As October draws to a close and stores race to sell Halloween merchandise, you may be inspired to start thinking about where you will be spending your fall! Here’s a compilation of a few great fall locations for your consideration. Please view all travel nursing opportunities on Wanderly.
Travel nurses who love fall foliage should check out Arkansas!
For spectacular fall colors that last from early October through the end of November, Arkansas is the place to be. The 1.2 million acres of Ozark National Forest are beautifully transformed into shades of red, orange, and yellow. Driving paths like the Scenic 7 Byway or Pig Trail Scenic Byway allow for a relaxing cruise through tunnels of foliage. If you’re in the mood for something more active, the National Forest boasts dozens of hikes and scenic overlooks that allow access to miles of sweeping views.
If you’re a big fan of Halloween, consider Massachusetts!
Massachusetts is home to the town of Salem, the scene of the infamous witch trials in the late 1600’s. Since then, Salem and the surrounding area has embraced its spooky reputation and hosts dozens of Halloween-related events for the whole month of October. These include happenings like the Salem Horror Fest, a Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market, seances, and the Wicked Labyrinth, which consists of over 1,000 carved pumpkins. When the sun goes down, popular nightlife events like the Haunted Speakeasy, Oktoberfest celebrations, the Halloween Ball, and the Carnivale du Noir bring live music, drinking, dancing, and spooky thrills to the streets of Salem.
If you’re not a big fan of chilly fall weather, head to Georgia!
Average fall temperatures in Georgia range between 55 – 65 ℉ at night and get up to the high 70’s during the day. If you prefer to avoid the chill frosts of autumn, Georgia is definitely the place to be. Even though it’s warmer than the northern states, there are still plenty of traditional fall activities to be done! Every year, Georgia is home to numerous fall and apple festivals, the Georgia National Fair, pumpkin patches, and haunted houses. The capital, Atlanta, is rapidly becoming one of the most popular cities in the country. It features an incredible musical history, delicious restaurants, sunny parks, and is seamlessly connected by walkable neighborhoods.
Nurses who love classic fall pastimes should check out New York!
The state of New York is rife with opportunities to enjoy nostalgic and traditional fall fun. In upstate New York is one of the most popular apple picking orchards in the country, Fishkill Farms. Available on this massive farm are a variety of apples, each available to pick yourself. Visitors can also enjoy a weekly Harvest Festival, apple cider donuts, live music, and hayrides! There are locations like this one all across the state, but Fishkill Farms is also notable for being only 70 miles outside of New York City. Residents of NYC enjoy fall festivals, hotel rooftop parties, and strolling beneath the changing leaves in Central Park. New York also plays host to famous events like New York Fashion Week, the New York Film Festival, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or you can join the hordes of New York City sports fans at Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, or MetLife Stadium.
Enjoy Oktoberfest and other fun in Colorado!
Oktoberfest festivals run in Colorado from as early as late August through October. They are located throughout the state in locations like Beaver Creek, Vail, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Steamboat. The largest is hosted in Breckenridge and features over two dozen food vendors, dancers, live music, and a keg tapping ceremony.Of course, Colorado has more to offer than Oktoberfest.
Other fall attractions include hiking through autumnal scenery, outdoor concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheater, and warming up in Colorado’s natural hot springs. These hot springs can be accessed either via hike, for a more rustic feel, or you can book a stay at one of Colorado’s luxurious hot spring spas!
Did this list inspire you? Check out fall nursing assignments here on Wanderly!