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Fall Travel Assignments: Best Cities to Explore in the Fall

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Fall is a magical time to embark on a new travel nursing assignment. With the crisp air, colorful foliage, and festive events, it’s the perfect season to experience new places while doing the work you love. If you’re a nurse looking for your next fall travel assignments with Voca, then here are some fantastic cities to consider, each offering unique fall activities to make your stay unforgettable.

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Pineville, North Carolina

Nestled just outside of Charlotte, Pineville is a charming town that offers a blend of small-town appeal and proximity to big-city amenities. During fall, Pineville Park transforms into a picturesque haven for those who love the outdoors. Given that, take a leisurely stroll through the park’s trails, enjoy a picnic under the vibrant trees, or participate in one of the many fall festivals and farmers’ markets showcasing local crafts and produce. Additionally, you’re just a short drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you witness some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country.

Because Pineville is a short commute from Charlotte, journey through the city for an unforgettable Autumn.

  1. Carowinds’ Scarowinds: Experience Halloween thrills at this amusement park’s haunted attractions and spooky mazes.
  2. The Great Pumpkin Fest: Ideal for families, this event at Carowinds offers pumpkin decorating, hay mazes, and costume contests.
  3. U.S. National Whitewater Center Fall Festival: Enjoy live music, craft beer, and outdoor activities like zip-lining and whitewater rafting amid beautiful fall scenery.
  4. The Carolina Renaissance Festival: Step back in time at this lively festival with jousting, artisan crafts, and delicious fall treats.
  5. Pumpkin Picking at Hall Family Farm: Visit this popular farm to pick your own pumpkins, navigate the corn maze, and enjoy a hayride.
  6. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Take a scenic stroll through the garden’s fall blooms and attend the “Lost Hollow: Lights†event for an enchanting evening experience.
  7. Fall Foliage Drives: Take a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway or nearby mountains to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors.
  8. Charlotte Oktoberfest: Celebrate German culture with craft beer, traditional food, and live music at this popular event.
  9. Crowders Mountain State Park: Hike to the top of Crowders Mountain for breathtaking views of the fall foliage.
  10. Charlotte Symphony’s Halloween Concert: Enjoy a spooky-themed classical music concert, perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.
  11. South End Wine Festival: Savor local wines, food trucks, and live music in one of Charlotte’s trendiest neighborhoods.
  12. Trick or Treating in NoDa: Explore the artsy NoDa neighborhood, where businesses and residents go all out with Halloween decorations and treats.
  13. Charlotte Corn Maze: Navigate your way through this challenging and fun corn maze, perfect for a family outing.
  14. Freedom Park: Spend a relaxing day at this picturesque park, where the trees are alive with fall colors, and the lake reflects the beauty of the season.
  15. Festival in the Park: Attend this annual event in Freedom Park, featuring artists, crafts, music, and delicious food.

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Brigham, Massachusetts

Brigham, a quaint town near Boston, is steeped in history and autumnal beauty. To begin with, explore the area’s scenic landscapes by taking a hike through the nearby Middlesex Fells Reservation or a peaceful walk along the historic Freedom Trail in Boston. Moreover, for those who enjoy a taste of New England tradition, local apple orchards and pumpkin patches offer quintessential fall activities. Don’t miss out on Brigham’s vibrant community events, from harvest fairs to Halloween parades that bring the town to life during the fall months.

  1. Visit an Apple Orchard: Spend a crisp fall day picking apples at a nearby orchard, such as Nashoba Valley Winery or Honey Pot Hill Orchards, both offering a classic New England apple-picking experience.
  2. Explore Middlesex Fells Reservation: Hike through the scenic trails at Middlesex Fells Reservation, where you enjoy the vibrant fall foliage and peaceful surroundings.
  3. Freedom Trail in Boston: Take a short drive to Boston and walk the historic Freedom Trail, lined with vibrant autumn colors and significant landmarks from American history.
  4. Attend a Local Harvest Festival: Participate in a local harvest festival, featuring farm-fresh produce, crafts, and entertainment that celebrates the bounty of the season.
  5. Pumpkin Patch Visits: Head to a nearby pumpkin patch like the one at Hanson’s Farm to pick your perfect pumpkin and enjoy other fall activities like hayrides and corn mazes.
  6. Visit Walden Pond: Spend a peaceful day at Walden Pond, where you walk the trails and reflect by the water as the leaves change color around you.
  7. Fall Foliage Drives: Take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside to admire the stunning fall foliage that Massachusetts is famous for.
  8. Attend a Halloween Event: Celebrate Halloween with local events like haunted hayrides, ghost tours, and Halloween parades that bring the community together.
  9. Explore Historic Concord: Visit the nearby town of Concord, where you explore historical sites, bookstores, and cafes, all set against a backdrop of beautiful fall scenery.
  10. Savor Seasonal Treats: Enjoy the flavors of fall at local cafes and bakeries, where you find seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider donuts, and warm apple pie.

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Bangor, Maine

Bangor is a hidden gem in the heart of Maine, known for its stunning fall landscapes and close-knit community feel. In fact, as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bangor offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventures. For instance, spend your weekends hiking through Acadia’s scenic trails, taking in panoramic views of the vibrant fall foliage. Meanwhile, back in town, enjoy Bangor’s Harvest Festival, where you indulge in local cuisine, crafts, and live entertainment. Stephen King fans also take a guided tour of the author’s inspirations and filming locations around town.

  1. Visit Acadia National Park: Just a short drive from Bangor, Acadia offers stunning fall foliage, scenic drives along the Park Loop Road, and hiking trails like Cadillac Mountain for panoramic autumn views.
  2. Attend the Bangor Harvest Festival: Celebrate the season with local crafts, food, live music, and family-friendly activities at this popular annual event.
  3. Take a Stephen King Tour: Explore the city’s connections to the famous author with a guided tour of sites that inspired his books, including his Bangor home.
  4. Explore the Bangor City Forest: Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride through this 680-acre forest, where the changing leaves create a beautiful backdrop.
  5. Visit Treworgy Family Orchards: Pick apples, find your way through the corn maze, take a hayride, and enjoy fresh cider and donuts at this local favorite.
  6. Pumpkin Patch at Dysart’s: Visit Dysart’s for their seasonal pumpkin patch and fall-themed treats, perfect for a fun and festive outing.
  7. Attend a Fall Farmers Market: Shop for fresh produce, homemade goods, and seasonal specialties at one of Bangor’s farmers markets.
  8. Check out the Kenduskeag Stream Trail: Take a scenic hike along this trail, which offers beautiful views of the stream surrounded by fall colors.
  9. Participate in Bangor’s Downtown Halloween Block Party: Get into the spooky spirit with costumes, trick-or-treating, and other Halloween-themed activities.
  10. Visit the Cole Land Transportation Museum: Explore Maine’s transportation history and see exhibits on everything from antique cars to snowplows, all set against the backdrop of fall foliage.

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Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is a city rich in history, culture, and fall charm. During the autumn months, the city’s parks and streets come alive with color. For example, explore the beautiful Roger Williams Park, where you take a swan boat ride or visit the botanical gardens.A white background with a black and white logo Providence also hosts the famous WaterFire events, where bonfires are lit along the city’s rivers, creating a mesmerizing experience. Undoubtedly, for a spooky treat, visit the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, where thousands of intricately carved pumpkins illuminate the night.

  1. WaterFire Providence: Attend the iconic WaterFire event, where over 80 bonfires are lit on the rivers of downtown Providence, creating a beautiful, illuminated atmosphere accompanied by music and performances.
  2. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: Visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where thousands of intricately carved pumpkins are displayed along a scenic trail.
  3. Roger Williams Park: Enjoy the fall foliage with a stroll through Roger Williams Park, featuring botanical gardens, walking trails, and picturesque views.
  4. Harvest Festival at Coggeshall Farm Museum: Experience a traditional New England harvest festival with historical reenactments, crafts, and seasonal food at this living history museum.
  5. Lippitt House Museum: Tour the historic Lippitt House Museum, which often hosts fall-themed events, including special Halloween tours.
  6. Providence Ghost Tour: Take a spooky guided ghost tour through the historic East Side, where you’ll learn about the city’s haunted history.
  7. RISD Craft Show: Explore the Rhode Island School of Design’s annual craft show, where you purchase unique handmade items from local artists.
  8. Apple and Pumpkin Picking: Head to nearby orchards like Jaswell’s Farm or Phantom Farms for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and fresh cider.
  9. Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration: Participate in cultural events and activities that honor and celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day at various locations around Providence.
  10. Fall Foodie Events: Indulge in the flavors of fall with seasonal menus at local restaurants, or visit the Hope Street Farmers Market for fresh, local produce and fall treats.

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Rochester, New York

Rochester offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, especially in the fall. The city is surrounded by stunning parks, such as Highland Park, where you enjoy a peaceful afternoon amid the colorful trees. Additionally, the Finger Lakes region, just a short drive away, is renowned for its fall foliage, wineries, and charming small towns—perfect for a weekend getaway. Meanwhile, in Rochester itself, the annual Fall Festival features everything from hayrides and corn mazes to local artisan markets, making it a must-visit for fall enthusiasts.

  1. Highland Park: Stroll through this historic park, famous for its beautiful collection of trees and fall foliage. The park also hosts several seasonal events, including the Fall Foliage Festival.
  2. Finger Lakes Wine Tour: Just a short drive from Rochester, the Finger Lakes region offers stunning views of fall foliage and some of the best wineries in New York. Take a scenic wine tour and enjoy the local flavors.
  3. Genesee Riverway Trail: Enjoy a bike ride or hike along the Genesee Riverway Trail, which offers picturesque views of the river and the changing leaves.
  4. Corn Hill Ghost Walk: Explore one of Rochester’s oldest neighborhoods with a spooky twist. The Corn Hill Ghost Walk is a guided tour that tells tales of the area’s haunted history.
  5. Rochester Public Market: Visit the Public Market for fall produce, local crafts, and seasonal events like the annual Apple Fest, where you enjoy fresh cider, apples, and baked goods.
  6. Letchworth State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,†Letchworth is a perfect day trip from Rochester. The park offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and vibrant fall colors, especially from the many hiking trails.
  7. Strong Museum of Play: Perfect for families, the Strong Museum of Play often features special fall-themed exhibits and activities for kids, making it a fun indoor option.
  8. Rochester Fall Festival: Participate in the annual Rochester Fall Festival, which features hayrides, pumpkin patches, crafts, and live entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.
  9. Seneca Park Zoo: Visit the Seneca Park Zoo for their ZooBoo event, a family-friendly Halloween experience with trick-or-treating, costume contests, and themed animal experiences.
  10. Apple Picking: Head to one of the many orchards around Rochester for apple picking. Places like The Apple Farm in Victor offer a classic fall experience with a wide variety of apples to pick, fresh cider, and donuts.
  11. Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: Enjoy a cultural evening with a performance by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, which often features seasonal concerts during the fall months.
  12. Mount Hope Cemetery: Take a guided tour of the historic Mount Hope Cemetery, where you learn about Rochester’s past residents and enjoy the serene, autumnal beauty of the grounds.

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is a bustling city with a rich history, and without a doubt, fall is one of the best times to experience all it has to offer. For instance, take a walk through Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, where the fall foliage is truly breathtaking. Additionally, explore historic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, or get into the Halloween spirit with a tour of Eastern State Penitentiary, a famously haunted site. Philadelphia also boasts numerous fall festivals, including the Midtown Village Fall Festival, where you enjoy live music, food, and shopping.

  1. Stroll Through Fairmount Park: Enjoy the breathtaking fall foliage in one of the largest urban parks in the country, with over 2,000 acres of trails, gardens, and historic sites.
  2. Visit Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights: Explore this historic prison turned haunted attraction, known for its spooky atmosphere as well as immersive Halloween experiences.
  3. Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Take in world-class art while enjoying the fall colors outside the museum, and don’t forget to run up the famous “Rocky†steps!
  4. Attend the Midtown Village Fall Festival: Experience live music, food trucks, crafts, and shopping in the heart of the city during this popular fall festival.
  5. Tour Historic Sites: Visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other iconic landmarks while enjoying the crisp autumn air.
  6. Enjoy a Hayride at Linvilla Orchards: Just outside the city, Linvilla Orchards offers hayrides, apple picking, and a pumpkin patch, perfect for a classic fall day trip.
  7. Walk Through Rittenhouse Square: This historic park is surrounded by vibrant fall colors, and it’s a great spot for people-watching and enjoying a warm drink from a nearby café.
  8. Take a Ghost Tour of Old City: Discover the spooky side of Philadelphia’s history with a guided ghost tour through the cobblestone streets of Old City.
  9. Attend the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta: Watch rowers from around the country compete on the Schuylkill River while enjoying the fall scenery along the riverbank.
  10. Visit the Morris Arboretum: Explore the stunning fall foliage and seasonal displays at this beautiful botanical garden located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood.
  11. Pumpkin Picking and Corn Mazes at Shady Brook Farm: Head to nearby Shady Brook Farm for pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and fall-themed activities, perfect for a family-friendly outing.
  12. Sip Seasonal Beers at Local Breweries: Philadelphia is home to a thriving craft beer scene—visit local breweries to try their seasonal fall brews and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

Ready to embrace the magic of fall while advancing your nursing career? Discover your next travel assignment with Voca and explore some of the most vibrant and picturesque destinations this season has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to the scenic trails of Pineville, the historic charm of Providence, or the cultural vibrancy of Philadelphia, we have the perfect assignment waiting for you. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience these incredible cities while doing the work you love. Connect with us today and let’s make your next assignment unforgettable!

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