3 Best Places to Travel in October to Experience Something New

Fall is all about change. Changing seasons, changing leaves, why not also make it a time to change your travel habits? With the beauty of the fall foliage and the myriad of incoming holidays, there are plenty of destinations with fewer tourists that really make the most of the month of October. These less-known destinations may seem hard to find, but that’s where we come in! We’ve found the three best places to travel in October if you’d like to experience something new. So, from things to do in the area to places to stay nearby, we’ll help you put together the perfect travel plan for an autumn trip.

Best Place to Travel in October Up North

October in the Catskills isn’t just the name of a painting; it’s also the peak season for this region in New York! With green season over, the leaves will have taken on their breathtaking gold and red hues, making for stunning scenery for your trip. Of course, there are plenty of ways to take in this environment. In fact, the Catskills are home to some of New York’s best hiking trails. Just about any hiker can explore the Yankee Smith Trail, which features cool waterfalls and a scenic, covered wooden bridge. Meanwhile, more dedicated hikers can take on North Point, which boasts impressive summit views of the area. With its great weather, taking hiking trips is as comfortable as possible. So, you won’t have to worry about intense heat!

Of course, while the nature is a big enough draw on its own, one of the best things that makes the Catskills a great place to travel to in October is its community. More specifically, there are plenty of events hosted in October that are worth checking out. The annual Taste of the Catskills Festival is one such event, and it showcases a broad variety of local food and wine. Be sure to stop by Oktoberfest, as well, for plenty of live music alongside delicious beer and food. As a result, these festivals are a great way to check out New York’s food scene. With delicious food and fun outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best places to travel in October.

Where to Stay in the Catskills

If you’re interested in visiting one of the best places to travel in October, check out Callicoon Hills. This casual vacation resort is nestled in the quiet hamlet of Callicoon Center. Here, you’ll be able to unwind in a peaceful, quiet retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature. Of course, the property still has plenty of great amenities to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Amenities

Accommodations

• Pool House King Room: A conventional room with easy access to the pool and patio. Features a king bed and bathroom. Accommodates two guests.
• Tree House King Room: Another more conventional room for a classic vacation feel. Features a king bed and bathroom. Accommodates two guests.
• Deck House Standard King Room: A secluded room located on the ridge that overlooks the rest of the property. These rooms are dog-friendly. Features a king bed and bathroom. Accommodates two guests.
• A-Frame Cabin: A striking, distinct cabin with a floor-to-crown window. Features a queen bed. Accommodates two guests.
• Creekside Cabin: With 300 square feet of space, the Creekside Cabin is perfect for larger travel groups. Here, you’ll have great views of the creek and plenty of contemporary amenities. Features two king beds, a sofa bed, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. Accommodates six guests.

Best Place to Travel in October in Appalachia

Of course, what better place could there be to take in the fall weather than Appalachia? The massive mountains carving through the East Coast make for awe-inspiring views of the fall foliage. In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy this view is by touring the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this area stretches out through the Appalachian Mountains and is not only great for nature drives but also biking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Another must-see place to travel in October is Pisgah National Forest. This hardwood forest has hundreds of miles of trails to explore. As a result, it’s perfect for anyone yearning for a little adventure. Plus, with so much space, you won’t have to worry about feeling cramped by peak season crowds. You’ll have more than enough room to stretch out and relax.

One of the most lovely places to travel to in the area is Knoxville, which really comes alive in October! With the summer crowds gone, the city begins to focus on Halloween-themed fun. You can take ghost tours that take you through Knoxville’s haunted, historic sites. These tours are a great way to learn a bit about the area while seeing it in a whole new light. You can also stop by the Knoxville Museum of Art or the East Tennessee History Center while you’re there.

Where to Stay in Appalachia

If you want to visit Appalachia, you can’t go wrong with staying at Tapoco Lodge. This historic boutique hotel has been a fixture of the area since 1930. When you stay at this property, you’ll be surrounded by scenic forests and enjoy a cozy, calm riverbank. Plus, you’ll be able to take day trips into Knoxville from here! As a result, Tapoco Lodge is an excellent home base for anyone looking to explore one of the best places to travel to in October.

Amenities

Accommodations

• Lodge Room: Merging rustic charm with modern comfort, this room features a view of either the neighboring Cheoah River or the nearby Yellowhammer Mountains. Features a king bed and bathroom. Accommodates two guests.
• Laurel Suite: A private mini suite which overlooks two sides of the lodge. You’ll have views of both the Yellowhammer Mountains and Cheoah River. Features a king bed and bathroom. Accommodates two guests.
• Evergreen Suite: A spacious suite situated in the corner of the lodge. Here, you’ll have the chance to gaze out over the river rapids and the gardens on the property. Features a king bed, queen bed, bathroom, and sitting area. Accommodates four guests.
• Cabins: These rustic cabins offer plenty of modern comfort to go with their outdoorsy design. Each of these cabins offers different yet beautiful views of the Cheoah River, Cheoah Bluffs, Meadow Branch, Yellowhammer Creek, and the Yellowhammer Mountains. Accommodations at these cabins vary, and they accommodate two to six guests depending on which you choose.

Best Place to Travel in October on the West Coast

While summer tourists tend to flock to the Sierra Nevada in California, this mountain range is actually an a year-round destination. As a result, it should come as no surprise that the Sierra Nevada is, in fact, one of the best places to travel to in October. The warm weather will have started to fade. And since summer months last through mid-September here, daytime temperatures will remain pleasant and enjoyable through the month. Plus, with fewer visitors to contend with, you’ll have first pick of the area’s many fun things to do! Take in the vibrant foliage at Yosemite National Park, hike around Blue Lake, or go kayaking at Mammoth Lakes.

While the nature of the Sierra Nevada offers a great chance to enjoy October’s glorious weather, there’s plenty to enjoy aside from the great outdoors. Nothing says California quite like the Calaveras Grape Stomp, where you’ll get to stomp the most juice out of a barrel of grapes. This event is a great chance to take part in California’s wine culture by recreating the classic way of pressing wine. You also won’t want to miss the Made in Tahoe Festival. This festival is a great opportunity to discover over one hundred local artists, businesses, and chefs. With so much to do and see, the Sierra Nevada is undoubtedly one of the best year-round destinations and an amazing place to spend your October.

Where to Stay in the Sierra Nevada

Located right by the mountains, Outbound Mammoth is an alpine retreat with an array of lodging types. Not to mention, there’s a broad range of amenities to make your stay as relaxing as possible. So, even when you’re not exploring the mountains, you’re sure to have a good time at one of the best places to travel to in October.

Amenities

Accommodations

• King Room: A cozy, dog-friendly room located in the main lodge. Features a king bed and bathroom. Accommodates two guests.
• One-Bedroom Chalet: You’ll have stunning mountain views from this chalet, complete with a wood-burning stove. Features a king bed, bathroom, living room, and dining area. Accommodates two guests.
• Deluxe Two Queens Room: Much like the king room, this room is dog-friendly and located in the main lodge. Features two queen beds and a bathroom. Accommodates four guests.
• One-Bedroom Studio Cabin: This cabin brings guests closer to the great outdoors, perfect to experience October’s good weather! Features a king bed, sofa bed, bathroom, electric fireplace, living room, kitchen, and private deck. Accommodates four guests.
• Two-Bedroom Villa Apartment: With two separate bedrooms, this apartment is great for bigger travel groups. Features a king bed, twin bunk bed, sofa bed, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Accommodates six guests.
• Six-Bedroom Chalet: The biggest chalet Outbound Mammoth has to offer. Here, you’ll be able to read a book by one of two fireplaces or play the vintage piano. Features five king beds, a queen bed, a double bed, six and a half bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, and a dining area. Accommodates fourteen guests.

Looking for the Best Places to Travel?

If you’d like to know more about the best places to travel for every season, you’ve come to the right place. At Nook, we believe the best getaways are adventure vacations. That’s why we’ve cultivated a list of vacation properties just off the beaten path. So, if you want to broaden your horizons, you’re in good company. Click the link below to learn more about these striking properties!