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Now that the summer season is officially coming to an end, it’s time to put away those summer travel memories and make plans for a fall trip.
While many of us are back to work and school, fall is the time to plan getaways closer to home, allowing you to maximize a long weekend and save those precious vacation days for a longer trip.
Luckily, cities and states across the US are gearing up for their biggest show-off moment.
Fall is a unique time across the country as foliage wanders the landscape, the air begins to cool, and many enjoy their Pumpkin Spice Latte (or pumpkin beer) before a football game.
While classic destinations like New York, Seattle, and Boston are great fall options, it’s no secret that these are more expensive choices.
Luckily for us, there’s no shortage of smaller and underrated towns across the country that also make for a great fall getaway without breaking the bank.
Here’s why these 5 US cities are perfect for a cheap fall vacation:
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is Western New York’s favorite city for a getaway, and in the fall the up-and-coming city of Buffalo really comes to life. Blame it on Bills mania, or the many Oktoberfests taking place across the region, but cheap activities in Buffalo are ripe for the (apple or pumpkin) picking in the fall.
With such close proximity to the world-famous Niagara Falls, there is no shortage of places to stay in the Buffalo area on a budget. Be sure to visit the Ellicottville area and ride the chairlift for the best views of the foliage for about $12 per person.
And while catching a Buffalo Bills game may not be in the budget, tailgating is an inexpensive way to soak up the atmosphere for a fraction of the price. Take a cab to the stadium and party with the fans, then head to a fan-favorite Bills bar to catch the game.
@stoneymama Things to do in Buffalo, Ny. The perfect place to visit during autumn 🍂 #fyp #restiktok #foodietiktok #buffalo #New York ♬ Holiday – dirty heads
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland is a very underrated city, and while the main attractions here, such as the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, are not free for out-of-town visitors, there are many things to do here that don’t cost anything.
One thing Cleveland is known for is the many parks and trails throughout the city, which also offer free views and exercise. Without leaving town, you can explore the beloved Towpath Trail, which stretches over 100 miles.
You can also check the Crocker Park events calendar for free concerts or check out the Cleveland Public Theater’s free shows. Recently named one of the best free attractions in America, the Cleveland Museum of Art is always free and definitely worth a visit.
For cheap eats, head to Cleveland’s historic Public Market, where everything from artisanal olives to homemade desserts is offered for a fraction of what a sit-down meal would cost. Don’t forget to check out the area’s impressive street art once you’ve finished browsing the market.
Insider tip: Even if you’re not a big baseball fan, check out the Cleveland Guardians schedule for one of their cheap games. Pitches can be purchased for just $7, and the atmosphere can’t be beat.
@clevemetroparken 🍂🍁 #clevelandmetroparks #findyourpath #fallincleveland #fall #autumn colours #autumnwalks #bedforreservation #tinkerscreek #landscapeoverview ♬ IDK YOU STILL COVER – Bertie Newman
Milwaukee, WI
While Chicago may be the better-known city on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee deserves consideration for a fall trip for many reasons. Cheaper, smaller and quirkier than its better-known neighbor, Milwaukee is home to the Bronze Fonz, Pabst Blue Ribbon and the Harley Davidson Museum.
Accommodation won’t cost much here, and Airbnbs in the more eclectic neighborhoods may offer a chance to see the city as the locals do, at a fraction of the price of a downtown hotel.
Be sure to explore the historic Third Quarter, the Riverwalk, the Public Market, and the Basilica of St. Josaphat. For the low price of $10, you can take a tour of the historic Miller Brewery, with samples along the way.
And if you’re flying from Chicago or just want to add it as an extra stop to your trip, take the Amtrak which runs several times a day for about $30.
@visitmilwaukee One more month until fall in Milwaukee 😍🍁 #visitmilwaukee #milwaukee #mke #fall #autumn #fallinthecity #cozy #travelbucketlist ♬ September (instrumental) – Sparky Deathcap
Pittsburgh, Pa
Pennsylvania’s Steel City is iconic in many ways, with the endless bridges crossing the three rivers, the stadiums showcasing the skyline in the background, and the locals showing off their unique food and drink scene (Anyone have a pickle-back? ).
Pittsburgh explodes in a riot of color in the fall, and the hills surrounding the city showcase nature at its best. Budget activities you can do here include hiking at the popular McConnells Mill State Park or Ohiopyle State Park. Not to mention it’s spooky season in this historic, factory-filled city, with plenty of ghost tours, ghost walks and attractions to experience.
Pittsburgh also has an impressive number of festivals that take place in the fall, most of which offer free or cheap admission and inexpensive ways to sample local food and drinks.
@visitpittsburgh 10 Things to Do in October in Pittsburgh ~ Check out our full calendar of events at visitpittsburgh.com #lovePGH #aloneinpittsburgh #pittsburgh #restiktok #fall ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
Burlington, Vermont
The trendy town of Stowe may be Vermont’s premier town in the fall, but it would be a mistake to miss the opportunity to visit Burlington this time of year.
Burlington is magical in any weather, but the small college town on the imposing shores of Lake Champlain is the perfect backdrop for a cheap fall getaway. While hotels may be a bit on the pricey side, finding an Airbnb slightly outside the city (with more nature to enjoy) can save you some money.
Coffee shops take pride of place here, and hanging out and people watching over a steaming cup is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon. Being a student town, there is also live music almost every night, with free or cheap entertainment.
If you’re looking for something more active, rent a kayak for a low price and paddle along the coast for epic views of the Adirondack mountains.
@rachelslookbook 📍Vermont Has the best trip in October 🍁 🍂 #Vermont #vermonttiktok #burlingtonvt #brattleboro #brattleborovt #fall #fallmoments ♬ where is my love – audio for edits
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
