Columbus Day Weekend Getaways

Location:

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Highlights:

If you're craving crisp mountain air, uncrowded trails, and off-season deals, October in Steamboat Springs is pure gold. With fewer crowds and lower prices, it’s the perfect time to recharge and explore Colorado’s beauty without the bustle.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, off-season adventurers, couples, and anyone who enjoys a quieter, more affordable mountain escape.

What we Love:

Charming downtown dining without the wait, vibrant fall colors, serene hiking and biking trails, and golden-hour picnics under clear blue skies.

• Save on lodging, restaurants, and flights—October brings major off-season discounts for savvy travelers.
• Dine like a local with walk-in access to popular restaurants that are usually booked solid during peak ski season.
• Explore stunning hiking and biking trails, many lined with fall foliage and totally free from summer or winter crowds.
• Relax with fly fishing, outdoor picnics, and long sunny days that invite you to slow down and savor the scenery.

Local Resources:

Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce
Colorado Tourism Office

Location:

Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

Highlights:

If golden forests and crisp mountain air sound like your ideal fall escape, early October in the Poconos is picture-perfect. From thrilling sky-high tours to serene scenic hikes, there’s no better way to soak in autumn’s color show.

We Recommend This For:

Leaf peepers, outdoor adventurers, families, couples, and anyone looking to celebrate fall in a big (and colorful) way.

What we Love:

Panoramic air tours, colorful hiking trails, family-friendly fun at the Adventure Park, and that unbeatable fall foliage glow across the mountains.

• Fly above the treetops with a chartered airplane tour or take it up a notch and skydive for the most epic leaf-peeping experience imaginable.
• Hike one of many trails offering incredible fall vistas—perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or a peaceful afternoon stroll.
• Play at the Poconos Adventure Park, where kids can burn off energy and adults can relax in the crisp autumn air surrounded by fall color.
• Capture the moment with sweeping views of the vibrant red, orange, and golden hues that drape the mountains in early October.

Local Resources:

Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Poconos Adventure Park

Location:

Aspen, Colorado

Highlights:

If you’ve only thought of Aspen as a ski town, think again—October is one of its best-kept secrets. With fewer crowds, golden aspen groves, and lower off-season prices, it’s the perfect time to hike, explore, and soak in the mountain beauty at your own pace.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, photographers, off-season travelers, and anyone who loves high-altitude charm with room to breathe.

What we Love:

Unforgettable views of the Maroon Bells, quiet trails, the Aspen Saturday Market, and shoulder-season dining without the lines.

• Hike stunning trails surrounded by fall colors and jaw-dropping Rocky Mountain scenery.
• Photograph the iconic Maroon Bells—among the most photographed peaks in North America—easily accessible in October.
• Shop local at the Aspen Saturday Market, featuring Colorado produce, artisan goods, and crafts from local makers.
• Dine at top restaurants without the usual ski-season reservations and long waits.
• Relax into the peaceful rhythm of an off-season mountain town, with fewer crowds and better deals across the board.

Local Resources:

City of Aspen
Aspen Chamber Resort Association

Romantic Columbus Day Weekend Getaways:

Location:

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Highlights:

If you're looking for charm, history, and crisp fall air, Eureka Springs is a hidden gem that shines in early October. While there aren’t official Columbus Day events, the cooler temps and Victorian-era scenery make it the perfect place for a laidback autumn escape.

We Recommend This For:

Architecture lovers, history buffs, weekend explorers, and anyone craving a small-town getaway with big character.

What we Love:

Victorian buildings, glass-and-wood chapel views, scenic hikes in fall foliage, and relaxing strolls through one of Arkansas’ most picturesque towns.

• Explore the historic streets lined with preserved Victorian architecture and charming shops, cafes, and galleries.
• Visit landmarks like the Palace Bath House and the famously haunted Crescent Hotel—full of rich local lore.
• Experience the natural beauty and architectural wonder of Thorncrown Chapel, a stunning glass sanctuary nestled in the hills.
• Enjoy comfortable weather ideal for outdoor dining, trail walks, and peaceful sightseeing without summer crowds.

Local Resources:

Eureka Springs Tourism Office

Location:

Stowe, Vermont

Highlights:

If you're chasing peak fall foliage and the last golden days before Vermont’s winter sets in, Columbus Day weekend in Stowe is prime time. It’s one of the busiest weekends of the year—so book early and get ready for postcard-perfect views, local treats, and classic New England charm.

We Recommend This For:

Leaf peepers, families, food lovers, and anyone who wants a full-on fall experience with mountain views and small-town warmth.

What we Love:

Brilliant foliage drives, sweet stops at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, scenic mountain roads, and a festive town buzzing with autumn energy.

• Reserve lodging early—Stowe books up quickly for Columbus Day weekend as visitors flock to enjoy peak foliage and mild weather.
• Treat yourself to a guided tour of the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory—a fun, flavorful stop for families and sweet-toothed travelers.
• Drive the Auto Toll Road for sweeping views from summit ridge—especially stunning in full fall color.
• Experience the classic charm of Stowe village with its local shops, cider tastings, and inviting cafés surrounded by maple-drenched mountainsides.

Local Resources:

Stowe Area Association
Vermont Tourism Office

Location:

Wichita, Kansas

Highlights:

Want a blend of Wild West heritage, aviation history, and family-friendly fun? Wichita, Kansas is full of surprises—from cowboy trails and T. rex fossils to peaceful gardens and a thriving cultural scene along the Arkansas River.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, families, museum lovers, garden wanderers, and anyone interested in the rich evolution of the American Midwest.

What we Love:

Authentic cowboy heritage at Old Cowtown Museum, serene strolls through Botanica Gardens, and world-class artifacts in a welcoming, down-to-earth city.

• Step back in time at the Old Cowtown Museum, where costumed interpreters bring 19th-century Wichita to life in a recreated frontier village.
• Explore the Museum of World Treasures with fascinating exhibits ranging from a towering T. rex skeleton to real Egyptian mummies—great for curious kids and adults alike.
• Wander through Botanica Gardens, featuring tranquil spaces like a Chinese garden, butterfly house, and wildflower meadows perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
• Discover Wichita’s deep roots—from its days as a Chisholm Trail trading post and “Cowtown” to its modern role as the Air Capital of the World.

Local Resources:

City of Wichita
Old Town Wichita
Travel Kansas

Family-friendly Columbus Day Weekend Getaways:

Location:

Bar Harbor, Maine

Highlights:

Looking for the perfect fall mix of coastal charm, autumn colors, and family fun? Bar Harbor in October is peak leaf season, filled with activities, crisp air, and plenty to explore indoors and out—just be sure to book early, as it’s a popular time to visit.

We Recommend This For:

Families, foliage lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy the fall season with a scenic New England twist.

What we Love:

Colorful coastal hiking, bustling shops and eateries, crisp Canadian Thanksgiving vibes, and easy access to Bar Harbor’s charming waterfront and nature trails.

• Hike scenic paths along the Bar Harbor waterfront, where the changing leaves frame stunning ocean views.
• Explore Acadia National Park just minutes away—October is one of the best times for uncrowded, breathtaking fall hikes and drives.
• Enjoy family-friendly attractions, local museums, shops, and cozy restaurants offering Maine seafood and seasonal specialties.
• Plan ahead—with peak foliage and Canadian Thanksgiving drawing in crowds, advance reservations for lodging are highly recommended.

Local Resources:

Visit Bar Harbor

Location:

Mystic, Connecticut

Highlights:

If you’re craving fresh sea air, a cozy New England town, and some of the best chowder around, Mystic is a fantastic choice for Columbus Day weekend. Anchored where the Mystic River meets Block Island Sound, this historic village offers waterfront charm and fall flavors all in one relaxing escape.

We Recommend This For:

Foodies, families, maritime history fans, and anyone looking for an easygoing but flavorful October weekend.

What we Love:

The annual Chowder Days festival at Mystic Seaport, peaceful harbor strolls, and a small-town setting steeped in maritime tradition.

• Taste your way through the Chowder Days festival at Mystic Seaport—featuring dozens of chowders, clam fritters, fish tacos, apple fritters, and more.
• Explore Mystic Seaport, a working shipyard and living maritime museum known as the “Museum of America and the Sea.”
• Relax by the water with a peaceful walk along the Mystic River or pop into local shops and cafés downtown.
• Bring the family—with harvest-themed activities and fun events for kids, the weekend is perfect for travelers of all ages.

Local Resources:

This Is Mystic
Mystic Seaport Museum

Location:

Miami, Florida

Highlights:

Looking for the most vibrant, high-energy Columbus Day weekend around? Head to Miami for the Miami Broward One Carnival, a dazzling Caribbean celebration packed with music, food, parades, and culture—all in the heart of South Florida.

We Recommend This For:

Festival lovers, cultural explorers, families, and anyone ready to dance, celebrate, and soak in the Caribbean spirit.

What we Love:

Live music, colorful costumes, irresistible Caribbean food, and a community-wide celebration that brings together joy, heritage, and rhythm.

• Celebrate Caribbean culture at the Miami Broward One Carnival, held at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds and other vibrant venues around the city.
• Dance in the streets during the lively Parade of the Bands—the official kickoff of the Carnival’s main events.
• Enjoy authentic Caribbean dishes, dazzling pageantry, and a lineup of top entertainers and DJs from across the globe.
• Bring the family—with youth performances, costumed kids' parades, and cultural activities, there’s something for every age group to enjoy.
• Dress up in your brightest costume or simply soak in the sights—it’s all about celebration and self-expression!

Local Resources:

Miami Carnival Official Site
Miami and the Beaches Tourism

Spending Columbus Day in Burlington, Vermont offers visitors to the area a unique chance to see the town during the highlight of the fall foliage season, depending on how heavy the rains have been prior to visiting. Lake Champlain will be a bit too cold for swimming, but boating and fishing are still very viable options, and the crisp air will make hiking and biking more comfortable.