The fall family getaways you’ll want to book before everyone else

There’s just something uniquely special about a fall getaway. Cozy sweaters and roaring fires. Apple picking and cider sipping. Spooky stories and haunted sites. Colorful leaves on the trees and a certain crispness in the air. The weather’s ideal for spending lots of time outdoors, and it’s "shoulder season" in a lot of places, which means fewer crowds and lower prices.

Of course, the kids have also gone back to school, so as a family you might have more limited time for autumn vacations. But I’ve rounded up good ideas for both quick weekend getaways and longer trips if you have more flexibility or some days off from school on the fall calendar. Here are my top recommendations for fall family vacation spots this year.

CRISP AIR, COZY NIGHTS: The best fall foliage getaways in New England

Every fall, leaf peepers flock to Skyline Drive to admire Shenandoah National Park’s colorful foliage. But even if you don’t want to join the crowds on the scenic byway, Virginia’s Shenandoah County still holds plenty of appeal for a fall family vacation. There are many ways to admire the region’s autumnal splendor, from crossing the swinging bridge at Seven Bends State Park to…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/travel/