I like camping as much as the next outdoor enthusiast, but sometimes I’m looking for something more noteworthy than hiking by day and a wienie roast at night. That’s why these great fall weekend getaways and festivals caught my eye: They’re all about enjoying the great outdoors, but bring a little something extra to the mix, like great food, music and adult beverages, to boot.
Vintners Holidays, Yosemite National Park: What better way to toast an invigorating day exploring Yosemite National Park than with some exquisite wine and food from renowned California vintners and chefs?
This year marks the 30th anniversary for these popular packages, which include outdoor ventures such as hikes and park tours and culinary offerings like tasting classes and multi-course meals, as well as accommodations at the park’s most prestigious lodging, the Ahwahnee Hotel.
It’s a great chance to enjoy the sparkling renovations that this historic property, which opened in 1927 and is a registered National Historic Landmark, underwent this winter. Eight multi-day sessions are offered, from early November through early December.
Fall Harvest Brewfest, Fort Collins, Colorado: Mountain biking and microbrews go hand in hand, and both will be on tap October 15 for the third annual Brewfest. Visitors can dip into more than 20 craft breweries, plus craft beer-inspired local food pairings, for a mere $35, which includes a souvenir tasting glass.
The festival doesn’t start until 6pm (5pm for VIP tickets), giving you a full day to savor the world-class trails and terrain of this mountain biking mecca. The festival offers a bike valet, too, so you can arrive on two wheels.
Harvest Moon Festival, Pine Mountain, Georgia: Callaway Gardens, about an hour south of Atlanta, packs the schedule year-round with all sorts of activities for outdoors-loving guests. But the Harvest Moon Festival, its most recent offering, is sure to delight any music aficionado, with an impressive lineup of artists and acts – including The B-52s, Big Head Todd, and the Monsters and Shawn Mullins. Taking place from October 6 to 9, the festival also includes free morning yoga sessions and horticulturalist-guided bike rides around the beautiful grounds (price is just $9 if you bring your own bike).
While you’re there, don’t miss the resort’s thrilling Zipline Adventure Tour, which will have your muscles burning and your head spinning from the dizzying heights.
For more fall getaway ideas, check out our Fall Foliage Travel Adventures.