Yahoo! Travel-Fall is the time of year when you should slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenes. Small towns understand the concept of slowing down and embracing the truly beautiful world we live in. Here are 8 towns with populations less then 10,000 that offer big reasons to visit.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Autumn in Jim Thorpe is framed by brightly colored leaves that scatter the streets. Jim Thorpe is tucked into a steep valley that offers wonderfully preserved buildings such as old tea rooms, art galleries and a popular opera house in town. Fall themed weekends aren’t complete without the arts, crafts, music and various kids’ activities that run throughout October. October is the prime time for both foliage and fall activities. This year they predict the most colorful day of the year to be October 12th and may last a couple weeks.
Sedona, Arizona
There is nothing low-key about Sedona’s colors, from the stunning red mesas to the beautiful sandstone cliffs. Sedona offers some of the country’s most amazing sceneries, especially at sunrise and sunset. During fall, the colors rise to occasion. In town you can explore some of the many art galleries before enjoying the amazing colors of Sedona. The best time for enjoying those fall colors are around mid-October when the temperatures are near 45 degrees at night.
Stockholm, Wisconsin
The small town of Stockholm, about 70 miles from Minneapolis, extends many wonderful ways to enjoy fall. Piles of colorful leaves scatter the town. The local pie shop bakes fall into many delicious flavors and at the local winery you can even drink fall also, with the wines made from apples and berries. And if you aren’t satisfied you can ride around town on the bikes available for visitors. The year the fall colors will reach their peak around mid-October.
Woodstock, Vermont
In Woodstock the best time of year comes early. The town and surround countryside puts on a color show nothing short of spectacular. Their colors draw visitors from across the world. A few weekend events include harvest suppers and arts and crafts fairs. The leaves have actually already started their change in Woodstock and they should expect to become more splendid between October 1st and 15th.
Jasper, Arkansas
Each fall, the town of Jasper gestures visitors to come stay with the promise of vivid fall colors and some southern hospitality. They start their fall days with a big breakfast at the local café or by sitting around town enjoying the people and scenery. Then they head out for some wildlife spotting and scenic drives. The best time to see the greatest colors is usually between October 15th and November 15th. You can stay up to date on what is going on in Jasper by visiting the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Website.
Hood River, Oregon
Colorful leaves and bountiful harvests. That is what you will expect to see in Hood River, a town cuddled up next to the Cascade Mountain Range. Plan your stay around the first weekend of every month and you’ll enjoy their First Fridays. The local art galleries, shops and restaurants put on an evening of art exhibits, wine tasting and free music. The best time for fall foliage won’t arrive until early and mid-October.
Fayetteville, West Virginia
Small-town captivation comes in many packages and Fayetteville delivers. It’s small town charm is funky and cool rather than antique. In town the restaurants serve up their local brews and specialties. If you are ever there make sure to check out their grape pizza at Pies and Pints. On the outskirts of town, the New River Gorge offers some of the best fall colors around. Its also a great place for adrenaline junkies with whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking and bungee jumping. Fayetteville usually sees their best colors in late October.
Julian, California
Julian is where you would least bright fall colors. In southern California, Julian still shines through during the fall season. The town is known for their apple season and draws travelers in search of apple pie and cider donuts. September and October see the biggest change of leaves and the promises of many apple treats.