The following is a post from Contributing Writer & Cumming Local Sponsor, Jenny Reed. Through her business – Our Cruise Planner, Jenny helps her clients in Cumming and nationwide take the vacations of their dreams. Jenny is also a former Cast Member at Disney World in Orlando Fl – she can most definitely help your family find the magic of a Disney Vacation! Let Jenny take the hassle out of your next getaway – on land or at sea!
Find Fun in the Fall Season!
Summer is over and the kids are back in school. The beach vacation is but a distant memory and summer clothes are being put away. But don’t fret! Great weather, colorful foliage, and family-oriented festivals galore make fall just as much fun! In fact, Fall is the perfect time for those short family getaways.
Here are few ideas to get started:
Have fun at a fall festival. The fall is famous for apples and harvest festivals. Take a day and go apple picking or try some desserts at the local festival. The local newspaper will list the upcoming events or a simple Google search will return a variety of ideas for your state or region. {of course Cumming Local has you covered with Fall Festivals in Forsyth County!}
New England celebrates fall foliage season like no other. Maine provides the earliest viewing of the season beginning in early September. October provides prime-time leaf peeping in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont – and all of it beautiful and breath taking. Remember though that harvest and fall festivals can be found throughout the US including the North Georgia mountains. Make a weekend of it and visit a nearby town for their local festival!
Explore State and National Parks. {edited to add: Jenny prepared this post prior to the Government Shutdown. Definitely call before making plans to visit any National Parks as sadly they could be closed.} Before the winter weather hits, the state and national parks are the perfect place to explore and have a picnic. Fall foliage at its best! Many offer lodges and camp sites. Top national parks include Smoky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Arches National Park to name a few. For more information on national parks visit www.nps.gov
For example, explore the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia following Skyline Drive through the park for a spectacular fall overview. Just a bit of drive from here, the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is a 105-mile drive filled with color. In Tennessee, the Cades Cove Loop Road and Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park also inspires family outings by the carload each year. And for a close to home a visit to Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge is a must!
State parks are also a wonderful and cost effective way to spend a weekend getaway. There is nothing like taking a great hike on a cool fall day to get the blood pumping!
Check out the ski resorts early. Most ski towns are four-season destinations, meaning there are attractions and activities year-round. In the fall, however, you don’t have to fight crowds or pay top dollar in order to do the things your family likes such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting, golf, and enjoying the autumn foliage.
Visit Washington DC and the surrounding area. {edited to add: Again, Jenny prepared this post prior to the Government Shutdown, so make sure you inquire before visiting any National landmarks} The fall weather brings cooler temperatures and it is an ideal time to visit our Nation’s capital. Within a few hours’ drive you can visit big cities, small towns, beaches and mountains. You can enjoy a wide range of activities from shopping to golf to exploring historical sites to relaxing on the beach. Whatever your idea of fun is, you can find lots of opportunities to relax at great getaway locations near Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Combine weekend college visits with local exploration. Make an adventure out of college visitation weekends. Try the local restaurants and visit favorite attractions. Schedule a local hike or river rafting. Visit the museums and take a train ride. Many colleges and universities are located in or near metro areas that offer a variety of activities attractions and fun!
Fall is certainly a time to reflect on the summer adventures and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. However you decide to spend the season, it is a season full of family togetherness and fun. Don’t forget to jump in the freshly raked pile of leaves with the family too!
Connect with Jenny:
Email – Jenny@OurCruisePlanner.com
Online – www.OurCruisePlanner.com
Facebook – www.Facebook.com/OurCruisePlanner
Twitter – www.Twitter.com/TheTravelExpert
Phone – 678.947.5115
Jenny Reed
Owner and Travel Specialist – Over 13 years
Cruise Planners – An American Express Travel Representative
Voted 2013 American Express Travel Insider – Caribbean Cruises
Planning cruises and land vacations worldwide — No service fees
Don’t Forget:
If Disney is on your list for fall or even in 2014 … Don’t forget about Jenny’s special offer for Cumming Local readers – a $25 Disney Gift Card for any booking made by December 31, 2013 (travel can be 2014). Did you know? There is never an added service fee when using Jenny’s travel services. It is no more expensive to have her research (based on your criteria) and book your perfect vacation through her agency! Vacations are supposed to be relaxing – right? So make them relaxing from the very beginning!!
