Before making the switch, make sure you evaluate your work situation, budget, and skill set to see if you're ready to take on this new lifestyle. If you decide that digital nomadism is right for you, follow these ten tips to help make the transition smooth and enjoyable!
]]>Why is Denver first on our list? The Denver area boasts one of the longest-running autumn color seasons in the country! From around late September to mid-October, the golden groves of the aspen trees on the higher elevation areas of the Golden Gate Canyon State Park or Georgetown. These two beautiful locations are just a short drive from Denver! From early October through mid-November, Denver is properly painted with Fall hues! While walking through the city’s hundreds of parks or biking down the beautiful 40-mile tree-lined Cherry Creek Bike trail, you can really experience Fall!
Isn’t it romantic? A scenic trip down U.S. Route 6 in Pennsylvania is one of the greatest ways to see the vivid hues of the Pocono Mountains' reds, yellows, and oranges. Route 6 passes through picturesque communities like Milford, Hawley, and Honesdale, where you may enjoy fall celebrations such as the Hawley Harvest Hoedown and Honesdale's Harvest and Heritage Days. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with its 70,000 acres of woodlands and marshes, the state's two largest waterfalls, and over 100 miles of hiking trails, is another excellent viewing location.
The best time to see these colorful leaves in the Poconos varies depending on the area (north or south) and temperature progression in the fall. Still, you can usually expect the finest views from the last week of September to October. Check the Poconos Mountain website for the most up-to-date autumn foliage predictions.
Hike or bike up Bradbury Mountain, just outside town, to enjoy the greatest local foliage. After all, doing some exercise among the changing leaves is a simple way to justify all the excellent dining in this lobster-filled city. Harvest on the Harbor, a famous gourmet extravaganza, takes place every October. Highlights include Meet Your Maker tastings presenting the best of the Maine Distillers Guild and the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year competition, where audience members may sample and vote alongside professional judges.
This Kentucky community produces one-third of the world's bourbon whiskey, and residents celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month in September. However, you can celebrate all fall long along Louisville's roughly 50-stop Urban Bourbon Trail. The Down One Bourbon Bar & Restaurant (reopening in October 2022) is one stop, serving over 160 bourbons. Check out the greenery at Iroquois Park (built by Frederick Law Olmsted, widely renowned for NYC's Central Park) for a non-alcoholic stroll, and stay until after dark during October, when the annual Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular showcases 5,000 carved pumpkins.
Go on a camping trip.
Hikes also happen to be great opportunities for a picnic! Pack a delicious lunch to motivate you to make it to the top. In our experience, having tasty treats to look forward to makes the hike even more enjoyable!
Among the great creative minds in modern inflatable couch design, Michael is one designer who needs little introduction. Though he brings his own style to every piece he creates, it's hard not to notice his signature playfulness and sense of humor in his designs. His work often combines high-level technical patterns with humorous concepts to create a truly unique aesthetic. It would be hard to find a more fitting inflatable couch designer for Chillbo. Mikey's designs are the perfect combination of comfort and entertainment for both indoors and out, most definitely represented in the inflatable couches he designs.
Michael grew up in Utah, where he spent his days exploring the great outdoors on a mountain bike, skateboard, or snowboard. His love for nature grew alongside his passion for design and ultimately influenced his own aesthetic, creative representation.
I've always found the world of material objects fascinating, and I love how they can reflect energy in unique ways. Growing up in Utah exposed me to countless forms of natural energy, landscapes shape-shifting with ever-changing light and conditions. My process is supernatural. I just let my hand do the talking and let natural patterns come to life for the inflatable sofas.
The main idea behind the patterns is to try and mimic natural forms found in everyday life. I draw inspiration from both man-made and natural patterns, combining the two to create an overall dynamic aesthetic. Though designing concepts for sports teams was just a moment in my life, I've really gone back to nature and focused my design on inflatable couches over the past few years. I love to design natural patterns that reflect the environment you are in when you chill on your inflatable lounger.
Hands down the 60s Psychedelic inflatable couch. In simple terms, it is a sick design. I hand drew this air sofas design, and it took me about two weeks to complete. The patterns are based on psychedelic properties in nature. The 60s Psychedelic air sofa is an excellent example of my postmodern interpretation of nature. Looking at most inflatable couches, you don't get that design that ignites a change in mood. However, this air lounger really gets your cognitive processes ticking and slightly alters your emotions positively.
I love how impressive and inviting the Chillbo inflatable couches are-- once you see one, you instantly want one! I also like that they stand out from the rest, as each design brings something else to the table. And, of course, the patterns and colors used in the designs are top-notch if I do say so myself. They reflect the brand's personality and the customers that will be chilling in them.
I love seeing the finished product take shape right before my eyes. It's truly a fantastic feeling to watch a complex pattern come to life. I love it when a product can trigger all of your senses, and inflatable couches do exactly that. It's one of the many reasons why I love designing inflatable furniture.
My tip is to always listen to the voice inside your head that says, "I want more." More from yourself, more from life. Be true to yourself and what you believe in. Sometimes life can kick you to the ground, but it's how you get back up that counts. Moments like those are when your true character comes out. I've always said there's no substitute for hard work, so keep moving forward and learning as much as possible about your craft.
The past few years, I've been leading a crusade around inflatable loungers and design in general. The industry of inflatable couch design is already so rich and deep, but what I want to do is take inflatable loungers into different territories. I'm always thinking, "What haven't we seen?" or "What can we think of?" You know?
Don't be afraid to gamble on yourself with a series of safe bets. I promise it will pay off. And, get yourself an inflatable couch; they are seriously perfect for any outdoor adventure!
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Fall in America is a phenomenal time. As things start to cool off, we head back to school, watch the leaves change, and get ready for the epic series of holidays to come! Some of the great activities we like to do throughout fall include football tailgates, backyard BBQs, Halloween, and house parties! But what Chillbo inflatable couch is perfect for you while lounging during these fall events? We're here to help!
A Chillbo outdoor lounger is perfect for all fall activities. It's so cozy, soft, and comfortable to the touch that you will want to use it every day throughout fall! With its durable ripstop body, comfortable padding, extra convenient storage pockets, and carry bag-- how could you not? With a comfy inflatable sofa, you will be able to keep up with the excitement of fall and still kick back in style when obliged.
Any football tailgate noobs out there? Just in case you need a refresher, it's when family and friends get together and decide to grill an obscene amount of meat, sink some cans, and indulge in enormous amounts of wild fun. Our idea of seriously good time. Frankly, it's a hallowed American tradition that seems to have been around forever, and lucky for us-- fall is peak tailgate season. Catch us in the parking lot before any sporting event worth watching.
People who attend these events often dress up in their favorite football jerseys or other paraphernalia and hang out for hours-- talking about the prospects for the upcoming game and giving some good ol' lip to any challengers that they might see wandering around.
Having a Camouflage Shwaggins inflatable sofa is perfect for football tailgates because it blends in well in any setting, and it doesn't accidentally reflect any teams that you might not support-- win-win, right? You can shamelessly kick back and enjoy the good vibes without anyone judging you for repping the wrong colors. With its camouflage print, you'll be the envy of every tailgater that sees it.
If there is one thing that is most beloved about fall, it's Halloween! Halloween reigns supreme as the top American holiday for a reason: who doesn't love dressing up and getting free candy? Or, for our Chillbo fam, "letting your hair down" as they say... The best part about Halloween is that nobody cares because it's Halloween, and you can pretty much get away with anything.
Having an inflatable outdoor sofa at your Halloween party will set the mood-- the 60s Psychedelic print of the Chillbo Shwaggins sofa is perfect for a groovy mind-bending feel. It's not necessarily spooky, but it fits the vibe of legendary parties of decades past and it pretty much guarantees a good time.
Having an inflatable couch at your Halloween event is ideal because these are pretty much exactly what you think of when you imagine easily portable and inflatable decorations. And, it provides a place for those zombie legs to rest for a moment and recuperate some strength to get back to partying.
Ah, one of the many special fall events, the backyard BBQ! These are always fun and the perfect excuse to gather friends and family you haven't seen in a while-- and thanks to a little something called COVID, that's probably a pretty big group of people! Another fantastic fall tradition is getting together with your closest loved ones for some good food, good drinks, good jokes, and overall great vibes. Nothing is better than fall vibes and entertaining boozy family feuds.
If you throw one of these backyard BBQs (and you should), make sure to provide a set of Chillbos-- your guests will love you for it! The Chillbo Shwaggins outdoor sofa is perfect for any backyard BBQ event. There is nothing a person loves more than kicking back and being the life of the party.
The Green Leaf inflatable sofas is the perfect style as it blends in with your lawn and the chill atmosphere. The air sofa's Green Leaf print will bring the perfect fall feel to your outdoor soiree, and everyone will appreciate it.
With the start of fall, house parties are a dime a dozen. You can barely step outside without being invited to some fiesta in which you will be forced to drink cheap beer that has been sitting out for hours and eat unidentifiable finger foods that may or may not have hair on them. And if this is your kind of shindig, then great! But how can you throw a proper rager without providing ample seating for your friends? You guessed it, that's where Chillbo Shwaggins loungers comes in.
Who needs the whack DJ and over-the-top decorations when you can make an epic area designated for chilling on Chillbos? No longer will people be forced to stand around awkwardly with their plastic cups full of cheap booze. With these loungers, everyone can relax and have a genuine good time. The 90s Black Shwaggins air sofa is the perfect choice to throw it back to the old school days and kick it like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Chillbo Shwaggins Loungers are the perfect accessory for tailgating, Halloween, backyard BBQs, and house parties this fall. They make for an excellent place to sit, talk and chill with friends no matter where you are. And, best of all? They are so affordable, there's no need to wait for your next payday. You can have a Chillbo inflatable sofa delivered to your door within a matter of days. Don't wait to make the most of your fall and party on!
]]>Since the whole team has spent most of their lives in Cedar City, it was only natural that we would have some spirited disagreements over the best places to go when taking a day off. However, after quite a few Seltzers and more than one awkward “agree to disagree” moments later, we arrived at this roundup of our favorite places to eat, drink, or explore within a tolerable distance of Cedar City. Here is the perfect ‘Chillbo Day Off’ -- should we ever get around to having one!
Cassidy - Zion National Park.
Only a handful of people in Chillbo are early birds, and Cassidy is one of them. Before we’d even open up the office, she’d be there! Although some do not agree with her unorthodox love of mornings, we can all agree that she knows the best spot for sunrise. The best way to start the day is to drive to Zion National Park, walk up one of the many stunning rock formations, inflate a Chillbo inflatable couch and kick back to watch the sunrise.
Zion National Park is a scenic mountain desert landscape and has been named one of the most beautiful places in the world. This national park features natural bridges, high plateaus, and cliffs. It’s important to remember that private vehicles are not allowed in peak visitation times, and there will be a small entry fee!
Shane - The French Spot.
It’s 8 am, and Shane needs his sustenance! He needs some coffee and carbohydrates to avoid becoming grumpy in the morning. Consequently, he has experienced some delicious food, so we could all agree with his go-to morning nomination. The French Spot is located on Main Street. The croissants are to die for, and Shane personally advocates the pumpkin spice latte - “it’s exactly what you need to get your morning started!”.
The French Spot falls within an elite tier because it’s a great, small window restaurant with a quick breakfast and great food. The service is excellent as well!
Anabelle - Sand Hollow Reservoir.
Buckle up because we’re back on the road. Our in-house adrenaline junkie put forth the perfect mid-morning activity. Although, fair warning - it’s not for the faint-hearted! Anabelle frequently visits Sand Hollow to go wakeboarding. We have joined a couple of times and drank more than enough water from falling -- still fun though!
Sand Hollow is an hour south of Cedar City. If wakeboarding isn’t for you, we still recommend taking your Chillbo inflatable sofa there and relaxing on that.
Michael - Curry Pizza.
The heated argument partly pertained to the best lunch spot. However, our Instagram hipster knew the right location for mouth-watering grub. At Curry Pizza, Mangia meets Masala, and we LOVE it. The pizza is mostly Indian cuisine, but it’s cooked with the traditional Italian method. We recommend trying the ‘Tandoori Chicken Masala Pizza’.
This restaurant has fantastic food - We’re talking big enough to split, but small enough not to feel too bad about polishing off by yourself in a single sitting. “It’s also a great spot to take a date,” says Michael.
Beth - Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
Beth is a country native, so she was basically born on an ATV. She once invited us to all go for an ATV camping trip on the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and it was the best thing ever! We often think about this time camping at the dunes with our circle of inflatable couches, and we’re positive it’s something everyone needs to experience.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a state park located in southwest Utah. The sand has been tinted pink by hematite, an iron oxide commonly mined in pigments and paints -- sick, right?
Jules - Pioneer Park.
Our Chairman of Chill knows what’s up when it comes to an afternoon of relaxation. There was no way we could object, considering he spends most of his free time relaxing on our inflatable sofas at all the best-known spots. The perfect spot to do that is Pioneer Park.
Here, the formations will make your jaw hit the floor. Pioneer Park is an excellent place to have an afternoon picnic or even a beverage! What you lose in ambiance you more than make up for in views you’ll pretty much have for yourself.
Bailey - The Painted Pony Restaurant.
If you’re looking for the best place for dinner in town, there’s no doubt Bailey makes the best suggestions. When it comes to finding good food fast, she can’t be beaten! The once an amateur chef turned foodie suggests none other than The Painted Pony Restaurant.
The food is fresh and has such an eclectic mix of different flavors! We all ate there together and can’t recommend the Bacon Wrapped Duck enough... but, be quick, the menu changes.
Vivian - Chilli's Grill & Bar.
DRINKS! Now, this is where the majority “agree to disagree” moments were manifested. And, despite our love of casual and scenic drinks on our waterproof inflatable sofas, we all agreed with Viv’s suggestion. Why? Because she said it was the best spot for a drink! Vivian knows best, folks.
Head over to Chilli’s Grill & Bar for all your happy hour needs! They have multiple deals every night of the week, but you’ll always enjoy a couple of specials. Happy hours are 9 pm till closing.
There are even more adventures we can suggest for you and your friends. If you want more things to do within Cedar City and areas close by, reach out to us, and we’ll point you in the right direction. Have a great time, and perfect the art of chillin’.
]]>As the seasons change, so too does the panorama. There's a new light in the air, and the desire to get outside and explore grows stronger. With Fall at our front door, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite places in the U.S that you should visit to perfect the art of chillin'! We know a ton of great places for you go-getters to explore as Summer fades to Fall. We hope these spots make you excited about the season ahead. Without further ado, here are some of our favorite spots throughout the U.S to visit this Fall!
Wyoming
Wyoming is an excellent place for outdoor lovers looking to get out of the city and into nature. The state has tons of parks, forests, national monuments, wildlife refuges - you name it! This time of year is perfect. Don't forget to take your Shwaggins because some serious chillaxing will be happening here. Some of the best Fall spots to visit in Wyoming are:
Canyon Village: Located in Yellowstone National Park, this village is a great place to see wildlife and explore the park. Fall offers us an opportunity to enjoy the epic changing leaves. The groovy 60's Psychedelic Shwaggins ;) is recommended.
Yellowstone Lake: No matter the season, Yellowstone Lake is one of Wyoming's most scenic places to visit. Here, you can enjoy various activities such as fishing and boating (or floating) on the water.
Grand Tetons: This time of year the Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming's northwestern corner, is an elite place for you outdoor enthusiasts. You'll find gorgeous mountain views, stunning vistas, and endless beauty wherever your turn. Jackson Hole is a great place to start your adventure!
Alaska
In Fall Alaska is the coolest state on our list...pun intended! But just because the weather is cooling off, doesn't mean there isn't epic adventures to be had. Here, we enjoyed being scared sh*tless by bald eagles and bison (big ol' beasts they are). We battle-tested some pretty cool places in Alaska, but found the best spring spots to be:
Denali National Park: This park is located in central/western Alaska and is a sick place to visit. Expect to have the chance to spot wildlife like moose, grizzly, and black bears before they settle into hibernation for Winter! We made sure to bring our Camo Shwaggins so the predators wouldn't see us.
Denali Highway: This unreal road trip offers you many things to see, including glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and many mountains. Additionally, we spotted caribou, moose and got chased by one bear along the way. It must have thought the Orange Shwaggins we were laxin' on was a big pot of honey or something...
Kodiak Island: This island is perfect for enthusiasts looking to get out of Alaska's more prominent cities into nature. You'll find plenty of places to explore, including glaciers, mountains, forests - you name it! And don't forget a pair of Water Shoes on your island adventure!
Arizona
Arizona is a dope destination for travelers looking to visit in the Fall! This time of year, we've compiled a list of our favorite locations for you beautiful people. We've covered everything from waterfalls, forests, and mountains! Here are some of the best:
Oak Creek Canyon: This is a great place for outdoorsy people to visit because it offers some of Arizona's best hiking trails. Plus, you can take in all that nature has to offer, like breathtaking views and waterfalls! When you reach trail peak, whip out your Shwaggins and soak it all up... it's majestic.
White Mountains: One of the best places to visit in Fall because it's not too hot, but also not too cold on the mountain tops - it offers so much variety! You'll find plenty of hiking trails, peaks, and mountains perfect for us adventure seekers who are looking to find their zen!
We hope our list of favorite Fall spots has given you some ideas on where to head next or what activities you can partake in during your stay. Whether it's hiking trails, mountains, or waterfalls - there is something for everyone who want to get outside and take advantage of this beautiful time of year!
Let us know if any of these nature-loving locations are too far away for you. We have a lot of expertise planning fantastic trips across the country and would be happy to point you in the best direction for the upcoming season! Simply tell us which destination interests you most, and one of our professional relaxation maestros will take care of the rest. Stay safe and peace out!
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It’s time to say hello to a new year, with a new norm. We’re here to give you resolutions that are safe to commit too, even with Covid out and about.
2021 is a fresh beginning, so let’s resolve to give this new norm a damn good crack and make it call us, Daddy.
Here are a few resolutions to give us a good start.
Look at the harsh reality of your screen time on your iPhone and make a goal to spend two hours less on it. Like WTF, I am spending 5 hours a day on my phone? There is so much time I could dedicate to being in our community opposed to being my phone.
In 2 hours, you could have met your soulmate in the line of Walmart and started a small family with them. Or, you could have deciphered the meaning of life with a Gopher on the mountainside. Look, it’s a long time, I think you get our drift.
Nonetheless, we can all agree that our scenery is on another level compared to the rest. Instead of watching people do the WAP dance on Tik Tok or looking at people post old throwbacks on insta, put the phone down, and go outdoors to try something new.
Which brings us to our next point…
Photo by Anton Repponen on Unsplash
You’ve got two hours more in the day now to try something that you are too scared to leap into. For me, that is surfing the best beaches in the US. Sharks have previously made me… uncomfortable. But it’s time to stop working on my tan in a cozy inflatable lounger and playing it safe on the beach.
COVID-19 has made us realise how much we take things for granted. So, whether it's fighting a bald eagle in one-on-one hand to claw combat or something weird like skydiving, then it's time to take the plunge and try something new that you have previously shied away from.
(Not literally).
Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash
Our states have the most beautiful scenery, so get in the car and drive. Get a group of friends or travel solo; find yourself. Scrap the buses, they are slow… and they suck. If you don’t have a vehicle; find a friend with a car and rip shit up. Chuck a sleeping bag the back and hit the road, Jack.
Now is a great time to explore your own back yard. So, hauling ass and living the dream on a great American road trip should be on the cards in 2021.
Photo by Adventure Labs Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Time to tick off all the places that you have always wanted to visit on your bucket list. It could be as simple as exploring some of the areas in your own backyard! (😮)
Spend some quality time:
The list is endless! Just try and get out there and tick off those places you have always wanted to visit. We promise this is more captivating than Netflix.
Pssst, go on now.
As you can see, the norm hasn’t affected as much as we thought. We can still do things that we want to, and we can always find contentment in 2021. Go out and have some fun, and please don’t neglect the small things that we have previously taken for granted.
From all of us at the Chillbo team, please stay healthy and look after yourself. Get ready to set out and make 2021 our b****.
Fall is an awesome time to get out there and explore the great outdoors. The crowds are manageable, travel is affordable, and the pastel-colored hues of our nation’s astonishing foliage is proudly out on display.
And despite COVID decimating the 2020 travel scene, there's no reason you can't explore our fantastic fall foliage from the safety of your own car. Leaf peeping is one of the most COVID-safe travel activities--keep to your core group and leave the windows wound down to avoid spreading the disease.
So where should you go to make the most of this remarkable natural spectacle?
From coast to coast, the United States is a joyous place to explore during the fall. New England may well be the leaf peepers destination of choice, but other lesser-known opportunities abound.
So check out the latest foliage reports, find your favorite fall playlist, and join us on a tour to see the most colorful autumn leaves America has to offer.
Vermont is an obvious choice for leaf peepers, and nowhere in the state is as grandiose as the coveted Green Mountain Byway. Officially known as Route 100, this 14-mile road traverses the spine of the Green Mountains, which are anything but green during the fall.
Take a detour down Route 108 into the heart of the mountains where hiking opportunities abound. If time permits, continue along Route 118 towards Montgomery to admire idyllic Vermont landscapes as you cross a series of picturesque cliffside bridges.
This tiny open-air cabin in Tanglebloom allows you to wake up beneath sweet foliage views, while an affordable nearby campsite called Misty Mountain Farm gets rave reviews. Those more interested in a charming hotel could stay at the quaint and historic ski resort town of Stowe.
Finger Lake in the Green Mountains, Vermont | © btvbill/Flickr
Ever wanted to hike part of the Appalachian Trail? Well, there’s no better time than now to discover New Hampshire's majestic White Mountains. Featuring an endless array of towering hardwoods, the region never fails to put on a glistening autumn display.
Eight rustic huts along the trail provide a comfortable overnight respite. Each contains a fully equipped campground for those of us who prefer to travel with their funky Chillbo Cabbins in tow.
If an extended hiking trip doesn’t sound like your thing, opt for the novel Conway Scenic Railroad instead. The track passes gushing rivers and heightened vistas as it slowly chugs its way uphill.
Road trippers should head up the windy Kancamagus Highway, stopping off at any one of the countless lookouts and hiking trailheads en route.
The Pond of Safety in the White Mountains National Park | © U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
West coast leaf peekers should make a beeline for Cali’s epic Sierra Nevada where yellow cottonwoods and aspens come alive in a magnificent autumn display.
Expect to marvel at an assemblage of jagged mountain peaks, crystalline glacial lakes, and rugged rock formations on the hikes that traverse this sparse region.
The Sierra Scenic Byway is by far your best automotive bet, featuring a plethora of picturesque lookouts such as Jackass Rock to soak up those foliage views.
Shaker Lake and Bridgeport Reservoir are both outstanding spots to camp. With a stark contrast between shimmering waters and vibrant autumn hues, they’re the ideal place to kick back and relax on your trusty Chillbo Shwaggins.
Golden aspens lining the road to Lundy Canyon, Sierra Nevada, CA | © Steve Corey/Flickr
Wedged on the border of Canada in remote northern Montana, Glacier National Park is a sight to behold at any time of year. But as fall springs into action, this landmark American wilderness adopts a life of its own.
Framed by a backdrop of snowcapped mountain peaks, the park’s ensemble of yellow aspens provides a splash of seasonal color. Evergreen pines and firs retain the status quo, while a host of foraging fauna can be spotted right throughout as they feverishly stockpile for the winter to come.
The aptly named Going-to-the-Sun Road allows drivers to enjoy the best vistas. Just don’t leave it too late as the route closes in the latter half of October.
En route, pitch a tent at the cozy Avalanche Campground for a quintessential parkland experience.
A river running through the Glacier National Park, MT | © 12019/pixabay
Aspen may be best known for its ritzy winter ski resorts, but autumn is a fantastic time to visit this breathtaking high altitude region as well.
Backroads such as the remote Boreas Pass allow leaf peepers to enjoy the color-splashed scenery in relative isolation. On the other hand, there’s a damn good reason why famous routes such as Bear Lake Road consistently pull in the autumn crowds.
Keen to add some adrenaline to your foliage experience? Aspen boasts an exhilarating array of downhill mountain biking trails.
Camp at the secluded Kite Lake or grab an offseason bargain at one of the region’s numerous ski resorts. Worthwhile hikes include the Twin Sisters and Glacier Gorge Trails.
The trickiest part of Aspen is timing your visit as peak foliage varies with the altitude. Those coming in the third week of September could at least indulge in some beer, bratwurst, and bands at the cheerful Autumn Gold Festival.
An old farmhouse in the Aspen Valley, CO | © rauxyo/pixabay
New Mexicans could satisfy their leafy cravings by cruising along the Enchanted Circle Byway. Straddling the sunkissed Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, many consider it to feature the finest fall foliage in the south.
Beginning and ending at the artistic enclave of Taos, this cruisy 85-mile route passes the volcanic cones of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument before winding its way through forested mountains. A diverse accumulation of oaks, cottonwoods, pines, and aspens make it a truly kaleidoscopic affair.
Pitch your tent just outside the bohemian town of Arroyo Hondo for uninterrupted mountain views and easy access to the Horsethief hiking and biking trails.
Alternatively, the quaint Red River ski resort town has dozens of lodging options, each of which offers competitive off-season rates.
Autumn leaves near Taos, NM | © Mark Seymour/Flickr
Left your leaf hunting expedition a little late this year? Then make your way to the Smokey Mountains where the show doesn’t even get started until mid-October. Best of all, it carries on well into November at lower elevations.
The quaint touristic town of Gatlinburg serves as the perfect hub to explore the region, boasting miles of multicolored foliage in every direction. Check out the raised walkways and lush hiking trails of Clingmans Dome for an aerial view. Next, cruise south down Newfound Gap Road for more autumn hues amid countless bubbling streams.
To the west, the Cades Cove Loop Road features a number of well-equipped campgrounds, lush hiking trails, and the same amazing foliage.
The view from Clingmans Dome | © Sauntering Photographer/Flickr
Arkansawyers have the Ozark National Forest to explore, a grandiose mountainous park that spans 1.2 million acres in the north-west corner of the state. Come autumn, and the entire region transforms into a tapestry of vibrant earthy hues.
Fans of the hit Netflix show Ozarks needn't bother trying to find familiar places because the series is actually set in the Ozarks lakes to the north in Missouri.
Roadtrippers should give the state highways a miss unless they’re seriously pressed for time. After all, rocketing along at highway speed doesn’t exactly equate to a leisurely viewing experience.
Instead, choose your own adventure by navigating the park’s dizzying array of secondary roads. Criss-crossing their way throughout, these haphazard paved and dirt streets are a great way to get lost, especially considering cell coverage is spotty at best.
A sweet additional activity is soaking up the views on a waterborne vessel. Either pump up your trusty Don Poolio or hire a canoe at the nearby Norfork or Bull Shoals Lake.
Nestled in the thick of it all is the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area which offers stacks of hiking opportunities and sweeping mountain views.
A wooded hiking trails in the Ozark | © OakleyOriginals/Flickr
Slicing its way through the Cascade Mountains, the 80-mile Columbia River Gorge serves as the border between Oregon and Washington. Consequently, it’s the ideal leaf-peeping destination for citizens of both states.
A mishmash of maples, cottonwoods, and Oregon ash burst into color from mid-September, converting the entire riverbank into a spectacle of autumn glory. Drive along the scenic byways on either side to appreciate the scenery or rent a kayak and float downstream for a unique point of view.
The whopping 208-foot Wah Gwin Gwin Waterfall is worth sussing out. Further downstream, the Eagle’s Nest campground is pretty hard to beat.
Horsetail Falls at the Columbia River Gorge | © U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
Sophisticated city slickers from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia flock to the Berkshires to indulge in refined galleries and upscale spas.
For us foliage lovers, a series of scenic mountain roads intertwine among its well-to-do hamlets, each offering a more dazzling display of color than the next.
One notable example is the Mohawk Trail. Passing picture-perfect waterfalls, quaint European style villages, and the notoriously sharp and tempting to drift Hairpin Turn, it’s a certifiable road tripper's dream.
Alternatively (or additionally), cruise uphill to the summit of Mount Greylock for extensive views of both the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range. The upmarket Bascom Lodge is a refined place to sleep at the peak. Down below, the Forest Platform provides first-rate camping.
Pumped up and ready to go? You should be.
In our honest and completely unbiased opinion, America offers some of the best autumn foliage on Earth.
So get out there and make the most of it by embarking on a leaf-peeping trip this fall.
]]>And who can blame them? These balmy summer days are ripe for exploration, and there’s just so much unbridled beauty out there to enjoy.
But one niggling question remains: is it safe?
How can you safely embark on an outdoor adventure when there’s a deadly virus floating around?
While any venture outside the bubble of your obsessively sterilized home is going to entail some degree of risk, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the danger. Keep the following 7 tips in mind to crush your 2020 travel goals without contracting COVID-19.
Not all campsites and holiday parks are going to be open, and those that are may have special restrictions in place. Whenever possible, phone ahead to confirm there’s room for you and pre-plan alternative arrangements should your first choice not work out.
Some sites may close facilities like communal barbeques and toilets to help slow the spread, so plan accordingly.
America’s most popular national parks are going to be ram-packed the moment they open, and there’s a damn good chance some attendees will be carrying COVID. Do the responsible social distancing thing and give Yosemite a wide berth this year, opting for a lesser-known natural beauty somewhere closer to home instead.
Our nation’s world-famous parks aren’t going anywhere, so you can always visit them once the whole pandemic thing has started dying down. And if you must visit somewhere like the Grand Canyon this year, at least try to plan your visit outside of peak times.
The fine folks over at the Center for Disease Control spend their whole life studying this stuff, so we figure they probably know what’s what.
In case you need a quick rundown:
Remember: even if you’re way out in the middle of nowhere, social distancing rules still apply.
Airplanes are Petri dishes for COVID, and nobody in their right mind wants to travel on a Greyhound Bus. Thus, your best bet for safely arriving at your national park of choice is the good old American road trip.
Traveling by car means you’re safely tucked away in a virus-proof steel cage and have virtually zero interaction with dirty disease-ridden travelers. Just remember to take due diligence at truck stops—COVID or no COVID, you don’t know what kind of unsanitary acts have been happening there.
Remember when the Spring Break kids ignored government warnings and spread coronavirus around the country through their wild beach parties? Don’t be like them. Go somewhere less crowded this year instead.
America has stacks of stunning sandy stretches to explore on both coasts—there’s no need to cram yourself into Myrtle Beach with a thousand other sneezing humans when you can hit up a more isolated beach instead.
While we love a spot of river floating on a warm summer afternoon, chances are there’ll be hordes of tightly packed revelers cruising downstream with you. The safest outdoor adventures in the COVID-era are those you can do alone.
Hiking is a good bet, especially if you stick to seldom-trodden backcountry trails. Kayaking lets you paddle right out onto the middle of the lake with scarcely another soul in sight, while fishing is all about getting as far away from humanity as you can.
Mountain biking? Maybe, but only if you can find a cool secluded spot.
While passing your adventure gear around between mates was a common occurrence pre-COVID, it’s kind of gross to share things like tents and sleeping bags these days. The only way to guarantee you’ll remain virus-free is to pack your own gear and decline to share.
And if that means buying a whole bunch of new kit, then so be it. (Of course, we can help you there).
We can’t make any promises, but if you follow the advice outlined above, there’s a good chance you’ll make it back from your holiday COVID-free.
Stay safe out there, people.
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