September Vacation Ideas

Football season is finally here. College football towns are transformed every Saturday into huge events where true fans show their colors. Weekend getaways to follow your favorite college or NFL team gives you a great excuse to check out some great travel destinations.

The Portland Pirate Festival at historic Cathedral Park in St. Johns, OR, along side the Willamette, September 20 and 21 brings excitement for young and old alike with this pirate themed jubilee. Tall ship tours, cannon firing, sword fighting exhibitions, historical re-enactments, wandering costumed pirates, live music on two stages, children's rides and activities, stilt walkers, jugglers, puppeteers, and plenty of food and drink round out this fun-filled week-end at the water's edge. Stop in at the Marauders Market for handmade crafts, trinkets, toys, and pirate's treasures. See more Portland Vacation Ideas

Lake Tahoe, NV/CA. Crystal clear, deep blue waters in the Sierra Mountains. The summer crowds are gone, the golf courses aren't as crowded and the weather is still beautiful. More Lake Tahoe Vacation Suggestions.

Tour the beautiful and historic Wickford Village in the town of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Who could resist the tranquil harbor as the boats sail by the waterfront streets, quaint one of a kind shops, galleries, historic homes from the 1700's, charming gardens and churches. Add to this, friendly Bed & Breakfast stops, and it's the beginning of a great vacation. A special place to visit and even more special during one of their annual events. You won't want to miss the Harbour Festival held on September 20 and 21 where you'll enjoy the Harbour Tours, kayak and row boat races and demonstrations, music, children's contests and activities, plenty of food and drink, and convenient trolley service to round out the week end.

Martha's Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts, holds their annual Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby September 20 through October 18. For more information about the Derby, contact MV Derby Headquarters, 1A Dock Street, Edgartown, MA 02539. See more Martha's Vineyard Vacation Ideas.

Lancaster, PA, home to the Amish families with their simple agricultural lifestyle, is a great place to visit in early Fall. Sample their homegrown food at their Farmers Markets, stroll through the shops filled with handcrafted items. Quaint covered bridges and 1 room schoolhouses catch your eye as you ride an Amish buggy. A different way of life, but if you're interested in something more than the simple lifestyle of the Amish, try the shopping outlets throughout the area, with over 200 discount stores.

Get out in the fresh air and enjoy Southern California's pleasant year round weather. Travel the South Bay Bike Path, a 22 mile stretch that runs from Will Rogers State Beach down to Torrence County Beach. Gorgeous Santa Monica ocean views and magnificent beach houses surround you as you walk, jog, or bicycle your way up and down the coast. Bike rental shops along the way and certain areas are excellent for wheelchair bound visitors. More Santa Monica Vacation Ideas

A trip to San Francisco would not be complete without a visit to Chinatown. Enter through the "Dragon's Gate" at Bush Street and Grant Avenue and experience the culture around you. Twenty-four blocks of lively activity geared toward the interests of the tourist. You'll find great shopping bargains, dining, and a fun-filled stop at the fortune cookie factory as you watch and savor the aroma of fortune cookies being made and taste-tested by visitors. Events throughout the year include Parades, Festivals, Chinese New Year celebrations and much more, so come out and enjoy anytime of the year. And, if you happen to be in the area September 6 and 7, the Autumn Moon Festival Street Fair takes place on Grant Avenue with musicians, dancers, martial arts exhibitions, and food vendors - all in the traditional Chinese celebration of abundance and togetherness. More San Francisco Vacation Ideas

A favorite tourist attraction is the Hearst Castle, a magnificent hilltop estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean, half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco in nearby San Simeon. The Hearst Castle, now a State Historic Landmark, is considered one of the world's greatest showplaces. Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, this impressive castle, consisting of 165 rooms (main building and three guest houses) offers day and evening guided tours as well as spectacular garden tours. Open year round, but especially pleasant in cooler weather due to all the walking involved. For tour information, call (800) 444-4445.

The third full weekend in September is generally chosen as Oktoberfest, a celebration of German heritage. Cincinnati is proud to claim the largest and most authentic Oktoberfest in the United States with over 500,000 people arriving annually to a six block area in downtown Cincinnati on Fifth Street from Race Street to Broadway. Plenty of music, live entertainment, dancing, German food, and, of course, beer.