Golden Harvest Road Trips

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Food

Famous for its cider donuts and traditional cider press, this Vermont institution captures the quintessential early autumn spirit as the air cools in the Green Mountains. Watching the cider-making process while sampling fresh harvest goods makes it an essential stop for the fall season.

Starkey Market

Coffee Shop

This expansive Michigan farm is a cornerstone of the regional harvest season, offering extensive pick-your-own apple experiences that define early fall in the Midwest. The rustic charm of the property, combined with the crisp September weather, creates an authentic rural autumn atmosphere.

Sky Top Orchard

Farm

Perched on a mountain in Flat Rock, North Carolina, this orchard provides stunning early fall views alongside a bounty of mountain apples and fresh cider. Its unique elevation offers the cooling air and crisp environment that signals the start of the harvest season in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hudson Valley

Stretching from the vibrant Capital District down to the edges of New York City, the Hudson Valley offers a picturesque blend of rolling hills and historic riverside charm. It is the perfect escape for those seeking scenic hiking trails, world-class culinary experiences, and a deep dive into American heritage.

Annapolis Valley

Natural Feature

Tucked between rolling mountain ranges and the scenic Bay of Fundy, the Annapolis Valley is a lush agricultural paradise famous for its vibrant orchards and annual apple harvest celebrations. Travelers can explore sprawling vineyards and charming farmlands that define this picturesque Nova Scotian gem.

Hood River

Step back in time as you stroll through downtown Hood River to admire the beautifully preserved First National Bank building, a designated National Register of Historic Places landmark. This architectural gem stands as a testament to the town's rich heritage and remains a must-see highlight of the historic district.

Shenandoah National Park

National Park · VA

As September arrives, the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains begin to blush with early fall color, perfectly complementing the park's historic connection to Appalachian farm life and nearby Blue Ridge orchards. The crisp mountain air creates an ideal atmosphere for scenic drives and hikes that capture the essence of the harvest season.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

National Historical Park · KY, TN, VA

This park serves as a lush, natural corridor teeming with local agricultural history, where visitors can explore preserved farms and experience the transition to autumn along the scenic Cuyahoga River. September offers cool, comfortable weather for biking the Towpath Trail past vibrant foliage and visiting local agricultural heritage sites nearby.

Acadia National Park

National Park · ME

Acadia is renowned for its early autumn transformation, where the crisp Maine air meets the first turn of maple and birch leaves. September allows visitors to experience the park's coastal beauty and proximity to local, traditional New England cider mills and pumpkin patches as the harvest season officially kicks off.

Rocky Mountain National Park

National Park · CO

As the crisp September air cools the high-altitude meadows of Rocky Mountain National Park, the aspen trees transform into golden corridors perfect for an autumn road trip that captures the essence of the season. Traverse the scenic heights of the Rockies to witness the majestic elk rut and vibrant landscape transitions that define this premier harvest-time mountain escape.