Autumn Escapes

The southeastern US is suffering a heat wave – any thought of going outside is pushed aside quickly and replaced with thoughts of air conditioning and cold drinks!   This  kind of heat makes you forget that autumn will  arrive.  It will though….eventually!  Labor Day, often viewed as the official  end of summer, is just a few weeks away.   Most of the country, however, will continue to see hot weather for at least a few months longer.  This is the perfect time to plan an autumn vacation – let’s take a look at several possible escapes!

Colorado  is one of my favorite places to visit anytime of the year.  Stay in Denver and enjoy all the amenities of city life and still have a wonderful outdoorsy adventure close by!  Thirty minutes away is Mt Galbraith Park.  Located in the city of Golden, its  peak  soars to 7260 feet!  There are five miles of trails including the Mt. Gaibaith Loop Trail which takes you to top for a panoramic view.

Not in the mood for hiking?  Wander around Denver or Boulder, talk with the locals, visit shops and museums and enjoy yourself.  End the day with a good meal and perhaps some music as well.

Do you want to go a bit further west?  The coast of California is ideal.  Healdsburg, located in Sonoma County may be just the place for you!  Located along the Russian River, Healdsburg is unpretentious and more low key than many  locations in wine country.  Make this friendly town your base when you explore the countryside.  Wine-tasting, great small-town charm, and fantastic weather wait for you in this friendly uncrowded town.  

If you want MORE heat, you can always visit Las Vegas.  Even if you don’t want to gamble (but you will!) there is a lot to do here.  Spend the day visiting unique and interesting desert sites, return to the city and stroll the strip. End the evening in front of a slot machine!