I love to travel during “shoulder season,” and my favorite month to do so is October. There’s something magical about this time of year, especially for those of us who appreciate the beauty of seasonal changes. My sister and I made unforgettable memories traveling to Europe during October. The charm of exploring historic cities with fewer tourists made the experience even more enjoyable. I relish the fact that there are fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate and immersive experience in each destination. Plus, the weather is usually still pleasant, making exploration comfortable.
For the past few years, my adventures have been shared with my parents, which has added a whole new layer of joy to our travels. This year, we chose to visit the Finger Lakes region in New York, and I must say, it is simply stunning. The area is known for its breathtaking lakes, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards that boast some of the best wines in the country. Every corner we turned revealed yet another beautiful vista, and I highly recommend this destination to anyone looking for a peaceful escape.
On our way to our VRBO, we made a stop at a particularly beautiful rest area. The site was surrounded by trees dressed in warm hues of red, orange, and gold, creating the perfect backdrop to take in the scenery. You can see by my hair blowing that there was a delightful breeze that day—a refreshing reminder of the gentle autumn winds. I absolutely love the beauty of fall, especially here in the Northeast, where nature showcases its splendor in such an enchanting way. Each moment spent outdoors during this season feels like a celebration of life, and I can’t wait for our next adventure.
After discussions with my parents, we decided to head to the Finger Lakes in New York, an area renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities. I have been there a few times, and each visit reveals new gems and experiences that are just waiting to be discovered. The first thing I do when we are looking for where to stay is to head to VRBO and Airbnb, searching for that perfect getaway that suits our family’s needs. When I am traveling with my parents, we like to stay at a house instead of a hotel; it allows us to relax, have space, and enjoy good meals together, often cooking in the fully-equipped kitchen while sharing stories from our day. With a preference for being on the water, we searched for listings that offered scenic lake views. We found what we have described as the best house—a lovely property located right on Lake Keuka, with spacious living areas and outdoor seating that provides us with the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the water. The house is also handicap accessible, ensuring that everyone in the family can enjoy the vacation comfortably, complemented by its great views that capture the essence of this beautiful region. We all agreed this was the best VRBO we stayed, because it checked all the boxes for us we needed.
The view from the VRBO was stunning, with the dramatic light after a storm casting a golden hue across the landscape. It was even more beautiful with the fall foliage, as the trees flaunted their brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Each leaf seemed to shimmer in the softened light, making the entire scene feel like a magical escape from reality. This picturesque setting invited moments of reflection and serenity, enhancing the experience of staying in such a remarkable place.
The drive around Kueka Lake with the vineyards was stunning, offering breathtaking views that seemed to stretch endlessly before us. As we meandered along the winding roads, the vibrant green vines cascading down the hillsides created a picturesque landscape, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight. This scenic route, dotted with charming homes and small farms, truly showcased the natural beauty and rich agricultural heritage of the region, making it a perfect day trip for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Havill Pottery
It has become a tradition for us to stop at local pottery artisans whenever we embark on our travels, as we love to discover unique, handcrafted treasures that reflect the culture of the places we visit. During our drive on this trip, we stumbled upon Havill Pottery, a delightful gem nestled in a quaint corner of the countryside. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the artisan, whose passion for their craft was evident in every piece displayed. It was a pleasure to learn about their remarkable journey of 50 years of creating stunning pottery, each item telling its own story through vibrant glazes and intricate designs. We enjoyed an engaging conversation, where the artisan shared insights about their techniques and the inspiration drawn from the surrounding landscape, deepening our appreciation for the art of pottery and leaving us with lasting memories of this enchanting stop.
Sampson State Park
Prior to becoming a New York State Park, Sampson was first a Naval Training station and then, in 1951, it transformed into a Basic Training Base for the Air Force. This is where my dad did his basic training, an experience that shaped his early years. We visited the park recently, driving around to explore its vast landscapes and significant historical sites. The memories he shared about his time here echoed in the serene environment surrounding us, connecting past and present as we admired the beauty of nature intertwined with a rich military history.
Hammondsport, NY
Our VRBO was about 5 minutes from Hammondsport, NY, an enchanting little town nestled by the shores of Keuka Lake. We didn’t have much time to explore, but I did go to the grocery store. The town’s quaint atmosphere reminded me of the picturesque town from Gilmore Girls, with its lovely storefronts and welcoming vibe, and was particularly beautiful in the fall colors, as the trees were painted in shades of amber, red, and gold, creating a stunning backdrop that made my quick errand feel like a leisurely adventure.
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
When doing research for the area, I had found Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, a hidden gem that serves as a tribute to one of the pioneering figures in aviation history. Prior to my visit, I had never heard of Glenn Curtiss, a fascinating individual whose impact extended far beyond his initial fame as a bicycle and motorcycle racer. In 1907, he achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the fastest man on earth, a title that captivated the nation and showcased the thrill of speed during that era. However, Curtiss’s contributions did not stop there; he emerged as one of the fathers of aviation, playing a crucial role in the development of early aircraft and influencing the direction of flight technology in the 20th century. The museum itself was a wonderfully curated space, filled with intriguing exhibits and artifacts that brought to life Curtiss’s extraordinary achievements, making it not only an educational experience but also an inspiring one that left a lasting impression on all who visited. It was a great museum and extremely well done, truly deserving of recognition for preserving this pivotal part of aviation history.
Travel With Laughter 