“The Land of Enchantment,” as New Mexico is called, is certainly exemplified here, and autumn seems to bring out its best. Many of the art galleries are filled with paintings that reflect the colorful surrounding mountains, and some of the best fall foliage in the southwest can be found by taking the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway loop from Taos to Eagle Nest and Angel Fire. You’ll see Aspens that range from luminous yellows to dark orange along with golden and red cottonwoods as well as the occasional bald e agle soaring through the brilliant blue skies, and even black bear and elk in the forests. Don’t miss visiting Taos Pueblo while you’re here, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities on the continent, drawing artists and photographers year-round.
In Nova Scotia you’ll encounter especially friendly locals, some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste – whatever is on your plate for dinner was probably taken out of the surrounding cold waters that very morning – and a real European feel. A visit to Old Town Lunenburg provides the opportunity to step back in time into an 18th-century village, strolling past brightly colored wood-framed houses and eateries with incredible chowder and traditional Lunenburg fish cakes. Head to Nova Scotia’s Highway 2 for a beautiful autumn drive, lined with scenes of quaint farm houses, river views and fiery red blueberry fields. The province also plays host to numerous Oktoberfest and craft brew festivals during the season.When the leaves on the 185,000 acres of grapevines begin to turn and the summer tourists head home, there’s no better time to visit the Loire Valley of France. As the pageant of colors blanket the hillsides and valleys in late October, it’s truly an unforgettable sight.
Some compare the valley to New England in the fall, with its colorful autumn displays and vineyards ablaze in fiery reds, brilliant orange and gold, with the addition of fairytale-like chateaus. This is also harvest time, so you can watch the grapes being picked in the fields, and then find a cozy spot along the riverbank to take in the views with a glass of local tipple.
Fall in Waterton Lakes is an especially tranquil time, ideal for peaceful solitude. The days are still long and often unseasonably warm, while the landscape takes on gorgeous new colors as it transitions into the new season, bringing a whole new face to this spectacular mountain park. Enjoy fishing on serene lakes and hiking quiet trails as well as plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. Mule deer, elk and Bighorn sheep are quite visible during autumn, preparing for the long winter ahead. A multitude of migratory birds also pass through when summer turns to fall.
Netherlands’ largest park at 13,343 acres offers incredibly diverse landscape that includes lush forests, heathlands, sand drifts, meres, grasslands and ponds that become even more beautiful during the autumn months. It’s ideal for walking, but if you want to see the most of the park you can, the easiest way to explore it is on a bicycle. The park has 25 miles of biking paths, and, 1,800 bicycles available to use for free. They can be found in various locations throughout the park, allowing you to hop right on as soon as you enter. Whether on two wheels or two feet, watch for wildlife, like red deer, roe deer, mouflons and wild hogs along the way. The best chance to spot them is in the late afternoon or evening from one of the observation posts that can be found throughout the park.