TRAVEL: MY TOP PICKS FOR TRAVEL IN SEPTEMBER

    Fall is a time for magical memories to be made! A new school year, football games, mums in the garden, family apple picking, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving plans, raking leaves and sometimes vacation. If this is your vacation time, you have chosen well.

 I have five top fall destinations. The reasons the destinations are chosen are because the weather is still somewhat pleasant, crowds are far fewer, and the prices are reduced, and there is accessibility by car or easily arranged accommodations and flights. 

       My first pick exudes everything New England. Ogunquit, Maine is often overlooked and one of my favorite places to visit in the fall. The little seacoast town of Ogunquit has a wide range of activities such as antiquing, shopping, bookstores, kayaking, whale watching, and deep-sea fishing. The town boasts the Ogunquit Playhouse that offers six musicals annually. Presently, playing is Little Shop of Horrors and the 2023-2024 season’s final offering, My Best Friend’s Wedding. Quaint accommodations in town are reasonably priced.

  My second pick is Quebec, Canada. There is so much to see and do there. You will not be bored with the exploration of Old Quebec City. Take a boat ride up the St. Lawrence Seaway in Quebec, do a bit of leaf peeping along the way, exploring the little shops, or take a tour of one of the many sugar shacks in the area to see the preparation of maple syrup. Make sure that you save time for tea at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac as you leave Old Quebec!

  My third pick is Tuscany, Italy. It is hard to resist the vineyards on the rolling hills that beckon you to see the harvesting of the grapes. Visit the small towns of Siena and Assisi, Florence and my favorite, San Gemignani. You experience art, history, and outstanding cuisine and high-end shopping venues. There are local harvest festivals, and of course, wine tastings. The days are warm, and evenings are cool. Perfect for a leisurely dinner, a walk, or even a bike ride.

    My fourth pick is Santorini, Greece. Those lovely blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings are now crowd free and just waiting for you to explore and take the selfie – without hats and people in your photo! There are beaches that are uncrowded, and the water is still warm, the drinks are cool. It’s easy to walk right into one of the many tavernas without having reservations or having to wait. Enjoy the sunset. It is heaven!

   The final pick is Salt Lake City, Utah. Whether you like more strenuous outdoor activities, or just leisurely sightseeing, this destination is worthwhile.  The foliage turning vibrant colors makes for a gorgeous background for hiking the many trails in the Millcreek Canyon.  Visit the animals at the Hogle Zoo with their interactive exhibits and you do not want to miss Temple Square.  Learn the history of the square by taking a free self-guided tour offered by the Church of Jesus Christ  of Latter Day Saints. You may be able to do a bit of family genealogy while there.    visit naother sight to visit is the Capitol Building to learn about Utah’s history.  You can have a lovely  lunch from one the many restaurants in the area and other snacks at the Farmers Market on Saturday.   visit the Tracy Aviary to see a collection of birds from around the world.