Photo: One of the many windmills dotting the island of Mallorca. Photo: Consell de Mallorca, www.infomallorca.net
It seems fall has had a late start in many parts of the country. But it’s not too late to book some trips for quintessential leaf peeping, cider sipping, and apple picking. Here are several ideas: romantic Mallorca, Spain, spectacular Quebec, Canada, historical Williamsburg, Virginia and a wellness break in Southern California.
Autumn in Mallorca, Spain
Autumn in Mallorca is truly a bookend to spring. As the hot summer weather cools, the fall temperatures make this island beauty an ideal choice for a getaway.
The weather during October is delicious in the 70s during the day and 50s at night. November is a little cooler in the 60s during the day and 40s at night. This is all perfect weather for the active traveler who’s looking for gorgeous places to walk and hike. And the temperatures are perfect for a second show of flowers before the arrival of winter.
Here are some ideas to enjoy the natural beauty of Mallorca, combined with cultural, gastronomic, and sports activities…
Walking in Bellver Forest
You’ll discover a large variety of wild mushrooms in the holm oak and pine forests. You might want to leave the picking to the professionals but come prepared to taste the many dishes prepared in the local restaurants to celebrate the seasonal mushroom. Many restaurants organize gastronomic events to celebrate the fall toadstool.
One of these events is the Wild Mushroom Fair held in Mancor de la Vall to be held on November 23, 2018. The fair is devoted to the local mushroom and its different recipes. The fair also includes a craft exhibition and a parade.
Fairs and Events on the Island
Over 40 other fairs are held across the island from October through mid-December. Some fairs feature farm-to-table products. Fairs to check out are…
The Caimari Olive Fair, November 17, 2018, is a small agricultural fair that focuses on olives. Olive leaves decorate the village square with an antique olive press as the centerpiece. Sample local foods at the market stalls and shop for local crafts and products.
Llubí Honey Fair, November 18, 2018, features local beekeepers and honey-makers.
Sineu “Matances” Fair, December 9, 2018. In the traditional inland town of Sineu celebrates the seasonal slaughter of the pig with a livestock, food, and crafts fair. There, you can see sausage making like “sobrasada” and do some Christmas shopping.
Sunset in Palma, Mallorca with Bellver Castle in the distance. Photo: FUNDACION TURISMO PALMA 365 / Rafel Balaguer Prunes
“Tapalma” November 28 to December 2, 2018, is an international tapas fair that takes place in Palma. Many restaurants in Palma take part in the event with creative and often elaborate recipes. They hold a restaurant contest on November 26th, two days before the fair begins.
Dijous Bo takes place on November 15, 2018, in Inca located in the north-central part of the island. This is an agricultural, craft, industrial, and food fair that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Photo: Consell de Mallorca, www.infomallorca.net
Fall Culture
Endulge yourself in the many museums of Mallorca such as Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Music lovers and culture seekers will enjoy the wide variety of offerings in Mallorca.
Here are some ideas of where to find classical musical performances…
Palmanyola International Music Festival, October 14, 2018, for classical music.
Bunyola Music Festival, the Mallorca Music Festival, now through December 2, 2018, classical including tango.
Port de Sóller Classical Music Festival, now through October 20, 2018.
Jazz lovers can enjoy the concerts of the Jazz Voyeur Festival. It runs now through December in Palma and has an excellent lineup of artists.
Dansamàniga International Dance Festival, now to December in Cala Millor.
Golfing in Mallorca. Photo: Consell de Mallorca, www.infomallorca.net
Sailing, Scuba, Canoeing, and More Sports
Autumn is a great season for outdoor activities, even sailing. Sailing is huge in Majorca. Sailing enthusiasts come together in the Autumn Sailing Championship held at the Real Club Náutico de Palma, the oldest and biggest in the Balearic Islands and located in the heart of the Bay of Palma. The public is invited to dine there.
Horseback riding in Mallorca.
You can also go scuba diving, canoeing, mountaineering, horseback riding, cycling (along the island’s cycling routes), and golf in some of the best facilities in Europe. Courses for all levels and tournaments are arranged in the island’s golf courses.
From the mountains to the seaside towns, cultural activities, local fairs, and sports, there’s plenty to do in Mallorca, Spain, during the fall season far beyond the summertime beaches!
For further information, visit Spain’s Official Tourism and the official Mallorca Tourism (Consell de Mallorca) site.
Photo: Collonial Williamsburg
50-Plus? You’re a Winner in Williamsburg!
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, is the only place that takes you back in time to the dawn of America…
It isn’t just a place where things once happened. They’re also happening, right now, in the 18th century—in the place where the idea of our country was born; where the ideals that we stand for as Americans were defined. Visit Colonial Williamsburg to experience the 18th century “live,” filled with the stories of the women, men, and children—free and enslaved—whose values and visions gave us a new world…
Carriage ride in Colonial Williamsburg. Photo: Colonial Williamsburg
Special Opportunity If You’re Over 50
Guests ages 50 and older can receive unlimited visits to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and Art Museums through October 31st for the price of a single-day ticket.
The pass grants access to exhibition sites, historic trade shops and gardens, select daily programs and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg during autumn and the holiday season. The pass also grants free parking at Colonial Williamsburg’s Regional Visitor Center and shuttle-bus transportation around the Historic Area and between museums, hotels, and Merchants Square.
The “50+ Pay for a Day” offer is available now through October 31st. Eligible guests must present a valid ID to verify their age during purchase. The promotional price is based on the single-day admission of $40.99 and can’t be combined with any other discounts.
“50+ Pay for a Day” passes are available at any Colonial Williamsburg ticket office. Additional information is available at ColonialWilliamsburg.com/PayforaDay; by calling 800-228-8878, toll-free; by downloading the free Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app via the Apple App and Google Play stores; and by following Colonial Williamsburg on Facebook and @colonialwmsburg on Twitter and Instagram.
Go back in time in Colonial Williamsburg. Photo: Colonial Williamsburg
More About Colonial Williamsburg
Step back in time and meet the people who made America. Sing with them, dance with them, eat with them, and have fun with them. For every person who wants to understand this country, Colonial Williamsburg is your place.
Here are some highlights for your next visit…
Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area explores dozens of original buildings, homes, and shops reconstructed on 301 acres – most on their original foundations. Photo: Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org
Historic Area
The 18th-century city comes to life at the Wythe House, Geddy House, Peyton Randolph House, and the Anderson Blacksmith Shop and Public Armoury. These places are where you can immerse yourself in the stories of the daily lives, aspirations, and accomplishments of both the free and enslaved people.
Trades and Sites
Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Trades program is the largest and most diverse 18th-century museum trades program in the world. And it may also be the most rigorous. The destination has full-time craftspeople who not only demonstrate operations for visitors but also fully master and practice their trades. Historic Trades staff work to learn about 18th-century objects. This includes how they were made and the world in which they were made. It’s easy to dive into deep discussions with the trade folk—from the printer and binder to the carpenter, apothecary, and so many more…
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Terranea Resort
Wellness Immersion in Southern California
Terranea Resort, a Destination Hotel, hosts the third iteration of Immersive Wellness at Terranea on Saturday, November 3. Following the popular retreats at Terranea this past April and August, the November Daycation will include unique offerings for guests with a day of exclusive experiences, including a workshop with Energy Medicine Facilitator and Meditation Instructor Angela Matthews, a nutritionally balanced lunch, intentional aromatherapy session, a restorative treatment at The Spa at Terranea, and more.
“After the success and positive response we received from our Immersive Wellness retreats at Terranea Resort, we are thrilled to offer a third retreat this November,” Spa Director Sharon Holtz says. “It is timed perfectly for finding a sense of calm with wellness elements to help navigate the upcoming holidays.”
Perched along the coastal bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes and spanning 102 acres of pristine, natural beauty, Terranea embraces its unique position as a destination for wellness. The resort offers an award-winning, 50,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, sweeping ocean-view lawns, winding hiking trails, beach cove kayaking, relaxing seascape views, a dedicated farm-to-table program (with homegrown harvested honey, sea salts, produce, and more). Since its inception, the resort remains committed to offering guests and visitors leading wellness programming. Underscoring this commitment in 2018, Terranea partners with beloved brands and experts in the health and wellness community for its “Immersive Wellness” series, complementing its existing and robust programming with exclusive, limited-edition experiences.
Highlights of the Immersive Wellness: Daycation at Terranea include:
• Being Present and Positive: a workshop presented by Energy Medicine Facilitator and Meditation Instructor Angela Matthews, focusing on ways to stay mindful going into the winter season and the new year.
• Lunch curated by Terranea Resort Nutritionist Navil Lorenzana.
• Choice of any 60-minute spa treatment, available at the award-winning The Spa at Terranea.
• Optional Seaside Cycle at 8:00 a.m. for an invigorating start to the day while enjoying the views from the Oceanfront Terrace.
• A choice between a session of Seaside Yoga or “Nature’s Gym,” the resort’s signature boot camp fitness class, led by one of Terranea’s expert instructors, available at the Fitness and Wellness Center.
• Ocean Kayaking at the Catalina Channel’s famous underwater reserve, or Mandala Painting with an experienced spiritual wellness coach.
• Closing Ritual including a Healing Sound Bath, considered one of the most deeply healing and restorative meditations.
The complete itinerary for the Immersive Wellness: Daycation at Terranea is priced at $450 per person. Guests of the program who choose to add an overnight stay will receive a preferred room rate.
To book the Immersive Wellness: Daycation at Terranea, please visit the Terranea store or call 310.265.2740. Due to the intimate nature of select events, space is limited, and early bookings are encouraged.
A full schedule of retreat events is available at www.Terranea.com/store.
