Enjoy the Fall with a Family Road Trip
The fall is a wonderful time to be outdoors. Sandwiched in between the steamy heat of summer and frigid winter cold, the fall season is a perfect time to travel. The best part is that autumn trips with the family don’t have to be expensive or lengthy affairs because most areas in the US have plenty of fall activities to enjoy. So, from apple picking, hayrides, corn mazes, to real haunted houses, let’s take a look at a few things to consider when planning a family fall road trip.
What month does peak foliage occur in?
Many states have awe-inspiring displays of foliage color to see in the fall. Particularly in the northern states, there are a wide variety of foliage road trips that you can take. A word to the wise, though, peak foliage in any one area generally only lasts a week or so, so do your homework. You can find many websites that list of the best probable dates for fall foliage viewing, most of which are broken down by state. In general, you will find that these dates land in early to mid-October but they may vary due to yearly climate variations.
What should I know about Harvest Festivals?
In August and October, many orchards and farms offer end-of-season harvest festivals where you can enjoy apple picking, hayrides, seasonal food, corn mazes, and other fun activities. Interestingly, you will find that the specific date of many orchard-based harvest festivals often revolves around the type of apples that the orchards grow. For example, harvests begin in August with Gala apples; followed by Honeycrisp, Cortland and McIntosh in September; and several other varieties in October. To find nearby apple orchards that offer activities to the public, visit www.PickYourOwn.org. The site offers orchard listings by states and counties all over the US.
How can we eat well on the road?
Eating well on the road is always a concern. Fortunately, most fall road trips offer lots of roadside stops for fresh fruit, pies, ciders, and home-baked goods. These can help you eat well and provide breaks from driving. Seasoned travelers also bring along coolers with basics like crackers and cheese, drinks, sports bars, and other nutritious snacks. Note: be sure to bring along a large flannel blanket and flatware so you can enjoy a nice picnic somewhere under the colorful fall canopy.
How do I save money on hotels?
The internet has revolutionized lodging by offering a spectacular array of places to put the family up affordably for the night. From standard hotels to funky Airbnb locations, you can find accommodations virtually anywhere along your trip route, in a price range that works for your family. You might even consider the latest twist on vacation accommodations called “Glamping.” These accommodations are somewhat in between camping and a regular hotel room. Type into Google “glamping near me” and you’ll see what we mean.
So build some family memories!
Of course, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the operating rules for road trips. Masks and social distancing are the orders of the day now. If you are very careful, you may feel comfortable making a family road trip this year. Before you head out, make sure your vehicle is in tip top shape! The best way to do that is to bring it into your local dealer, such as Flemington DCJR, to have a check-up. There, they will do an oil change, check fluids, and check other important aspects of your car, such as brakes and tires. Have fun!