Shabby Chic Boho Every dang autumn, it’s like the season jumps out of a pile of crunchy leaves and tackles me straight into nostalgia land. No clue what kind of wizardry is going on, but the minute the air even hints at chilly, I’m halfway to the coffee shop for a pumpkin spice. Yeah, I talk trash about them, and yeah, I absolutely still order one. Hypocrisy? Call it flavor versatility. My closet basically coughs up that monster sweater I forgot existed, and suddenly the whole universe is dipped in orange, red, and just hit shuffle on the drama. Five minutes later, I’m pretending rent isn’t real and blasting old playlists while I plan an escape that’ll probably end with me chasing leaves like a caffeinated golden retriever.
If you love that cozy-at-home feeling, check out our cozy reading nook ideas to get inspired for fall vibes.
Photo by Mohan Reddy.
Why Fall is Legendary for Road Trips
Summer’s crowd situation is a sweaty nightmare. Fall just hits the reset button. Backroads look like they were shot through an Instagram filter from the seventies, cider stands pop up like mushrooms after rain, and every corn maze is basically a who’s got the best plaid contest. Cozy season? Nah, this is the big leagues. If you’re more blanket burrito than hiking boots, just camp out by a window with a killer view. Zero shade, same aesthetic, way less effort. For a broader selection of scenic fall drives, check out this guide to the best fall road trips in the U.S. featuring destinations like Colorado and Glacier National Park.
For the most stunning routes, check out our fall destinations guide for ideas.
How to Make Autumn 2025 Memorable
Book a mini cabin somewhere lost in the woods. Set stuff on fire in the fireplace, wrap up like a woodland cryptid, and ignore texts for forty-eight hours. Reintegrating into society after? Not my problem.
Gas up the car and just drive. Crank up that playlist full of guilty pleasures, stick your elbow out the window, and get intentionally lost. You’ll stumble into towns that feel like a fever dream, probably eat some questionable pie, and laugh until you cry. Ditch the GPS, let your soul and maybe your stomach pick the route.
Or fuel up with a bowl of our Spiced Pumpkin Harvest Chili before hitting the road.
Wander tiny towns like you’re the star of a super sarcastic Hallmark movie. Buy vintage junk, taste-test every pie, and walk away with a mug so ugly it’s iconic. Peak vibes.
Bring that same cozy vibe with tips from our eco-friendly travel gear guide and home décor inspiration.
Don’t sleep on the city either. Fall in the city is all rooftop cider, food trucks, and parks that look like Bob Ross just went wild with the paintbrush. Trust, there’s magic in the chaos.
Homebodies, you’re not off the hook. Transform your Airbnb into a fairy-lit fortress, pile up the blankets, and get your cozy on. Five stars, would recommend.
Pro Level Fall Travel Hacks
Dress like you’re prepping for three separate climates, because apparently the weather can’t pick a lane. Scarves save lives, just saying.
Stop at every sketchy roadside stand and oddball diner. That pumpkin stand with the hand-painted sign? Pull over. Weird places create the best stories.
Bring your weird comfort item. That mug you forgot to return to your mom, the candle that smells like nostalgia, your emotional support blanket makes anywhere feel like home base.
Shop like a local tourist. Farmer’s markets, tiny bakeries, shops full of stuff you definitely don’t need. Those are the memories that will stick and clog your Instagram stories.
If you’re totally lost, just swipe ideas from the pros. Check this list of U.S. fall road trip destinations for some top scenic routes to explore.
Why Fall Road Trips Are Unbeatable
The air is basically a cold brew for your soul. You’ll collect stories and possibly a pie habit, and you’ll laugh so hard you forget about your group chat. Fires, dumb jokes, and new places that will stick in your head all winter. If any season deserves to be obsessed over, it’s fall. Go on, let it wreck you in a good way.
