Renowned for its rugged landscapes and untamed wilderness, Wyoming shifts into a captivating tapestry of red, gold and amber, inviting travelers to experience a season like no other. Whether relishing the serenity of Grand Teton National Park, embarking on scenic drives through the Bighorn Mountains or savoring local culinary delights, autumn in Wyoming promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature's brilliance. The following destinations showcase the best of autumn across every corner of the Cowboy State: Casper Mountain Located in central Wyoming, the mountain's expansive woodlands practically explode with a vibrant mix of aspen and deciduous trees, transforming the land into a colorful masterpiece. Whether wandering along scenic trails, like Garden Creek waterfall, that wind through the woods or taking in views from the mountaintop, the beauty of the leaves changing hue creates an unforgettable experience. Nearby town: Casper. The nearby gateway city, offers a blend of old Western roots and modern comforts. The town boasts an active arts scene, complete with galleries and cultural happenings. Notable landmarks such as the Nicolaysen Art Museum and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center give a glimpse into the area's past. Medicine Bow National Forest Fall leaves on a road in Saratoga, Wyoming near Medicine Bow National Forest by Dana Davis - Unsplash In southwest Wyoming, Medicine Bow National Forest stands as an inviting autumnal haven, with its expansive woodlands showcasing a rich palette of fall colors, the forest becomes a breathtaking canvas of nature's artistry. Nearby town: Laramie. As one of the gateway cities to this natural wonder, a visit to Laramie adds a historical and cultural appeal to the journey. Known for its lively arts scene, Laramie hosts a diverse range of events, including theatrical performances and art exhibitions. The city's well-preserved architecture and lively downtown offer a glimpse into its storied past, reflecting both its Wild West heritage and its role as a thriving college town, home to the University of Wyoming. Bighorn National Forest In north-central Wyoming, Bighorn National Forest emerges as an ideal location for those seeking a magical fall oasis. Take in a wide variety of fall colors that cover the landscape as you explore along hiking trails leading through this stunning display. While in the area, be sure to cruise along the Bighorn Scenic Byway and take in the breathtaking scenery. Nearby town: Sheridan. As the gateway city to the Bighorns, Sheridan lends its own unique charm to the journey. This quaint town boasts a rich history as a bustling cattle town, with its Main Street designated as a historic district. Sheridan's lively cultural scene offers galleries, local theater and museums like the Bradford Brinton Memorial & Museum. Shoshone National Forest Leaves beginning to turn near Cody, Wyoming - courtesy of Natalie Strong As the leaves transition into warm, rich hues, the Shoshone National Forest becomes a fall fanatic’s dream destination for leaf peeping. This natural performance invites both contemplation and exploration, offering trails that wind through this breathtaking array of color. Nearby town: Cody. Just outside of Shoshone National Forest and Yellowstone National Park, Cody adds its own unique touch. Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, the town carries a spirit of the Wild West in its roots. While there, be sure to make a stop at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West which houses five museums in one that celebrate Western art and Plains Indian heritage. Devils Tower National Monument Sunset at Devils Tower by Mick Haupt - Unsplash In the heart of the Wyoming Black Hills, Devils Tower National Monument, also known as Bear Lodge, emerges as an inviting destination to take in the changing seasons. Take a stroll along the paved Tower Trail to observe all the angles of the monument and take in the dreamlike fall colors. Nearby town: Sundance. Located less than 30 miles southeast of Devils Tower, Sundance boasts a rich history. As the site where the Sundance Kid received his infamous name, the town's historic main street resonates with that legacy. Squaretop Mountain A cow moose and calf near Pinedale, Wyoming by Tim Peterson - Unsplash Nestled in the Wyoming wilderness, Squaretop Mountain stands as a captivating retreat for those seeking the beauty of autumn's embrace. For the best sights and wildlife viewing, take an early morning hike along Green River Lakes Trail. Nearby town: Pinedale. As a gateway city to Squaretop Mountain, Pinedale serves as a cozy place for guests to stay overnight, explore its food and drink scene as well as learn about its historical significance. Known for its roots in the fur trading era, the town preserves its heritage with historical landmarks such as Rendezvous Pointe. Moreover, Pinedale serves as a hub for outdoor adventure, offering access to the Wind River Range and Fremont Lake.

Some of the most quintessential autumn trips involve charming small towns around New England—particularly those with spooky local histories and Halloween-specific celebrations—or refreshing escapes to mountain villages in the Smokies during peak fall leaf season. While these locations get plenty of attention (and for good reasons!), they aren't the only small towns that travelers should consider when booking fall vacations. Below are five under-the-radar destinations that offer fun seasonal events. Augusta, Georgia Phinizy Swamp in Augusta, Georgia by Nils Leonhardt - Unsplash For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a hidden gem in the South, look no further than Augusta, Georgia, nestled along the banks of the Savannah River. Known for its prestigious golf reputation, Augusta has evolved into an undiscovered outdoor destination with breathtaking natural beauty and adventure. Explore the scenic beauty of Phinizy Center and Nature Park, where you can spot a wide variety of birds and wildlife including colorful migratory birds, elusive beavers, and maybe an alligator or two. Visitors can embark on birdwatching expeditions, wildlife photography adventures, or simply revel in the tranquility of nature's symphony at Phinizy. Check out the Forks Area Trail System, a series of loops through a thickly forested area provides a great mountain bike or hiking experience for all levels of riders and hikers. Some of the higher elevations provide panoramic views and the thick vegetation provides a home for many birds and animals. Augusta's River Region is the perfect place for a paddling adventure big or small. Take in the best city views from the Savannah River, float through history in the Augusta Canal, one of only three National Heritage Areas in Georgia, and get up close and personal to wildlife on the unique Stallings Island Tour. Many also don't realize that another huge sporting event takes place in Augusta every fall that draws in different types of athletes from all over the world to compete. Founded in 2009, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Augusta consists of a 1.2-mile down-current swim in the Savannah River, a 56-mile bike ride, and finishes with a 13.1-mile run throughout downtown Augusta, adding up to 70.3 miles of total racing. Estes Park, Colorado Wildlife in Estes Park, Colorado by Meina Yin - Unsplash Estes Park is a must-see destination in the fall, with peak fall colors emerging from late-September through the beginning of October and impossible-to-miss elk and other wildlife. The town itself hosts numerous festivals dedicated to fall, from the Autumn Gold Festival to Elk Fest, and more. YMCA of the Rockies, a beloved resort bordered by Rocky Mountain National Park on three sides, is the best place to stay while visiting the charming mountain town for a fun, active, and affordable fall getaway. Given its prime location between the town and the park, YMCA of the Rockies is an idyllic hub to experience all that the area has to offer in the fall. The resort features year-round activity offerings, which include guided hikes, a challenge course, axe throwing, campfires, a craft center, and more, as well as several special programs in autumn. It's Fall Break-themed programming throughout October includes adventure activities, fall crafts, hay rides and more - and the Halloween Spooktacular, where guests are invited to don their Halloween best, participate in spooky activities and explore the family-friendly haunted forest. Accommodations here range from multi-bedroom, private cabins perfect for a romantic retreat or family getaway, to affordable, hotel-style lodge rooms. The area is home to the second largest herd of elk in North America, and it’s not uncommon to see elk roaming the town and hear their “bugling” (mating calls) throughout September. Try an exclusive workshop to view and learn about the majestic creatures. Montclair, New Jersey An old pedestrian bridge in Montclair, New Jersey by Christopher Lotito - Unsplash Just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair amazingly combines the urban buzz of a city with the serenity of a suburb. Artists, film lovers, students and foodies flock to this lively college town year-round. Stop by the Montclair Farmer’s Market at Walnut Street Station on Saturdays to stock up on homegrown fruits and veggies, tasty baked goods, local honey, fresh flowers, Jersey wines and cheese. Explore the historic Van Vleck House & Gardens, a gorgeous property that where three generations of the Van Vleck family lived, before the family gave it to the Montclair Foundation. Visitors can explore the property daily free of cost. Admire fall foliage along the Lenape Trail in Brookdale Park. While the section here in the park isn't much over one mile, the entire trail connects multiple towns and parks in Essex County, New Jersey for roughly 36 miles. Luray, Virginia Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia by Sarraf Ahmed - Unsplash Just over two hours from the Washington, DC, this small town is situated in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Visitors will find easy access to mountain hikes, scenic drives, museums, and small shops, as well as one of its most popular attractions: a vast underground cave network known as Luray Caverns. The largest caverns in the eastern US, the caverns can be explored on tours that follow lighted, paved pathways through cathedral-sized rooms (some with ceilings the equivalent of 10 stories high) and towering natural wonders. Guests can book accommodations at the recently-reopened Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River (previously known as Outlanders River Camp). With an increase in campsites from 73 to a total of 350, the resort now features a range of community-centered amenities, including an amphitheater, a resort-style pool, cabanas, a recreational center offering pickleball, basketball, a mountain bike track, cornhole, and an RC car track. In addition to pet friendly, full hookup, back-in RV sites, there are also brand-new Airstream rentals and loft cottages. Additionally, guests can unwind and enjoy an evening under the stars on the furnished patio. Situated along three quarters of a mile of the Shenandoah frontage, Luray RV Resort boasts abundant wildlife and scenic mountain views in every direction. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico Chipmunk in Taos Ski Valley by Maximus Meadowcroft - Unsplash Autumn is an unexpectedly delightful time at Taos Ski Valley, with creative events, fun ways to see fall foliage, and intimate mountain surroundings. This location in New Mexico features the best of Western fall foliage—aspens interspersed with pine trees for a gold and green mountain-scape surrounding the entire resort, making it an intriguing spot to visit even when the winter ski season has yet to begin. There are a variety of fall events, including Oktoberfest from September 16th to 17th, featuring a live Schuhplattler band, authentic German food and beer, activities and crafts for kids, and much more. Movies in the Mountains features free outdoor screenings of cult classics and crowd favorite movies on Friday nights through September 15th. There's also the annual Bull of the Woods Half/Full Marathon race. The full marathon summits two peaks, showing the full beauty of the valley along the way. This year, the event will be held on September 9th. Those interested in spectacular mountain views will want to look into the Via Ferrata. Situated at 11,500 feet, the Via Ferrata features beginner through advanced guided course options, allowing both novice and skilled climbers alike to soak in the whole valley’s worth of stunning fall vistas. The route also features a 100-foot skybridge and double-cabled catwalk. If climbing or marathon-running isn't your thing, soak in spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristos on a relaxing lift ride. Enjoy a picnic at the top and hike down among the aspens, or ride the lift down for a relaxing return to base.

For those in search of simple ways to practice self-scare and boost their mental wellbeing, birdsong may be the answer. According to recent studies, seeing or hearing birds can provide a myriad of mood-boosting benefits. Below are seven scenic resort properties surrounded by natural beauty and filled with birdsong—sure to help lift visitors’ spirits. The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa (Manchester Village, Vermont) A Northern cardinal perches on a branch in the snow by Ray Hennessy - Unsplash This elegant New England property is steeped in history and sheltered amongst the tranquil beauty of Vermont’s Green Mountains. As they wander the property’s landscaped grounds and outdoor trails within the Equinox Preserve, explorers will hear the healing songs of Northeastern birds including Northern cardinals, Eastern bluebirds and American robins. Hawks Cay Resort (Duck Key, Florida) Brown pelicans in Florida by The Tampa Bay Estuary Program - Unsplash Centrally located between Miami and Key West, yet tucked away on the secluded island of Duck Key, Hawks Cay Resort is a Floridian paradise – boasting clear turquoise waters, endless sunshine and a relaxing, tropical atmosphere. While they soak in the sun, travelers will hear the distant calls of aquatic and wading birds such as seagulls, pelicans and herons. La Cantera Resort & Spa (San Antonio, Texas) Positioned just minutes outside of San Antonio, La Cantera Resort & Spa is situated on a tranquil 550-acre oasis. As visitors explore the property’s scenic trails winding across the rolling slopes and lush landscape of Texas Hill Country, they may be able to hear the calls of the native black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler. Sanderling Resort (Duck, North Carolina) A father and daughter walk along the beach in Duck, North Carolina by Emotionary App - Unsplash This quintessential beachfront escape is ideally located in the Outer Banks – a string of islands commonly recognized as one of the best birding locations on the East Coast. While they stroll along the sand, bird enthusiasts can look for native waterfowl and listen for the cheerful songs of mainland birds such as the purple martin. Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa (Boothbay Harbor, Maine) Perfectly poised on 55 acres of scenic shoreline, woodlands, gardens and trails, this picturesque oceanfront destination offers an iconic costal Maine experience. Here, visitors can soak in the soothing sounds of seabirds such as the Atlantic puffin, black guillemot and common eider. Stonewall Resort (Roanoke, West Virginia) Situated on 1,900 acres of park grounds, Stonewall Resort offers immaculate views of West Virginia’s rolling Blue Ridge Mountains and tranquil lake waters. As they relax at this lakeside resort, guests can listen for a variety of local songbirds including the Northern mockingjay and hooded warbler. The Wigwam (Litchfield Park, Arizona) A roadrunner in the desert brush by Carrie Borden - Unsplash A lush, 440-acre oasis, The Wigwam is located just 20 miles west of Phoenix. Here, guests can enjoy the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape and listen to the sounds of native birds such as roadrunners, wrens and woodpeckers.

Labor Day has come and gone, and fall is on its way. For most this means cooler temperatures are just around the corner, if not already here, but those in Florida have sunshine and warm days for the foreseeable future. Vacation crowds have begun to dwindle as most people settle into the new academic year, but there is still plenty of fun to be had for those that want to keep the summer rolling. Here are three ways to enjoy September in this tropical state. Explore this new Martin County eco-trail Pelicans in Jensen Beach, Florida by David Morgan - Unsplash Earlier this year, the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing launched their award-winning ecotourism program, Explore Natural Martin. Developed in official partnership with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, the program focuses on promoting environmental stewardship and responsible tourism through free, educational eco-tours and activities. Now, there's a new way to explore Martin County, Florida's beautiful natural areas and attractions. This free, self-guided eco-trail includes beautiful outdoor areas, world-class attractions, and eco-friendly certified hotels. This mobile-exclusive trail is a new, interactive component of the ecotourism program and highlights more than 20 outdoor wonders and points of interest, including state and local parks, beaches, nature preserves, museums, and more. The mobile pass is also GPS-enabled, so participants can “check-in” and earn points at each stop along the trail which can be redeemed for three tiers of unique prizes, including branded bandanas, five-liter dry bags, solar-powered waterproof lanterns, sun protection shirts, and limited edition eco-themed stickers. Pass-holders will earn the highest allotment of points for attending official Explore Natural Martin programs (advance registration required) and visitors can even earn bonus points for overnight stays at one the Florida Green Lodging Program-certified properties. “Martin County is an undeniably special place, home to stunning natural areas, incredibly biodiverse ecosystems, and countless wildlife species,” says Ian Centrone, Martin County Tourism Program Manager. “We hope visitors and residents alike use the Explore Natural Martin EcoTrail to discover the incredible sites in our own backyard while also learning how we can all better protect our paradise for generations to come.” Encounter natural beauty in Fort Lauderdale A bird at the Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Florida by Keila Diaz - Unsplash The summer isn't over (yet) in Fort Lauderdale, which has been running a "101 Days of Summer" campaign featuring 101 ways to experience the area's best offerings. Map out your summer staycation with the help of this curated list, which is chock-full of local unforgettable experiences. Visitors and residents can also take advantage of discounts with the South Florida Adventure Pass (good through September 30th) which offers unlimited entry to four major attractions in the area. These passes are $55 for adults and $45 for ages 3-12, and existing Adventure Pass subscribers can renew at a discounted rate of $45 for adults and $35 for children. The passes include access to: Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, which features majestic airboat rides in the Everglades;Flamingo Gardens in Davie, with botanical gardens and a wildlife sanctuary;the interactive exhibits and outdoor science park of the Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale; and,Explore Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, with aviaries that are filled with 20,000 exotic butterflies and tropical birds! Attend concerts all month long in St. Augustine Pier on St. Augustine Beach, Florida by Kristin Wilson - Unsplash Introduced in 2016, Sing Out Loud Festival is an annual celebration of live music throughout Florida's Historic Coast. The multi-weekend festival features various artists at locales throughout St. Augustine and St. Johns County, Florida. This year, the festival welcomes headliners The Black Keys, Mumford & Sons, Lord Huron, Maggie Rogers, Yola, War Hippies, Elle King, Amos Lee, S.G. Goodman, Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, Keller & Keels, and many other great performances. The festival also features free "Local Showcases" throughout the month featuring performers that are based locally. On Saturday, September 16, the festival's newest event, Lincolnville Porch Fest, celebrates the unique history of one of St. Augustine's most historically and culturally significant neighborhoods. Featuring twenty-five local musical acts performing on five porches against the backdrop of the Lincolnville neighborhood, Porch Fest takes place from noon to 5 pm, culminating with a finale at Colonial Oak Music Park later in the evening. Tuesday, September 19, artisan shopping and live music take center stage at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Night Market. This free event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. and features live music, handmade arts, crafts and goods, and local food trucks. The Sing Out Loud Festival main event, The Francis Field Showcase, takes place Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23 at Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine. Two-day tickets include General Admission for $235 each, General Admission+ for $395 each, and Platinum for $760 each. One-day tickets can be purchased at $125 for Friday and $155 for Saturday. Tickets are available online only. Following the main event, music lovers can expand their collections at the St. Augustine Record Fair. This free event takes place on Sunday, September 24 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and is one of the area's largest fairs featuring limited-edition vinyl, 90's tour posters, vintage rock t-shirts, and even cassette tapes and record players. Finally, on Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1, the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival celebrates the craft of songwriting. Top-notch country songwriters will perform their hits throughout the St. Augustine's historic city, accented with the stories and anecdotes behind the hits. These free concerts occur at the Colonial Oak Music Park, Trade Winds Lounge, Prohibition Kitchen, and the St. Augustine Distillery.