Get Away This Fall, Wherever You are in The U.S.

Whether you live on the beach or in the mountains, the cool air setting in October seems to stir up the need within to get out and about. The hot, humid days of summer begin to give way to crisp, refreshing temperatures, which are perfect for staying outdoors longer.

No matter where you are in the United States, a weekend getaway is just a drive away. Whether you’re on the east coast, west coast or anywhere in between, roam free this fall at one of the five suggested getaways, ranging from island destinations to retreats high atop snow-capped peaks.

Northeast

If you’re in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburg or Washington, D.C., drive to Garrett County, Md., for breathtaking fall foliage, crisp mountain air and cool boat rides at Deep Creek Lake. Located in McHenry, Md., the Deep Creek Lake Area has mountains, rivers and lakes, where visitors can ski, hike, whitewater kayak, camp or relax fireside in the lodge.  The Autumn Glory Festival held each October allows visitors to explore a giant corn maze, see the Grand Feature Parade, eat the delicious foods of fall’s harvest and shop the Autumn Glory Craft and Gift Sale.

Midwest

For those fortunate enough to live in the Midwest, in places such as Milwaukee, St. Louis or Chicago, you’re in driving distance to Lake Geneva, a lake and resort destination with a world of entertainment within reach. In addition to water activities, winter sports and golf courses, Lake Geneva offers bowling, hot air balloon rides, petting zoos, farms, restaurants, wineries, boat tours and carriage rides. Lodging options range from boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts to motels and cottages, and restaurants around Lake Geneva are plentiful, serving up seafood, Italian and casual faire.

Pacific Northwest

If you live in places such as Seattle, Tacoma and Portland, Ore., you may feel you’re constantly on vacation – until you visit the nearby San Juan Islands. These islands are accessible by air or ferry, and depending on which side you visit, include a historic seaport and a harbor village. On the east side, Friday Harbor features docks, parks, restaurants, shops, galleries, lodging and a business district, while on the north side, Roche Harbor Village has Victorian gardens, an airstrip, marina, lodging, grocery store, restaurants, sculpture park, shopping, water activities and local artists booths.

Southwest

In a region of cowboy hats, ranches and Tex-Mex cuisine, Fredericksburg, Texas, feels like it’s a world away from the rest of the state. This city in central Texas is located just 60 miles west of Austin and 200 miles south of Dallas/Fort Worth and is home to a large German population, evident in its bakeries, restaurants and stores. Discover Fredericksburg’s many bed and breakfasts, Main Street shopping district, multiple wineries and the Vereins-Kirche Museum for a look into German history and culture. Or, discover any of the various cultural and historic centers, art galleries and theaters for culture of all kinds.

Southeast

Residents of Atlanta, Charlotte and Birmingham might like to get away in Helen, Ga., a clever little town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River. This charming Alpine village has cobblestone alleys and old-world towers, plus plenty of bed and breakfasts, restaurants and rustic and luxury mountain cabins. Here, you can shop, see a play, visit a gallery, fish, golf, tube or camp at any time of the year, or visit one of Helen’s special events, such as hot-air balloon races, Winefest, Volksmarch, Oktoberfest and Bavarian Nights of Summer. In the fall, the leaves on the mountainside turn shades of gold, red, orange and yellow and can be seen for miles.