Category Archives: Weekend Getaway

Seasonal Activities, National Park, Weekend Getaway

Finding the Best Fall Foliage

Falling leaves of red and golden brown. The smell of a fireplace burning as the almost cool wind touches your face. Pumpkins, ghosts and goblins visit porches throughout the neighbor. Fall is here! 

  • Country rides to look at the trees rainbow of leaves. 
  • Hayrides full of kids enthralled by the horse, the smells and sounds of fall. 
  • Visits to the pumpkin patch to find the “best” pumpkin for your porch. The, oh- so- serious discussion of size and shape—must have a flat side to carve the most perfectly ghoulish face. Doughnuts and cider from the country store. 
  • Poster paint to decorate pumpkins -— the pumpkin pie size are especially nice for this
  • Walk, or if paved paths, rollerblade or bicycle through the woods
  • Last leisurely canoe trip up the river or creek

Where to See Fall Colors — Beautiful Fall Foliage

U. S. Forestry service provides up to date information on Fall Colors throughout the U.S. calling there hotline at 800-354-4595 or visit U.S. Forestry Service for more information on where to See Fall Foliage

State Fall Colors Information

Alabama:
800 ALABAMA		 Alabama
Alaska:
907 465-2010		 Alaska
Arizona:
888 520-3434		 Arizona
Arkansas:
800 NATURAL		 Arkansas
California:
800 TO-CALIF		 California
Colorado:
800 COLORADO		 Colorado
Connecticut:
800 CT-BOUND		 Connecticut
Delaware:
866 2-VISITDE		 Delaware
Florida:
888 7-FLAUSA		 Florida
Georgia:
800 VISIT-GA		 Georgia
Hawaii:
800 GO HAWAII		 Hawaii
Idaho:
800 635-7820		 Idaho
Illinois:
800 2-CONNECT		 Illinois
Indiana:
888 ENJOY-IN		 Indiana
Iowa:
800 345-IOWA		 Iowa
Kansas:
800 2-KANSAS		 Kansas
Kentucky:
800 225-TRIP		 Kentucky
Louisiana:
800 33-GUMBO		 Louisiana
Maine:
888 MAINE-45		 Maine
Maryland:
800 MD-IS-FUN		 Maryland
Massachusetts:
800 447-MASS		 Massachusetts
Michigan:
888 78-GREAT		 Michigan
Minnesota:
800 657-3700		 Minnesota
Mississippi:
800 WARMEST		 Mississippi
Missouri:
800 877-1234		 Missouri
Montana:
800 VISIT-MT		 Montana
Nebraska:
877 NEBRASKA		 Nebraska
Nevada:
800 NEVADA-8		 Nevada
New Hampshire:
800 FUN-IN-NH		 New Hampshire
New Jersey:
800 VISIT-NJ		 New Jersey
New Mexico:
800 733-6396		 New Mexico
New York:
800 CALL-NYS		 New York
North Carolina:
800 VISIT-NC		 North Carolina
North Dakota:
800 HELLO-ND		 North Dakota
Ohio:
800 BUCKEYE		 Ohio
Oklahoma:
800 652-6552		 Oklahoma
Oregon:
800 547-7842		 Oregon
Pennsylvania:
800 VISIT-PA		 Pennsylvania
Rhode Island:
800 556-2484		 Rhode Island
South Carolina:
800 810-5700		 South Carolina
South Dakota:
800 S-DAKOTA		 South Dakota
Tennessee:
800 GO2-TENN		 Tennessee
Texas:
800 88-88-TEX		 Texas
Utah:
800 200-1160		 Utah
Vermont:
800 VERMONT		 Vermont
Virginia:
800 VISIT-VA		 Virginia
Washington:
800 544-1800		 Washington
West Virginia:
800 CALL-WVA		 West Virginia
Wisconsin:
800 432-TRIP		 Wisconsin
Wyoming:
800 CALL-WYO		 Wyoming

also user the Interactive Fall foliage 2021 Map

Seasonal Activities, Weekend Getaway

Fall Foliage in Ashville, NC

The fall foliage color show in western North Carolina attracts visitors from around the world. With the 5,000-foot elevation change within 50 miles of Asheville, the lush Blue Ridge Mountain range puts on one of the longest-running color displays in the country.


Since the date for peak color changes each year due to varying weather patterns. October to Early November. No matter when folks plan an autumn visit in October or early November, they can take a short drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to find the best color.


Elevation and weather are the biggest factors in the timing of the color show. Since leaf coloration is the result of pigment changes that are influenced by the weather, last-minute weather changes can speed or slow the process. During the last couple of autumns, the warmer and wetter than average conditions delayed the peak color for one or two weeks. Here is the current prediction of the progression of the color show.

Most Years Fall Colors Timing

  • October 5-15: Highest elevations north of Asheville above 5,000 feet show the most color, especially at Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens and Grandfather Mountain.
  • October 13-22: Color will increase in elevations greater than 4,000 feet, including the Mount Pisgah and Cold Mountain area, southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park .
  • October 19-28: Many of the surrounding mountains around Asheville should show plenty of color this week, especially in the 3,000-4,000 foot elevation range. Take the Parkway north or south from Asheville in the Pisgah National Forest.
  • October 24-November 3: The city of Asheville (2,000 foot elevation) and Biltmore Estate] shows the brightest colors this week, along with areas around Hendersonville and Brevard. This would be the perfect week for a waterfall hike in Dupont State Forest.
  • October 29-November 8: The color show will conclude in the Chimney Rock area (elevation of 1,300 feet). Ride to the top of Chimney Rock or take a boat tour on Lake Lure to enjoy the colors.

Here are some tips to help you plan an Asheville escape to enjoy the spectacular autumn colors:

  • •To avoid the biggest crowds, stay on Sunday through Thursday nights. Saturdays during October are extremely busy at attractions such as Biltmore Estate, and highways and country roads will be more heavily trafficked.
  • Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. With the varying elevations along the Parkway, this is the quickest way to find the best areas for color. The elevation of the Parkway around the city of Asheville is approximately 2,200 feet, and it rises to 5,000+ feet as you drive north or south. When you find a particular area of brilliant foliage, stop to walk along a trial or take a detour on one of the intersecting roads. Be patient and expect slow traffic, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Parking at overlooks can be difficult.
  • • See the color show from a raft on the river! You can take a calm float trip down the French Broad River through the Biltmore Estate. Or you can take an exciting whitewater rafting trip down one of four area rivers.
  • If you encounter fog (low clouds) on the Parkway, don’t despair. The weather can change rapidly. It could be very sunny an hour later. Fog is most frequent in the mornings, and it can create interesting photo opportunities.
  • Take a picnic or snacks for the Parkway. The few restaurants along the Parkway will be very crowded.
  • Fill up the gas tank before taking a scenic drive out of the city. Gas stations are sparse in remote areas and along the Parkway.
  • Bring a sweater or jacket. While it might be 70 and sunny in Asheville, it may be misty and 20 degrees cooler at the higher elevations.
  • Take your camera. The warm light of the early morning or late afternoon can create especially dramatic images.
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching. It brings a distant picturesque view a bit closer.
Michigan, Weekend Getaway

Grand Haven Michigan Best Weekend Getaway

Grand Haven, Michigan Lighthouse

We had a lovely getaway weekend in Grand Haven, Michigan. We stayed at a B&B directly across from the Grand Haven beach and within walking distance to the downtown area.

Grand Haven is a delightful small town on the western side of Michigan located directly on Lake Michigan.  It is well known for the Grand Haven Lighthouse which has been guiding ships since 1839.  The current Grand Haven Lighthouse was built in 1905.

This lazy resort town with the sound of Lake Michigan lapping the shore has a lot to offer everyone in the family. Downtown streets are lined with interesting boutiques and novelty shops.  Ride the Trolley around downtown and visit the many boutiques and then take the trolley to the beach.

There is a boardwalk that fills up every evening after dinner with vacationers, who enjoy ice cream while watching the spectacular sunset over Lake Michigan. Then they turn their attention to the Musical Fountain with the world’s largest synchronized lights, water, and music. The Musical Fountain offers a 20-minute show every night at dusk.

 

Beaches and Sand Dunes

Grand Haven State Park offers sandy beaches,  camping sites, fishing, sunbathing and volleyball courts. All within walking distance of downtown Grand Haven. There are concessions and changing areas. Michigan State park fees apply.

Grand Haven City Beach is located next to the state park. free parking, no entrance fee.
Kirk Park is a 68-acre park of sand dunes, swimming area, pavilion, playground, hiking trails, and an off-leash dog park.

Kitchen-Lindquist Dunes Preserve is a dunes only area with no beach. One of the best examples of dune ecosystems. It has two trails with excellent bird watching.

Biking Trails

Lakeside Trail is a 12-mile path that wraps around Spring Lake and has many public access points including Central Park in Spring Lake, and Pomona Park in Fruitport. This is a delightful trail n the spring with wildflowers and budding trees, lush greenery in the summer and colorful trees in the fall, perfect for snowshoeing in the winter

Lakeshore Connector Path is a 20-mile ride along the seashore between Grand Haven and Holland State Park.

Musketawa Trail is 25 miles of farmlands, wetlands, creeks, and villages. It is a four-season trail for bicyclists, snowmobiles, horses, in-line skaters, hikers, and cross country skiers.


Festivals

Spring
 
Chilly Blues and the Kite Festival at Grand Haven. 
 
Summer
 
 
Grand Haven Art Festival, Fourth of July Fireworks, Del Shannon Days and the nationally renowned Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival.
 
Fall
 
September’s Salmon Festival, Grand Haven  and Artwalk, 
 
Be sure to visit the Famous Pumpkin Train in Coopersville.
 

Winter

Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade makes it fun to be in the cold outside,

 
In January they hold the Winterfest where you can enjoy cardboard sled races and dog pulls.

Attractions

Benz Aviation of Grand Haven is a Cessna Pilot Center that offers sightseeing tours.

Grand Haven Boardwalk runs  1.5 miles along the Grand River with retail shops, ice cream, and snack shops at Chinook pier. You will also find boats for charter, a lighthouse and a catwalk pier there.

Chinook Pier Mini Golf is always a family favorite activity

Courtyard Concerts and offered throughout the summer season.

Imagination Station is a 10,000 square foot wooden play structure designed by local children.

Golf

The Evergreen Executive Golf Course has rolling terrain, creeks, and woods, with a par 60. It is located east of Grand Haven.

Grand Haven Golf Club was founded in 1965, designed by architect Bruce Matthews. It has dense hardwoods, natural sand dunes,  and offers a great view of the shoreline.

Watersports

There are kayaks, jet skis, paddleboards, and canoe rentals. You can find fishing boat charters, and scenic charters available to get out and enjoy Lake Michigan.

Restaurants

Rendezvous Family Dining, 401 N 7th St, Grand Haven, MI 49417, (616) 846-3740. Great for the whole family (including breakfast, open 24/7, great location, . It’s frequented by the locals and you’ll find a huge mix of people every time you go.  Breakfast is really busy and it’s a “seat yourself” place.

 Fricano’s Pizza Tavern, 1400 Fulton Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417, 616-842-8640
The most famous pizzeria in Michigan, this establishment is believed to be the very first pizzeria in the state. Delicious!

 Grill Room at the Kirby House,2 Washington Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417,616-846-3299
Enjoy the casual atmosphere at this restaurant that offers an eclectic menu daily for lunch and dinner and offers indoor and outdoor seating. Live entertainment is provided every Friday and Saturday.

Accommodations

You will find several B&Bs, small lakefront motels and traditional motel accommodations including Bluewater Inn & Suites,  and Days Inn.

We stayed at the Looking Glass Inn, directly across from the beach on the bluff, walking distance to downtown. Nice room friendly hosts and a wonderful deck to enjoy watching sunsets over the lake.

In addition to the camping at the state park, there is nearby camping at Campers Paradise in Grand Haven, Michigan.

Looking for more fun this fall, check out our list of Fun things to do in the Fall

National Park, Seasonal Activities, Weekend Getaway

Scenic Fall Drive to see Arkansas Fall Foliage

Fall is a wonderful time to take a scenic drive as you head out in search of seasonal color. Fall drives are also perfect for social distancing, and Arkansas’s lodging, dining, and attractions follow safety protocols so you can make the most of your route as you enjoy the beauty of The Natural State.

Best Sites to See Arkansas Fall Foliage

 

Little Rock to Lake Maumelle

From Little Rock, driving toward Lake Maumelle on Arkansas 10 is a pretty drive year-round but it can be a real standout experience in the fall months. This area in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains has rolling hills and plenty of trees that make up a good portion of the scenery you’ll find.

Perryville

Arkansas Highway 10 ends at Arkansas Highway 9 and if you head north from here, you’ll come to the town of Perryville, which is home to Lake Sylvia Recreation Area and Flatside Wilderness Area. While in Perryville, stop at Mustang Sally’s and enjoy a burger or one of their many signature dishes.

Petit Jean State Park

You can visit Petit Jean State Park while you’re in the area too if you want to get more road time in. This state park was Arkansas’s first state park and is around 20 miles from town. The venture there is a scenic drive and a standout spot to view fall colors from vantage points like Stout’s Point.

Talimena National Scenic Byway

With plentiful panoramic vistas that overlook the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, the Talimena National Scenic Byway in Mena is one of the most scenic drives around. From U.S. 71 in Mena, the route follows Ark. 88 into Oklahoma. A big chunk of the 54-mile route, 18 miles of which are in Arkansas, travels through the scenic Ouachita National Forest, which is filled with shortleaf pine and hardwood forests.

Rich Mountain

In Mena, the route climbs the 2,681-foot Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s second-highest peak, and journeys by Queen Wilhelmina State Park. The drive is beautiful year-round and tends to be spectacular during the fall with autumn foliage.

The area is home to many beautiful trails you can hike including the Ouachita National Recreation Trail and the Queen Wilhelmina State Park trails. The Earthquake Ridge Trail has 6.8 miles of singletrack you can ride if you are into mountain biking.

Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains

The rugged and forested Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains provides the setting for Pig Trail Scenic Byway/Ark. 23, which often runs through a tunnel of foliage during spring, summer and fall.

Spring wildflowers and brilliant autumn foliage make the route especially popular during those seasons. The route crosses the Mulberry River and the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Ark. 23 is 19 miles from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest to its intersection with Ark. 16 at Brashears.

Ozark’s southern end

Shopping, lodging, and dining are available in Ozark near the southern end of the route and Fayetteville to the northwest. Cabins and camping are available on the byway at Turner Bend and nearby at the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, which offers dramatic views of the surrounding Ozarks from atop the 2,260-foot peak. Other Ozark National Forest campgrounds in the area are Shores Lake and Redding.

Great River Road National Scenic Byway

Arkansas is a proud member of the 10-state Great River Road National Scenic Byway. This nearly 3,000-mile National Scenic Byway runs through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana.

It is one of the oldest, longest, and most unique scenic byways in the nation, offering a gateway to the Mississippi River Valley’s great history and a host of recreational options to all visitors. Arkansas’s 362-mile section of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway winds its way through the state’s eastern Delta region along the mighty stream.

The waterway created a scenic and natural border that has beckoned people to its banks for centuries. Visitors can gaze upon acres of cotton, soybeans, or rice as they travel through some of the most fertile lands in the country.

Along the trek, numerous historical and cultural sites preserve the history of Arkansas and its people and welcome visitors to learn more about this remarkable region. And the section that runs through the St. Francis National Forest/Mississippi River State Park between Marianna and Helena-West Helena is beautiful for fall color outings.