The crisp air, golden leaves, and rich, hearty flavors make fall the perfect time to plan a culinary adventure. Whether you’re apple-picking in charming orchards or sipping wine in vineyard-covered valleys, these ten travel destinations promise unforgettable food experiences that celebrate the bounty of the season.

1. Apple-Picking in New England

Where: Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire
Fall in New England means vibrant foliage and endless apple orchards. Visit family-run farms offering apple-picking, cider doughnuts, and fresh-pressed apple cider. Don’t forget to stop by farm-to-table restaurants featuring seasonal menus brimming with autumn flavors.

2. Wine-Tasting in Napa Valley, California

Where: Napa Valley, Sonoma County
Fall is harvest season in Napa Valley, making it one of the best times to visit California’s wine country. As the vineyards glow in rich shades of red and gold, enjoy harvest festivals, grape-stomping events, and food pairings at some of the world’s finest wineries.

  • Helpful Link: Napa Valley Harvest Events
  • Must-Try: A glass of crisp Chardonnay or a bold Cabernet paired with farm-to-table fare at a vineyard restaurant. Make sure to walk around the tasting rooms & shops of downtown Yountville.

3. Pumpkin Festival in Keene, New Hampshire

Where: Keene, New Hampshire
Celebrate the pumpkin harvest at the Keene Pumpkin Festival, where thousands of pumpkins light up the town. Besides the glowing jack-o’-lanterns, you’ll find pumpkin-flavored treats like pumpkin soup, spiced pumpkin lattes, and more. Pair your experience with a trip to a local farm offering pumpkin picking and fresh baked goods.

  • Helpful Link: Keene Pumpkin Festival
  • Must-Try: Pumpkin whoopie pies and roasted pumpkin seeds.

4. Cheese and Cider Trails in Vermont

Where: Champlain Valley, Vermont
Fall is the perfect time to explore Vermont’s famed cheese and cider trails. Drive through scenic landscapes as you stop at artisanal cheese producers and cider houses. Sample sharp Vermont cheddar, tangy cider, and local charcuterie—all while soaking in the fiery fall colors.

5. Sonoma County Harvest Fair, California

Where: Santa Rosa, California
This annual event is the ultimate celebration of harvest season in California’s wine country. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair offers wine tastings, chef demonstrations, and a grand harvest awards competition. Sample local wines, fresh produce, and delicious bites from local chefs.

6. Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, Washington

Where: Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian-themed town hosts one of the most charming Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. With beer gardens, live music, and German food stands, you can feast on bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut while enjoying the mountain backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.

7. Farm-to-Table Experiences in Asheville, North Carolina

Where: Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville’s food scene is known for its farm-to-table ethos, making it a top destination for food lovers in the fall. Many local restaurants source their ingredients from nearby farms, offering dishes that celebrate the season’s best. Combine your meal with a visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains for leaf-peeping adventures.

8. Finger Lakes Wine & Harvest Festival, New York

Where: Finger Lakes Region, New York
Known for its stunning lakes and wine production, the Finger Lakes region comes alive in the fall with harvest festivals that celebrate wine, apples, and local produce. Visit local wineries and enjoy farm-to-table feasts at cozy inns.

  • Helpful Link: Finger Lakes Wine Festival
  • Must-Try: Riesling from the region paired with apple-based dishes like apple chutney or pies.

9. Charleston, South Carolina’s Lowcountry Food Festival

Where: Charleston, South Carolina
Experience the flavors of the South during Charleston’s Lowcountry Food Festival, held each fall. Celebrate southern cuisine with dishes like shrimp and grits, boiled peanuts, and pecan pie. Attend chef-led cooking demos, oyster roasts, and farm tours to get a full taste of the local food scene.

10. New York City’s Feast of San Gennaro

Where: Little Italy, New York City
If you’re in the mood for a festive urban food experience, head to New York City’s Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. This iconic street fair celebrates Italian-American culture with endless food stalls featuring cannoli, sausage sandwiches, zeppole, and pasta.

  • Helpful Link: Feast of San Gennaro
  • Must-Try: Zeppole (fried dough) dusted with powdered sugar, or a hearty Italian sandwich with peppers and onions.

Wrap-Up

Whether you’re sipping cider in Vermont, picking apples in New England, or sampling wine in Napa, fall is the ultimate season for food lovers to hit the road and explore. With so many seasonal festivals and farm-to-table experiences, there’s no better time to embrace the flavors of autumn. Wherever your taste buds take you, make sure to savor the fall harvest along the way!