There’s no better way to wind down from the chaos and crazy humidity of a Midwest Summer than escaping to nature on a Fall getaway. Whether you’re craving a quick weekend away with friends or planning a full-blown fall break adventure for family, we’ve got you covered. From scenic hikes to foodie hotspots, here’s your ultimate guide to what belongs on your travel bucket list this Fall.
Portland, Oregon
4.5-hour flight from Indy (Allegiant offers a non-stop option)
Great for: Group/friends trip
Hipster culture. Foodie scene. Waterfalls on waterfalls.
Hike the Trail of Ten Falls – Get active with this 7-mile scenic loop. You’ll spend hours going up and down steep inclines, but the views of the falls are amazing. If you’re looking for something shorter, you can park in one of the car parks and do a short walk to one of the falls. Another great option for those looking for a shorter hike is heading to Multnomah Falls for more insane scenery.- Eat at a food pod – Portland is known for its unique food pods–clusters of food trucks set around a common seating area or bar. These are top-notch culinary experiences and great for groups who may all want something different.
- Spend the afternoon at a winery – Oregon’s Willamette Valley is known for its Pinot Noir. Enjoy the beautiful greenery and fantastic wine at top-notch wineries. We spent the day at Nicolas Jay and loved the level of detail they shared about the owners, the history, and the wines.
Hot tip:
- If you’re heading to Multnomah Falls, go early! A timed use permit is required starting at 9 am, so you will have to pay and be locked in to a certain time. Go before 9 to get better views without the price tag.
Acadia, Maine
About 4 hours flying + 3-hour drive to Bar Harbor
Great for: A family vacation
Cute coastal town. Gorgeous hikes. Lobster for days.
Hike the Beehive Loop – Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you! Acadia’s famous rung and ladder trail is basically a vertical climb up with exposed cliff faces. It’s a real physical and mental challenge, with an amazing view of Sand Beach and the Gulf of Maine waiting at the top. Other great trails include: The Ocean Path (where you can see the Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole) and Jordan Pond.- Go whale watching – This is the perfect activity for kids who want an up-close experience with some water wildlife. The guides are very knowledgeable and share lots of facts, so you’ll come away from this excursion feeling extra smart. We got to see several humpback whales on our tour, which was pretty special. *If you are prone to seasickness, this is not for you. The waves and wind are no joke.
- Spend the day in Bar Harbor – Take a break from your outdoor adventures with some shopping in this coastal town. While pretty touristy, there are fun stores to pop in and out of. A favorite pit stop was Ivy Manor Inn, which features an outdoor bar and live music open to everyone. Definitely a fun vibe and worth checking out!
- Eat lobster, duh. With fresh seafood right at your fingertips, how can you not?! Lobster shacks are all around the national park, so lots of opportunities to enjoy a delicious lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese, or twin tails. Places to put on your list: Bar Harbor Lobster Pound and Bar Harbor Lobster Bakes (don’t sleep on their homemade blueberry pie, it was delicious!)
Hot tips:
- Stay outside of Bar Harbor. Accommodations are competitive and very pricey.
- Don’t forget to buy your National Parks pass! It’s $35 and valid for 7 days.
- Take advantage of the Island Explorer free shuttle. Instead of having to drive from site to site or stress about parking, the shuttle will drop you off near the top spots.
Sedona, Arizona
4-hour flight from Indy + 2-hour drive
Great for: Girls and couples trips
Artsy vibes. Red sandstones. Healing and wellness vibes.
Off-roading with a pink jeep tour – Get your adventure on with this unique tour. Your guide will take you off the beaten path on a scenic journey around canyons or to a historic pueblo. You can opt for a group trip or a private tour, so it can be a great activity as a pair or if you have a large group.- Verde Valley Wine Trail – The Verde Valley is a rugged canyon carved by the Verde River that offers an oasis in the middle of the desert. This makes it the perfect spot for producing great red wine! With 25 tasting rooms located between Sedona and Phoenix, the wine trail offers a fun way to try multiple wineries and their unique blends. Grab your girls and start working on stamps in your wine passport.
- Art + shopping at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. This shopping complex offers a mix of art, jewelry, restaurants, and independent stores. Whether you’re looking for outdoor gear, home decor, books, or clothing, there are a ton of options to choose from that you can’t find anywhere else.
- Hikes to see fall colors: West Fork, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon are just a few of the local spots that you can enjoy. You can also hit the Grand Canyon in just a 2-hour drive.
Chasing those fall colors? Here are other top fall destinations around the U.S.
- Stowe, Vermont
- Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
- Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Whether you want a peaceful solo escape, a girls’ weekend away, or a cozy family retreat, Fall is the perfect time to get away. Pack your flannel, grab your favorite mug, and let the season lead you somewhere beautiful.
About Sippin’ Sangria
Caroline and Lexa are a traveling duo who have visited several local, U.S., and international destinations together. Through these adventures, they’ve learned the ins and outs of traveling with friends and love connecting with other female travelers. When they’re not booking their next flight, Lexa and Caroline plan trips – honeymoons, girlfriend getaways, weekend trips, etc. Find them at www.sippinsangria.com.
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