Summer may be over, but fall is a great time to discover some of the best U.S. cities! There are fewer crowds, cooler weather, and lower prices. Plus, fall foliage is a beautiful backdrop when traveling, walking around a city, or exploring the great outdoors. Here are a few cities to consider:
Baltimore, Maryland
Oyster season begins on October 1st in Maryland, and fall is an ideal time to explore Baltimore. The summer heat and humidity is gone and oyster crawls are held all over the city. You can even find jumbo shrimp, lobster tails, and stone crab claws. Baltimore also has stunning architecture, rich history to explore, and a large selection of free cultural activities. The city is also filled with farmers markets selling fresh produce, locally-made cheese, crafts, flowers, gifts, and other items. Like most major cities, Baltimore hosts its own version of the world-famous Oktoberfest. This huge celebration of German culture is the highlight of many people’s fall season. And if you love Halloween, it's a really big deal in Baltimore! You'll find several parades, ghost tours, corn mazes, haunted houses, and many other fun events going on in the Baltimore area.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Cooler temperatures make it a great time for outdoor activities in Charlotte. In a city known for its tree canopy-45 percent of the city is covered in trees-fall is one of the best times to walk, run, or bike along the 56 miles of developed greenway trails. Pumpkin carving, pumpkin beer, apple picking, and hayrides are just a few of the activities going on this season. Every year, Carowinds transforms from “theme park” to “scream park” for its annual Carowinds Halloween attraction. There are more than 500 monsters, ghosts, and goblins roaming the park plus haunted attractions and shows. Also, the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery hosts the annual Mecktoberfest- Charlotte’s most popular Oktoberfest celebration. You can hike one of the many top-notch trails, attend a Carolina Panthers game, visit the largest corn maze in the Southeast, and visit one of the many wineries in the area. Outside the city, Crowders Mountain State Park offers fall foliage and 25-mile panoramic views from the peak.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio consistently ranks among the most popular tourist destinations in Texas, and fall is a great time to discover the city with fewer crowds and cooler, more comfortable weather. The city hosts a free, two-day Día de los Muertos festival October 23–24, complete with an altar contest, procession, live poetry, and music. San Antonio Botanical Garden, is a great place to explore nature and vegetation. For a unique art experience, visit Hopscotch, a 20,000 square foot art gallery in downtown San Antonio. The space also houses a bar and lounge area, a gift shop, food trucks, and a patio with live music overlooking Travis Park. If you love spooky events, no one does it better than Six Flags Fiesta Texas, with their epic Fright Fest entertainment, including 21 horror attractions, and a collection of 10 new haunted houses this year.
Scottsdale, Arizona
By October, temperatures in Scottsdale drop, averaging around 75 during November, and outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit the Sonoran Desert. You'll find options to explore on foot, by car, or on horseback. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers almost 35,000 acres of wild desert to explore, hike, or try a fat tire mountain bike. Scottsdale holds an annual outdoor public art event, Canal Convergence, along the city’s waterfront district with artworks on the theme of art and technology. Other fun activities in the city are hot air balloon rides, Old Towns wine and ale trails, visiting a pumpkin patch, and outdoor dining.
Charleston, South Carolina
Once summer is over, autumn in Charleston brings mild temperatures, plenty of sun, and clear skies. Take advantage of the idyllic weather by visiting annual festivals like the MOJA Arts Festival (September 30 to October 10) and Charleston Beer Week (October 29 to November 7). Other fun fall activities include the Charleston Farmer's Market, a hot air balloon festival, Sunday brunch at Hampton's Park, and the Steeplechase of Charleston. Of course, Charleston is never lacking for exciting new restaurants and beautiful hotels.