Can you believe fall is just around the corner?! Certainly doesn’t feel like it in Charleston, but with domestic travel still at an all-time high, it’s never too early to start planning your next excursion! Fall road trip destinations, anyone? Fall always gets me in the mood for exploration and a good road trip. My Mom, sister and I usually try to plan a fun annual girl’s leaf peeping trip, and it’s always a highlight each year. Driving through the mountains, limited cell service, stopping for all the photos {my Mom and I are equally snap happy when it comes to the changing of the leaves}, reading a road map, bickering over music choices…ah, good ‘ol family time. Still not sure where we’re headed this year, but it’s bound to be an adventure.
Inspired by Yankee Candle‘s newest collection, Woodland Road Trip, I’m excited to share a few of my fall road trip destinations with y’all! Several are ones I’ve explored myself, while others are on my bucket list. The Woodland Road Trip Collection is available in Yankee Candle’s NEW Signature Collection, which includes a redesigned large and small tumbler candle and a redesigned jar. Both of which I love! Four new fragrances are included in the Woodland Road Trip Collection: Woodland Road Trip, Farm Fresh Peach, Cozy Cabin Escape, Sunlit Autumn. But Woodland Road Trip really stood out to me. With hints of jasmine + fir, it’s warm + cozy all wrapped up into one beautifully colored auburn candle. Will be perfect to bring touches of fall into my home decor.
Fall Road Trip Destinations in the US
COLORADO
ASPEN, COLORADO | We did a whole family road trip through Aspen a few years back, and it was everything a leaf peeping trip should be! Leaves turning to golden yellow everywhere we turned. Incredible hiking trails, and endless hours of driving through the Rockies. Get’s me every time. Independence Pass {just outside Aspen} is an absolute must, along with a visit to the Maroon Bells. Just be sure to LAYER UP. The temperatures have a drastic swing based on your elevation.
CRESTED BUTTE | We’ve driven through this area of the state on multiple occasions, and it’s just darling. The city of Crested Butte itself is worth an afternoon or evening stroll to dine and/or check out local shops. Drive through the nearby Kebler Pass, which is known as Colorado’s largest aspen grove. Other attractions include Mt. Crested Butte and Crystal Mill {which has LONG been on my must-see list}.
THE SOUTHEAST
BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA | Just a short trip from my hometown of Charleston, Beaufort is a smaller, less discovered spot that’s every bit worth a visit. Antebellum style homes line the coast, the people are friendly, and the food is delicious. Beaufort makes for a perfect day-trip of quick weekend getaway if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. I captured a few pretty scenes from a morning walk we took earlier this year in this reel!
CASHIERS + THE HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA | One of my most favorite places in the south! There’s nothing quite like it. Quaint, quiet town nestles in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just teeming with color! In additional to changing leaves, this area is also riddled with colorful dahlias at the beginning of fall – justtttt until first frost. If you’re lucky enough to be there in that sweet spot, it’s something truly special. I stayed at High Hampton on a work trip before is was renovated by the Blackberry Farm team. Dying to go back and experience all the changes they’ve made!
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY | Spanning 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway is actually America’s longest linear park. Crossing through Virginia and North Carolina, it’s a great road to take int he scenic beauty of fall. I’ve driven through the parkway on several occasions {typically during a trip to Asheville}, and it does not disappoint. This area is sprinkled with great one-off hiking trails and fun stops along the way. Consider making your way through Blowing Rock to grab lunch at Bistro Roca! And if you’re looking for a beautiful spot to rest your head for a night or two, I can’t recommend The Omni Grove Park Inn enough – such a treat!
THE NORTHEAST
STOWE, VERMONT | Continuing down the fall road trip destinations train, this gem is on the TOP of my leaf peeping bucket list! Everything about road tripping through New England in the fall looks like absolute perfection. While I’m keen on the yellow hues we see in Colorado, the vibrant oranges + red that pepper the Northeast look incredible! My friend Haley visited the area a few years back, and it’s been on my list ever since!
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE | Another bucket-lister! I honestly haven’t explored the Northeast as much as I’d like to, especially when it comes to fall! But this national park looks like a dream.
HUDSON VALLEY | Having recently returned from a dear friend’s wedding in Hudson Valley, I’m itching to go back in fall at some point. We stayed at the most charming historic inn in Rhinebeck, and after chatting with the front desk ladies one morning, they’ve convinced me we must re-visit later in the year. From my brief visit, Hudson Valley is sprinkled with small towns that feel so homey and cozy. You would never know you were just a hour a half train ride outside NYC.
FINGER LAKES, NY | As an avid wine country lover, I’ve wanted to visit the Finger Lakes region for years. Granted, I’ve heard it may not live up to my expectations of Napa, but I love exploring different parts of the US, and this particular area of upstate New York has always peeked my interest!
This post is brought to you in partnership with Yankee Candle. All opinions are my own.
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images by SLK Photo
