Looking for some earth-friendly ways to enjoy the fast approaching fall season? As part of our travel series, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spots across the country that are not only fun, but will satisfy your need to “travel sustainably.
Fun on the Farm
Nothing says autumn is here like corn mazes and picking out the perfect pumpkin for Halloween. Located in Maryland, SHARP’S at Waterford Farm, is the place to get a hands-on experience of the wonderful things the Earth has to offer. This living farm is packed full of great activities ranging from hayrides, petting zoos, nature trails and scarecrow making to an old fashion country store complete with homemade jellies, salad dressings and fresh apple cider. Open April through November the farm is a great way to unwind while teaching the kids about the environment and why it is so important to protect it.
Photo credit: www.sharpfarm.com
Hiking Trails
One simple way to travel green this fall and get a little exercise is to hike through some of the many beautiful nature trails in Colorado at the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). For those adventure enthusiasts, choose from a variety of RMNP’s favorite hiking trails such as the Lake Estes trail. Rated as a top destination for hikers and nature lovers this trail boasts winding paths along wildflowers, a bird sanctuary and serene lakes. You can even choose a trail by its difficulty or region. It’s up to you how to make that hike special!
Photo credit: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com
Taste of the Orchards
Taking outdoor fun to a whole new level is the Linvilla Orchards in Media, Penn. Dedicated to family fun this 300-acre farm grows fresh fruits and vegetables that can be hand-picked by guests or bought already packaged in the Farm Market. Offering a plethora of activities to please any mood the Orchards are a must-stop location in the Northeast. Visitors can enjoy events such as autumn moon hayrides, an arts and music festival, an apple festival and a jack-o-lantern exhibit. Also, don’t forget to pick up your pumpkin from pumpkinland for your front porch!
Photo credit: www.linvilla.com
Home on the Range
Awaken your inner cowboy by visiting one of America’s most scenic dude ranches in West Yellowstone, Mont. Parade Rest Guest Ranch is an all-inclusive resort with plenty of Wild West adventures. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, cattle driving trips, outdoor cookouts, fly fishing, bird watching, biking and rafting. This peaceful ranch allows you to get back to basics and comes complete with original rustic cabins built in 1912.
Photo credit: www.paraderestranch.com
Educational Destination
Celebrating 100 years of exploration and education, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a must-see this fall. One of many free museums in Washington, D.C., this is a great place to learn about various topics like the Evolving Earth, the Diversity of Life, and the Human Connection. A few particular events worth checking out are instructive sleepover parties in the museum for girl scouts and craft projects where guests create their own reusable ocean themed lunch bags.
Photo credit: www.mnh.si.edu
Natural Relaxation and Wellness
If you are looking for a green place to clear your mind and relax your body, head to the Natural Balance Massage and Wellness Center. Nestled in Brooklyn, N.Y., this unique spa offers everything from massages to wellness classes. Promoting health and balanced living it provides acupuncture, organic hand/foot/scalp treatments and a soothing detoxifying seaweed body wrap. Guests can also shop for all-natural skincare products, oils, lotions and many more environmentally-friendly items in the spa store.
Know of some other great destinations or have you experienced any of our top fall travel spots? We want to hear from you! Leave us a comment or send us an email at news@econewsnetwork.org.
~Monica Breeden
