I know we just got back to school, but I can’t be the only one already thinking about fall break, right?
Spring break has the reputation of being a time when most college students plan fun and adventurous trips with their friends across the U.S. Though, I wonder why fall break doesn’t have the same reputation. Well, I am here to change that. It may be a little late to start planning your fall break trip now (although a last-minute trip is always wonderfully exciting), but hopefully I can provide you with some inspiration to help you get a headstart on planning for next year’s spooky season retreat.
The following list I composed consists of three spooktacular destinations within a one to five hour driving distance from Monmouth County. Now, without further ado, here are my top three semi-local bucket list destinations for a fall getaway:
Salem, Massachusetts: You know I couldn’t make a fall break destination list without including the iconic center of the 17th century witch trials, Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is about a five hour drive from Monmouth County, but trust me, a weekend getaway there is so worth it.
Cozy rooms at The Coach House or the Hawthorn Hotel transport guests into a charming and uniquely witchy realm.
If you love the film “Hocus Pocus,” you can visit the places where the movie was actually filmed, such as Alison’s mansion, the school, and the town hall.
But, if you’re not into make-believe and are more of a history buff, you can visit the infamous Witch House Salem. This structure was home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, who is widely known for his participation as a judge in the Salem Witch Trials.
“Through examination of family life, architecture and furniture of the seventeenth century, visitors gain a deeper comprehension of the people involved in the Witch Trials and an enriched understanding of America’s colonial heritage,” reads the Witch House official website.
Other activities at Salem include spooky-themed gift stores, restaurants with unique cuisine and drinks (like a Lobstertini at The Lobster Shanty), ghost tours, sunset sails, and so much more!
Hudson Valley, New York: The Hudson Valley is a great place to spend your fall vacation with its vibrant foliage and diverse activities. The Hudson Valley is pretty big, as it includes the counties of Albany, Orange, Dutchess, Saratoga, Westchester, Rockland, and even more.
Further, depending on where exactly you go here, the drive from Monmouth County could be anywhere from two to four hours.
Albany’s annual All-Hallow E’en Festival is guaranteed fun for all fall lovers. They hold a variety of events throughout the fall from thrilling haunts to family-friendly retreats. If you love flea markets, you should definitely check out The Albany Twilight Market which features vendors whose specialities range from tarot reading to taxidermy. The Hounds of Halloween, taking place this year on Oct. 19, features trick-or-treating for pups of all sizes and breeds.
Lastly, Albany is home to some very haunted places including Historic Cherry Hill and Washington Park where you can participate in a self-guided tour. More information about these events can be found on Albany.org.
Other counties apart of the Hudson Valley, including Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster, have so many adorable (and instagramable) farms open to visitors. From apple or pumpkin picking at Meadowbrook Farm Market to wine tasting at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, there truly is something for everyone.
Of course we cannot forget that Westchester County’s Sleepy Hollow was the setting of Washington Irving’s classic “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Inspired by the tale, The Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses, located in Ulster County, feature 13 terrifying attractions including a hayride, walking trails, mazes, and haunted houses. I have personally experienced the thrills at Headless Horseman and trust me, it is intense. If you want something slightly more tame, but still pretty scary, Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion in Dutchess County is also a great option.
As you can see, there is so much to do in the scenic Hudson Valley I could write a whole article just about this area! The best part is, because of the size of the area, you can choose to spend all your time in one spot, or do a mini road trip across all the different counties.
Historic Smithville, New Jersey: Historic Smithville, NJ is about an hour from Monmouth County, just outside of Atlantic City. This cozy town is home to over 50 gift shops, a number of restaurants, and has tons of fun activities.
Rooms at the Colonial Inn Bed and Breakfast offer comfortable lodging and beautiful views of the town’s natural flora and fauna. After a good night’s rest, you can spend your day in a paddle boat on Lake Meone, riding the Smithville train, or gaming at old-school arcades.
With 50 shops to choose from, you can definitely spend your entire day shopping as well. Some fun shops to visit include: Castle in the Air, a boutique that features unique home decor and trinkets; Candle Shoppe, obviously specializing in the best scented candles; The Honey Pot, which sells fresh honey from local New Jersey Farms; and Indulgence Home, Bath & Beyond, which carries handcrafted skincare items from bubble bars to bath bombs.
The town also hosts annual fall events such as Oktoberfest, Irish Festival, a Costume Pet Parade, a Corvette Show, Monster Bash, and Witches’ Day. In my opinion, the Monster Bash appears to be the most fun, with live music, costume contests, various vendors, and more. Further details for all these events can be found on Historic Smithville’s official website.
I hope you enjoyed my carefully crafted list of must-visit fall destinations. But remember, even if you can’t travel this break, spending your long weekend reading a good book on your back porch while sipping a pumpkin spice latte is equally as enjoyable.
