{"id":32,"date":"2015-07-27T16:26:07","date_gmt":"2015-07-27T16:26:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8888\/healthy-aging-magazine\/uncategorized\/entrepreneurship-2\/"},"modified":"2015-09-25T00:04:26","modified_gmt":"2015-09-25T00:04:26","slug":"active-fall-travel-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/fall-2015\/fall-2015-features\/active-fall-travel-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Active Fall Travel Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"

F<\/span>all is one of the best, yet most overlooked vacation times to travel. Called by some \u201cthe shoulder season,\u201d it\u2019s in between the peak and the off seasons.<\/p>\n

There are many good reasons to save your vacation time for the fall. The weather is almost perfect in most places. Beaches and water can still be warm in the early months. Hiking and leaf peeping are glorious. Walks through historic gardens, apple picking and sampling at culinary and wine festivals are not to be missed.<\/p>\n

With kids back in school and many family vacations over, destinations are less crowded. Best of all, the rates are often better than during the peak summer season.<\/p>\n

Make it your \u201con season\u201d with any of these unique destinations.<\/p>\n

Here are 10 of our favorites . . .<\/h4>\n

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Winston Salem, North Carolina. Photos: VisitWinstonSalem.com<\/a><\/p><\/p>\n

Winston Salem, North Carolina<\/h4>\n

If you are looking for a combination of active things to do and historical sightseeing walking tours, great food and weather, consider a trip to Winston-Salem<\/a>. Located in the center of the state, also known as the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the weather moves from the low 80s in September to the 60s in November.<\/p>\n

Winston-Salem is considered the gateway to the 1.4 million acre Yadkin Valley, now home to more than 30 wineries. Some of the best wineries in the state are located here. You can visit several in a day since you will find them in clusters. In addition to wine tasting and tours, there are all kinds of winery events<\/a>, from wine tasting dinners, concerts, tasting courses, festivals and more to check out.<\/p>\n

Amateur and professional gardeners will want to head to the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, 20th Conference on Restoring Southern Gardens & Landscapes<\/a>, October 1\u20133, 2015. Sessions will include saving family heirloom seeds, heirloom plants of Old Salem, and as well as a unique informal \u201ccovered dish\u201d supper featuring African American cuisine.<\/p>\n

Harvest Day<\/a>, October 17, 2015 is filled with activities and demonstrations alongside food and craft vendors.<\/p>\n

Enjoy the leaves of fall through the informative Seasonal Tree Tour<\/a> lead by horticulturalist Toby Bost on October 29, 2015. Learn about the characteristics of each species and historical uses, the value of trees in the landscape today and how they might work in your yard.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\"HealthyAgingMag9-600\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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San Diego California. (Top Left) Crystal Pier Surfers. (Top Right) Downtown Skyline from Pt. Loma. (Bottom Left) Del Mar Race Tracks Turf Club. (Bottom Right) Del Mar Race Horses at Starting Gate. All Photos: SanDiego.org<\/a><\/p><\/p>\n

San Diego, CA<\/h4>\n

With average temperatures in the 70s and 80s, summer weather in San Diego<\/a> continues daily until November. There are loads of things to do.\nHere is a sampling:<\/p>\n

Food Fests:<\/strong>\nSan Diego Restaurant Week<\/a>, September 20\u201327, 2015. More than 180 restaurants offer specially priced prix-fixed meals.<\/p>\n

12th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival<\/a> at the Embarcadero Marina Park North and other venues throughout downtown, November 15\u201322, 2015.<\/p>\n

13th Annual Celebrate the Craft<\/a> culinary showcase, October 25, 2015, featuring renowned chefs, vintners and farmers from across California.<\/p>\n

Horse Racing:<\/strong>\nDel Mar Thoroughbred Club<\/a> horse racing features the fall Bing Crosby Season, which runs October 29\u2013November 29 2015<\/p>\n

Film Festivals:<\/strong>\nThe San Diego International Film Festival<\/a>, September 30\u2212October 4, 2015 offers a slate of films that showcase the best in American and international full-length features, documentaries and shorts.<\/p>\n

\"01_Chateau-Elan_Signature-Winery\"

Ch\u00e2teau Elan Signature Winery. Baselton, Georgia. Photo: exploregeorgia.org<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Braselton, Georgia<\/h4>\n

Located just forty minutes outside of Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia<\/a>, Ch\u00e2teau \u00c9lan<\/a> is a luxurious destination for active couples and families. The sweeping panorama of the North Georgia foothills is reminiscent of the French countryside. Ch\u00e2teau \u00c9lan began as a vineyard in 1981, growing Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet & Riesling grapes. It has grown into a 3,500-acre-conference and leisure destination where, they say \u201cFrench provincial and Southern hospitality combine to produce exceptional wines and warm memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

There\u2019s lots to do here from golf for all levels, a European-style spa for both men and women, cooking classes, cycling (bring your own bike or rent a mountain bike), tennis, swimming and seven restaurants offering foods from regional southern and all-American to Mediterranean, classic French, Irish, and healthful spa cuisine.<\/p>\n

One of the fun activities is for budding wine makers. They offer an opportunity to become a winemaker for a day. Learn to blend your own wine and create a bottle of wine that is customized to your personal palate. You also have the opportunity to personalize a custom label for your wine.<\/p>\n

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Columbia, South Carolina. (Left) River Trail (Right) Cycling. Photos: Midlands Authority on Conventions, Sports & Tourism<\/a><\/p><\/p>\n

Columbia, South Carolina<\/h4>\n

Columbia, South Carolina<\/a> boasts more than 300 days of sunshine every year. With such great weather, it\u2019s the perfect place for active vacations centering on hiking and cycling.<\/p>\n

Congaree National Park<\/a>, 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, offers 25-plus miles of hiking trails and backcountry camping opportunities.<\/p>\n

Bird watchers will love Congaree with its nearly 200 species of birds to spot through the trails and from the 2.4 mile boardwalk trail loop. The park is recognized as International Biosphere Reserve, federally designated Wilderness Area, and Globally Important Bird Area.<\/p>\n

Cyclists will enjoy the Three Rivers Greenway, named as one of the country\u2019s most promising ways to reconnect Americans to the natural world. The Three Rivers Greenway<\/a> is a 9 1\/2 mile and growing, linear park that is located in the cities of Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce.<\/p>\n

Three Rivers Greenway is a beautiful series of riverfront pathways, where the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree Rivers meet. The park includes lighted trails and boardwalks, outdoor amphitheaters, restrooms and breathtaking views of the Columbia skyline in a dog friendly and ADA accessible environment that everyone can enjoy.<\/p>\n

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Cooperstown, New York (Left) Otsego Lake Canoe(Right) Cooperstown. Photo: Cooperstown\/Otsego County Tourism<\/a><\/p><\/p>\n

Cooperstown, New York<\/h4>\n

Nestled between the Catskills and Central Leatherstocking region, Cooperstown<\/a> is one of the most pristine areas in upstate New York and the idyllic place for an authentic fall getaway. Known mostly for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, this quintessential Americana town is an ideal escape for vibrant leafpeeping, apple picking, autumn beer tasting, new fall art exhibits and ghost tours.<\/p>\n

The 106-year-old Otesaga Resort Hotel<\/a> occupies 700 feet of lakefront on the shore of Lake Otsego (the famed \u201cGlimmerglass\u201d from James Fenimore Cooper\u2019s novels) and is a stunning backdrop for the fall foliage, which can best be enjoyed from a rocking chair on the hotel\u2019s outdoor 180-foot veranda.<\/p>\n

The hotel offers an array of sports and recreational facilities, including lake canoeing and stand up paddle boarding; swimming in the outdoor pool; bike riding; croquet and tennis courts; as well as the top rated, 18-Leatherstocking Golf course.<\/p>\n

Complete your Cooperstown visit with a hike through Glimmerglass State Park<\/a>, which features an uphill trail that offers spectacular views of Lake Otsego. Cooperstown\u2019s beautiful landscapes and scenery seem straight out of a 19th century painting and provide an ideal backdrop for an active escape.<\/p>\n

\"Bridge-at-Sunset--Credit-Visit-Natchez\"

Natchez, Mississippi. Bridge at sunset. Photo: Visit Natchez<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Natchez, Mississippi.<\/h4>\n

A trip to Natchez<\/a> guarantees travelers breathtaking scenery, countless lessons in history and genuine Southern hospitality. As the temperatures cool down, fall makes it the perfect time for Natchez to showcase its fall foliage and antebellum history.<\/p>\n

The Natchez Trace Parkway is typically at its fall color peak from mid-October through mid-November. Travelers can drive through sun fire red, orange and yellow leaves of oak, maple and hickory trees during autumn. Those interested in seeing the colors more closely may find a hike along the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail<\/a>. After a day on the 444-mile historic route, travelers can relax further with a carriage ride through historic downtown Natchez and a stay at one of the historic antebellum mansions.<\/p>\n

For two weeks each fall, the doors to some of the city\u2019s most historic homes are put on display for touring and entertainment for the public during the Fall Pilgrimage<\/a>. The Pilgrimage, dating back to 1932, welcomes guests to see the beautiful historic homes guided by hosts in 19th century period costume. The homes also feature theater performances, special presentations and live music.<\/p>\n

\"Santa

Santa Fe, New Mexico. Fall foliage. Photo: Santa Fe CVB<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Santa Fe, New Mexico<\/h4>\n

In the fall, the Santa Fe<\/a> mountain range is covered in golden hues as the aspens change color, a must-see sight for leaf peepers. The air is crisp but the sun is warm, making for ideal weather. Visitors can especially enjoy the view along the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway<\/a>, a dramatic 16-mile drive from the center of historic Santa Fe. Santa Fe also offers an array of hiking options for travelers looking for an adventure in the fall foliage. Just a few minutes away from the bustling downtown lay thousands of acres of pinon and juniper woodlands, welcoming hikers and campers from around the world.<\/p>\n

With the convenience to downtown Santa Fe, it\u2019s an easy trip for visitors to experience all of Santa Fe\u2019s boutiques, award-winning restaurants, spas and attractions to keep the activities going. Given the city\u2019s easygoing pace, outstanding amenities and Old World ambiance, Santa Fe is one base camp worth revisiting time after time.<\/p>\n

\"Vineyard-in-the-Fall--Credit-Sonoma-County-Tourism\"

Vineyard in the Fall, Sonoma, California. Photo Sonoma County Tourism<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Sonoma, CA<\/h4>\n

Fall, from early September through mid-November, is harvest season in Sonoma County<\/a>. Lucky visitors experience the award-winning wine and take in the vineyard foliage as it turns from green to gold to red.<\/p>\n

Active travelers will want to visit Jack London State Park<\/a>, which encompasses the home and ranch once owned by novelist Jack London and offers a variety of docent-led tours of 20,000 wild-origin plants and flowers.<\/p>\n

Hikers will experience jaw-dropping vistas of red, orange, yellow and gold vineyards. Because the leaves are changing in the heart of harvest, the destination is also buzzing with excitement and festivals, as visitors can truly smell the grapes in the air.<\/p>\n

On September 28, 2015, Kendall Jackson Wine Estate and Gardens will play host to the annual Heirloom Tomato Festival<\/a>, now in its 19th consecutive year. The full day event features more than 150 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, a chef competition featuring Bravo\u2019s Top Chef Contenders and tomato-inspired dishes from nearly 50 prominent wine country and Bay Area restaurant chefs and purveyors.<\/p>\n

Not really ready to let go of summer? There\u2019s always Hawaii and Costa Rica.\n[awesome-gallery id=1766]

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. (Top) Ocean-activities, Outrigger Resort<\/a>. (Bottom Left) Fine dining, Waikiki. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority\/Dana Edmunds (Bottom Right) Waikiki sailing. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority<\/a>\/Tor Johnson<\/p><\/p>\n

Waikiki, HI<\/h4>\n

Waikiki, Hawaii<\/a> boasts some of the world\u2019s most gorgeous beaches from the classic shoreline of Waikiki Beach, the golden stretch of sands of Kuhio Beach, to the less crowded Queens Surf Beach.<\/p>\n

Beyond surfing and the beach, there is plenty to do including the Waikiki Aquarium, the U.S. Army Museum, Honolulu Zoo, the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor and the new Waikiki Beach Walk. The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort<\/a> is one retreat to check out. Located on the silken sand of Waikiki Beach, it is minutes from the zoo and aquarium. The resort offers workshops conducted by respected teachers of music, art and history. They even have Hula lessons.<\/p>\n

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(Left) Pristine Costa Rica. (Right) Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort pool. Photos: Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort<\/a><\/p><\/p>\n

Costa Rica<\/h4>\n

Costa Rica<\/a>, located in Central America, although small, boasts an enormous array of biodiversity and environmental attractions. From majestic volcanoes, misty rain forests, gorgeous river valleys and miles of beaches along two coasts, the Pacific and Caribbean, Costa Rica is an eco-tourist’s paradise.<\/p>\n

It does rain year round with the driest times being December through April. However, the humidity and rain are what creates the lush jungles.<\/p>\n

The list of activities is endless from rafting, snorkeling, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing, diving, birding, biking, nighttime rainforest tours, dolphin and whale tours, horseback riding on Rio Claro Beach, climbing, zip lining and even hot air ballooning.<\/p>\n

One resort to consider is the all-inclusive, Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort<\/a>.\nThe beachfront property is situated on 70 acres of pristine rainforest reserve, and is an ideal eco-luxury resort for active travelers. And being located on the Osa Peninsula, one of the most remote and untouched places on Costa Rica\u2019s Pacific coastline, the surrounding backdrop provides an endless amount of rare nature encounters, including some of the best whale watching in the world during the fall months.<\/p>\n

So, don\u2019t pack your luggage away in the closet until next summer. Get going now to take advantage of the great deals and active vacations that await you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Who says summer is the only time to get\u00a0away? Make the off-season your \u201con-season.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1412,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fall-2015","category-fall-2015-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32"}],"version-history":[{"count":103,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2593,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32\/revisions\/2593"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}