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The crisp, cooler temperatures that herald in the autumn season are a welcome relief from the heat and humidity of summer. This transitional time of year presents the perfect opportunity tomark a few days off of your work calendar and slip away for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Because autumn is normally a shoulder season for many resorts and destinations, prices tend to be more economical than during the summer months. That's certainly true for beach vacations.
During the fall, temperatures are still warm enough to take advantage of the sand and surf and cool enough in the evenings for long walks along the beach. But don't think that you have to spend all your time acquiring the perfect tan. A beach vacation can offer you much more. Virginia Beach, Virginia, for example, has renovated the galleries at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. You can now discover current diverse natural habitats across Virginia as well as habitats from the past as you stroll through the museum. Beachgoers at North Carolina's Outer Banks can take time away from tanning to hang glide over the sand dunes or spend a lazy afternoon fishing from the pier. If you're in the Wilmington, N. C. area, visit the Battleship USS North Carolina and explore the ship's nine decks and crew quarters. In South Carolina, try your hand at kayaking along the coastal creeks and inlets in the lagoon at Hunting Island State Park. Mountain getaways during the fall reflect the glorious colors of the season and the beautiful attributes of nature. The Adirondacks in New York are filled with waterfalls, from majestic to tranquil. The 600-foot T-Lake Falls in Piseco is the highest waterfall in the Adirondacks and one of the highest in all of New York State. Just a couple of hours by car from the New York metropolitan area, the Catskill Region is an ideal choice for a country escape year-round, with activities for all ages. The spectacular landscape makes it a perfect destination for hunting, hiking, fishing and boating adventures. Berkshire County in Massachusetts offers two dozen state parks that provide a variety of terrain and scenery. The Appalachian Trail runs the full length of the county, offering different hiking options. If you're adventurous, you may want to take a hike over the top of Mount Greylock, which at 3,491 feet above sea level is the state's highest peak. If you're traveling along Virginia's section of the Appalachia, take time to drive along the Crooked Road. The road focuses on the rich musical heritage of Southwest Virginia. The music tells of the traditions of the region and includes some of the most hallowed sites in musical history such as the Birthplace of CountryMusic in Bristol, and the Carter Fold in Hiltons.Music is available all along the 253-mile route at such venues as the Floyd Country Store in Floyd, the Rex Theatre in Galax, and the Country Cabin in Norton. |
