Here are five of the most beautiful places in the U.S. to visit for fall foliage, along with suggestions for how seniors can best visit these locations, including transportation, accommodations, and economical dining options:
1. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
Best Time: Late September to early November
Transportation: Fly into Knoxville, TN, or Asheville, NC, and rent a car or join a guided tour for easy access to scenic drives like the Newfound Gap Road.
Hotels: Consider staying in Gatlinburg, TN, or Pigeon Forge, TN. These areas offer economical options such as Holiday Inn Express or Comfort Inn, which often have senior discounts.
Dining: Check out local diners like The Pancake Pantry or Mama’s Farmhouse for Southern comfort food at reasonable prices.
2. Acadia National Park, Maine
Best Time: Early October to mid-October
Transportation: Fly into Bangor, ME, and take a shuttle or drive to Bar Harbor. Acadia’s Island Explorer bus system offers free transportation around the park, making it accessible for seniors.
Hotels: Look for budget-friendly options like Bar Harbor Grand Hotel or Anchorage Motel, which often have senior discounts.
Dining: Bar Harbor has excellent seafood spots like Side Street Café or Thrive Juice Bar for affordable, fresh meals.
3. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Best Time: Early October to mid-October
Transportation: Fly into Albany, NY, or Hartford, CT, and drive to the Berkshires. The scenic byways are perfect for leisurely drives.
Hotels: Stay in affordable inns or bed-and-breakfasts like The Yankee Inn in Lenox or Berkshire Valley Inn in Williamstown.
Dining: Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge offers reasonably priced meals in a cozy, historic setting. Haven Café & Bakery is another option for casual, affordable dining.
4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Best Time: Mid-October to early November
Transportation: Fly into Washington, D.C., and drive the Skyline Drive for breathtaking views. Consider taking a senior-friendly guided tour if driving is less comfortable.
Hotels: Affordable lodging is available at nearby towns like Luray, VA. The Quality Inn and Days Inn often provide senior discounts.
Dining: Dine at local eateries like Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Café or Brookside Restaurant, which offer homestyle meals at budget-friendly prices.
5. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Best Time: Late September to mid-October
Transportation: Fly into Portland, OR, and drive or take a tour along the Columbia River Highway. Some scenic spots are wheelchair accessible, making it easy for seniors.
Hotels: Stay at affordable spots like Best Western Plus Hood River Inn or Comfort Inn Troutdale, both offering senior discounts.
Dining: Try local farm-to-table dining at Riverside or Apple Valley BBQ for affordable and fresh options.
General Tips for Seniors:
- Transportation: Senior discounts are often available for flights, rental cars, and guided tours. Consider bus tours like Greyhound or Amtrak services, both of which have senior rates and offer scenic routes.
- Hotels: Always inquire about senior discounts when booking hotels. Websites like AARP Travel Center often have special deals.
- Dining: Look for local diners, casual restaurants, and farm-to-table spots, which tend to offer economical meal options. Many national chains like Denny’s and IHOP also have senior menus.
These suggestions will help you enjoy the beauty of fall foliage while keeping costs in check!
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