Matador Network's Blog, page 11

From Japan to Norway: 11 of the Best Leaf Peeping Destinations Around the World

Fall is nearly at hand in the Northern Hemisphere. As days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, harvest traditions shape the rhythm of life while landscapes shift into gold and amber hues. Autumn brings both abundance and a quiet sense of transition — a season when forests, mountains, and villages seem to embrace a fleeting beauty before winter settles in. From Japan’s volcanic peaks to Norway’s fjords, these are some of the most mesmerizing places to witness the mysticism of fall’s transformation.

We hope you love the spaces we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Japan: Nikko’s sacred shrines and fiery maples

Photo: AaronChenPS2/ShutterstockPhoto: Mistervlad/ShutterstockPhoto: AaronChenPS"/Shutterstock

When: October to early November

Where to stay: Guest favorite apartment in Nikko

Japan’s centuries-old tradition of momijigari — “hunting for red leaves” — comes alive in Nikko, a mountainous region north of Tokyo. It’s one of the most celebrated destinations for fall foliage in the country not only for its vivid colors, but also for the abundance of dramatic backdrops like Kegon Falls, Chuzenji Lake, and the area’s historic Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Japanese maples glowing red and golden ginkgos are the defining trees of the season, joined by other species such as azaleas, mountain cherries, and alders.

Germany: Bavaria’s castles and alpine valleys

Photo: Andrew Mayovskyy/ShutterstockPhoto: Barat Roland/ShutterstockPhoto: R. Maximiliane/Shutterstock

When: Late September to mid-October

Where to stay: Top Airbnbs in Munich

Munich makes an excellent base for autumn travel. Within the city, the Englischer Garten glows with amber tones, while just beyond, Bavaria’s alpine valleys become saturated with color. Highlights include the Bavarian Forest’s treetop walkway, Berchtesgaden National Park’s Königssee framed by onion-domed St. Bartholomä church, Neuschwanstein Castle wrapped in russet hillsides, and mirror-like lakes such as Tegernsee and Eibsee. Travelers in late September can time their visit with Oktoberfest, when the season’s brilliance coincides with Bavaria’s most famous celebration.

South Korea: Naejangsan’s maple-filled slopes

Photo: Theerayoot/ShutterstockPhoto: Newcastle United/ShutterstockPhoto: Nuerangphong Thawatchai/Shutterstock

When: Mid-October to early November

Where to stay: Top Airbnbs in Seoul

In South Korea, the autumn tradition of danpung-nori — “enjoying the red leaves” — reaches its peak at Naejangsan National Park. The slopes here are home to Japanese and Korean maple species, as well as ginkgo trees. Naejangsan mountain is home to cultural landmarks like the Baekyangsa and Naejangsa Temples, as well as the picturesque Uhwajeong Pavilion. Seven different peaks can be reached through the park’s main hiking route — a moderately challenging, seven-hour trek. Remember to check the dates of the Naejangsan Maple Festival in nearby Jeongeup.

Canada: Laurentians’ treetop walks and lakes

Photo: Maridav/ShutterstockPhoto: Shawn.ccf/ShutterstockPhoto: Snehit Photo/Shutterstock

When: Late September to mid-October

Where to stay: Guest favorite condo in Mont-Tremblant

North of Montreal, the Laurentian Mountains erupt in layered tones of scarlet maple, golden birch, and amber beech each fall. Mont-Tremblant National Park offers striking views from peaks that rise above 3,000 feet elevation and lakes like Lac Monroe and Lac Tremblant. The recently opened Sentier des Cimes treetop walkway ends in a 131-foot observation tower above the canopy. Farther afield, Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park offers kayaking along sheer cliffs and hiking to viewpoints overlooking the Malbaie River valley. Towns such as Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Sauveur, and Saint-Donat serve as lively gateways for hikers, cyclists, and paddlers.

Slovenia: Lake Bled and the Julian Alps

Photo: Denis Belitsky/ShutterstockPhoto: Natalia Deriabina/ShutterstockPhoto: rbrechko/Shutterstock

When: October

Where to stay: Guest favorite cottage in Bled

In autumn, Lake Bled’s mirror-like waters reflect maples, beeches, and chestnuts turning bronze against the Julian Alps. The iconic island church and cliff-top Bled Castle gain a softer glow, while hiking trails like Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica provide elevated perspectives of the lake in full color. An hour from Ljubljana, Bled is the starting point for Triglav National Park, where Slovenia’s alpine heritage and fall landscapes extend into higher ridges.

Kazakhstan: Almaty’s mountains and canyons

Photo: Kiwisoul/ShutterstockPhoto: J_Juliya/ShutterstockPhoto: Olga Kulakova/Shutterstock

When: Late September to November

Where to stay: Guest favorite apartments Almaty

Almaty offers a long autumn season, with colors appearing first in the surrounding mountains and later in the city’s parks. Kok-Tobe Hill, reached by a mile-long cable car, provides views of the skyline framed by snowed peaks. South of the city, Big Almaty Lake’s turquoise waters contrast with the golden foliage in Ile-Alatau National Park. Near the Kyrgyztan border, Kolsai Lakes National Park links three alpine lakes through hiking trails lined with birch and aspen. About three hours east, Charyn Canyon — sometimes called a “little brother” of the Grand Canyon — becomes especially striking in fall when ribbons of yellow elm and willow trees trace the Charyn River between towering red sandstone walls.

New Zealand: Tekapo’s golden autumn shores

Photo: Dmitry Pichugin/ShutterstockPhoto: He Is Patrick/ShutterstockPhoto: Mumemories/Shutterstock

When: Mid-April to early May

Where to stay: Guest favorite cottage in Lake Tekapo

While the Northern Hemisphere heads into spring, New Zealand enters its own autumn in April. In the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Tekapo has a milky-turquoise surface from glacial rock flour that’s contrasted by the surrounding golden poplars and willows. The Church of the Good Shepherd, a small stone chapel built in 1935, provides one of the most photographed autumn scenes in the country. Nearby Mount John Observatory offers panoramic views over the basin, and the region’s clear skies make it part of the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Croatia: Waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes

Photo: KucherAV/ShutterstockPhoto: Summit Art Creations/ShutterstockPhoto: Denis Belitsky/Shutterstock

When: Mid-October to early November

Where to stay: Top Airbnbs in Zagreb

Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s largest national park. The already visually-stunning landscape of never-ending waterfalls takes on a new hue in the fall, when beech, maple, and hornbeam trees turn to shades of gold and crimson. The park’s wooden boardwalks wind between 16 terraced lakes connected by more than 90 waterfalls, making the fall foliage visible from multiple vantage points. The cooler weather means smaller crowds, allowing clearer views of sites like Veliki Slap, the park’s tallest waterfall at 256 feet.

Japan: Daisetsuzan’s early alpine colors

Photo: AaronChenPS2/ShutterstockPhoto: AaronChenPS2/ShutterstockPhoto: Perry Svensson/Shutterstock

When: Late September to mid-October

Where to stay: Guest favorite farm-stay in Mombetsu

Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest and oldest protected wilderness, is home to the country’s earliest fall foliage. Rugged volcanic peaks and alpine meadows change first as nanakamado shrubs flush scarlet. Visitors can ascend the Asahidake and Kurodake ropeways for sweeping views, or hike around Sugatami Pond, where fiery slopes reflect in still waters. Nearby Sōunkyō Gorge adds its own drama with the Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls framed by vibrant leaves.

Romania: Transylvania’s castles and Carpathian Mountains

Photo: Emily Marie Wilson/ShutterstockPhoto: Roberto Sorin/ShutterstockPhoto: zedspider/Shutterstock

When: Mid-September to late October

Where to stay: Guest favorite apartment in Brasov

Transylvania in autumn blends medieval architecture with the Carpathians’ shifting palette. Bran Castle rises dramatically over golden forests, while the Transfăgărășan Highway has views of the slopes of the Făgăraș Mountains. In Brașov and Sibiu, cobblestone streets and Baroque facades take on an autumnal glow. South of Sibiu, the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Biertan hosts harvest-time festivities that root the season in centuries-old tradition.

Norway: Lofoten’s fjords and northern lights

Photo: Thanakorn.P/ShutterstockPhoto: Mateusz Kurzyk/ShutterstockPhoto: Pawel Uchorczak/Shutterstock

When: Mid-September to mid-October

Where to stay: Top Airbnbs in Lofoten

The Lofoten Islands’ jagged peaks and fjords become even more photogenic in autumn. Golden birch and muted reds cover the slopes, while clear skies bring a stronger chance of seeing the northern lights. Traditional red fishing cabins (rorbu) in villages like Hamnøy and Reine contrast vividly with the season’s colors for vivid shoreline shots. Lofoten has no shortage of great hiking. Hiking trails such as Ryten or the path above Haukland Beach reward visitors with panoramic views across beaches and mountains glowing in low Arctic light.

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We Tested Google’s New AI Flight Deals Tool. Here’s What It Got Right (and Very Wrong).

Google is testing a new AI tool that could transform the way travelers find and book flights. On August 14, the company announced a major update to Google Flights. It’s a conversational AI tool called “Flight Deals,” allowing you to talk to Google Flights the same way you’d ask a friend to help you find flight deals. It’s rolling out over the next few weeks in the United States, Canada, and India, and could signal what Google thinks will be the future of online travel booking. It’s the latest of many AI-forward changes to Google’s travel-planning landscape.

How Google Flight Deals works

Photo: Google Flight Deals

Flight Deals is built on Google’s latest Gemini AI model, using natural language processing to turn vague trip ideas into specific flight options. Instead of searching by fixed parameters like dates and destination, you can search for flights with open-ended prompts, such as “where can I take a week-long ski trip for under $1,000 this February” or “where can I fly direct from Chicago that has lots of beaches, warm weather, and a flight under six hours long?”

It will then return potentially dozens of flight options, with specific flights, dates, and destinations listed.  Then, they’re ranked by cost savings, showing the percent off for flights that are 20 percent cheaper or more than typical. (Some of the cheapest flights even without a discount also appear in the search.) “The highest percentage savings is shown first,” according to Google’s FAQ page. “If multiple deals have the same savings percentage, the one with the lower absolute price is shown first.” The results can change frequently, so it’s worth running the same prompt multiple times over the course of a few days.

Google notes that Flight Deals is still in the beta-testing phase, and that it’s an addition to, not a replacement for, current Google Flights.

Does it work?

Flight Deals suggested Durango, Colorado, as a good place to scuba dive in February. Hmmm. Photo: WorldPictures/Shutterstock

In our editors’ experience, it’s not useful (yet). Users can enter prompts as detailed as they’d like, yet the results always take the same format: a grid of suggested locations and flight deals, but with no details about how any of the locations match your prompt. When we asked it to “recommend a place with world-class scuba diving and mountain biking,” it suggested locations like Durango, Colorado — landlocked and 6,500 feet above sea level. Many of the other locations it recommended offered water-based activities, like fishing, but the results hardly hit the nail on the head.

The lack of context means you have no idea why a location was suggested. When we asked it to “recommend somewhere we could backpack in Europe for two weeks for under $30 a day, and attend at least one major cultural festival while there,” it brought up only one location: Lisbon. Not only will Lisbon likely cost far more than $30 a day, but there was no mention of what cultural festival will be happening.

Considering the tool is new, it will likely become more refined and accurate as it gets used more. For now, on some of my searches, it populated a generic note at the bottom: “We may not have been able to match every detail of your search. The results below are the closest options we found.”

For now, it’s best to treat Flight Deals as an idea generator, not a replacement for traditional flight searches. It did seem to better handle inquiries that relate to flight specifics, rather than destination specifics. For example, while it didn’t ace the test on places to bike and scuba dive, it did understand when I asked it “Where can I visit from Reno that is hot in the middle of February, involves only one layover, and doesn’t include any red-eyes? Travel time should be under 12 hours total.” It brought up a wide range of destinations that fit the bill, including Las Vegas, Bogota, Miami, and Belize City.

Can’t other AIs already do this?

Photo: Yarrrrrbright/Shutterstock

Matador Network’s AI travel assistant GuideGeek and other tools have long been able to make travel recommendations based on conversational prompts. However, Google’s Flight Deals is unique in that it’s directly integrated with real-time airfare prices and booking, just like Google Flights. Most general-purpose AI models like ChatGPT don’t have access to up-to-date flight prices, airline schedules, or booking engines. But Flight Deals can recommend and help book the exact deals it finds and give accurate information on pricing. A user could, in theory, prompt something like “find me the cheapest ticket to South Africa in October that’s not basic economy,” and it should find flight options you can book on the spot.

While conversational AI has changed trip planning, the leap to real-time booking through conversational AI could be a massive shift in how people decide where to travel. It’s also not the only major recent shift toward using AI from major Online Travel Agencies, or OTAs. Expedia recently unveiled an Instagram-based AI tool that will send users bookable itineraries based on any shared Instagram reels, and Booking.com’s “Smart Filter” lets users describe the hotel they want, rather than manually searching based on pre-determined filters.

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Dopamine Decor: Why Your Next Hotel Stay May Feel Like ‘Alice in Wonderland’

If you’ve recently sauntered into a hotel lobby or restaurant with the type of ostentatious, movie-set style that begs to be Instagrammed, chances are you’ve encountered “dopamine decor.” Picture playful shapes, rainbows of colors and flashy tones, and joy-sparking details like disco balls and circus tents. It seems like it’s become the design language du jour in hospitality, transforming once-neutral lobbies and lounges into vibrant, social media-ready experiences.

But the shift from blasé to bold and bubbly isn’t just about aesthetics or racking up social media tags. It reflects a growing desire among travelers for spaces that offer an emotional antidote to the low hum of modern-day stress.

A room at the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis. Photo: Sandra Foyt/Shutterstock

I first grew interested in this trend when I read a book by designer and author Ingrid Fetell Lee, who has long studied the relationship between aesthetics and emotion. In her book Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness, she wrote “From the moment I first started studying joy, it was clear that the liveliest places and objects all have one thing in common: bright, vivid color… vibrant color invariably sparks a feeling of delight.” It was her research that helped me start tuning in to my emotions when I saw lobbies with pink terrazzo floors, banana-leaf wallpaper, and jewel-toned furniture, and piqued my interest in how the trend can ignite an instant mood lift.

Now more than ever, people need a mood boost

A room at London’s Broadwick Soho. Photo:

After years of sleek minimalism and neutral palettes, hospitality today is leaning into a no-holds-barred brand of exuberance. Boutique stays in destinations from Spain to New York City are embracing whimsy, play, and color with open arms. It might look like a return to maximalism, but this emerging aesthetic is less about overwhelming the senses with abundance, and more about making intentional choices that appeal to that ultimate directive of great hospitality: surprise and delight.

It’s about creating a sensory landscape that feels intentional, generous, and alive. It can be as maximalist as a multicolor Moroccan carpet or as subtle as a cheeky piece of art. What matters is how it makes guests feel.

Leading research on design and environmental psychology suggests that interior design choices can directly impact a guest’s mood, and aid with certain travel objectives. Environmental psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin, author of Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Architecture, notes, for instance, that greens can be soothing and inspire creative thinking, while warm colors like oranges, yellows, and pinks can evoke feelings of comfort and cheerfulness.

A colorful hotel restaurant in Cortina, Italy. Photo: NorthSky Films/Shutterstock

Augustin has ideas as to why the hospitality world is seeing such a rise in dopamine decor. “I think that this is a time of uncertainty, and people dealing with that stress might be looking for a way to feel better,” she says. “This energizing design…can indeed result in a sort of distraction.”

The desire to design for joy comes at a moment when travelers are expanding their idea of wellness way beyond spas and smoothies. A 2025 nationwide wellness report found that millennials and Gen-Z no longer consider mental health optional, but rather, an important factor in how to live, work, and travel.

Hotels leaning into the dopamine decor trend

Photo: La Fantasie

Interior designer Victoria-Maria Geyer seems to have an intuition for this. Referring to the boutique hideaway she recently worked on, Cortijo Genesis in Andalusia, Spain, Geyer explains “It’s all about rhythm and restraint. Even in a colourful space like Cortijo Genesis, there’s a considered balance – vibrancy anchored by quiet textures, natural materials, and negative space.” She says that playfulness isn’t about just piling more and more on, but about knowing when to surprise, and when to soothe. “I believe joyful design should feel intentional, not accidental,” she shares.

“I think we’re moving away from anonymous luxury,” says Geyer. “People are craving spaces that tell a story; places that are full of warmth, soul, and identity. In hospitality especially, guests want to feel something personal, something that lingers.” She thinks the bold design of dopamine decor, as long as they feel authentic to the space, will be a relevant design trend for years to come.

Dopamine decor-inspired spaces are now a common sight at hotels and resorts across Europe and North America. In Paris, the newly opened La Fantaisie describes itself as a “home of joy,” drawing attention for its unapologetically bright and richly decorated interiors, leaning heavily on a botanical motif played out in ceiling murals, art prints and floral-patterned furniture.

Photo: Virgin Hotels New Orleans

In New York City, the Fifth Avenue Hotel fills Instagram feeds with patterned wallpaper, jewel-toned sofas, and glittery chandeliers. Staying in London’s Broadwick Soho feels like living out a psychedelic, Great Gatsby-esque fever dream, while the pairing of burnt orange walls and eye-popping geometric prints at Amsterdam’s Hoxton Lloyd reads like a Wes Anderson film set.

Even chain hotels and resorts are leaning into the trend. The high-end Andaz chain embraces bright and bold design in its Bali, Prague, and Miami Beach locations, while Virgin Hotels mixes its signature red-and-white stripes with fun elements like floor-to-ceiling wallpaper murals in its New Orleans suites, and funky pop-art in its Las Vegas outpost.

It’s a product of the social media revolution

Photo: Mike Orlov/Shutterstock

The rise of dopamine decor feels a bit like a snake-eating-its-tail situation. Resorts and restaurants that embraced colorful and sensory-rich designs early on started getting more attention on social media, which led other resorts to create similarly inspired spaces. Put simply, dopamine decor is very camera-friendly. ”It takes a good photograph,” Augustin noted in our interview.

When it comes to the bottom line, more snaps and shares often means more bookings. Seventy-five percent of respondents in a recent survey said social media had inspired their choice on where to travel. And the name “dopamine decor” hints at how closely the trend is tied to social media use, as it’s well-known that each social media like and interaction is a mini-dopamine boost to which many people have become nearly addicted. The industry has taken note, creating more spaces designed with aesthetics and photography in mind.

This doesn’t mean the movement is hollow – just that the line between what’s designed for pleasure and what’s designed for performance is increasingly blurred. The best examples of dopamine decor manage to do both, influencing joy in real life while also creating drool-worthy photo backdrops for online content.

As I scroll through images of these quirky, out-there, yet undeniably joyful properties, I find myself agreeing with Geyer. Because in the end, the most lasting souvenirs aren’t the photos or the products. They’re the feelings we carry with us, long after we’ve checked out. And if a hotel can offer that kind of joy—the kind you instantly feel in your body when you walk into a room— isn’t that what travel is all about?

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Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Citrus County, Florida’s ‘Nature Coast’

Tucked away on Florida’s Gulf Coast and within driving distance from major cities like Orlando and Tampa, Citrus County is the perfect escape for families looking to spend some quality time together in nature and couples craving some alone time in a beautiful setting.

Thanks to Florida’s favorable climate, it’s always a good time to visit Citrus County cities like Crystal River and Inverness, and the best activities are outdoors. My days in Crystal River and Inverness were packed with things to do, from kayaking, scalloping, and biking to attending a mermaid show. Manatee season runs from November to April — arguably the most popular time to visit Crystal River, in particular — but there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area at any point in the year.

Here are some of the best places to play, eat, and stay in Citrus County.

Things to do in Citrus County

Search for scallops in the Gulf

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Scalloping season runs from July 1 to September 24 in Citrus County, and it’s one of the most popular activities to do in the area during the summer months. My group went on a scalloping charter with Paddletail Waterfront Adventures, and while snorkeling through the Gulf looking for scallops was fun, what really stood out to me on the excursion was the service. Captain Paul Cross and his team have hospitality down to a tee, and I loved being able to alternate between swimming and searching for scallops and lounging on the boat in the summer sun.

Paddletail Waterfront Adventures: 704 NW 6th St, Crystal River, FL 34428

Kayak through beautiful waterways

Photos: India Amos and Create to View/Shutterstock

Unfortunately, our kayaking tour through Three Sisters Springs was cut short due to Florida storms, but what I did get to experience was fun. Our professional guide with Kacey’s Custom Adventures led us from Pete’s Pier onto the gentle waters of Kings Bay, and we were able to see local birds and get a few good strokes in before we had to turn back.

Tandem and solo kayaks are available for rent, as well as clear kayaks for a unique experience, especially for an evening out on the water. If you’re visiting Crystal River in the summer, be flexible with your plans in case a rainstorm rolls in.

Kacey’s Custom Adventures: 1 SW 1st Place, Crystal River, FL 34429

Visit Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Photos: India Amos

I studied anthropology in college, so visiting this state park was one of the highlights of my trip. We came here on a cool morning right before the summer heat kicked in, so we were able to wander around the pre-Columbian burial and temple mounds before it got too hot (there are six mounds in the complex in total).

This National Historic Landmark is one of Florida’s important Indigenous heritage sites, once a gathering place and trading hub for coastal communities more than 1,600 years ago. Today, you can stroll interpretive trails, check out artifacts in the small on-site museum, and take in views of the river from scenic overlooks.

The majority of the park is flat with wide, paved paths, so it’s easy to navigate. However, there are stairs to climb one of the mounds, but once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding area.

Crystal River Archaeological State Park: 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34429

Bike the Withlacoochee State Trail

Photo: India Amos

At 46 miles, the Withlacoochee is the longest state trail (a designated recreational route) in Florida. It’s mostly shaded and paved, making it a popular place for bikers, walkers, and joggers alike. The route winds through small towns, nature preserves, and scenic stretches of old railroad corridor, so there’s plenty to see along the way. We rented e-bikes from Select e-bike, a family-owned shop in Inverness, to explore the trail.

Most e-bikes can reach speeds up to 20 miles per hour and cover up to 45 miles on a single charge. I liked being able to alternate between pedaling and coasting on our ride through Citrus County. If e-bikes aren’t your style, you can always explore the trail using a traditional bike or on foot.

Select e-bike: 565 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34452

See Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

Photo: India Amos

I never expected to find a mermaid show in the middle of Florida, but there is one. Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is located about halfway between Crystal River and Inverness in Lecanto. You can come here to watch performers dressed as mermaids swim and sing underwater or to pet stingrays and starfish at the interactive aquarium. While the show was enjoyable for me as an adult, it seemed to be a real hit with little kids. If you don’t want to leave the magic behind, you can also purchase your own mermaid tail to bring home with you.

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter: 4100 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461

Where to eat in Citrus County

Beans & Greens Coffee House

Photo: India Amos

Beans & Greens Coffee House is a small, cozy spot in Crystal River. They’re open for breakfast and lunch, and if I lived in the area, I could see myself tucking myself into one of the comfy chairs to work here for an afternoon. Beyond ordering smoothies, club sandwiches, and a variety of teas from the counter, the coffee house also sells a variety of houseplants, including snake plants, prayer plants, and succulents.

Beans & Greens Coffee House: 1927 US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428

Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters

Photo: India Amos

There are four different Cattle Dog locations throughout Citrus County, and I had breakfast at the one in Crystal River. This local coffee chain serves breakfast sandwiches and baked goods like cinnamon buns and breakfast bread, as well as signature drinks. I had the Carmelita latte, which is flavored with caramel and white chocolate, and it was a sweet way to start my day exploring.

Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters: 638 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428

Katch Twenty Two

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Located halfway between Crystal River and Inverness in Lecanto, Katch Twenty-Two is an upscale dinner spot serving elevated dishes inspired by the land and sea. I sampled the filet of beef, one of the tenderest I’ve ever tasted, and the truffle and mushroom risotto, which was sharp and flavorful. When you’re ready to round out your meal, the Basque cheesecake is simple, rich, and a great end to a delicious evening.

Katch Twenty Two: 2924 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461

Twysted Vyne

This cozy lunch and dinner spot is situated right in downtown Inverness, so it’s easy to pop in here in between touring the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and wandering along Old Main Street. Beyond serving shareable salads and hearty sandwiches like the Toasted Tuscan Italian (Salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, provolone, lettuce, onion, and tomato), Twysted Vyne transforms into a trivia and live music venue in the evening. Plus, signed guitars line the walls as an homage to the lively acts that have performed here.

Twysted Vyne: 103 W Main St, Inverness, FL 34450

Where to stay in Citrus County

Paddletail Waterfront Lodge

Photo: India Amos

Named for the manatees that famously frequent local waterways, Paddletail Waterfront Lodge is the perfect home base for exploring Crystal River. When you stay at this waterfront property, you can easily move from your comfy room to Kings Bay, where manatees flock in the winter months. Book an excursion at the on-site dive shop for a stress-free way to get out on the water. If you start your day early, you can pick up a grab-n-go breakfast bag from reception, but I loved getting my morning latte from Grassroots Cafe, the coffee shop in the lobby.

Paddletail Waterfront Lodge: 614 NW US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428

The Cove Resort & Pub

Photo: India Amos

Tucked away from the main road in Inverness, The Cove Resort and Pub gives you the feel of being fully enveloped in nature without being too far from downtown. There are plenty of places to park your RV on site, as well as five lodging options you can choose from. I stayed in the spacious three-bedroom Swampwater Farm that would be good for families looking for a quiet vacation spot. But there’s also the 400-square-foot Love Shack that’s perfect for solo travelers or the sprawling Founder’s Lodge, which comes with two master suites and a private pool and is a great place for family reunions or gatherings.

The Cove Resort & Pub: 1242 S Cove Camp Point, Inverness, FL 34450

How to get to Citrus County

Photo: India Amos

Citrus County is located in Central Florida, close to some of the state’s larger cities. If you plan to arrive by plane, you’ll most likely fly into either Tampa International Airport (TPA) or Orlando International Airport (MCO). Tampa’s about an hour away by car, and the drive to Orlando will take you around an hour and a half. There are other cities nearby, like Ocala (about 55 minutes away) and Gainesville (about an hour and 10 minutes away), both of which also have airports.

Since I live in Miami, I drove myself to Citrus County. It’s possible to explore Crystal River or Inverness on foot once you’re in town, but the easiest way to get from any of the airports I mentioned above to the county is by car. Likewise, if you want to visit both Crystal River and Inverness on your trip, like I did, you’d need a car to travel between the two. They’re about 20 miles away from one another, and there isn’t public transit that can take you from one town to the other.

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The 14 Best Places for Leaf Peeping in United States in 2025

Spring may have the majority of the flowers, but the changing leaves in the fall bring some of the most vibrant colors to big cities, small towns, and rural areas across the United States. The best time to go leaf peeping varies year by year based on the weather, but when you land in a spot surrounded by trees at the peak of when the leaves are changing, there’s nothing else like it.

Truth be told, the best spot to appreciate the colors of the season is the one you can get to. But if you can reach one of these leaf peeping locations, you’re in for a colorful treat, from the trees to the food, to the incredible places to stay.

We hope you love the fall leaf peeping stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Burlington, Vermont

Photo: Hello Burlington/Jeff Lawson and Nick EdwardsPhoto: Hello Burlington/Matt Bruhns BruhnsPhoto: Hello Burlington/Matt Bruhns Bruhns

Peak leaf peeping months: Late September to October

Vermont is famous for its glorious fall foliage for good reason, and the north of the state has some of the most spectacular displays in New England — a region with unmatched fall road trip options. Couple this with ample hiking and biking trails, a seemingly endless number of local microbreweries and cideries, farm stores, apple orchards, and cozy cabins, and you’ve got a recipe for a fabulous fall weekend away.

Burlington and the surrounding area are the perfect base to explore the region. Sitting less than 50 miles south of the Canadian border, the city’s trees typically begin to turn by mid-September, with peak color from late September to mid-October, depending on elevation and weather.

An excellent way to enjoy the foliage is on the Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise. This voyage lets you take in the trees in their full glory on either side of Lake Champlain. Or hop on a bike and pedal the Island Line Trail, a 14-mile route along the lakeshore and over the causeway to neighboring islands.

Afterward, reward yourself with a cider at Citizen Cider or Cold Hollow cider house, which often features live music. And if you enjoy sampling local beers, Oktoberfest Vermont takes place at Burlington’s waterfront on September 19 and 20, 2025, celebrating the very best craft brews in Vermont.

If you’re traveling with kids, you won’t be short on family-friendly fall activities either. Two places stand out for pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes: Sam Mazza’s Farm Market and The Great Vermont Corn Maze.

If your visit lands on September 29, you can even enter the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival — because it wouldn’t be fall without someone launching a pumpkin at full speed through the air.

Where to stay in Burlington, Vermont

If you’re partial to hotels, there are few places as hip in Burlington as Hotel Vermont (which has its own fall foliage hotline). Within the city of Burlington there are Airbnbs perfect for couples, solo travelers, and families, such as this contemporary one-bedroom loft house. The in-city rentals are great for those who want to explore the pedestrian streets on foot, but if you have a vehicle there are a few more options (and bigger properties) just outside the city limits in places like Shelburne, where you’ll find this beautiful rural farmhouse. Farther up the coast in Colchester, there are plenty of lakeside properties like this two-bedroom cottage.

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Hunter, New York

Diamond Notch Falls near Hunter, NY. Photo: VIKVAD/ShutterstockHunter Mountain in the fall. Photo: hessianmercenary/ShutterstockOne the 11 brand-new round cabins at Scribner's Lodge. Photo: Moriah Wolfe

Peak leaf peeping month: October

The Catskills have been a cherished vacation destination for New York City dwellers in desperate need of some peace, quiet, and time spent in nature for decades. Fall is arguably the best time to go. The town of Hunter, just a 2.5-hour drive from New York City, is the ideal place to escape the concrete jungle and partake in some serious leaf-peeping action. The forests and mountains around Hunter are home to a large variety of maples, birch, aspens, oaks, and more, all of which reach their fall-color peak typically in early to mid-October, though timing can vary slightly depending on elevation and weather.

The best spot to see the spectacular foliage is Mountain Top Arboretum. Take a self-guided tour of the four main areas of the arboretum for a couple of hours and bring binoculars if you want to spot some of the over 60 bird species that live there.

If you’d rather catch the foliage while hiking, there are dozens of hikes of varying difficulties around, including gorgeous waterfall hikes.

Where to stay in Hunter, New York

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Catskills during the cozy season, book one of the new round cabins at the popular Scribner’s Lodge. Each of the 12-sided structures are decorated in a tasteful minimalist style and feature all the elements of comfortable fall retreat, including a gas fireplace, a reading nook, and a Japanese soaking tub.

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Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

Photo: Allegheny National Forest Visitors BureauPhoto: Allegheny National Forest Visitors BureauPhoto: Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau

Peak leaf peeping months: Late September to early October

Northwestern Pennsylvania offers some of the country’s most scenic fall driving routes. The Allegheny National Forest covers over 500,000 acres of the region and is home to more than 80 species of trees. Fall colors can begin in late September at higher elevations, with peak foliage typically arriving in late September through mid-October. Surrounding the park, the two-lane highways and winding roads on the ridges and valleys of the Allegheny Plateau are lined with red maple, black cherry, black birch, yellow poplar, and white ash trees, which all put on a dazzling fall color display.

Some of the most scenic fall drives include the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, the Eldred–Rock City History Loop, and the Scenic Kinzua–Route 6 Loop. A must-stop in the area is Kinzua Bridge State Park, which has a picture-perfect picnic spot and a one-mile hike to spectacular fall views over Kinzua Gorge. Those with a head for heights can walk out onto the glass-floor skywalk, which extends over the colorful treetops.

Where to stay near Allegheny National Forest

With so much to explore near Allegheny National Forest, it’s worth making a weekend or more out of your visit. If you’re traveling with a family or group of friends, there are large house listings on Airbnb, such as this stunning three-bedroom creekside cottage or this four-bedroom cabin in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest and within the top 1 percent of rentals on Airbnb. For couples or solo travelers, check out this serene woodland one-bedroom cabin.

Book a rural Pennsylvania AirbnbMore like thisEpic StaysFrom Cozy Cottages to Autumnal Cabins, These Are the Best Airbnbs in the US for Fall

Newport, Rhode Island

Castle Hill Lighthouse, Newport, Rhode Island. Photo: solepsizm/ShutterstockTrinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island. Photo: Dan Hanscom/ShutterstockInside Gardiner House. Photo: Gardiner House

Peak leaf peeping month: October

You don’t have to go to the mountains or a very rural location to see fall foliage. The Rhode Island coast delivers too. Newport, Rhode Island, located on the southern end of the state in Narragansett Bay, is an excellent spot for a seaside fall retreat — especially in mid- to late October, when the foliage of the maples, oaks, beeches, and birches is at its most vibrant.

For the best foliage and ocean views, you can opt to stroll along the around three-mile Cliff Walk along the water (you’ll get to see some of the area’s most beautiful mansions as a bonus), or pedal all or part of the 15-mile East Bay Bike Path through coves and marshes.

Those who prefer a forest bathing experience can take a hike in Weetamoo Woods in Tiverton, where there are about seven miles of marked trails, with additional paths in the adjacent Pardon Gray Preserve to explore.

Where to stay in Newport, Rhode Island

What’s the point in visiting Newport if you can’t stay in a waterfront hotel? Gardiner House, opened in 2023, is a mansion turned into a 21-room, light-filled, ocean-front boutique property. While the establishment is classy, the atmosphere and furnishings are like that of a tasteful and cozy family home. There is a restaurant with views on the marina and a bar on site, both of which are worth a visit — if only just for the stunning decor. For another luxe option, Newport Harbor Island Resort is located a short hop over to Goat Island.

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Traverse City, Michigan

Photo: Meg Bowen PhotographyPhoto: Meg Bowen PhotographyPhoto: Chateau Grand Traverse

Peak leaf peeping months: Late September to mid-October

Located in the northwestern part of Michigan, Traverse City sits on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. Fall in and around Traverse City is celebrated at the many orchards, vineyards, charming farmers markets, and cider mills.

Chateau Grand Traverse, a family-owned vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula, is considered one of the pioneers of the Michigan wine industry, having planted the state’s first commercial wine grapes in the 1970s. In autumn, the vineyard’s leaves transform into a brilliant display of red, orange, yellow, and brown hues, set against the backdrop of Grand Traverse Bay. You can take a tour to learn about the winery’s history and winemaking process and sample harvest-fresh rieslings as well as other varietals.

The city’s neighboring towns and countryside should also be explored. The local tourism board offers a set of Color Tour driving routes, like the 45-mile Old Mission Peninsula drive, that take you through the region’s best leaf-peeping locations — combining fall color with vineyard views, fruit stands, and meals with bay vistas.

Where to stay in Traverse City, Michigan

The Flats in downtown is a must for those looking for a boutique hotel stay. It’s near the city’s most beautiful tree-filled streets, excellent restaurants, and breweries. The hotel has six luxury apartment-style accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, hardwood floors, original brick walls, and windows where you can enjoy looking out over the crimson leaves.

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Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Photo: Main Street Hospitality, Red Lion InnPhoto: Main Street Hospitality, Red Lion InnPhoto: Main Street Hospitality, Red Lion Inn

Peak leaf peeping month: October

Stockbridge in the Berkshire Hills has famed local haunts (without the crowds of Salem) and small‑town fall vibes that the Berkshires are famous for. The town is home to one of the oldest cemeteries in the country, and those brave enough can take a guided tour to gain insight into the fascinating history of the area.

For leaf‑peeping, Stockbridge features a variety of maples, white and red oaks, yellow and paper birch, and ash trees that display a collage of reds, bronze, bright yellow, and purple hues. You can enjoy the foliage throughout town, but keen viewers should make a beeline for the historic estate of Chesterwood, the mansion and gardens of Naumkeag, Monument Mountain for panoramic views, The Berkshire Botanical Garden, and Stockbridge Bowl, where you can take in the beautiful fall colors reflected in the water.

Visit in October to attend the town’s biggest fall festival at Naumkeag. During the month, the property showcases more than 1,500 carved pumpkins in The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, which runs Wednesdays through Sundays, from late September to late October, with timed‑entry tickets required.

Where to stay in Stockbridge, Massachusetts

The Red Lion Inn goes all out for fall. Established in 1773, it is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the US. The inn offers various guest rooms, ranging from cozy and traditional to spacious and luxurious. Every fall, the region’s prizewinning pumpkins are displayed on the hotel’s front steps, and guests are encouraged to guess the weight of the exhibit over a hot spiced cider (hint: they weigh thousands of pounds).

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Rome, Wisconsin

Photo: Chelsea Willard PhotographyPhoto: Sand ValleyPhoto: Chelsea Willard Photography

Peak leaf peeping month: October

The Badger State has no shortage of places to see the leaves change, but one of the best regions to enjoy fall foliage in Wisconsin is Rome. It sits in the northwestern corner of Adams County, a rural area known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation.

There are many places in Rome to enjoy autumn colors, but one of the best is Tri-Norse Park in Nekoosa. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the park will host a fall foliage viewing festival. You can join locals and visitors alike to hike or ride an ATV/UTV to the top of the 55-meter ski jump, where you’ll enjoy multi-colored treetops, live music, and warming soup or chili from vendors.

The weekly farmers market, held every Friday, also comes to life in the fall with a bounty of apples, melons, and pumpkins. If you’re visiting on Sunday, October 26, there’s a kid-friendly Halloween party and an off-roading Halloween Hunt.

The best time to visit for fall foliage is the second or third week of October, but be sure to check out Travel Wisconsin’s fall color report. This interactive map helps you track peak foliage in real time.

Where to stay in Rome, Wisconsin

Sand Valley Resort, a family-friendly golf resort, offers guests world-class golf, tennis, fat-tire biking, fishing, kayaking — you name it. There are cozy lodges for couples or eight-bed estate homes, and it’s pet-friendly. There are also stunning cabins on Airbnb, such as this four-bedroom near Sand Valley or this group-sized home with a hot tub and fire pit.

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Ozark Mountains, Arkansas

Driving through the Ozarks in Arkansas. Photo: Arkansas Tourism & State ParksHawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. Photo: Arkansas Tourism & State ParksInside the Graduate by Hilton in Fayetteville. Photo: Graduate by Hilton Fayetteville, AR

Peak leaf peeping months: Mid-October to November

The entire state of Arkansas is packed with amazing leaf-peeping opportunities, from Crowley’s Ridge State Park in the northeastern part of the state to the Ouachita Mountains in the west, and Petit Jean State Park just one hour outside of Little Rock. That said, a road trip through the Ozark Mountains is one of the most popular and scenic ways to experience fall foliage in the state, offering a vibrant show of red, orange, and gold hues without requiring too much physical effort.

The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop, which follows a combination of U.S. 71 and I-49, is a winding 80-mile drive that begins near Alma, crosses the highest section of the Ozarks, and offers some of the most stunning foliage views in the region before reaching Fayetteville.

The Pig Trail Scenic Byway, another beautiful option, is a shorter 19-mile drive along Arkansas Highway 23. It winds through forested hills and valleys, often forming vivid tree tunnels of maples, white oaks, sycamores, and cottonwoods — especially brilliant in peak season.

Where to stay in the Arkansas side of the Ozark Mountains

Fayetteville is a great place to base yourself. The Graduate by Hilton Fayetteville is a fun and unique place to stay. The entire hotel is themed around the University of Arkansas. There’s one restaurant on site, as well as two pools and a fitness center — just know that it books up fast on home game football weekends.

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Haywood County, North Carolina

Road through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo: Kirk Wester/ShutterstockLake Junaluska in the fall. Photo: Margaret.Wiktor/ShutterstockLambuth Inn on Lake Junaluska. Photo: Visit NC Smokies

Peak leaf peeping months: Mid-October to November

Many have sung praises of the Great Smoky Mountains. This chunk of the Appalachians is picture perfect, especially from mid- to late October, when the fall foliage is in full swing. Haywood County lies in the heart of the Smokies and boasts 46 scenic miles of the extremely scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

There are other ways to enjoy the fall colors from maples, basswoods, mountain ash, birch, and beeches beyond driving on one of the most beautiful roads in the US. A trip to the Waterrock Knob overlook — a short but steep 0.6-mile hike from the highest-elevation visitor center on the Parkway — is one stop you can’t miss for superb autumn views.

Less than 30 minutes away by car from the overlook is Lake Junaluska, where you can kayak or SUP on calm waters surrounded by changing leaves.

Where to stay in Haywood County, North Carolina

The Lambuth Inn, located along the shore of Lake Junaluska, was built in 1921 and fully renovated in 2018 to allow guests to enjoy modern amenities within a grand, historic building. Book a lakeview room on the highest floor to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings from a privileged vantage point. At the end of a day of being dazzled by the foliage, take a quick five-minute walk from the inn to Inspiration Point, where the sunset over the lake and mountains is spectacular.

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Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Photo: Vladimir Grablev/ShutterstockPhoto: AirbnbPhoto: LHBLLC/Shutterstock

Peak leaf peeping month: October

Shenandoah National Park comes to life in mid- to late October, when the summer crowds have dispersed but the skies remain crisp and ideal for exploring.

If you’re considering camping, Big Meadows Campground opens in spring and remains open through fall, offering a comfortable base for exploring the park’s highlights, including direct access to Skyline Drive and nearby trails. Reservations are required.

From here, you can embark on a leisurely drive along Skyline Drive — the park’s 105-mile scenic byway — and enjoy the full sweep of autumn foliage across the Blue Ridge Mountains from more than 75 scenic overlooks.

Or venture onto one of the many hiking trails. For a moderate challenge, consider the Bearfence Mountain Trail, which leads to a rocky overlook with panoramic views of the surrounding colorful landscape.

Where to stay near Shenandoah National Park

Of the 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah, 480 are dog-friendly, so if you’re considering bringing a pet along or camping is not your thing, consider a nearby Airbnb.

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Vail, Colorado

Photos: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock and Neil Podoll/ShutterstockMain lobby of The Hythe Vail. Photo: The Hythe

Peak leaf peeping months: Late September to mid-October

While the town of Vail is a popular and luxurious winter destination, it’s also a lovely place to check out the fall foliage. A ride on one of the Vail Gondolas is a great way to see the beauty of the changing landscape, but make sure to bring layers as it gets cold up at 10,000 feet at the top of the mountains this time of year.

If you’re able-bodied and keen for some exercise, a hike to Lost Lake will give you your fill of the bright gold aspen leaves. The moderate 6.8-mile roundtrip hike starts just 25 minutes outside of town and the beauty and tranquility that awaits you at the end is very much worth the effort.

Where to stay in Vail, Colorado

Vail Village and Lionshead Village are the two core tourist areas of the town with many high-quality hotels, though there’s an abundance of properties surrounding Vail proper. Lionshead Village, with its Bavarian-inspired architecture, is a pedestrian and dining area located at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, which is ideal if you want to take a ride. Lionshead Village’s The Hythe is a luxury resort that organizes curated fall experiences for its guests, including mushroom hunting and fly fishing. For the less adventurous, there are also complimentary whiskey tastings, and s’mores roasting.

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Park City, Utah

Aerial view of Park City, Utah. Photo: Sean Pavone/ShutterstockBloods Lake. Photo: Karel Stipek/ShutterstockGuest room at Montage Deer Valley resort. Photo: Montage Deer Valley.

Peak leaf peeping month: Mid-September to early October

Park City is better known for its skiing than for its fall foliage. That said, it’s well worth making your way there when the fall colors hit their peak. Fall is the shortest season in Park City, so don’t wait too long before you go or the leaves on the aspens, oaks, and maples will all be gone.

To see the best scenery of the season, drive up the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway, which is open until late October. Along the way, stop to take a 2.8-mile round-trip hike to Bloods Lake. While some sections are steep, your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of the colorful Wasatch Mountains and the pristine alpine lake.

Where to stay in Park City, Utah

Montage Deer Valley, located 10 minutes outside of Park City, is an excellent place to stay to enjoy the fall colors. Home to 220 rooms, five dining options, and the largest spa in Utah, Montage is a sophisticated establishment but one where the atmosphere is relaxed and homey. The Montage organizes curated experiences for its guests, including guided hikes, horseback riding tours, and hot air balloon rides for some amazing aerial views of the fall colors. Another desirable option closer to town is the Westgate Park City.

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Savannah, Georgia

Photo: Leny Silina Helmig/ShutterstockPhoto: Steve Wiltsie/Shutterstock

Peak leaf peeping months: Late October to November

Savannah’s oak-lined squares and cobblestone streets carry a different mood in the fall. The swelter of summer fades, leaving days cool enough to sit out under the canopy in Forsyth Park, where ginkgos and maples shift into shades of gold and rust around the fountain. The tree-lined streets of the Historic District also shift with the season, making it a prime time to explore on foot with stops at Saturday farmers markets or nearby cafés for a warm drink. Along the riverfront, fall weekends often coincide with festivals on River Street, where local food vendors and live music are set against views of ships passing on the Savannah River.

After dark, book a seat on Old Town Trolley’s Ghosts & Gravestones or step inside the Sorrel-Weed House for a guided tour — both lean into the city’s documented hauntings without the gimmicks.

Those willing to drive an hour or two can time their trip with the Georgia State Parks “Leaf Watch,” which tracks peak foliage in places like Skidaway Island State Park on the coast or Fort Mountain in the north.

Where to stay in Savannah, Georgia

The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, offers 157 apartment-style accommodations ranging from studios to four-bedroom lofts. Its location in the Historic District puts you within easy walking distance of tree-lined squares, and the property includes a relaxed pool area and an on-site eatery, Little James, for seasonal bites and cocktails. For a more upscale stay, Perry Lane Hotel provides 167 artfully designed guest rooms, a rooftop pool with views over the city’s autumn canopy, and three restaurants that highlight the flavors of the season.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Photo: Visit Coeur dAlenePhoto: Kirk Fisher/ShutterstockPhoto: Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock

Peak leaf peeping months: October to early November

The picturesque town of Coeur d’Alene sits on Lake Coeur d’Alene in northwestern Idaho. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do year-round, but fall is especially magical — the lakeside city truly comes alive with seasonal events and a vibrant foliage-lined downtown.

Fall highlights include the annual Oktoberfest, bringing together local brews, live music, and fall-themed festivities. Halloween fans will love the spooky theme park Scarywood, running October 3–26, 2025, with haunted attractions, scare zones, and rides in the dark.

To enjoy the foliage up close, hike or stroll along the two-mile interpretive trail at Tubbs Hill, offering sweeping views over the lake and forested hills. For a relaxing alternative, take a scenic cruise with Coeur d’Alene Cruise Boats to soak in fall colors from the water while learning about the area’s history and culture.

Where to stay in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Coeur d’Alene Resort, a renowned landmark in the city, recently underwent extensive renovations to its spa and restaurant. This historic property offers luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The resort’s prime location provides easy access to the city’s fall attractions and outdoor activities. Or, for a more contemporary stay, consider One Lakeside. This newer hotel offers modern and stylish accommodations with stunning lake views. It’s also conveniently located near downtown, within stumbling distance from Oktoberfest.

Book a Coeur d’Alene AirbnbMore like thisEpic StaysFrom Cozy Cottages to Autumnal Cabins, These Are the Best Airbnbs in the US for Fall

15 Oktoberfests and Fall Beer Festivals in the US Worth Traveling For in 2025

From the high-altitude streets of Breckenridge, Colorado, to the Bavarian façades of Leavenworth, Washington, fall is when America’s beer culture takes center stage. Large-scale city gatherings and intimate brewer-led events alike define the season with malty Oktoberfest beers and hop-forward harvest ales.

Fall’s beer festival season draws from centuries-old brewing and harvest traditions. Historically, autumn marked the hop and barley harvest in Europe, when brewers made beers designed to last through the cold months. That was taken to the next level in Germany with its beer purity laws, and nothing says fall beer festival like the original Oktoberfest. Today, classic Oktoberfest celebrations blend with America’s craft beer culture. Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati features keg tappings, a bratwurst-eating contest, and one of the largest chicken dances outside Germany. At the same time, other events showcase the country’s creative brewing streak. The Fresh Hop Ale Festival in Yakima, Washington, offers beers brewed with hops harvested just days before, while brewers at DC’s Snallygaster pour experimental small-batch creations alongside rare imports, street food, and a lineup of indie bands.

For travelers, these gatherings go beyond great beer to showcase the regional flavor in a place. In Austin, for example,German-style lagers pair perfectly with smoky brisket. And, of course with this being autumn, scenic backdrops abound: mountain towns drenched in gold and crimson foliage, historic districts strung with beer garden lights.

There are plenty of smaller, local festivals. Colorado alone has a festival list that would keep any beer lover busy the entire season. But for those looking for a true destination beer festival, these are the best fall beer festivals worth traveling for in 2025 in the United States.

Dates and event details verified as of August 2025; check individual festival websites for updates.

Great American Beer Festival

Location: DenverDates: October 9–11, 2025Years Running: Since 1982 (43rd year)Brewer Participation: Over 500 breweries; 2,000-plus beersTicket Info: $85–$220; available at greatamericanbeerfestival.com

The undisputed heavyweight of American beer festivals, the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) turns the Colorado Convention Center into a massive tasting room. Each October, brewers from across the country converge to pour more than 2,000 different beers, many brewed exclusively for the event and the heralded GABF awards. It can’t be contained to just the convention center. Denver’s booming craft beer scene spills into the streets, with satellite events in taprooms and beer bars all over town.

Leavenworth Oktoberfest

Photo: WellyWelly /Shutterstock

Location: Leavenworth, WashingtonDates: October 3–4, 10–11, and 17–18, 2025Years Running: 25-plus yearsBrewer Participation: Dozens of German and regional craft breweriesTicket Info: $15–$40; purchase at leavenworth.org

This Bavarian-influenced mountain town entirely transforms for Oktoberfest. For three consecutive weekends in October, Leavenworth’s alpine façades, cobblestone-style streets, and flower boxes brim with beer drinkers in dirndls and lederhosen. Local and regional brewers pour märzens, festbiers, and other autumnal styles in multiple beer gardens to the sound of brass bands pumping oompah tunes. By day, the surrounding Cascade Mountains offer crisp, leaf-draped hikes — the perfect prelude to an evening of beer hall revelry. Visitors often stay in cozy alpine lodges or vacation rentals within walking distance, making it easy to immerse in the festival without worrying about getting back to their accommodations.

Southwest Fresh Fest

Location: Montrose, ColoradoDates: September 20, 2025Years Running: 5-plus yearsBrewer Participation: 20-plus regional breweries with an emphasis on fresh hop beersTicket Info: $30; available via allevents.in

Set on a working hop farm, Southwest Fresh Fest celebrates beer at its freshest and most aromatic. The festival is hosted at Billy Goat Hop Farm on Colorado’s Western Slope, and spotlights hop-forward beers brewed within days of the hop harvest for a fleeting freshness that is best experienced on-site. Brewer tents are scattered between hop rows, so guests sip surrounded by the land where the cherished ingredient grows. Live bluegrass bands, food trucks with farm-to-table menus, and guided hop yard tours create an immersive beer experience. It’s easy to make a weekend of the event, pairing the fest with visits to nearby orchards and wineries.

Detroit Fall Beer Festival

Location: DetroitDates: October 25, 2025Years Running: 16-plus yearsBrewer Participation: 100-plus Michigan breweries, 800-plus beersTicket Info: $70; mibeer.com

Taking place at Detroit’s Eastern Market, the Detroit Fall Beer Festival brings over a hundred Michigan breweries to showcase seasonal and specialty releases, from pumpkin-spiced ales to barrel-aged stouts. The Eastern Market’s brick facades and mural-covered walls give the event a true-to-place charm, while food trucks and market vendors add layers of flavor beyond the beer. Book lodging downtown and take a rideshare — parking can be a challenge. Expect crisp fall air, the scent of smoked meats drifting between beer tents, and plenty of Detroit pride in every pour.

Oktoberfest USA

Photo: Aaron of L.A. Photography /Shutterstock

Location: La Crosse, WisconsinDates: September 25-28, 2025Years Running: Since 1961 (64th year)Brewer Participation: Multiple local and regional breweries, plus German importsTicket Info: $29.95 (free on the 28); oktoberfestusa.com

German immigrants in the mid-1800s established La Crosse’s brewing tradition, introducing lager techniques and founding landmark breweries like G. Heileman Brewing Company. In fact, German was a primary language until WWI. Their influence endures in the city’s beer culture, from historic brewing sites to the annual Oktoberfest USA. This small Mississippi River city channels its German heritage through parades, keg-tapping ceremonies, and festival grounds filled with beer halls, music stages, and brat stands. The event draws thousands who come for the camaraderie as much as the beer, with locals donning traditional attire and visitors welcomed like old friends. Between sessions, stroll the riverfront or explore the city’s historic downtown. The grand parade, with its marching bands and vintage cars, is as much a draw for some as the märzen in your stein.

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest

Photo: Roberto Galan /Shutterstock

Location: Frankenmuth, MichiganDates: September 18–21, 2025Years Running: Since 1990 (35th year)Brewer Participation: Hofbräu München and regional craft breweriesTicket Info: $10; frankenmuthfestivals.com

Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth is one of the few Oktoberfests outside Germany officially sanctioned by the city of Munich. The festival takes across the town with Bavarian music, folk dancing, and Hofbräu beer flowing from massive steins. Families and beer lovers mingle under the fest tent while polka bands entertain those on the dance floor. The town’s covered bridge and Bavarian-style shops create a picture-perfect setting, and nearby riverfront hotels make it easy to stay in the heart of the action. Arrive hungry — Frankenmuth’s famous chicken dinners pair perfectly with a crisp, malty märzen.

Breckenridge Oktoberfest

Location: Breckenridge, ColoradoDates: September 12–14, 2025Years Running: 25-plus yearsBrewer Participation: Paulaner, plus Colorado craft breweriesTicket Info: Free entrygobreck.com

Breckenridge’s Main Street transforms into a mountainside beer garden each September, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Tenmile Range. Long communal tables spill onto the street as beer flows from both German and local taps. The crisp alpine air and golden aspens make it a scenic stunner, and traditional fare like bratwurst and pretzels fuel the afternoons. And there’s no entry cost to soak in the family friendly environment. Arrive early to beat the midday crowds. The view is best with a clear sightline to the mountains.

Fredericksburg Oktoberfest

Location: Fredericksburg, TexasDates: October 3–5, 2025Years Running: 40-plus yearsBrewer Participation: German imports and Texas craft breweriesTicket Info: $15–$25; oktoberfestinfbg.com

German roots run deep in Texas Hill Country, and Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest is a vibrant testament to that heritage. Three days of beer, sausage, and music spill out into Marktplatz, the town’s central square. Here, Texas craft beers mingle with traditional Bavarian lagers, while local artisans and food vendors line the streets. The festival’s gemütlichkeit (coziness) extends beyond the beer — think long tables, friendly toasts, and small town hospitality. Lodging books up quickly, so plan early if you want to stay in one of the historic B&Bs or boutique inns.

Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Festival

Photo: Elysian

Location: Seattle, WashingtonDates: October 3–4, 2025Years Running: 20-plus yearsBrewer Participation: 60-plus pumpkin and seasonal beers from across the U.S.Ticket Info: $40–$100; elysianbrewing.com

Few festivals embrace a theme as wholeheartedly as the Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Festival. The highlight is the tapping of the Great Pumpkin itself — a massive, hollowed gourd filled with beer and served until the last drop. Brewers from across the country contribute pumpkin and pumpkin-spiced creations, from imperial stouts to tart sours. Held in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, the fest blends costume-friendly whimsy with serious brewing chops. And if you’re hesitant about the whole idea of pumpkin beers, prepare to be surprised in the best way: not all pumpkin beers are sweet and heavily spiced to the point that they’re not obviously beers at all. Elysian makes some of the best true pumpkin (as in made with pumpkin) beers in the country.

Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival

Location: Yakima, WashingtonDates: October 4, 2025Years Running: 20-plus yearsBrewer Participation: 60-plus breweries specializing in fresh hop beers, wineries, and cideriesTicket Info: $65; freshhopalefestival.com

In the heart of Washington’s hop country, Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival captures the fleeting magic of beer brewed with newly harvested hops. It couldn’t take place in a better location: The Yakima Valley is home to about 75 percent of the total US hop acreage, and accounts for over 77 percent of the country’s hop crop. Breweries from across the Pacific Northwest bring kegs of ultra-fresh creations, each brimming with grassy, resinous aromatics. The festival is held at State Fair Park, but the vibe sprawls through downtown Yakima with hop-focused talks and the unmistakable scent of the season’s harvest in the air.

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest

Location: Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaDates: Weekends, September 6 – November 8, 2025Years Running: 55 yearsBrewer Participation: German and local craft breweriesTicket Info: Price varies; https://bigbearevents.com/oktoberfest/

Big Bear Lake’s Oktoberfest differs from other festivals in that it offers two months of alpine revelry. Weekends are filled with stein-holding contests, live bands flown in from Germany, and hearty plates of schnitzel and sausages. The high-altitude setting adds a crispness to the air — and the beer — that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Snallygaster

Location: Washington, D.C.Dates: October 11, 2025Years Running: 10-plus yearsBrewer Participation: 175-plus breweries from around the worldTicket Info: $75; snallygasterdc.com

Snallygaster is a sprawling, day-long block party with one of the most ambitious beer lists in the nation. Rare imports, limited releases, and experimental one-offs line the taps, making it a pilgrimage for serious beer collectors and casual fans alike. Named after a mythical beast said to roam the Mid-Atlantic, the festival embraces a sense of fun with eclectic music acts, gourmet food vendors, and a high-energy crowd in the heart of DC.

Nashville Oktoberfest

@nashvilleoktoberfest Nashville Oktoberfest 2024 was one for the books! From delicious brews, mouthwatering food, and live music, to the adorable Dachshund Derby and Pup Parade, plus all the fun contests and amazing vendors—every moment was packed with excitement! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made it such a special weekend. Prost to an incredible time—see ya next year! #NashvilleOktoberfest #Prost2024 ♬ Bavarian Beer Barrel Polka – Aleksei Chebeliuk

Location: NashvilleDates: October 2-5Years Running: Since 1980 (45th year)Brewer Participation: German imports, Tennessee craft breweriesTicket Info: Free entry, VIP tickets from $199; thenashvilleoktoberfest.com

Nashville’s Oktoberfest sprawls across the historic Germantown neighborhood, filling the streets with beer gardens, live music, and the scent of sizzling sausages. The event combines Southern hospitality with Old World tradition, drawing over 100,000 attendees annually. Expect everything from Bavarian folk bands to local bluegrass acts, along with a 5K Bier Run for those who like to earn their pints. The proximity to downtown means you can easily add a honky-tonk nightcap after a day of beer and brats.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Location: Cincinnati, OhioDates: September 18–21, 2025Years Running: Since 1976 (49th year)Brewer Participation: Major German breweries and regional craft beerTicket Info: Free entry; oktoberfestzinzinnati.com

The largest Oktoberfest in the US, Zinzinnati is a joyful mashup of Bavarian tradition and Midwest charm. Spanning several downtown blocks, it features the world’s largest chicken dance, the whimsical Running of the Wieners dachshund race, and seemingly endless tents of beer and bratwurst. Live German music keeps the streets hopping well into the night, and local favorites like goetta sliders give the food scene a regional twist.

Redstone Arsenal Oktoberfest

Location: Huntsville, AlabamaDates: September 19–21, 2025Years Running: 28 yearsTicket Info: $15–$25; redstone.armymwr.com

This military-community Oktoberfest welcomes the public for a weekend of German beer, food, and fun at Redstone Arsenal. Highlights include carnival rides, a Ferris wheel overlooking the festival grounds, and a dedicated biergarten featuring regional breweries. The mix of family-friendly entertainment and serious beer appreciation makes it unique in the South’s festival lineup. Visitors often pair the event with a stop at Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center — a fitting reminder that Oktoberfest can be enjoyed with a side of rocket science.

More like thisHow a 500-Year-Old Law Makes German Beer What It Is Today

Lightweight Powerhouse: Gossamer Gear’s Skala 38 Ultralight Backpack Shines in Patagonia

By the time I received the Skala 38 Ultralight Backpack (by Gossamer Gear), the dear thing had big shoes to fill. I’ve never been one to splurge on fancy things, but I’ve always invested in excellent backpacks and hiking shoes—gear I could love and trust for years. My previous backpacks from Osprey, Vaude, and Samsonite endured me for years and years, since I loaded them with more weight than I should, and routinely challenged their zippers. Still, they never disappointed.

I chose the Gossamer Gear Skala 38 for two key reasons—one of them right there in the name: 1) its ultralight weight, and 2) the roll-top closure with handy pockets. I’ve now used it for months, taking it on two major adventures: a trip to Patagonia and my international move from Argentina to Spain. Here’s my take on its features and where it truly shines.

We hope you love the Gossamer Gear Skala 38 Ultralight Backpack! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.

Photo: Debbie Gonzalez Canada

Skala 38 Ultralight Backpack – Pros & Cons

Pros

Featherlight weight (578 g / 20.4 oz) for its size, making it great for air travel and long trekking days.Durable, weather-resistant fabrics (recycled Robic nylon + UHMWPE stretch mesh) handle rough use well.Adjustable roll-top closure offers flexible capacity and solid weather protection.Well-designed external pockets securely hold bottles, snacks, and essentials.Comfortable carry with perforated foam straps and removable SitLight pad.PFAS-free and eco-conscious materials appeal to sustainability-minded travelers.Packs fit in most carry-on bins when not overstuffed.

Cons

Roll-top learning curve — slower to access contents, especially items at the bottom.Minimal internal organization means packing cubes/organizers are almost essential.Temptation to overpack with roll-top can push size limits for some airlines.No full waterproof guarantee — water resistant, but not submersible.

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How light is this 38L ultralight backpack?

Like my colleague, Matador editor Tim Wenger, says, there are too many travel backpacks, so it takes a lot to be impressed by one. But the Skala 38 amazed me with how light it is: just 20.4 oz (578 g)—and it’s not a small bag. It measures 21″ (53.3 cm) to the extension collar and 29″ (73.7 cm) to the top, with a width of 11″ (27.9 cm) and depth of 6″ (15.2 cm). Between the pack body and the pockets, it can carry 38 liters, with a maximum carrying capacity of 25 pounds.

To put that in perspective: I own cotton market bags for my vegetables that weigh more than the Skala 38.

What is the Skala 38 made of?

Being so light, one may wonder what goes into the making of the backpack. The main body fabric is Riptide Ripstop 100D Recycled Robic Nylon, made from recycled materials and coated with 1500mm polyurethane for dependable water resistance. The external pockets use Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE for short) stretch mesh, advertised for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to snags and tears.

The shoulder straps feature perforated foam for comfort, and the removable SitLight pad in the back panel allows for additional cushioning (or can be used as a seat in camp). Importantly, the entire pack is PFAS-free—better for both human and environmental health.

The roll-top closure and pocketsPhoto: Debbie Gonzalez CanadaPhoto: Debbie Gonzalez CanadaPhoto: Debbie Gonzalez Canada

Scroll through the above gallery to check out the various pockets and pouches. In theory and practice, roll-top closures offer clear advantages:

Adjustable capacityBetter weather resistanceFewer failure points than zippersMore security in crowded areas

These were all reasons I chose the Skala 38, and I’ve enjoyed those benefits—but it took some getting used to (plus, I realized that I access my main compartment way more often than I thought I did). Accessing items at the bottom is trickier than with zippered designs, so I started using packing cubes and organizers—especially for quick access to health-related items.

Even the birds in Patagonia were curious about the roll-top closure. Note: no animal was harmed in the making of this article. The bird landing on the backpack was mere luck. Photo: Debbie Gonzalez Canada

Once I found my packing rhythm, the well-designed pockets became true assets. The tall side pockets, with cinch closures, easily secured my water bottle and mate thermos—something not every backpack manages well. The hipbelt pockets also proved more spacious than they look, perfect for snacks, sunscreen, and small essentials.

Travel Notes

If you’re heading out on an overnight hiking trip, note that this backpack doesn’t have multiple internal compartments—you’ll need to plan where things go. Keep frequently used items in the external pockets or near the top of the main compartment for quick retrieval.

As Gossamer Gear’s own illustrations show, the Skala 38 is rich in useful features for outdoor adventures: trekking pole attachments, a safety whistle, hydration tube routing, compression straps, and reflective details for visibility.

Graphic courtesy Gossamer Gear

For air travel, it’s worth mentioning that size can be borderline for some airlines if you overpack. The roll-top design makes it tempting to fill it tall, so I sometimes had to compress it a bit to fit under a plane seat. That said, it fitted without issue in overhead bins on a budget Argentine airline (JetSmart) and in both under-seat and overhead storage with Iberia. Even fully packed with a laptop, electronics, and several kilos of alfajores, the Skala’s ultralight build meant my shoulders and luggage scale stayed happy.

Summary

Whether I was trekking through Patagonia’s winds or boarding an international flight to Spain, the Skala 38 Ultralight Backpack delivered on its promises. Its featherlight frame never weighed me down, its durable weather-resistant materials kept my gear protected, and once I mastered the roll-top system, its pockets worked perfectly for my needs. This is a minimalist pack with maximum potential—ideal for travelers who value lightweight efficiency, adaptability, and rugged reliability. If you can embrace the roll-top learning curve, the Skala 38 is one of those bags that can take you just about anywhere.

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How to Get World Cup Tickets in 2026: Lotteries, Tips, and Dates to Know

Football’s coming home – to my second home, that is. I was born in England one month after Italia ‘90, the 1990 FIFA World Cup held in Italy. The England national team reached the semifinal, marking its best showing since it won the trophy in 1966 on home soil.

I was raised on stories of past victories. My uncle was in attendance at Goodison Park in 1966, managing to squeeze six games into 10 days. He’ll tell you all about watching Pelé and Eusébio tear up the field, if you have an afternoon to spare.

A ticket from the 1966 FIFA World Cup finals. Photo: Steve Travelguide/Shutterstock

I’m also an American citizen, having moved to the US nearly a decade ago. That’s what makes the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the US even more special for me. It’s a unique chance to sing “football’s coming home” in my adopted home, and an opportunity to follow the family tradition of stocking up on stories I can tell half a century from now.

For these reasons, and many more, I don’t just want to get tickets — I need to get tickets. Even with the possibility of dynamic pricing, I’ve learned some tricks and tips anyone else desperate to get tickets should follow. Here’s what to do to avoid unparalleled levels of FOMO next summer.

How to get World Cup tickets: win the lottery

Paper tickets from the FIFA World Cup 2018. Photo: Valery Bocman/Shutterstock

Forget the Powerball or the Euromillions. There’s only one lottery that fans of the beautiful game need to worry about: the on September 10, 2025. Fans need to sign up for a free FIFA ID (and own a Visa credit card) to enter.

The first “blind” lottery phase is open from September 10–19, giving fans the chance to register interest, with one million people selected to purchase tickets in early October. FIFA expects around 6.5 million fans to be in attendance across the tournament, which means these early-bird tickets account for about 15 percent of the total available. Entering this lottery gives fans early access, a chance at better seats, and less panic when next summer rolls around. But you won’t know at this stage which teams you’re buying tickets for.

Photo: Ahyan Stock Studios/Shutterstock

The next confirmed date of note for anyone wondering how to get FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets is December 5, 2025, for a draw held in Las Vegas. On this date, the 48 qualified teams will find out their group stage opponents. After this, FIFA will open general (non-lottery) sales in waves. These will be first-come, first-served, but only for the remaining inventory after lottery winners have claimed their seats. If this World Cup follows the lead of the last one in Qatar, fans will have a chance to get their hands on more tickets after the December event, likely open to anyone with a FIFA ID. There will likely be additional waves closer to the tournament.

For general post-lottery sales, no specific dates or prices have yet been announced. This is when dynamic pricing comes into play, which means ticket prices fluctuate in real-time based on popularity. FIFA trialled dynamic pricing at the Club World Cup, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino calling it one of the best things he’s learned in the United States. Dynamic pricing led to last-minute tickets for the semifinal dropping as low as $13.40. But the World Cup will be way more popular than the Club World Cup. Ultimately, dynamic pricing could lead to a much higher price for tickets, especially in popular host cities and knockout phase tickets, favoring wealthy fans over everybody else.

If you’ve got a big network of people who understand your passion for soccer, it might be tempting to get them all to sign up for the lottery phases. But, it’s essential to know that “Main Applicant tickets” are non‑transferable. While the three additional guest tickets applicants can buy are transferrable and can be sent to a guest via the , those seats are assigned next to each other. So make sure anyone you get to buy tickets is both available, and a person you can stand to be seated next to for an entire match.

Hospitality tickets with On Location

 

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Just like the 48 teams that will have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, it takes both skill and luck to come out on top. So the only surefire way to snag tickets to avoid the heartache of lotteries and dynamic pricing is by buying hospitality tickets. I spoke with Alicia Falken, General Manager for FIFA World Cup 2026 at On Location, the tournament’s official hospitality company, about its higher-end World Cup offerings.

“This is the only place where you can guarantee access to the World Cup now, the official hospitality provider,” she shared. It’s expensive, but for soccer fans, it may be worth it. According to Falken, entry-level packages start at just over $1,400 per ticket. That includes seats, as well as access to the stadium’s FIFA hospitality pavilion before, during, and after the match.

This price doesn’t just get you seats for a game, but access to a dedicated community in the pavilion. It’s all about building the local vibe, which is especially exciting for newcomers to cities they’ve never visited before, or may not have visited, were it not hosting a match. Falken says hospitality ticket holders have access to quite a few additional perks in the FIFA Pavilions. That includes “food and drink before and after the match, regional street food with locally grown ingredients, local vendors, and local floral species, which has a sustainability aspect, too.”

Of course, that’s for the basic packages. On Location has provided similar offerings for some of the world’s biggest events, including the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, the Olympics, and Coachella, and the top packages go way beyond just access to local bites.

Buying hospitality tickets is the only way to get guaranteed seats as of now, before the World Cup ticket lotteries open. Photo: ralexa19/Shutterstock

“You can get a private suite, which creates that exclusive, continuous service,” she says, “or the highest-end lounge product, with craft cocktails [and] curated culinary experiences.” The most luxurious package is the Platinum Access Package, with everything from memorable keepsakes to five-star accommodations and dinners with sports legends.

Hospitality package tickets are already on sale, and according to Falken, have seen more interest than any other event in the company’s history. “There’s going to be tremendous demand for this event,” she says, noting that it already surpassed the demand throughout the entirety of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

With the World Cup draw still months away, people buying a hospitality package now are going in blind, not knowing what teams they’ll be seeing. But Falkenƒ doesn’t see this as a missed opportunity. She sees it as a unique one.

“I like to have life experiences, see new places, and experience new things, and maybe see something that I haven’t seen before, whether it be a place or teams,” she says. “It makes it a bit of an adventure.”

Is scalping worth it?

Photo: Motortion Films/Shutterstock

There is another way of getting tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 that isn’t available on any sites: scalping. If you’re planning on showing up on match day to buy tickets outside the stadium, be warned that FIFA has banned unauthorized resale of tickets, and tickets are technically non-transferable. While you may be lucky and find somebody who has an extra guest ticket and needs a friend for the day, security at the World Cup is going to be very stringent, scams will be in full force, and you could end up with an empty wallet and a ban from future FIFA events if it doesn’t go your way.

Soccer in the US has come a long way since the last time the country hosted the World Cup back in 1994, when I was just four years old. World Cup USA ’94 still holds the record for the largest attendance of any FIFA World Cup, when 3,587,538 spectators attended 52 matches.

But the 2026 World Cup is expected to smash these numbers. That’s partially because there will be twice as many games, and twice as many chances for fans like myself to get our hands on tickets. Whether I land a lottery ticket, or end up taking out a loan for a hospitality experience, I’m already counting down the days until the tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026.

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This North Carolina Airbnb Has a Private 60-Foot-Tall Waterfall Slide

On a forested slope in the Nantahala National Forest, just outside Franklin, North Carolina, a five-bedroom mountain retreat sits so close to its own 60-foot waterfall that the decks catch its spray. The drop ends in a granite pool — and, if you’re game, the rock is slick enough to slide. The four-season retreat is bookable on Airbnb for groups of up to 20 but it makes an especially stunning escape in the fall.

We hope you love the Airbnb we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Photo: Caleb Jones

The property, called Kindling Falls, is set on two wooded acres about 20 minutes from Franklin and less than an hour from the Georgia border. Highlands is 12 miles away, and Cashiers is 15 — both mountain towns with restaurants, coffee shops, and trailheads — but the draw here is staying put, because if there’s been rainfall, it’s likely you’ll hear the water crashing as soon as you open the car door.

Photo: Caleb JonesPhoto: Caleb JonesPhoto: Caleb Jones

See more photosLocation: Just outside Franklin, North Carolina, in the Nantahala National Forest; minutes from gem mining, the Little Tennessee River Greenway, Wayah Bald, and within a short drive of Highlands and CashiersWho is this Airbnb for? Families, multi-gen crews, big friend groups, or bachelor/ette parties who want a mountain getaway with a built-in waterfall slideCapacity: Five bedrooms, five baths, sleeps up to 20 guestsStandout amenities: Slide-able 60-ft waterfall, granite plunge pool, stream-island fire pit, indoor waterfall and 10-person hot tub, decks built over water, two-story den fireplaceWhat reviews say: A Guest Favourite on Airbnb with wall-to-wall five-star ratings, often described as “an unforgettable experience” and “a home away from home.”

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The private waterfall is 60 feet high, and you can slide from the smooth rock face into the deep granite pool at its base, then climb back up for another go. If the weather’s cool, don’t let that put you off — you can take a brisk plunge at the bottom, followed by a soak in the spa room’s 10-person hot tub, where another waterfall pours into the steamy water.

Photo: Caleb Jones

This region of the US is one of the best places in the country for leaf peeping, with elevations that stagger the color change over several weeks. In October, the slopes around the house shift to red, orange, and yellow as the hardwoods in the Nantahala National Forest turn.

Photo: Caleb Jones

The change starts early in the month on the higher ridges near Highlands and Cashiers, then works its way down toward Franklin by late October — so you might even see different stages of color from the windows over the course of a stay.

Photo: Caleb JonesPhoto: Caleb Jones

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There are five bedrooms, and each one opens to a deck over the water. One suite has two fireplaces and a private perch facing the falls; another sits steps from the riverbank. The bunk room offers two queens and two twins — perfect for kids, or whoever pulls the short straw.

Photo: Caleb Jones

The main room has a stone fireplace and expansive windows looking out over the river. As mentioned, there are places to eat within a 15-minute drive, but if you want to prepare meals at home, the kitchen has a six-burner gas stove and stainless-steel appliances, and there’s an outdoor grill near the falls. When the sun sets, you can stroll over a wooden footbridge to a small island for s’mores at the bonfire.

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Where to Play, Eat, and Stay on an Inclusive and Sustainable Trip to Berlin

Berlin’s history is layered, and those layers reveal themselves in the city’s architecture, from Prussian palaces to postwar plazas and futuristic museums. What surprised me most during my recent trip wasn’t just how much there is to see but how effortlessly accessible it felt. Wide sidewalks, barrier-free exhibits, and conversations about sustainability were just part of the rhythm of the week.

In a city that constantly reinvents itself, it’s comforting to know that inclusivity and eco-consciousness aren’t just passing trends but quiet constants. I spent my trip exploring modern art at the Berlinische Galerie, standing on the rooftop of the Humboldt Forum watching the city breathe below, and day-tripping to a former mining site that’s become a nature escape. If you only have a short time in Berlin, here’s how to make your trip count — consciously.

Things to do in Berlin and beyond

Humboldt Forum

Photo: Mirko Kuzmanovic/Shutterstock

Start your sightseeing tour with one of Berlin’s biggest statement pieces: the Humboldt Forum, which bills itself as “an inclusive forum for culture and science.” Housed in the reconstructed Berlin Palace in the city’s central Mitte district, this massive space blends history, culture, and global perspectives under one roof, with exhibitions ranging from colonial legacies to contemporary design. The building is fully accessible, with tactile exhibits for low-vision visitors, wide corridors, and elevators to every floor. Plans are also in place to add trees and build out the green spaces around Schlossplatz square to help combat climate change. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace to get a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings when you visit the Humboldt Forum.

Humboldt Forum: Schloßpl. 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Futurium

Photo: 360B/Shutterstock

Set along the Spree River between Berlin Hauptbahnhof (the city’s central railway) and the Reichstag (the seat of the German parliament), the Futurium is a bright, barrier-free building that’s part science museum and part interactive playground. With hands-on exhibits about climate, mobility, and inclusive design, it’s proof that Berlin is a place to imagine sustainable futures and a must-visit if you’re curious about what’s next for like-minded cities. The building itself is a prime example of sustainability — designed with solar panels, rainwater cooling, and innovative heat-storage systems — as well as accessibility, while the three “thinking spaces” inside explore questions and ideas related to humans, nature, and technology, respectively.

Futurium: Alexanderufer 2, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Berlinische Galerie

Photo: Peeradontax/Shutterstock

The Berlinische Galerie, set between Mitte and arty Kreuzberg in a former glass warehouse, is a modern art museum with a mission to spotlight work made in the city. One thing I appreciated was how the museum felt personal and not overwhelming, with an easy-to-navigate layout, welcoming staff, and artists that are bound to intrigue. The museum focuses on modern art, photography, and architecture, spanning movements such as Dada, New Objectivity, and Eastern European avant-garde. Tactile models and tactile-floor guidance, audio descriptions, mobile seating, and German Sign Language tours ensure that everyone has access to the museum’s works, while the public art installations outside connect the museum with the wider neighborhood and community.

Berlinische Galerie: Alte Jakobstraße 124-128, 10969 Berlin, Germany

Lake Senftenberg

Photo: Alexander Fotolab/Shutterstock

Just a couple of hours south of Berlin, Senftenberg offers a complete shift of pace. What used to be a lignite (a type of coal) mining site has been transformed into an eco-conscious lakeside retreat surrounded by pine forests and walking trails. Lake Senftenberg’s gently sloping beach is great for swimmers, while a flat, paved, 11-mile loop trail is there to take walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, and others past marinas, viewpoints, and accessible rest stops. Other possible activities include sailing, windsurfing, fishing, diving, and sunset boat tours (and, yes, there are ramps, boat lifts, and other accessible features). The best part? Getting there is easy, with direct trains from Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Ostbahnhof.

Where to eat in Berlin

Kanaan

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This cozy, colorful restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg — one of Berlin’s trendy neighborhoods — is a beautiful blend of Middle Eastern and European flavors, co-founded by a Palestinian chef and his Israeli business partner. The shared-plate menu invites conversation, and the crowd reflects Berlin’s diversity. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just there for the hummus, there’s something here for everyone — think vegan shawarma, crispy cauliflower with green tahini, stuffed onions with Egyptian rice, and chocolate-cardamom mousse for dessert. The interior is accessible, and the vibe is warm and inclusive.

Kanaan: Schliemannstraße 15, 10437 Berlin, Germany

Fischer & Lustig

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Located in the historic Nikolaiviertel district, Fischer & Lustig feels like Berlin’s version of a home kitchen, with an emphasis on regional cooking and seasonal ingredients. The menu celebrates traditional German cuisine with a modern touch, from fresh fish dishes to tender braised meats and garden vegetables. Set in a charming courtyard under old trees, it’s relaxed, accessible, and ideal for slow, soulful dinners after a day of exploring the city.

Fischer & Lustig: Poststraße 26, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Der Hofladen

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Tucked inside the historic Arminius Market Hall in Moabit, a locality within the greater Mitte district, Der Hofladen serves up regional comfort food with a relaxed, community feel. The space is open and accessible, with high ceilings, warm lighting, and the occasional piano performance in the background. Dishes lean hearty and homey, such as schnitzel and seasonal soups, with thoughtful options for both meat eaters and vegetarians. It’s the kind of place where locals linger over lunch, and travelers feel instantly at home.

Der Hofladen: Arminiumarkthalle, Arminiusstraße 2-4, 10551 Berlin, Germany

Where to stay in Berlin

Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie

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Centrally located but blissfully quiet, Adina Hotel makes an ideal home base. The apartment-style rooms give you extra space to spread out, whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, and the small kitchenettes are a nice touch for longer stays — plus, having the amenities to cook can encourage you to travel more sustainably and consciously by reducing food waste, single-use plastics, and the carbon footprint associated with eating out. The building has elevators, accessible room options, and a 24-hour front desk. You’re walking distance from museums, restaurants, and U-Bahn stations, but you can retreat to calm as soon as you’re ready.

Adina Apartment Hotel: Krausenstraße 35-36, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Lusatian Lakeland Guesthouse

If you extended your trip to relax by the water, consider booking a stay near Lake Senftenberg. Many of the lodges and guesthouses here are eco-conscious and designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wide walkways, flat entries, and close proximity to the beach and walking trails. Lusatian Lakeland Guesthouse, for example, is the kind of place where the only noise is wind through the trees, and maybe a dog splashing in the lake.

Getting around Berlin

Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock

Berlin is an easy city to navigate, with an integrated public transit network, including the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (rail), buses, and trams. Berlin’s public transport system has a good reputation for accessibility, with many stations equipped with elevators, tactile floor guidance, and staff-assisted boarding ramps and lifts.

Berlin is also an easy city to get around sustainably, particularly owing to its bike infrastructure: dedicated lanes, greenways, bike-share services, and more. Walking is another great way to cover shorter distances, thanks to Berlin’s flat, smooth streets.

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