Pennsylvania Spot Best for Fall Colors, Reader’s Digest Says
Fall is coming, whether you’re ready for it or not. One Pennsylvania town has been named one of the best for fall colors in America by the experts at Reader’s Digest. With autumn just around the corner, you know that leaf peeping will be here before we know it, so you might as well embrace the end of summer and start planning for some fall colors.
Pennsylvania Town Named Best for Fall Colors by Reader’s Digest
The experts at Reader’s Digest just released their much-anticipated ranking of the best places to see fall colors in America. Now, while some of these places offer great fall colors every season, others are new, since each year, the colors are a little different based on the climate in these areas. What’s cool about Reader’s Digest’s tally is that they include great areas for fall colors, plus choice spots for fall things to do. “While the top requirement was vibrant fall foliage, we focused on locations that offer plenty to see and do,” they explain. “Whether you choose to stay at a five-star resort, a small-town bed-and-breakfast or a cute cabin rental, a sublime seasonal escape awaits.”
So, what’s the No. 1 best place in America for fall colors this year? According to Reader’s Digest, it’s Payette River Scenic Byway, Idaho, which they list first. Payette River Scenic Byway is an exceptional spot for “wildlife lovers and thrill seekers.” Why thrill seekers? Well, the area has whitewater rafting, hiking and more thrilling experiences, so it’s an all-in-one kind of deal. Of course, the fall foliage is beautiful, as the area has a bunch of gorgeous forests and state parks.
Thankfully, you don’t have to go that far to see great fall colors. The experts at Reader’s Digest name Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the No. 2 best spot in the country for fall colors. They also say this is a great area for “history buffs and shopping enthusiasts.” Isn’t everyone a shopping enthusiast? What gives Bucks County and edge is its “picturesque country roads and snap photos of quaint covered bridges.” Of course, if you’re into history, you can also soak in the location’s deep Revolutionary War past. Bucks County also has lots of great shopping and dining options. I’m happy to see this spot considered one of the best for fall colors in America. It’s worth noting that the travel experts at VisitPa.com also highlight Allegheny National Forest as a great area for fall colors.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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