October Vacation Ideas
It's that time of year again when the weather turns cooler and your thoughts turn to apple picking. The National Apple Harvest Festival just outside of Gettysburg, PA is presenting their annual event the first two weekends in October. Be prepared for "everything apple" - apple art, apple jellies, apple syrup making, apple bobbing, pie eating contests, apple cider, caramel apples and more. Over 300 arts and crafts vendors there for your souvenir shopping, food stands with mouth-watering treats, antique and classic car show, antique farm equipment exhibition, live entertainment, hay rides, petting zoo for the little ones, pony rides, guided orchard tours, and just an enjoyable time for the whole family. Located just outside of Gettysburg, PA at the South Mountain Fairgrounds on Rt. 234.
Mystic Seaport, Ct. - always a delight to experience life in the tall-ships era, watch shipbuilders and sailmakers at work, visit the Maritime Museum, Aquarium, and Planetarium. Or take a self-guided tour, visit the exhibits and galleries. Each year a different Halloween Special Event. Starts in mid-October. Call for tickets, and exact dates and times 860-572-5322. Be prepared for frightening events throughout the village. Then join the crowds in costume for the annual Halloween Parade.
In a spectacular setting at a great time of year, the Sun Valley, Idaho Jazz Jamboree celebrates its 23nd anniversary on October 17-21, 2012. Read all about the festivities on our Sun Valley Vacation Ideas page.
The fun doesn't end after Labor Day at the Jersey Shore. It just goes on and on. Visit Cape May in October for Victorian Week, starting with:
- Vintage Dance Weekend and Ball with live music.
- Private Home Tours.
- Stroll the Historic District with their gorgeously restored Victorian buildings. Costumed actors add to the atmosphere.
- Stop in at the Inns for guided tours and stories of olden days at the Cape.
- Take the Trolley Tour, then visit Cape May's haunted Emlen Physick Estate. Timing is right. With Halloween just around the corner, all is decked out in eerie fashion.
- Or, you might want to participate in a Murder Mystery Dinner or Luncheon.
- Visit the Wine Trail and sip some of the finest wines.
- There'll be plenty of Teas, psychic readings, and fashion nostalgia. If antiques and crafts are of interest to you, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied with vendors at the Emlen Physick Estate.
- Or, just enjoy a walk on the beach. With 30 miles of beautiful white sand before you, it's easy to see why the locals are so proud of the Jersey Shore.
- Still have time on your hands after all that, then visit the Cape May County Park and Zoo. Kid-friendly and, best of all, free admission. For year round information about Cape May, call 800-275-4278.
Fall, with the beautiful foliage, is a great time of year to take the Napa Valley Wine Train. Read more about it on our Northern California Vacation Ideas page.
If you've never thought about Minneapolis as a "tourist" spot, think again. You'll be amazed at all there is to see and do there. Check our Minneapolis Vacation Ideas page to find year round activities before planning your next vacation.
Visit our September Vacation Ideas page to find out more about The Big E in Springfield, MA, September 16 through October 2, 2011.
The beautiful fall weather brings the Annual Fall Walking Tour of Homes, Gardens, and Churches of historic Charleston, SC. Plan your trip between September 21 through October 22, 2011 to enjoy this spectacular event. For reservations and more information, call 843-722-4630. See more Charleston, SC Vacation Ideas
Enjoy The Gretna Heritage Festival October 7 - 9, 2011 in historic downtown Gretna, just 3 miles from New Orleans, LA. Music, rides, carnival games, beer gardens, great food, arts and crafts, and collectibles. 120,000 people expected to attend this fun-filled weekend on the Mississippi River. More New Orleans Vacation Ideas.
Visiting Savannah, GA during the month of October? Take a look at our Savannah Vacation Ideas page and find out what's going on.
Come to the Texas Book Festival in Austin, Texas on October 22 and 23, 2011 at the State Capitol Building. Over 200 international authors will be in attendance for readings, writing workshops, book signings, and other literary events. Each year one Texas author is honored with the Bookend Award. See more Austin Vacation Ideas.
New England. Bike trips through the Autumn Leaf regions. Bed and Breakfasts and back country trips.Boston Travel Suggestions.
October, with Halloween approaching, brings out the curiosity in us for the unknown and the inexplicable. Haunted houses, ghost towns, forgotten mines, pioneer folk lore, and mystery can be found in all parts of the country. Visit our page on Haunted Vacation Ideas throughout the year.
San Francisco. The summer fog has lifted and the city is at its stunning best. Alcatraz, the Golden Gate, Fisherman's Wharf and much more are awaiting. More San Francisco Vacation Ideas.
Get in the Halloween spirit at the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, located next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ, a 40 room mansion built in 1904 with more than 13,000 square feet of living area plus servants quarters. The luxurious mansion, considered one of Arizona's treasures, is an example of Arts & Crafts style architecture, and open for tours year round. The Riordan Mansion State Historic Park hosts haunted tours and storytelling sessions in late October for those who are not faint-of-heart. Call for tour information (928) 779-4395. More Northern Arizona Vacation Ideas
The annual Martha's Vineyard Food & Wine Festival takes place this year on October 14, and 15, 2011. Cooking demonstrations, food and wine tastings, seminars, and wine dinners will be prepared by the area's finest chefs. Call The Martha's Vineyard Museum at 508-627-4441 for more information. See more Martha's Vineyard Vacation Ideas
Celebrate the start of Fall in Mount Airy, NC, hometown to actor Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry from the 1950's Andy Griffith TV series. The quiet, home-spun town of Mount Airy opens their doors and hearts to welcome over 200,000 visitors for their annual Autumn Leaves Festival (always the 2nd full weekend of October). The streets are filled with over 150 craft booths and more than 25 food booths with mouth watering regional taste treats like ham biscuits, collards and cornbread, barbeque and home-style southern cooking. Old time music, Blue Grass Jam Sessions, and Gospel music add to the festivities. If you find time, visit the Andy Griffith Museum at the Playhouse or take a tour of the local winery. There's also Pilot Mountain State Park nearby for horseback riding, hiking, or take to the river on a raft or canoe. More information may be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce (800) 948-0949.
Read more about Philadelphia's Revolutionary Germantown Festival in early October.
There's no place like the Jersey Shore in summer. But the fun doesn't stop when summer ends. Long Beach Island hosts the Chowder Fest Weekend rain or shine under the "Big Top". Be an official taster and sample the Jersey Shore's finest chowders as local restaurants compete for the "Chowder Champ" title. An estimated 12,000+ people gather at the Jersey Shore for this yearly event where fun runs rampant at 9th. Street and Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven. October 1 - 2, 2011 . More Jersey Shore Vacation Ideas
The first week in October showcases the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in the Washington DC area, featuring over 100 jazz performances. Visit our Washington DC page for other exciting events. More Music Festivals.
New Bern, NC, not only known for its rich Civil War history, museums, art galleries, parks, shops, fine restaurants and cafes, waterfront hotels and B&B accommodations, and wide range of cultural activities, is proud to present their annual MUMfest which takes place on October 8 and 9, 2011 at the historic waterfront and downtown area. More than 80,000 people flock to this family-oriented festival each year for the flowers, car shows, aerial stunt shows, and boat shows, with rides, demonstrations, and parasailing. Add to this, live entertainment on stage, street performers, magicians, jugglers, clowns, crafters and shopping, plenty of food vendors, carnival amusement rides and games to keep the kids entertained. Shuttle services available. Call for more information 252-638-5781.