This US City Is A Great Spot For A Fun Last-Minute Fall Trip

There is nothing better than strolling through a quaint town amid vibrant foliage and the crisp air of autumn. Not only is the fall season visually stunning, but it is filled with nostalgia and coziness. With holiday celebrations like Halloween and Thanksgiving, it's a time for friends and family to say goodbye to the buzz of summer and gather with one another as the temperatures cool. And while the whole country can sip their pumpkin spice lattes and put up festive decorations, not every city gets to embrace fall quite as much as others.

Some cities are so packed with evergreen trees that residents might not notice a major difference. Others, may be experiencing full-on heat-waves. One city that you can always count on for a traditional autumnal ambiance is Charlottesville, Virginia. If you didn't think you could still squeeze in a fall getaway this year, you might just reconsider your plans once you check out charming Charlottesville.

Located in central Virginia, Charlottesville sits in the lush foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dense deciduous forests consisting of oak, hickory, and maple trees paint the city with an abundance of golden, crimson, and amber leaves. For an ariel view overlooking a valley painted in fall colors, we recommend you head out to the southern end of the Shenandoah National Park and take a hike up Turk's Mountain. It's about a 45-minute drive out from the center of Charlottesville, but it is well worth the drive. The hike itself is easy and entrance into the park will cost you just $15-30.

Even if you don't get a chance to explore the national park, you'll catch plenty of fall foliage right in town. In fact, Charlottesville is probably one of the most picturesque towns to visit on the East Coast in the fall. Shop, eat, and sip coffee alongside the spectacular oak trees and historic buildings that line its streets.

While you might just be booking a trip for beautiful fall foliage, you'll discover that Charlottesville offers even more fall activities beyond this. One of the best ways to get in the spirit of the season is to visit an apple orchard. Given that Virginia is the 6th greatest producer of apples in the U.S., Charlottesville is filled with opportunities to do just that. From August to November, apples in the state are in their peak harvesting season. During this time, amazing farms and orchards near Charlottesville like Carter Mountain Orchard, Chiles Peach Orchard, and Henley's Orchard welcome guests for delicious fall treats and fun activities.

For anyone over the age of 21, Charlottesville is also famous for its wineries, cideries, and breweries. For an immersive experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains and a delightful buzz, we recommend you take a tour of The Blenheim Farm. For more festivities, head to the Harvest Festival at Bold Rock Hard Cider. If you don't make it for this once-a-year event, don't fret. Castle Hill Cider hosts a Fall Market & Music Series every Sunday throughout September and October where you'll find yoga, live music, vendors, and of course delicious ciders.