Showing posts with label Travel Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Tips. Show all posts
Happy friends! I hope that you are having a wonderful start to your week! Today I am excited to talk about some tips and tricks for long road trips specifically during the holiday season!
As some of y'all know, when I was growing up we would spend the school year in the south and then spend the summer months in upstate NY. Due to growing up like this and spending 2-3 times a year traveling 40 hours (round trip) I started to acquire some tips and tricks for these types of long road trips.
I feel like in the last 10 years of writing here on Caravan Sonnet about LOTS of road trips and adventures they have been put into practice in new ways with the recent Eastern Fall Road Trip we just took in the Fall (read HERE), our 2020 New England Winter Road Trip (read HERE) older adventures like the 9 day Alaskan Road Trip that we took in the summer of 2018 (you can read about it HERE) and the most popular read trip in New England/New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island/Nova Scotia Road Trip we took in 2017 (you can read about it HERE). There have been so many different beautiful smaller t road trips and I love a good road trip!
As some of y'all know, when I was growing up we would spend the school year in the south and then spend the summer months in upstate NY. Due to growing up like this and spending 2-3 times a year traveling 40 hours (round trip) I started to acquire some tips and tricks for these types of long road trips.
I feel like in the last 10 years of writing here on Caravan Sonnet about LOTS of road trips and adventures they have been put into practice in new ways with the recent Eastern Fall Road Trip we just took in the Fall (read HERE), our 2020 New England Winter Road Trip (read HERE) older adventures like the 9 day Alaskan Road Trip that we took in the summer of 2018 (you can read about it HERE) and the most popular read trip in New England/New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island/Nova Scotia Road Trip we took in 2017 (you can read about it HERE). There have been so many different beautiful smaller t road trips and I love a good road trip!
As I am in the midst of preparing and planning for several other exciting trips that I can't wait to share with y'all, we are also planning for the adventure of traveling somewhere over the holidays! This got me thinking specifically about writing a post for tips and tricks for long road trips during the holiday season that is here! I hope that y'all will find them helpful!
If you are looking for other road trip tips and tricks check out these posts below:
1. Save Gas Money Ahead of Time for the Fluctuating Holiday Prices
One thing that I started doing years ago is putting aside $5- $10 every week specifically for gas money for our trips. Now with todays gas prices this has increased. I typically for a trip that is going to be less than 5 hours away still save that money, but for trips that are longer (over 10 hours) I start putting aside $10-$20 a week. Especially during the holidays when gas prices can fluctuate and be even more expensive this can be extremely helpful. If you’re packing to go on quite the road trip, you have to remember that you need enough fuel to get you from place to place along the way. If you’re stopping at RV parks as you drive to see family for the holidays, it could help to calculate the distance between each spot so that you can figure out how much gas you’ll use.
One thing that I started doing years ago is putting aside $5- $10 every week specifically for gas money for our trips. Now with todays gas prices this has increased. I typically for a trip that is going to be less than 5 hours away still save that money, but for trips that are longer (over 10 hours) I start putting aside $10-$20 a week. Especially during the holidays when gas prices can fluctuate and be even more expensive this can be extremely helpful. If you’re packing to go on quite the road trip, you have to remember that you need enough fuel to get you from place to place along the way. If you’re stopping at RV parks as you drive to see family for the holidays, it could help to calculate the distance between each spot so that you can figure out how much gas you’ll use.
Taking the time to do this can also easily eliminates stress about money for road trips when the time comes. Even if you don't save up all you need - you will be closer and it will help out! Another idea is to ask friends and family for Christmas for gas gift cards early that you can use on your trip. Thinking and planning ahead can help save a lot of money in the long run when you are traveling! *smiles*
2. Pack Water Bottles (or whatever you drink in the car)
As a gal who drinks a lot of water everyday, purchasing water bottles at gas stations gets to be expensive. Think about how you can save by picking up water bottles (or whatever your drink of choice is) ahead of time because most drinks are triple the price in gas stations then can be found on sale at Target, SAM's, or in a local grocery store. One thing that we did for a while when we were traveling back and forth from TN to NY was to purchase extra water bottles whenever they went on sale throughout the year. Another idea (if you are taking a road trip similar to one that I mentioned above) is to stop at a Walmart or Target as you begin your trip. We have done this on a lot of our road trips and it saved a lot of money.
As a gal who drinks a lot of water everyday, purchasing water bottles at gas stations gets to be expensive. Think about how you can save by picking up water bottles (or whatever your drink of choice is) ahead of time because most drinks are triple the price in gas stations then can be found on sale at Target, SAM's, or in a local grocery store. One thing that we did for a while when we were traveling back and forth from TN to NY was to purchase extra water bottles whenever they went on sale throughout the year. Another idea (if you are taking a road trip similar to one that I mentioned above) is to stop at a Walmart or Target as you begin your trip. We have done this on a lot of our road trips and it saved a lot of money.
3. Pack Snacks & Food if possible or Make these Stops "All-Inclusive"
If you like to eat snacks or food on your trip - try to pack them or make these stops "all inclusive" to keep the trip moving. As fun as the road trip is traveling during the holiday season will be hectic and crowded so making less stops will make it a happier experience. Pick places that not only has food, but has a gas station nearby and a place to walk around for a bit. Keeping things at one place instead of stopping for food and then stopping 20 minutes later for gas, and then stopping another 20 minutes later to use the restroom can really save a lot of time on your trip if you are trying to cut down on time.
If you like to eat snacks or food on your trip - try to pack them or make these stops "all inclusive" to keep the trip moving. As fun as the road trip is traveling during the holiday season will be hectic and crowded so making less stops will make it a happier experience. Pick places that not only has food, but has a gas station nearby and a place to walk around for a bit. Keeping things at one place instead of stopping for food and then stopping 20 minutes later for gas, and then stopping another 20 minutes later to use the restroom can really save a lot of time on your trip if you are trying to cut down on time.
4. Have "Reward" Places
Depending on where your trip is taking you, you might want to have "reward places". For the route that we traveled from TN to NY we literally crossed through the entire state of Virginia which took close to 8 hours. I love Virginia, and lived there for six years, but driving through it the way we had to was very tedious. One of the things that we started doing years ago (and should have done when we were kiddos my parents said!) is to have "reward stops". Whenever we now finish a section of the trip (we break it into thirds) we do something "fun". Sometimes it is as simple as grabbing a Starbucks or other times we have visited with friends or one time my parents took my sister and I to an old-fashioned amusement park for an hour, these "reward stops" are so fun! Honestly, these simple yet fun "reward stops" can create lasting memories not only for the trip, but for years to come. (My sister and I still talk about stopping at that amusement park more than 20 years later! Don't forget that the long car trip can be just as wonderful a place to create memories as the holiday destination itself!)
Depending on where your trip is taking you, you might want to have "reward places". For the route that we traveled from TN to NY we literally crossed through the entire state of Virginia which took close to 8 hours. I love Virginia, and lived there for six years, but driving through it the way we had to was very tedious. One of the things that we started doing years ago (and should have done when we were kiddos my parents said!) is to have "reward stops". Whenever we now finish a section of the trip (we break it into thirds) we do something "fun". Sometimes it is as simple as grabbing a Starbucks or other times we have visited with friends or one time my parents took my sister and I to an old-fashioned amusement park for an hour, these "reward stops" are so fun! Honestly, these simple yet fun "reward stops" can create lasting memories not only for the trip, but for years to come. (My sister and I still talk about stopping at that amusement park more than 20 years later! Don't forget that the long car trip can be just as wonderful a place to create memories as the holiday destination itself!)
5. Have "Car Only" Holiday Traditions
My sister is going to die laughing when she reads that I have shared this story, but one of the most fun traditions that we had as kids growing up was our "night spy game". Yes, you are now rolling your eyes and are concerned but seriously y'all, this silly game kept us entertained for hours. I am giggling as I write this but what we would do is have a "special notebook" and we would (once it got dark because somehow this added to the fun *smiles*) write down as many license plate numbers as we could get before we grew tired of this game (which didn't happen for hours). Somehow writing this out is not conveying the fun that this seriously was. *hahaha* But y'all, we laughed and giggled as cars whizzed by us and we tried to write down as many as we could get down. It was a lot of fun and we still laugh about it to this day. And the "spy part" for those who are wondering? I really have no idea. *hahaha*
My sister is going to die laughing when she reads that I have shared this story, but one of the most fun traditions that we had as kids growing up was our "night spy game". Yes, you are now rolling your eyes and are concerned but seriously y'all, this silly game kept us entertained for hours. I am giggling as I write this but what we would do is have a "special notebook" and we would (once it got dark because somehow this added to the fun *smiles*) write down as many license plate numbers as we could get before we grew tired of this game (which didn't happen for hours). Somehow writing this out is not conveying the fun that this seriously was. *hahaha* But y'all, we laughed and giggled as cars whizzed by us and we tried to write down as many as we could get down. It was a lot of fun and we still laugh about it to this day. And the "spy part" for those who are wondering? I really have no idea. *hahaha*
A couple of friends of mine who are parents to the most adorable kiddos have a couple of DVD's that I think their kids believe only exist inside of their car on long road trips. It is great because the kiddos only see these particular DVD's a few times of the year and they love them. What a fun idea!
Maybe during the holiday season for your holiday trip you have specific car only holiday traditions that you save for these trips. Be creative (it could be stopping at Santa's village in a different state, attending a holiday concert along the way, or even seeing lights in a specific neighborhood, etc.) and enjoy the fun adventure!
6. Understand and Empathize with the "mood" of your fellow Road Trippers Especially during the Holiday Season
Let's be honest, after 20+ hours in a small car together some people might want and desire a little space from each other. Even me who loves to have people close-close (my love language is physical touch/words of affirmation/quality time, and we love the close proximity to people that we love hahaha) can empathize that my sweet family/friends might not find me as funny or delightful after being with me for every waking moment for almost 20+ hours straight. (I know, I know it is shocking! *smiles*) Some people are going to be like me and thrive on this close proximity and others may just appreciate the quiet.
Let's be honest, after 20+ hours in a small car together some people might want and desire a little space from each other. Even me who loves to have people close-close (my love language is physical touch/words of affirmation/quality time, and we love the close proximity to people that we love hahaha) can empathize that my sweet family/friends might not find me as funny or delightful after being with me for every waking moment for almost 20+ hours straight. (I know, I know it is shocking! *smiles*) Some people are going to be like me and thrive on this close proximity and others may just appreciate the quiet.
The holidays can be stressful and difficult and a long road trip for some people is going to just heighten emotions. Be sensitive to this and give a lot of grace so you remember the fun times more than anything!
So know your companions and empathize with the "mood". But honestly what is so sad to me is watching some families yell and snap at each other because they are tired and grumpy. Again, I can't stress this enough but remember that the road trip itself is an opportunity to spend time with the ones you love and cherish the memory opportunities. (If you are curious about the Love Language comment... I am referring to this book HERE. Read it friends- It is so good.)
So know your companions and empathize with the "mood". But honestly what is so sad to me is watching some families yell and snap at each other because they are tired and grumpy. Again, I can't stress this enough but remember that the road trip itself is an opportunity to spend time with the ones you love and cherish the memory opportunities. (If you are curious about the Love Language comment... I am referring to this book HERE. Read it friends- It is so good.)
7. Appreciate Delays
When I was growing up my childhood pastor said something that has always stuck with me as I have traveled; "Thank God for delays because they are often blessings in disguise." I can't tell you how many times we have been frustrated to run into a delay only to see immediately or down the road that we avoided an accident and I am sure that there are so many things we have no idea we have been protected from. Don't be frustrated with delays friends- you never know what you may have been protected from.
8. Break up the "Monotony"
This tip is especially useful if you are traveling alone but even with a family it can be practical. When I traveled back and forth from the lower south to Virginia Beach for graduate school it was a good 10 hour drive. Several years later as I moved to work and live in Washington DC it was a good 12 hours from my home. These long car trips by myself could have been very tiring but as I look back now I see them as sweet times to think, process, pray, and consider upcoming decisions.
In addition to this I found this a wonderful time to catch up with friends and family (on speaker phone for those who live in a state that is "hands free" *smiles*). One thing I did to help pass the time was to "break up" the monotony. For example for an hour I might chat on the phone and catch up with a dear friend and then the next hour spend time just thinking and praying and then the next hour listen to music and in another hour I would call another friend. After this I would sometimes listen to an hour of a book on tape or spend more time praying or listening to music. By constantly breaking the hours up in the car the time went by much more quickly.
It can also be really fun to pick up a book on audio that you & the person you are traveling with want to listen to and haven't read. Save it for a trip and listen to it together. It creates a fun memory and something to definitely chat about. Or grab a question book and ask each other questions. Or even better... just enjoy the company of that person.
This same concept can be great with kiddos also! A great idea that my mama had when we were younger was that she would collect "special and surprise" items for several months prior to a road trip and keep them in a secret bag. To us kiddos it was like she became Mary Poppins on the trip! I am not kidding y'all, she would pull out (slowly!) over the hours different surprises. They were all wonderful and nothing cost a lot of money but it was always fun to see what was coming out of mama's "Mary Poppins bag"! [hahaha! And when we headed out to California for treatment my sweet mama surprised me with a book to keep me entertained! So if you are thinking that this idea won't work with older kiddos you are wrong! I loved it! hahaha!]
9. Eye Covers are Your Friend
I mentioned this in a post about tips for sleeping better, but eye covers can truly be your friend in the car. I love me some eye covers. I tried a ton before I found one that I loved. I tried some that were extremely cheap and some that were more expensive before I found my favorite one. If you don't have one I would definitely recommend trying one. This can truly help you get some much needed rest on a long car trip! [This is my current favorite one HERE.]
10. Take Time to Enjoy the Moments and Places Along the Way.
Often times with a trip that is long you can start trying to figure out the quickest and easiest way to get to the destination. In doing so though we can sometimes miss out on some adventures along the way. Many years ago as I was driving from Georgia up to our cabin in upstate New York I decided to go an 3 hours out of the way to go over to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. At the time the Memorial wasn't even completed but I felt burdened as a history teacher and an American that this was important to see.
As I stepped out of my car and walked around the fence there was only a few of us there and one of those that happened to be there was a family member of one of the heroes of 9/11. Having the opportunity to chat with them and hear their story was incredibly profound and humbling. It is a memory that I never forgot and it was the best use of an extra 3 hours of driving. I can't say enough how much I would encourage you to take the time to enjoy the moments and the places along your road trip!
Another favorite detour of mine was on the New England/New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island/Nova Scotia Road Trip I saw a lake in a distance and pulled off to explore it. It was so beautiful! Or on the Alaskan Road Trip we headed over to Hatcher Pass. Y'all if you have been reading the blog for a while than you know that I fell in love with this area and it's beauty (you can read about it HERE or see a video HERE). There are so many other examples I could share, and I can't wait to share some from our holiday trip, but take the time to enjoy the places and moments along the way- it will make your holiday trip that much richer and better!
Thanks so much for reading today friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day!
*all of the pictures from the post are from the 2020 New England Winter Road Trip*
Fall weather brings out a love for a cruise to New England Canada in unique ways and these destinations always seems like the perfect way to celebrate this time of year! Cruising in the fall has been one of my favorite adventures!
When I went on my first cruise throughout New England and Canada in 2015 (you can read more HERE) I quickly learned that it was very different then packing for other cruises! For examples, cruises to New England and Canada aren't like packing for a cruise to the Caribbean. When I went cruising to the Caribbean my suitcase was filled with cute sundresses, lots of cute sandals and flip flops, bating suits, and adorable warm weather clothes. But unlike the tropical getaway that a cruise to the Caribbean provides, cruising to New England and Canada in the summer or fall provides a completely different climate.
When I went on my first cruise throughout New England and Canada in 2015 (you can read more HERE) I quickly learned that it was very different then packing for other cruises! For examples, cruises to New England and Canada aren't like packing for a cruise to the Caribbean. When I went cruising to the Caribbean my suitcase was filled with cute sundresses, lots of cute sandals and flip flops, bating suits, and adorable warm weather clothes. But unlike the tropical getaway that a cruise to the Caribbean provides, cruising to New England and Canada in the summer or fall provides a completely different climate.
When I took my first cruise to New England and Canada back in 2015, I searched for what to pack for this type of cruising climate and I struggled to find answers. There were tons of ideas for warmer weather cruising but not for "colder weather climates". So I searched to find anyone who had been on a New England cruise that could share their thoughts, talked with different cruise lines, and searched tons of travel sites for their thoughts on visiting this area of the world. The reality is that this area of the world in the summer and fall seasons yet it can bring unpredictable weather, beautiful views, and gorgeous opportunities.
I have taken two cruises through New England and Canada. In addition to the one in 2015, in 2019 my mom and I had the amazing opportunity to sail in August through New England and Canada on Holland America and it was so delightful (you can read all about our trip HERE)! The one thing though that held true was that despite the season difference (late summer versus fall) I found that the list here still helped me pack appropriately for these two different types of trips. I hope you find it helpful also!
So if you are planning a similar cruise, here are the top 10 things that you can't leave home without y'all:
I have taken two cruises through New England and Canada. In addition to the one in 2015, in 2019 my mom and I had the amazing opportunity to sail in August through New England and Canada on Holland America and it was so delightful (you can read all about our trip HERE)! The one thing though that held true was that despite the season difference (late summer versus fall) I found that the list here still helped me pack appropriately for these two different types of trips. I hope you find it helpful also!
So if you are planning a similar cruise, here are the top 10 things that you can't leave home without y'all:
1. Layers
With weather that is unpredictable during this time of the year (some days can be in the low 30s to the high 80s!!) it is important to pack clothes that you can "layer". I definitely threw in different coats along with lighter weather clothes (as you can see in the picture above) and the mix and matching of these items really helped me throughout the day!
2. Boots, Booties, Shoes, Sandals
Unlike the Caribbean where you live in sandals, you might want to vary your shoe "wardrobe" a little bit more for a New England Cruise. For time on the boat you might want to still live in cute sandals but time off the boat and the excursions that you choose might determine that you wear different types of shoes.
Taking a cruise to New England and Canada offers you a wide array of options as far as choices go for excursions and many that include hiking so don't forget to pack a variety of different shoes that you will need for your cruise!
3. Scarves
Lets be honest. If you have been around the blog then you know that I love scarves and where them in all different weather environments, but a cruise to New England and Canada is a perfect opportunity and excuse to wear a variety of different scarves on the cruise.
Scarves are also a perfect accessory for a cruise as they are lightweight and don't take up a ton of room but can bring a pop of color to an outfit, change up an outfit (by simply wearing a different scarf), and are the perfect addition to any cruising outfit.
4. Sunscreen
It can be easy to forget this necessary component of your New England and Canada cruise since you are not traveling to a "warm weather" environment but don't forget to pack your sunscreen! There are so many days where the weather is so beautiful and you will definitely want to have your sunscreen with you! THIS ONE is one of my ultimate favorites and it is less than $9 on Amazon. You can find it by clicking HERE!
5. Camera (and the Extras)
I use my phone for pictures alone with my camera, but still am a photographer at heart so I always bring my camera on all of my trips and travels! I have the Canon EOS Rebel T5i and absolutely love it. I purchased it in 2016 and am always amazed by the quality of the photos it takes. I love this SD card HERE (it's less than $10!!)
Some additional suggestions...
Portable Battery Pack
Some additional suggestions...
Portable Battery Pack
6. Extension Cord
Throw in an extension cord and you will be glad that you did! One that I bring along is the 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip simply because it allows for several things to be plugged in at once which is a must on a cruise! (Less than $10!)
I wrote an entire post (you can read HERE) all about my new favorite travel charger (that I also use all the time), so I am not exaggerating when I say that this is truly my favorite charger!
8. Purse, Bag, Etc.
Woven Tote Travel Purse (click HERE)
Those of you who know me know that I have a little love affair with purses. *smiles* I have had many over the years, and love large purses- especially for traveling. For each of my trips I look for purses that I feel will "fit" the climate and the elements and that will be a neutral based color to easily match the clothes I am wearing. I also want a purse that was leather that could transition easily into fall. I love the color tone of the Burgandy purse above and the size of it.
Also... if you have ready some of my other packing posts you will have heard me mention purchasing a Sturdy Purse Organizer and y'all. SERIOUSLY. Go purchase this for everyday life along with travel! I have started talking about non-stop and telling everyone about. Just the other day I was telling two friends that they needed to get one! It is life-changing! Hahaha!
This felt organizer (I chose the beige color so that it will go with any of my purses!) comes in 11 different colors and is less than $20 on Amazon (you can find it HERE). I love that I can easily switch purses now just by taking this out and changing it from one purse to another. SO simple and easy! Even if you don't travel a lot you will love it for daily life (for size reference I chose a medium)! For traveling mine was loaded up with tons of items and it was the easiest trip in the airports because of how organized it kept things in my purse! If you are interested in it you can find it HERE!
9. Journal, Travel Books, Etc.
Y'all know from my shop that I love creating and altering travel books and travel journals so this recommendation is probably not a surprise at all! *smiles* Some people like to pack travel guides to take with them on the cruise so they can explore in depth the ports of call while others like to bring journals on board so as to remember the special details and memories that are made. Check out the shop for perfect solutions for your travel needs!
10. Cruise Documents and Passport
Don't forget that you will need to bring all of your cruise documents and passport. Looking for a cute passport holder? I love THIS travel organizer and it is less than $15!
What about y'all? Any must pack items that you recommend for a New England/Canadian Cruise? Looking for more cruising tips? Check out the following cruising posts:
Cruising Tips:
Y'all - I have to tell you about one of my favorite finds from my trip to France in August- this Go Travel Worldwide USB A & USB C Charger+. This dual USB Charger is now one of my favorite travel items and it is amazing.
This is in no way a sponsored post- just something that I came across by accident and it was an incredible find. Basically the background story is that when I arrived in Montreal for my flight to Paris I was given the option of checking my bag for free and I was so thankful and surprised that I forgot to take out my charger. It wasn't until I reached the gate that I realized that I had accidently left my charger in my suitcase and wanted to have a charger with me for the flight and the wait. This turned out to be one of the best mistakes that I have ever made traveling. I am not even exaggerating. Haha!
I headed into this little store across from the waiting area and was looking at all of the different options for chargers. As I was reading the large wall of what looked like hundreds of chargers, a man came up and picked up two of these Go Travel Worldwide chargers. He saw I was looking at different ones and proceeded to tell me that these were the best for traveling and it was all he now used. At that same time the woman working in the store agreed with him and I thought it was worth a try. I am so glad that I did! Here are five of my favorite things about this amazing charger!
First, I would definitely agree with this picture above that it charges faster than any other worldwide charger that I have ever used. This became such a blessing as I used this in so many different places to charge my phone (even in a small town in France) as I was taking so many hundreds of pictures and my phone battery was quickly dying throughout the trip. Within 10 minutes my phone was usually back to a full charge it was AMAZING.
Second, with the dual USBs there are many options for charging and that is incredible also!
Third, this little charger has so many different options for charger heads that are interchangeable and that is so helpful for future trips I have planned!
Fourth, I loved how compact that this charger is. It easily fit in my little purse that I was carrying, wasn't bulky like previous chargers I have had, and was incredibly lightweight. It was wonderful!
Fifth, It comes with this wonderful little carry pouch - so if you are traveling to multiple different countries that need different chargers you can carry them all together without losing the pieces.
It is incredible y'all and it is seriously my new favorite travel charger that I can't recommend it enough!
You can find it on Amazon HERE or in my Amazon storefront (along with other lists and travel items I love) HERE!
Please let me know if you have any questions! Happy Monday friends! I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!
Happy September 1st y'all! It is hard for me to believe that we are in September but as we look to fall in the Adirondack area quickly approaching, I am so excited to share just a few of my favorite and fun fall activities around the Lake Champlain area that should definitely be added to your bucket list if you live in this region or are visiting for the first time!
Drive to See Fall Foliage
Starting in mid-September (or later depending on the summer/early fall weather) through October the gorgeous leaves burst into color creating a beautiful view for all to see. Surrounding Lake Champlain are both the Adirondack and Green Mountains so you can see so many vibrant colors on both sides of the Lake.
Hiking
Both the Adirondack Mountains and the Green Mountains surround the beautiful Lake Champlain. If you love hiking in the New England area then this area of the United States is a hikers dream. If you are interested in hiking the Adirondacks and want to hike all of the "46 peaks" for the "46ers club" you can find out more about this HERE.
Not ready to hike a "46er peak" but still want to hike in the Adirondacks? There are still so many beautiful options that you can do! Feel free to reach out and I will be happy to share some of my favorites!
If you are interested in finding out more about hiking in the Green Mountains you can join the "Green Mountain Club" and find out more about it HERE.
I have shared before about one of my favorite towns, Essex, and all of its adorable charms. Essex is just one town along the lake that offers adorable New England charm, quaint and yummy dining options with beautiful lake side views, a rich and cultural experience, and unique shopping during the fall. You can read more about all of my favorite towns along the New York side of Lake Champlain HERE.
Biking
Just like it is for summer, biking is a perfect activity for the fall months! All along Lake Champlain there are tons of different bike paths that you can choose from that will take you around the Lake, or by the Lake (like the beautiful views that the Burlington Vermont Bike Path offers), and some that even "cross the lake" using one of the ferries or bridges.
Ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain
I shared about this adventure we did in the early spring and the views from the top are breathtaking. You can read more about our adventure HERE and the views with the leaves changed would be simply stunning. You can find out more about the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain HERE.
Adirondack Balloon Festival
The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a yearly festival that happens every September in Glens Falls, NY and in Queensbury, NY. You can find out more about this event by clicking HERE. There is also a Vermont Balloon Festival which is so fun and is wonderful to check out if you are wanting to be in Vermont.
Fall Festivals
There are many Fall festivals that are held in the towns and cities along Lake Champlain!
Farmers Markets
There are numerous towns along Lake Champlain that hosts farmers markets each week. Each of these farmers markets offer the best of local products and offer a wonderful opportunity to support the local farms.
Take a Weekend Trip
There are numerous weekend trips that you can take surrounding the Lake Champlain area. You could head north into Canada or south to New York City or over to Boston... honestly for driving less than 5 hours you can step into a different world for the weekend all while witnessing the beauty of the fall colors!
Heroic Corn Maze, Fort Ticonderoga
If y'all know me at all than you know I love corn mazes. I know, I know. I am giggling too.
This corn maze in Fort Ticonderoga is also known as the "heroic corn maze" in Fort Ticonderoga is a family friendly activity for people of all ages to enjoy. This six-acre corn maze is designed especially for Fort Ticonderoga providing a variety of opportunities (including historical ones) for people to find in this life size puzzle. The maze is open throughout the season through mid-October and even has days that the maze can be explored at night. Find out more information about this fun fall event by clicking HERE.
Another fun thing I discovered a few years ago was the Moonlight Madness Corn Maze at Hathaway Farms in Vermont! I definitely can't wait to do this again this year! You can find out more information HERE.
Applefolkfest at Penfield Museum
Penfield Museum which is located in Crown Point, NY (on the lower part of Lake Champlain) hosts "Applefolkfest" each year which is an excellent fall tradition to be apart of. As the name suggests, the museum is paying homage and celebrating the staple of fall in northern, New York, the apple. You can find out more about this family friendly even by clicking HERE.
Apple Picking
I love fall. I really do. It makes me feel all cozy inside and there is something about going apple picking that makes it seem like the seasons have transitioned. There are numerous places to go apple picking in this area. (The same thing is true for going to pick out a pumpkin!)
There are so many different things to do around Lake Champlain in the Fall and these are just a few of the favorites!! What are your favorites?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
