Columbus Day weekend is the perfect excuse to break from routine and head somewhere that speaks to your soul. Whether it’s the fiery foliage in Vermont, the quiet magic of an Arkansas mountain town, or the golden trails of Colorado, these destinations offer space to breathe, explore, and reset. Even a couple days away can feel like a full refresh when the place is just right.
Best Columbus Day Weekend Getaways:
Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Crisp air and golden trails
Steamboat Springs in early October felt like a secret only locals knew. The aspens were mid-change—bright gold, whispering in the breeze—and the mountains looked like they were dipped in honey and fire. I soaked in the hot springs under a sky brushed with clouds and thought, “This is what autumn is supposed to feel like.” There was a calm to the town, like everyone agreed it was time to slow down.
What I Loved Most: Hiking Fish Creek Falls and hearing the waterfall before I even saw it, leaves crunching under my boots.
My highlights? A post-hike breakfast at Winona’s Restaurant—their homemade cinnamon roll was almost the size of the plate, and I followed it up with eggs and green chile hash. Cozy, sweet, and exactly what I needed after a crisp morning outdoors.
Plan your day trip:
- Fly Into: Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN)
- Vibe: Relaxed, outdoorsy, golden-hour gorgeous
- Highlights: Hot springs, fall hikes, downtown boutiques
- Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October for peak foliage
- Cost: Moderate to high—hotels and dining
- Hours: Trails and springs open daily
- Address: 136 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
The Poconos, Pennsylvania: Mountain air and lake reflections
The Poconos were made for a long fall weekend. As the city faded in the rearview mirror, the rolling hills and forested roads took over. The trees were ablaze with color, and I kept thinking, “I should’ve come here sooner.” There’s something about renting a cabin, hearing only wind and birds, and sipping coffee on a porch wrapped in flannel.
What I Loved Most: Kayaking on Lake Wallenpaupack with the shoreline lit up in reds and oranges, the only sound being my paddle in the water.
My highlights? Dinner at The Settlers Inn in Hawley. I had the pumpkin ravioli with sage butter and toasted pecans—pure autumn on a plate. Candlelight, wood beams, and soft music made it feel like fall wrapped in elegance.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from NYC: ~2–2.5 hours
- Vibe: Cozy, rustic, peaceful
- Highlights: Lakes, hiking, antique shops, fall colors
- Best Time to Visit: October for foliage
- Cost: Mid-range to luxe depending on lodging
- Hours: Most trails and parks open daylight hours
- Address: Lake Wallenpaupack, PA 18426
Aspen, Colorado: Where fall meets luxury
Aspen in October was a dream dipped in gold. The crowds had thinned, the air had sharpened, and the leaves turned every trail into a painter’s palette. I hiked through groves of aspen trees with golden leaves falling like soft confetti and thought, “This is the kind of silence I’ve been craving.” It felt luxurious, not because of the price tags—but because of the space.
What I Loved Most: The Maroon Bells mirrored in the still lake below, the kind of view that stops your breath mid-step.
My highlights? Brunch at Spring Café—a warm grain bowl with roasted veggies, avocado, and a tahini drizzle, plus a turmeric latte that matched the aspens. I ate slow, grateful for warmth, color, and a front-row seat to fall.
Plan your day trip:
- Fly Into: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
- Vibe: Elegant, serene, nature-first
- Highlights: Maroon Bells, fall hikes, downtown Aspen
- Best Time to Visit: Early October
- Cost: High-end lodging and dining
- Hours: Trails open dawn to dusk
- Address: Maroon Bells Scenic Area, Aspen, CO 81611
Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Winding streets and Victorian magic
Eureka Springs felt like stepping into a storybook—narrow winding streets, historic houses clinging to hillsides, and an air of enchantment that made everything feel touched by mystery. I wandered through downtown’s quirky shops and hidden alleyways, thinking, “I didn’t expect to love it this much.” Every block offered something curious—art, history, even a whisper of ghosts.
What I Loved Most: Strolling the cobblestone sidewalks at dusk, lanterns flickering on, and the hills turning lavender in the fading light.
My highlights? Dinner at Local Flavor Café on the wraparound deck. I ordered their signature stuffed eggplant with wild rice, pine nuts, and marinara. It was rich, comforting, and just a little unexpected—kind of like the town itself.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Fayetteville: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Vibe: Artsy, historic, a little eccentric
- Highlights: Historic District, Thorncrown Chapel, ghost tours
- Best Time to Visit: October for foliage and festivals
- Cost: Moderate—great B&B options
- Hours: Shops and restaurants generally 10 AM – 9 PM
- Address: Downtown Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Stowe, Vermont: A peak-foliage postcard
Stowe in October is the kind of place that makes you gasp a little. The colors were beyond anything I’d imagined—whole hillsides blazing red and gold, with white church steeples poking through like icing. I took my time driving the winding roads and thought, “This is why people fall in love with Vermont.” It wasn’t just the views—it was the peace that came with them.
What I Loved Most: Riding the gondola up Mount Mansfield and watching the landscape unfurl like a patchwork quilt.
My highlights? Brunch at Butler’s Pantry, with a maple sausage scramble and cheddar biscuit that made me close my eyes in gratitude. Warm food, flannel napkins, and the smell of fresh coffee—fall bliss.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Burlington: ~45 minutes
- Vibe: Idyllic, scenic, cozy
- Highlights: Mount Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch, village shopping
- Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October
- Cost: Mid-range—plenty of lodging options
- Hours: Attractions and shops 10 AM – 5 PM
- Address: 51 Main St, Stowe, VT 05672
Wichita, Kansas: Big skies and quiet charm
Wichita surprised me with its sense of calm and pride. The riverwalk shimmered in the fall light, and the Keeper of the Plains statue stood tall and timeless against the sky. I wandered the art district and sat by the Arkansas River, thinking, “This city feels like it knows who it is.” There’s something special about places that don’t try too hard.
What I Loved Most: Watching the firepots light up beneath the Keeper of the Plains at dusk—flames dancing while the city softened into evening.
My highlights? Lunch at Doo-Dah Diner, where I had chicken-fried steak with scratch-made gravy and a cinnamon roll the size of my head. It was the kind of meal that sticks with you—in all the right ways.
Plan your day trip:
- Fly Into: Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
- Vibe: Understated, welcoming, spacious
- Highlights: Keeper of the Plains, Old Town, Botanica Gardens
- Best Time to Visit: October for fall events and perfect temps
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Hours: Attractions vary, riverwalk open all day
- Address: 650 N Seneca St, Wichita, KS 67203
Conclusion: Why You'll Love It
These getaways are more than scenic—they’re grounding. Each one offers that unmistakable fall feeling: crisp air, warm meals, and moments that linger longer than the weekend. Whether you’re after hot springs and trailheads or charming streets and comfort food, you’ll find your rhythm in one of these beautiful places.
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Jump to a Spot...
- • Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Crisp air and golden trails
- • The Poconos, Pennsylvania: Mountain air and lake reflections
- • Aspen, Colorado: Where fall meets luxury
- • Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Winding streets and Victorian magic
- • Stowe, Vermont: A peak-foliage postcard
- • Wichita, Kansas: Big skies and quiet charm