I’ve always wanted to explore the East Coast in November, when the autumn colors are at their peak and the crowds start to thin out. So, this year, I finally made it happen. I started planning a few months in advance, because, you know, November is still a pretty popular time for travel, especially if you want to catch those beautiful fall colors.
First thing I did was decide on a general route. I knew I wanted to focus on coastal areas, with a mix of nature and charming towns. After a bit of looking, I settled on a trip starting in Maine and working my way down to some nice beaches.
Booking accommodations was next. I opted for a mix of cozy inns and maybe a slightly bigger hotel for one of the nights. And for some places I booked way in advance to lock in those good prices.
Then came the fun part – planning the itinerary! I researched specific spots, like Acadia National Park in Maine, which I’d heard was stunning in the fall. I also looked up some coastal towns, like Bar Harbor, that promised great views and maybe some end-of-season seafood deals.
When November finally rolled around, I was so pumped. I packed my bags with warm layers, good walking shoes, and of course, my camera. The drive up to Maine was a bit long, but the scenery was worth it. Once I got there, I made a point to get to Acadia National Park early in the day to beat any potential crowds.
- The park was gorgeous. The leaves were all shades of red, orange, and yellow. I hiked a few of the easier trails, nothing too crazy, but the views were something else.
- I drove along Park Loop Road, stopping at scenic overlooks to take photos and just soak it all in. The air was crisp and cool – perfect fall weather.
- After spending a couple of days exploring the park, I headed over to Bar Harbor. It’s a cute little town right by the water. I walked around, checked out some local shops, and even grabbed a lobster roll.
Acadia National Park
- I’ve always been curious about Halifax, so I decided to add it to the trip. It was a bit of a detour, but I figured, why not? Getting there involved a ferry ride, which was a cool experience in itself.
- Halifax has a really nice waterfront area. I spent an afternoon just walking along the harbor, watching the boats, and popping into a few pubs.
- I also visited the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, which had some interesting history and great views of the city.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
After Halifax, I started making my way back down the coast. I stopped at a few beaches along the way, and even though it was a bit chilly, it was nice to walk along the sand and listen to the waves.
By the end of the trip, I was pretty tired, but it was such a good kind of tired. I had a ton of photos, some great memories, and a real appreciation for the beauty of the East Coast in the fall.
All in all, it was a fantastic trip, and just what I was looking for. It’s crazy how many people were also out there, seems like it’s getting more popular each year. I even heard some folks talking about booking for next year already. It seems like people from all over are catching on. Definitely going to be planning my next one soon!
