Simple pleasures are heightened in fall. Steaming coffee on a crisp morning, thick knit sweaters, and the rustle of wind through autumn leaves. But if you aren't content to enjoy these treats at home, head out into the world and experience a few destinations that become downright magical come autumn. From wine tasting lakeside among towering oaks aglow with autumn foliage, to strolling along picturesque cobblestone streets with a warm cup of cocoa, here are five cozy fall getaways to plan now.
The Finger Lakes, New York
Just south of Lake Ontario, New York’s Finger Lakes are a sight to behold come September. Hop in the car for near 360° panoramas of hills gleaming with autumnal hues along Route 14. Pull over to pick apples and sip the fruits of your labor at a nearby orchard, or soak in the hot tub of a secluded cabin. This is also peak harvest season for the Finger Lakes wine region. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail winds its way through one of the most densely concentrated viticulture hubs in the area, where over 600 varieties of wine are on offer. If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, head to the Taughannock Falls State Park for waterfalls festooned in strikingly vibrant fall foliage.
Kyoto, Japan
Imagine misty mornings of sightseeing with stoic pagodas peeking out of a sea of crimson, Japanese maples. Fall foliage enthusiasts flock to Kyoto, Japan, every year for its world-renowned landscapes. Some of the best locales for views of scarlet maples and lemony gingkos are the Kiyomizu-dera and Tofuku-ji Temples. Leaf season begins later here than in the United States with the full flush of colors typically peaking in late November. Japan is also a foodie mecca which means that you can’t miss fall specialties like ripe persimmons, grilled sanma fish, and the unlikely street food of comforting roasted sweet potatoes.
Paris, France
Fall is the perfect time of year to visit Paris. The throbbing summer crowds have dissipated, moody autumn weather is moving in, and you’ll likely have most of the famous attractions all to yourself. Walking through one of Paris’ many parks is one of life’s greatest pleasures, made all the better with the smell of fall in the air. Autumn is also a splendid time of year to take the train to Versailles as the sprawling grounds come alive with autumnal colors. Don’t miss grabbing a cup of hot chocolate at Angelina’s, famous for their particularly luscious cocoa and situated right along Les Jardins des Tuileries. Or in true Parisian style, cozy up at an outdoor terrace with a glass of Bordeaux and watch the world go by.
Banff National Park, Canada
Located in the Western Canadian province of Alberta, Banff National Park is an autumn dreamland. Don’t miss the Lake Agnes Tea House hike, taking you straight into the heart of Canadian autumn with unprecedented views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains. You’ll be well rewarded for your efforts with over 100 varieties of piping hot tea, freshly baked banana bread, and apple crumble, just to name some of their tasty offerings. No visit to this scenic area is complete without seeing Lake Louise itself, wreathed in colorful trees reflected in the still water. For a truly life-changing sight, rent a canoe in the early morning and watch the sunrise paint Mount Victoria brilliant tones of sepia and ochre.
Bavaria, Germany
Iconic castles adorned in colorful leaves, meandering through the world’s largest pumpkin festival, and sipping German lager in a chilly biergarten — this is Bavaria in autumn. Covering a swath of 27,000 square miles in southern Germany, this iconic region is known for its distinctive culture and idyllic scenery. You can’t visit Bavaria without paying a visit to the castle that inspired Walt Disney himself. Neuschwanstein sits stoically, surrounded by deciduous forest, all just waiting to be explored. You’ve also probably heard of a certain famous festival that takes place in Munich come fall. Oktoberfest is the perfect celebration to mark the inception of autumn with monstrous steins of locally brewed beer, freshly baked pretzels, and warm apple strudel.
