school in Fayetteville. Woo Pig! Grew up in a very small town, Mena. It was like living in Mayberry. I guess I took the beautiful mountains and trees for granted b/c we definitely don’t have that in DFW.
Rachel Kazmier says
Have you looked up Leavenworth for their Christmas vibe???? That’s on my early December bucket list for sure!
Tiffany says
I live 2 hours from Leavenworth and used to go every year in December for the tree lighting ceremony. It’s so magical and fun, but just a heads up, it gets BUSY and crowded. People book their hotels a year in advance. If you do go, I hope you have an amazing time!
Stephanie Snyder says
I’ve only been to Salem and in August, but imagine it’s perfect for fall! All the NC destinations are on my list, along with everything drivable for leaf peeping. Great list!
Faith says
Love seeing so many North Carolina towns on the list. ❤️ My husband and I are headed north next month so I’ll have to look into some of the ones listed.
Laci says
I love an hour outside of Gatlinburg, TN and it is beautiful in the fall! Would love to add some of these to my bucket list.
Sarah says
One step closer to planning my 50th birthday getaway! Thank you and your readers for the help.
Stephanie says
For those looking for Autumn out West the drive up Parleys Canyon to Park City, Midway and Heber , Utah is breathtaking. Peaks around the beginning of October. Also drives up Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons to Snowbird and Brighton are beautiful all the month of September. Provo Canyon will be a kaleidoscope of autumn colors later in September. Looks like a patchwork quilt of autumn driving up it to Midway and Heber! Thanks for sharing the Fall love !! 🍁🍂
Melissa Baur says
Bias but I love chs.
Debbie Haberland says
Great places! Love anywhere around Northern Michigan especially the Traverse City area! 🍂🍁
Kelsee says
This is our first Fall living in Colorado and I can’t wait to find my favorite Fall town here. Such a fun list!
Jill says
Great list to dream over! The colors and temps are glorious!!
Deb says
I was going to add Leavenworth to the list and was so excited to see it on the list. We have been wanting to explore Door County and this post just gives me the added nudge to schedule it!
Sheila says
I live in SW Missouri and the Branson area is beautiful, as well as NW Arkansas, especially Bentonville area. We’re going to Nashville in early October and Franklin,TN is on our list to visit. I’m so excited!! Thanks for the great list!!! 🧡🍁🎃
Whitney Greenlee says
I live in Ozark MO and would agree! Nashville is also my favorite, have fun!
Bee says
Great list! Asheville is spelled with an E (not Ashville). 🙂
Keisha Dawson says
I sincerely hope to make it to one of these charming towns next fall. Our trips for this fall are already planned. I love a good sweet town during this cozy time of year.
Allie Pacek says
I love all of New England in the fall! I went to Vail, CO in September a few years ago and I was glad to see it on the honorable mention list as well.
Roya Bushong says
Clarion, PA in late September/early October for Autumn Leaf Festival. It’s beautiful!
Lindsey Whitley says
My mom and I take an annual trip to Parke County, Indiana for the Covered Bridge Festival that runs for 2 weeks every October. It’s always so festive and fun, and something I look forward to every year!
Tiff says
Fairhope, AL, along Mobile Bay, is SO charming and quaint! Stay at the Fairhope Inn or The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (a Marriott Autograph property). Tons of cute shops, delicious restaurants, live oaks along the shoreline, etc. It truly is a spectacular little place!
Dawn says
Yes!! Fairhope is one of my all-time favorite towns!
Jennifer Vieau says
Love this! I haven’t been to any of these places but they all look so cute and festive! My small town in Minnesota is surrounded by apple orchards so we always find lots to do in the fall months. I love this time of the year! Happy Fall!
Emily says
I’ve been to a lot of these places- there is nothing more beautiful than fall (and summer for that matter) in the mountains of NC!!! Boone, Blowing Rock, Asheville, Black Mountain, Highlands….you can’t go wrong. I hope this has convinced you to pay a visit to NC!!! I seem to remember you’ve never been there before 😊
Mary says
I loved Salem, MA and Boston in October- beautiful! The North Shore in Minnesota is gorgeous in the fall- drive Hwy 61 from Duluth to Grand Marais along the shores of Lake Superior…
Peggy says
Just had lunch with my best friends and got “all caught up” with our lives. How we do life without friends like this I’ll never know. It fills my❤️. Don’t put off connections
Happy Tuesday
Peggy
Betsy says
Love the list and happy to see Franklin and Gatlinburg on the list. We live within an hour of Gatlinburg and love visiting there in the fall.
Megan Taylor says
Love this list. Makes me want to go on a trip this Fall. 🍁
Amber Vance says
The mountains of NC are beautiful in the fall! My family has been vacationing in the Waynesville/Maggie Valley area for years. We love it there!
Cindy O'Leary says
Apple Hill, CA is a beautiful spot in the Fall with many activities, orchards to pick apples and places buy Fall flavored treats.
Cindy O'Leary says
Apple Hill, CA is a beautiful spot in the Fall with many activities, orchards to pick apples and places to buy Fall flavored treats.
Dawn says
Ooh there’s nothing like a charming small town during the fall! Here are a few of our favorites:
Kennebunkport, ME
Woodstock, VT
Stowe, VT
Bar Harbor, ME/Acadia
Sleepy Hollow, NY
Cashiers, NC
Franklin, TN
Fairhope, AL
Bigger towns:
NYC
Boston
And I can’t wait to check out Ogunquit, ME soon!
Pat says
Oxford, Mississippi is a small town that is full of beauty and energy. The trees are gorgeous in late fall.
Stacey says
Charlottesville, VA! So Glad It made honorable mention!! Central Virginia is beautiful anytime of year but fall especially!!! C’ville has wineries, apple orchards, historical sites…AMAZING!
Bri says
What a FUN post!!! And number 5, my old state, born and raised in WI!! Family is all still there.
Erika W. says
Traverse City is on my bucket list. There are so many great places within driving distance too.
Jenn says
I’m shocked Washington Depot, Kent or Litchfield CT did not make the list! Best foliage, adorable boutiques, coffee, art, Kent Falls and of course Gilmore Girls!
Casey says
I concur, CT is the best!
Cindi says
I am currently in Stowe, Vermont! Although it’s beautiful anytime, the leaves are just beginning to change, so it’s mostly still green here. I highly recommend checking when peak color is expected in each city. We’ve been in Vermont at peak when it’s bursting with color and there’s nothing like it!
Carla says
My mom and I will be visiting next week from the west coast! Do you have any recommendations for things we must do/see while we’re there?
Monica says
I live in a small town between Blowing Rock and Asheville and can confirm both are great places to visit in the fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must do in the fall. Another cute town in the fall with lots of beautiful waterfalls is Brevard, NC. We also love Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN area in fall and Charleston anytime.
Courtney Cammarano says
Leavenworth WA is in my backyard and can confirm it is quite lovely any time of year, but especially in the fall. A bonus if you also love or want to experience Oktoberfest without a passport!
Marisa Patel says
I have only been to one of the places on the top 10 list, I guess I better get traveling!!!! It’s sad that TX only has one town listed. If interested in nature I can suggest Big Bend, Ft. Davis, and Marfa. There are many things to see and do all around those locations.
Hillary says
I’ve lived in NC my entire life so I’m so happy to see all the NC towns on the list! Blowing Rock is my fave!
Megan says
St. Charles MO made the honorable mentions list? So excited! That is where I live and I can tell you we have an adorable historic Main Street – and Grandma’s cookies which was rated #1 in the nation 🙂
Kristyn G. says
You can’t beat NC! It is the best place to live. Boone/Blowing rock are great, cute towns. I agree with a previous comment that Black Mountain is so cute..and near Asheville! It is currently 65 degrees here so you really can’t beat it! 🙂
Sheri says
I was so surprised to see Leavenworth as number 1. Living so close to it I often forget how pretty it is in the fall nestled in the mountains Also they go all out for Christmas!