Fall is my favorite time of the year. The busy travel season is over. The hot weather has gone. And it’s time to pull out that favorite jacket. It’s the perfect time for a getaway. So here are my recommendations for 5 fantastic places to visit in November.
5 Places to Visit in November
1. Plymouth, Massachusetts
Number one on my list of places to visit in November is Plymouth, Massachusetts. There is something extra special about visiting the site of the first Thanksgiving at this time of year.
An absolute must-see is Plymouth Rock. It’s hard to put yourself in their shoes. Think about the Pilgrims (many of whom died). What was it like for them to travel to and start a new life in America? And what was it like for the people who already lived here?
I also highly recommend touring Plimoth Patuxet Museums. This museum tells the story of the Plymouth colony and the indigenous people in the area. Visitors can experience recreations of English and native villages, the Mayflower, and a grist mill.
It’s also possible to eat Thanksgiving dinner at the museum! Thanksgiving at Plymouth – how cool is that?!
Check out these articles: Plimoth Patuxet Museums and Thanksgiving in Plymouth
2. Branson, Missouri
November is the start of the Christmas season in Branson. And this town in southern Missouri knows how to celebrate!
Visitors can choose from an endless number of Christmas shows and attractions. Shows in Branson are intended for a family audience. So kids and grandparents alike will be entertained by the merriment. This year we have tickets to the Miracle of Christmas at the Sights and Sounds Theater.
My favorite place to experience the holidays in Branson is Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City pulls out all the stops for Christmas. The park is dripping with Christmas lights! Between the parade, the rides, the shows, and the seasonal food, you cannot help but be in the Christmas spirit after visiting this park.
3. Ozark-St Francis National Forests in Arkansas
If you like outdoor recreation, the Ozark-St Francis National Forest is the place to be! Whether you hunt, fish, hike, camp, boat, ride bikes, or horses, every adventurer will love the views! They are fabulous!
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains is the Buffalo National River, America’s first national river. The Buffalo River flows unimpeded for 135 miles! Relaxing by the Buffalo is the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon.
The weather this time of year is ideal for hiking. Early November in the Ozarks is still leaf season. So there is no better way to drink in the fall foliage than exploring the area’s most popular trail, Whitaker Point! (Check out Whitaker Point Trail.)
Did you know that you can also seek Elk in the Ozarks? The Arkansas Elk herd roams near Ponca, and you can typically see the herd by traveling along Highway 43.
4. Moab, Utah
I love Moab! From this eastern Utah town, travelers can experience Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, the Colorado River, and some of the country’s most adrenaline-inducing off-roading.
Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who has discovered the awesomeness of Moab. If you’re a fan of the national parks, you’ve probably seen pictures of overcrowded parking lots and lines of cars waiting to pass through the gates. And that’s NOT awesome!
The good news is that you can experience Moab’s otherworldly terrain with lower crowds by visiting in November (except Thanksgiving). Also, the cooler weather makes that hike up to Delicate Arch much more pleasant!
5. Washington DC
The nation’s capital has so much to see and do that it is always a good choice for a getaway. But, there are times of the year when it is more enjoyable than others
Unfortunately, the District of Columbia can be hot and humid (not to mention crowded). The good news is that a well-timed trip to DC means you can skip the unpleasantness and focus on the fabulous.
If you go early in the month, you might get lucky and enjoy some fall foliage. The monuments are even more striking when framed by the colors of autumn.
Fall travel is the best! The weather is fantastic, and the crowds fade away. There are so many incredible places to visit in November! So what are you waiting for? Book something now!
