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| Our Fall Getaways Section helps you plan for family fun! |
Dear Family Travelers:
Mountain bike, hike, sample some local brews amidst the gorgeous fall colors. You'll find lots of ideas to get out and play in our
Fall Getaways section.
Before the snow falls, mountain resorts from Vermont to California have lots of activities and lodging bargains, making them a great choice whether you're with kids, gal pals, those frat buddies or a significant other.
Aspen, Colorado is the place to hike, mountain bike, fly fish, golf and disc golf on the highest disc golf course in North America atop Aspen Mountain. Indulge at a spa when hotel rates are as much as 50% off in one of the most spectacular times of year in Aspen. Check out the guided hikes at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, visit the Saturday Aspen Farmer's Market. Read what I wrote about learning to fly fish recently in Aspen.
Gunnison and Crested Butte talk about the "Gold Rush" when autumn arrives because it's the favorite season for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on the trails of the Crested Butte ski mountain and surrounding areas. September Splendor in the Rockies is a month-long celebration for foodie couples, beginning September 20th with the Crested Butte Chili & Beer Festival, followed by the Vinotok Fall Harvest Festival. In addition to the Crested Butte Film Festival, there are First Friday of the month art walks, Sunday farmers' markets, and weekend stargazing at the Gunnison Valley Observatory, ideal for all ages. 
Jackson, Wyoming is the gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and fall is an ideal time to visit-after the summer crowds are gone. Unlike other snow resorts, Jackson is busier in the summer than the winter. Explore Grand Teton National Park with an expert from the Teton Science Schools and see the wildlife in Yellowstone. Go horseback riding and experience the authentic Wyoming ranching culture. Ride the tram up at Jackson Hole snow resort and mountain bike or hike down.
Sugarbush Resort in Vermont has The Long Trail (the country's first long distance hiking trail) that goes right over the top of the resort on its way from Massachusetts to the Canadian border. There's also one of the best mountain golf course in the east (ready for Glow Golf on Halloween?) , tennis, a zipline, disc golf, mountain biking and a Family Oktoberfest Oct. 12.
Waterville Valley Resort, in New Hampshire's White Mountains, is in the middle of 770,000 acres of National Forest with hiking, trout fishing and mountain biking. The valley touts its own skate park, golf course, tennis courts and indoor ice arena and a White Mountain Storytelling Festival the end of September and a Fall Foliage Festival in mid-October.
Just be mindful of the altitude. Keep those water bottles filled!
