Peak fall foliage is on the way, and cooler temperatures make it the perfect time for scenic sightseeing and outdoor fun. From leaf-peeping excursions to cozy wineries, here are a few autumn activities to add to your calendar.
Cozy up at a winery
1500 Crenshaw Rd.,Upperville, VA; 13334 Crimson Ln., Linden, VA; 15700 Darnestown Rd., Darnestown, MD
Spend quality time with friends gathered around one of Windridge Vineyards’ outdoor gas or wood-burning fire pits with a glass of wine in hand (ongoing Wed-Sun, $35 reservation fee for up to eight people on Fri-Sun, free reservation Wed-Thurs). In Virginia’s wine country, there’s stargazing beneath the autumn sky at Crimson Lane (November 1, $45) and special guided tastings with airy views at family-owned Slater Run Vineyards (October 25, November 21, $65+).
Spend the day at a fall festival
15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, VA
Munch on tasty apple cider doughnuts and kettle corn in between joyrides down family-friendly slides at Cox Farms Fall Festival. There are hayrides, a corn maze to explore, and tractors to check out at the museum (select dates through November 8, $15+, free for ages younger than 2).
Take a scenic train ride
415 Bridge St., Staunton, VA; 105 Church Ave., Louisa, VA
Virginia Scenic Railway takes leaf-peeping experiences to the next level. Choose between four train excursions to spot colorful trees as you journey through destinations such as historic Staunton, the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and more. Tickets for these popular rides are selling out fast, but there are a few seats remaining and waitlist reservations available (Thurs-Sun through November 15, $70+ ).
Raise a glass of cider
18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA
Satisfy your taste buds with small-batch pours of Virginia hard ciders during LoCo Cider Fest at Great Country Farms. In addition to the tasting, visitors can catch glimpses of the Blue Ridge Mountains, listen to live music, play lawn games, watch apple cider pressing demos, and children can zoom down a giant slide (November 14, $40+ for adults, $15+ for kids).
Hike through nature
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and education, then this history hike is a cool option. Join DC Design Tours for a four-mile walk through Rock Creek Park’s photo-worthy sites and eye-popping fall leaves. You’ll visit the rustic Boulder Bridge, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Peirce-Klingle Mansion, and more (October 25, November 9, 22, $38 for adults, $25 for ages 5 to 12 years old, $275 for private tours).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
