Biking Tours, Outdoors Adventures, See America, US Destinations

Grassroots, Volunteerism Builds the Great American Rail-Trail

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The repurposed McDonald viaduct, built in 1913, is one of the highlights of biking the Montour Trail, one of more than 150 trails that will make up the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail, from Washington DC to Washington State © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Unlike the Interstate Highway, the Intercontinental Railway or the Erie Canal, the Great American Rail-Trail is being created by hundreds of local communities, organizations, agencies and volunteers, who appreciate what such recreational trails mean for quality of life, health and wellness and economic vitality.

When completed, the Great American Rail-Trail will provide 3,700 miles, from Washington DC to Washington State, of connected multiuse trails and byways for biking and walking,

More than half of the route – over 150 existing railtrails, canalways, bikeways and greenways across 12 states totaling 2100 miles – is completed, the most complete stage letting you ride 350 miles from Washington DC to Cumberland Md. on the C&O canalway, connecting to the Great Allegheny Passage from Cumberland into Pittsburgh.

Now the task falls to connect more than 80 gaps, totaling 1,600 miles, with trails.

And that’s where we start our tour with Rails to Trails Conservancy, the stewards leading some 150 partners in the project, to see for ourselves how the Great American Rail-Trail is unfolding, what is happening to bring this 40-year vision of Rails to Trails’ co-founder David Burwell to reality.

Point State Park is where the longest completed segment of the Great American Rail-Trail, 350 miles from Washington DC to Pittsburgh on the C&O Canalway and the Great Allegheny Passage ends and there is a 9.8-mile gap to get to the Montour Trail  © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

At Pittsburgh’s Point State Park we come to the place where the Great Allegheny Passage ends and the first significant gap looms:  9.8-miles along the heavily trafficked West Carson Street, sandwiched between high stone walls and rail lines hugging the riverfront, posing the problem that even if there is a will, it is hard to find a way with such constricted space.

Our Rails to Trails Conservancy group shuttles by van to the next trail on the Great American Rail-Trail (GART), the Montour, stretching 63-miles to form a necklace around the south Greater Pittsburgh Area. Julian Wolfe, Board President of Montour Trail Council, boasts that the private, nonprofit, “100 percent volunteer” trail, supported by some 1,300 dues-paying members, is the longest suburban trail in the nation.  

Montour Trail volunteers take justified pride in the legacy they have created © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Here we meet a dozen of the more than 50 volunteers who give of their time (22,000 hours a year!), expertise and money to maintain and improve the trail and close a remaining four-mile gap. To create the Montour, they had to repurpose bridges, trestles, viaducts and tunnels, and create the connector to the Panhandle Trail that provides the next stage of the GART linking Pennsylvania to West Virginia.

We meet three of the original founders who got the idea 37 years ago for the trail and acquired the abandoned rail line from the railroad in 1991. Now they are faced with new challenges: raising $3 million to repair a 1913 tunnel at mile 25 which has been closed for 10 months after the ceiling collapsed, filling a four-mile gap on the existing trail, and most challenging of all, creating that 9.8-mile connector from the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in downtown Pittsburgh to the Montour trailhead. Once that gap is filled, it will be possible to bike all the way from Washington DC to West Virginia and the next significant gap.

The McDonald viaduct, built in 1913, on the Montour Trail. The Montour Trail Council raised $2.3 million to renovate it. Montour Trail Council President Julian Wolfe shows us a photo of the bridge, built in 1913, as it was in 1915 with a steam train going over it. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

These volunteers and advocates recognize that bikeways and greenways bring so much benefit to local communities – quality of life, health and wellness, and economic development, even increasing property values. But they also build community.

Each project has had its challenges – to pave or put down a surface; rebuild a bridge, a trestle, a tunnel; acquire land or easements; create the infrastructure of parking lots, restrooms, signage and safe crossings.

Biking through tunnels on the Montour Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

What we see in the volunteers and officials and organizers is the pure joy and pride in creating these trails that have such impact on their neighbors today and for generations to come, and the satisfaction that comes knowing this is their legacy.

We bike the Montour Trail from mile zero to mile 16.6 where we will take the connector to the Panhandle Trail. But first, we ride just beyond the connector to the McDonald viaduct, a key attraction on the trail and point of considerable pride for the Montour Trail Council. The council raised $2.3 million to renovate it. Wolfe shows us a photo of the viaduct, built in 1913, as it was in 1915 with a steam train going over it (www.traillink.com/trail/montour-trail).

The repurposed McDonald viaduct, built in 1913, is one of the highlights of biking the Montour Trail, one of more than 150 trails that will make up the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail, from Washington DC to Washington State © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“When trails were first proposed, a lot of people say it will be a nuisance and don’t want it in my backyard. But when it is done, they see their property values increase with the development that comes with the trail, because people love the amenities,” Dave Borrebach, a long-serving board member and volunteer leader for the Montour Trail Council, tells us as we tour the McDonald viaduct. “Coraopolis is deprived of greenspace, so the trail gives the community the opportunity to get to nature. Trails represent making connection – municipalities, private, contractors – all elements brought together, carefully, blended. Continuity of organization is key – putting the pieces together takes a tremendous amount of time.”

The Montour Trail, he said, is the culmination of “37 years of effort, little by little, persistence and luck…The Founding Fathers [of Montour] organized quickly, made the right decisions of time, funding, legal counsel (an expert in rail law). It all had to come together.”

We take the Panhandle Connector and drop down from the Montour Trail, passing under the viaduct for a great view onto the Panhandle Trail.

Bikers stop for lunch at Paradise on Panhandle, in a repurposed train depot on the Panhandle Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We stop at the Paradise on Panhandle for lunch, in the repurposed train depot beside the trail.

There is a historic marker – one of 20 put up by Trails Across America, another project of Rails to Trails Conservancy – that notes, “Coal Mining. As early as 1903, bituminous coal from local mines shipped from here on Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway.”

Biking the Panhandle Trail, from Pennsylvania to West Virginia © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Fortified by a delightful lunch (and delicious ice cream), we go back on the trail and find ourselves at a marker between Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where we continue on for four miles before we come to the Panhandle Trail’s end (www.traillink.com/trail/panhandle-trail).

Crossing from Pennsylvania to West Virginia on the Panhandle Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We soon face another critical gap: the Market Street Bridge linking Weirton, West Virginia, and Steubenville, Ohio, which carried bikes and walkers in addition to four lanes of cars. It was closed indefinitely on December 21, 2023 after routine inspections revealed broken strands and significant deterioration in the 1906 steel suspension bridge’s cable anchoring system.

The bridge is a case in point of the challenge faced in building the Great American Rail-Trail.

Closing of the 1906 steel suspension Market Street bridge, linking West Virginia and Ohio is a significant impediment to bikers and walkers but also to finishing the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail  © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It will cost about $200 million to replace and though the Biden Administration already approved $87.5 million, West Virginia, which owns the bridge, must come up with the rest by September 30, 2027 or lose the federal funding.

Now the task is to try to get extra money from the Surface Transportation Fund, which funds Active Transportation Infrastructure Projects. But this requires support from West Virginia’s Senator Shelley Wellons Moore Capito who sits on the Surface Transportation committee and she works closely with House Transportation Chair Representative Sam Graves (R-MO), who has vowed to cut all federal funding for walking and biking paths. 

At a reception in Steubenville for Rails to Trails Conservancy at historic Fort Steuben next to the Market Street Bridge, the mayors of Weirton WV and Steubenville OH expressed support for rebuilding the bridge.

“This bridge is vital to revitalization and community,” said Ralph Petrella Mayor City of Steubenville, OH. “People want to go outside. They don’t want malls, they want nature. This is an opportunity for national entity to help give those experiences.”

“We see the importance of the trail – exercise, meeting people (socialization) – important to Weirton,” said Dean Harris Mayor City of Weirton, WV. “Bridge needs to have pathway for walkers, bikers across Ohio River (great Divide). The economic development of our area depends on this bridge. We need to get the link completed and join our two cities – for the economic prosperity of area.”

Eric Oberg, Rail to Trails Conservancy’s Senior Director of Programs, Dean Harris Mayor City of Weirton, WV., Ralph Petrella Mayor City of Steubenville, OH are united in calling for the rebuilding of the Market Street Bridge. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“We need to work with you to achieve this vision of a safe, accessible way to help people walk or bike across country. We want to be partner, to tell the story of a beautiful part of the country,” said Eric Oberg, Rail to Trails Conservancy’s Senior Director of Programs. “People want to see, experience, visit places like this, the Industrial Heartland.”

He took strong exception to the notion it could take 20 years to rebuild the bridge.

“Our message: speed up, prioritize. Just because historically took 20 years doesn’t mean it has to now. Communities fall into the trap that it costs too much money and takes obscene amount of time.” (You only have to look at the pace of data center construction, which blights, rather than benefits local communities.)

Oberg pointed to how fast the Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis was rebuilt after it collapsed, the speed in rebuilding the Key Bridge in Baltimore (at a cost of $5 billion) and how the I-95 interstate in Philadelphia was reopened in 12 days and fully repaired in less than a year.

“The narrative that it takes 20 years shouldn’t be acceptable. We shouldn’t allow public leadership and agencies to take 20 years to develop critical infrastructure.”

These bike trails are an investment in infrastructure that benefits locals as much as visitors (think of overtourism, and how this spreads visitors and economic development around to the villages, towns they would never know to visit or be inspired to visit and not in the far future but today.

The trail brought us to Steubenville, which we learn, is the birth place of Dean Martin, who is featured in an important attraction, Historic Fort Steuben, and was the birthplace of Edwin M. Stanton, Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of War and a strong abolitionist who backed Emancipation; Lincoln’s telegrapher, David Homer Bates; and Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first Black man to play in Major League Baseball, breaking the sport’s color barrier 63 years before Jackie Robinson.

Steubenville hosts Free Fridays events every month and an important Nutcracker Village Christmas festival (Nov.24-Jan. 8), displaying 230 life-sized carved Nutcrackers as the centerpiece of a free Christmas-market that now draws 40,000-50,000 people (www.SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com).

For more information on the Great American Rail-Trail, visit: https://www.railstotrails.org/site/greatamericanrailtrail/

Next: ‘One Mile at a Time.’ New Trails Are Links in Building the 3,700-Mile Great American Rail-Trail

See also: Imagine Biking 3,700 Miles Across the USA on The Great American Rail-Trail

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

Biking Tours, Outdoors Adventures, See America

Imagine Biking 3,700 Miles Across the USA on The Great American Rail-Trail

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A vision for a 3,700 mile-long Great American Rail-Trail linking Washington DC to Washington State is becoming reality (map: Rails to Trails Conservancy)

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Imagine being able to bike 3,700 miles across the United States, from Washington DC to Washington State, on a network of connected, protected trails, the way people hike the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the Appalachian Trail. This is the vision for the Great American Rail-Trail, and I didn’t have to imagine, because I was able to bike newly made trail connections bringing the GART to reality.

The trail now consists of more than 150 existing railtrails, canalways, bikeways and multi-use trails – 2100 miles through 12 states and DC – totaling 56% of the 3,700 miles when complete. These include some of America’s most famous and popular rail trails like the C&O Canalway from DC to Cumberland Md., where it connects to the Great Allegheny Passage (the GAP) railtrail to Pittsburgh, PA, which together form the longest (and most well used) completed stage, 350 miles long.

Biking the popular Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, 150 miles from Cumberland, Md. To Pittsburgh, PA, one of the key sections of the 3,700-mile long Great American Rail-Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It would be the largest, most ambitious public transport endeavor since the Interstate Highway and the Intercontinental Railroad, and longer than the longest Interstate Highway, Interstate 90 (I-90), 3,020 miles from Seattle, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts, and longer than the Intercontinental Railroad project, 1,911 miles.

But unlike the Interstate Highway or the Transcontinental Railroad, the Great American Rail Trail is an enterprise of the local people who want to transform abandoned byways into leisure trails and greenways that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, contributing to health and wellness (when being healthy is also key to financial health, productivity and prosperity), quality of life and economic vitality, instead of federal government exerting its eminent domain power or corporations blighting the environment in the name of “commerce,” reclaiming commercial and industrial land for public use. And it is about transport – accessibility, mobility for those who prefer to travel safely by foot or on two wheels.

“The Great American Rail-Trail is the most ambitious [public lands project] to connect East and West Coasts,” said Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Kevin Belle, Project Director, Great American Rail-Trail. The Great American Rail-Trail brings the promise of a new American experience – comparable to Route 66. 50 million people live within 50 miles of the route.

GART was the dream 40 years ago of Rails to Trails Conservancy co-founder David Burwell, who had the vision of converting disused rail corridors into a continuous, cross-country trail network. “He believed trails connect the country,“ said Eric Oberg, R2T’s Senior Director of Programs. “Every trail head feels like that – a cross section of the place we live. Trails are where community happens now – the new Main Street.”

Rails to Trails Conservancy, which is stewarding the Great American Rail-Trail project and leading a coalition of more than 150 partners, announced it six years ago, when half of the 3,700 miles were in place. It took two years to devise the route. (See a map, list).

The task now is to fill some 80 gaps – 1,600 miles – which is what brings R2T project managers and developers around the country, working with local groups.

The states and agencies and organizations for the more than 150 trails that form the backbone were eager to become a part of the Great American Rail-Trail, fully appreciating the enormous benefits that railtrails, canalways, bikeways and greenways bring to cities, towns and rural villages, and what being identified with a national network would mean. Eric Oberg, R2T’s Senior Director of Programs, explained.

An economic impact study projects GART investments could generate more than $229.4 million in visitor spending, 2,500 new jobs and $104 million in labor income, and $22.8 million in new tax revenue.

The GAP, for example, cost about $1 billion to build but brings 1 million users (they know because they have sensors under the trail that count), who spend $120 million a year,. In addition to the benefits to locals – health and wellness, outdoor recreation, increased mobility and safety away from dangerous road traffic, higher property values – the people who are drawn from around the country and the world spend money on hotels, restaurants, gear – $30 million worth in Pittsburgh alone; some even find a new place to set up a business and raise a family.

You would have a network of outfitters and bike tour operators at the ready to provide rental bikes, shuttle service, book lodging or direct you to campgrounds or trailside hostels, who can assist you in doing stages – as many as you want linked together, or come back and do new sections. (Many of these services for the existing trails are also easily found on Great American Rail-Trail’s website, and R2T’s TrailLink and mobile app, www.traillink.com, which details 40,000 miles of trails nationwide, and several tour operators like Wilderness Voyageurs and Discovery Bicycle Tours already feature these trails.)

We have been invited by Rails to Trails Conservancy, to bike trails from Pittsburgh to Columbus and see the vision of the GART unfold, what has already been achieved, and the task ahead in filling the gaps.

We meet Kelly Pack, the Trail Nation Accelerator Program Director, who counsels communities in eight states (WA, MT, AZ, MO, AK, IA, VA, TN), which are just starting development of a vision for a trail network. “We hope to provide the initial start of planning process – mapping support, bringing stakeholders together, to understand the importance [and benefits] of trails.” She explains how R2T can organize virtual workshops and create a “learning cohort” with communities that have had success creating trails.

“Every place is different but the challenges and strategies may be similar.”

We start our ride towards the end of the famous and popular Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, to see a success story: a gap 8.2 miles long from Homestead along the Monongahela River, crossing near the Hot Metal Bridge, into Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh, where the GAP ends. It took 20 years and $80 million (and a change of mayors) to finally complete the gap in 2013.

Volunteers help maintain it, forging community and pride. The trail contributes to public health, wellness and quality of life, and property values increase in communities along the trail, especially by repurposing aging, decaying abandoned rail lines, bridges and trestles and waterfront.

The historic site of the 1892 Homestead Steel Strike along the Monongahela River in Homestead(near Pittsburgh), where the massive Carnegie Steel Works once stood and on On July 6, 1892, striking steelworkers battled 300 armed private guards from the Pinkerton National Detective Agency who arrived on river barges to break a lockout orchestrated by plant manager Henry Clay Frick, one of the interesting places along the Great Allegheny Passage. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Along the trail, you see purposely left remnants of steel plants as a tribute and continuity of heritage and history and a source of interest. We come to the pump plant where steel workers attempting to unionize were rebuffed by Pinkertons summoned by the governor when they attempted to strike for better wages and conditions.

The trail passes by the NFL Steelers training center. “When they built the stadium, Mayor Tom Murphy, asked Steelers owner Art Rooney to move the stadium back so the trail could come through, reclaiming what was taken from the public by and for industry,” said Bryan Perry, Executive Director of the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy.

The repurposed bridge that connects Homestead to the end of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in Pittsburgh on the Great American Rail-Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We cross a bridge that used to be used to carry buckets of molten steel over the river, now repurposed to carry cars, bikes and walkers. Those steel plants and coal depots are gone now, instead, from the repurposed bridge you can see tech company buildings on one side, and hotels, housing, retail stores and a marina lining the other side, revitalizing the economy and the environment.

Showing off the repurposed bridge that connects Homestead to the end of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in Pittsburgh on the Great American Rail-Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Indeed, Pittsburgh has been transformed from a carbon-choked polluted city to this glorious, wonderfully liveable, sustainable city. Not coincidentally, it is called “the City of Trails,” where six national and regional trails originate and three rivers converge, their riverfronts reclaimed for public space (GAP, Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Erie to Pittsburgh Trail, Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, and Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition (IHTC) Network). and Great American Rail-Trail.

Pittsburgh is a “City of Trails”. At Point State Park, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) connects with the Three Rivers Heritage Trail© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

And so we come to where the Great Allegheny Passage ends at Pittsburgh’s Point State Park where we encounter the first significant gap, a 9.8 mile section along a highly trafficked West Carson street, before reaching the next trail on the Great American Rail-Trail route, the Montour, which the Pittsburgh coalition has been working for two decades to connect.

It is not just for the benefit of long-haul, out-of-town users. “Solving the problem of West Carson would make Pittsburgh safer, better for pedestrians, bikers – cars, trucks pass at high speed, there is no dedicated space for bikes,” said Scott Bricker, co-founder and Executive Director of Bike Pittsburgh (BikePGH), a bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization.  He noted that one-third of Pittsburgh residents do not drive.

West Carson in Pittsburgh poses a significant challenge to connecting the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail to the Montour Trail on the Great American Rail-Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“The trail system is only as strong as its links. Missing links deprive communities of the benefit of trail – economically, socially, quality of life and health,” said Kelsey Ripper, Executive Director Friends of the Riverfront.

“The key to the project is every single foot in every connection. There are 150 trails today – every foot took hard effort of all the people. Every one worth it,” said Belle, who has spent the past 10 years helping develop those links and connections.

Explore Route Assessment Report

View Economic Impact Report

Learn more about the preferred route, (www.railstotrails.org/site/greatamericanrailtrail/content/route)

States on Route

Route Through Washington, D.C.

Route Through Maryland

Route Through Pennsylvania

The extremely popular Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) forms one of the most complete stages of the Great American Rail-Trail, 150-miles to Pittsburgh from where it connects with the  C& O in Cumberland, Md., and crosses the Eastern Continental Divide  © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Route Through West Virginia

Route Through Ohio

Ohio to Erie Trail takes us through Ohio’s Trail Towns like Gambier and into Columbus, the biggest city on the Great American Rail-Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Route Through Indiana

Route Through Illinois

Route Through Iowa

Route Through Nebraska

Route Through Wyoming

Route Through Montana

Route Through Idaho

Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is part of the Great American Rail-Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Route Through Washington

For more information on the Great American Rail-Trail, visit: https://www.railstotrails.org/site/greatamericanrailtrail/

Next: The Great American Rail-Trail Comes Together with Grassroots Support, Volunteers

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

Skiing/Riding/Snow Destinations

Ikon Pass Enables Discovery of 70 Mountain Destinations Across 10 Countries on 3 Continents

Palisades Tahoe, California, is one of more than 70 iconic mountain destinations across 10 countries on three continents that are part of Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass program © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Edited by Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

With the potential for a Super El Niño winter and a wide range of new offerings debuting across 10 countries on three continents, Ikon Pass holders are encouraged to gear up for an exceptional winter season, complete with new terrain to explore, improved on- and off-mountain infrastructure, elevated dining and lodging experiences, upgraded snowmaking and continuous resort celebrations.

The Ikon Pass has enabled passholders to go where snow conditions are best and incentivize, inspire and facilitate discovery and exploration of new destinations around the nation and the world. (Ikon Passholders have access to a proprietary travel service for planning, booking, and deals.)

Prices for the 26/27 Ikon Pass are going up: the last chance to save is October 8, 2026. The Ikon Pass is on sale at www.ikonpass.com. 

New Ikon Pass Destinations & Access

  • New North American Destinations – SilverStar Mountain in British Columbia, Snowriver Mountain Resort in Michigan, Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota and Granite Peak in Wisconsin.
  • New Destinations in Asia – Madarao Mountain Resort in Japan and Beidahu Ski Resort and Lake Songhua Resort in China.
  • New Bonus Mountains – Devil’s Head, WI; Tamarack, ID; Giants Ridge, MN; Caberfae Peaks, MI; and Snowy Range Ski Area, WY. 
  • New Access – Ikon Base Pass holders can enjoy unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin and 5-day access to Snowmass in Colorado.

Discover New & Expanded Terrain

Building on last season’s historic expansion, Deer Valley Resort’s Expanded Excellence vision continues to unfold for the 26/27 winter season. The resort’s newest lift, Hail Peak Express, will add access to 200 new skiable acres and seven new runs this winter season, bringing the resort to 32 chairlifts and 4,500 skiable acres. Families will enjoy new snow feature zones featuring rollers, berms, and gentle ski-cross elements that create a fun, confidence-building environment for young and beginner skiers.

Tremblant is building on its $42.5 million CAD long-term investment, introducing a dedicated learning area at the base of Versant Soleil designed specifically for first-time skiers and riders. Located adjacent to the Casino Express Gondola, the new learning area’s gentle terrain and dedicated infrastructure is designed to support progression from first turns.

At SkiBig3’s Lake Louise Ski Resort, new terrain additions including Grove Glade, expanded glades, and the full development of Pikaboo and Prunepicker will create more ways to explore the mountain.

Introduced last year, NEKOMA Mountain’s tree run zone has been expanded so guests can experience the legendary JAPOW nestled within the lush forests of a national park on five zones designed to accommodate various skill levels.  

As part of a more than €160 million investment across its ski areas, Dolomiti Superski is opening new slopes and connections that offer greater terrain variety and more seamless skiing and riding.

Sugarloaf‘s Learning Area is adding two new conveyor lifts to free up terrain on the Birches. Glade work continues in Bracket and potentially Burnt Mountain, building on last year’s reopening of backside terrain after a three-year closure. 

Families and first-time skiers will benefit from the growth of Sunny’s Adventure Park at Sun Valley, an all-new beginner learning area designed to make progression fun, approachable, and confidence-building. The new experience features dedicated kid-friendly terrain, interactive learning elements, and playful features. 

An additional 40 acres of terrain will be newly gladed between Christin’s Silver, Leigh Lane and Upper Broadway at Sun Valley, building upon the 90 acres completed last summer and more than 390 acres of new gladed terrain introduced over the past six years through the Bald Mountain Stewardship Project. 

Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in British Columbia is expanding its Holiday Catski Camp by three weeks due to massive popularity. When one adult is booked in any heli-skiing package, one child age 12 or under can enjoy our Kids Cat-Ski program for free. Camps run Dec 19 to January 23, 2027.

New Lodges, Ski-in/Out Access, Amenities

CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures will debut a refreshed Valemount Lodge – one of the most coveted private heli-skiing experiences – complete with 10 fully renovated guestrooms, exceptional hospitality, private jet charter and a personal helicopter to explore its famed 400+ backcountry runs.

Steamboat has launched Steamboat Hospitality, a new division offering travelers a more seamless way to discover and book lodging throughout Steamboat Springs.

Niseko United, Japan, will unveil the new Moxy Niseko Village in late 2026, bringing a playful new hospitality experience to the foothills of Mount Yōtei. Featuring contemporary design, lively communal spaces, craft cocktails and a vibrant terrace, the hotel introduces a fresh après-adventure atmosphere to Niseko Village.

NEKOMA Mountain, Fukushima, Japan,is adding more than 300 slopeside accommodations in the resort’s South Area, providing the perfect homebase for ski-in/ski-out access and extended stays.

A buddies ski getaway to Alta, Utah, one of more than 70 mountain destinations included on the Ikon Pass © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Alta Ski Area skiers will discover a new place to relax, dine and enjoy the stunning scenery around the Albion base area. The Albion Day Lodge will bring 3,400-square-feet of added dining space and extended patio seating, as well as a cozy lounge area with a fireplace, cubbies and lockers and a new, larger space for the beloved Alta Java cafe with indoor/outdoor service.

Snowbasin’s new Meadow Pavilion gives guests another space to warm up between runs, spread out for lunch, or hang out while the kids are in ski school. It features big windows for impeccable mountain views and will be a home base for ski school students, giving them a comfortable spot to gather and regroup between lessons.

At Furano Ski Resort, the Shin Furano Prince Hotel will debut new banquet amenities, as well as a new outdoor terrace with fire pits and table seating, perfect for apres-ski relaxation, stargazing, BBQs and beer gardens. 

Sugarloaf is adding winter tubing lanes on Birches learning terrain, providing another fun on-snow activity for kids and adults alike.

This winter marks the debut of The Daly, RED Mountain’s newest ski-in/ski-out accommodation complete with an outdoor pool and hot tub. Located at the base of the mountain, The Daly combines modern alpine design with immediate access to RED’s legendary terrain and the historic mountain town of Rossland. 

The new 155-room Cabot Revelstoke Mountain Lodge is taking shape at the base of the resort, offering ski-in/ski-out access and opening in 2027. The lodge will serve as a year-round hub featuring a Chop Steakhouse, extensive spa and hot tub amenities, and dedicated spaces for weddings, retreats, meetings and events.

Enhanced Snowmaking for a Longer, Better Season

Deer Valley will rely on a new 10-million-gallon reservoir to work in tandem with the existing Summit Pump House to pump 10,000 gallons of water per minute for increased snowmaking efforts. 80 to 90% of water used for snowmaking will return to its water source, in the Jordanelle Reservoir or the Provo River.

Solitude’s new fixed and mobile snow guns, along with system-wide improvements, will increase both snowmaking coverage and capacity across the mountain – further reinforcing the resort’s commitment to having Utah’s longest ski and ride season.

At SkiBig3, new snowmaking on Richardson’s Ridge at Lake Louise Ski Resort will help create more consistent conditions, while Mt. Norquay will make improvements to its snowmaking infrastructure to keep the mountain operating at its best.

Loon Mountain’s latest snowmaking investments are designed to maximize every window of cold weather, make snow more efficiently and bring terrain online sooner. Enhanced infrastructure in East Basin and North Peak, paired with new high-efficiency Klik snow guns, will support more consistent conditions throughout the season. 

Kitzbuhel’s new Sonnenrast reservoir will significantly enhance snowmaking operations, further improve the efficiency of snow production and contribute to long-term snow reliability. 

Expanded snowmaking systems and new water storage facilities across Dolomiti Superski areas will help ensure more consistent slope conditions throughout the season. Investments in energy-efficient solutions – new photovoltaic systems at several lift stations and expansion of a solar power system – showcase the destination’s dedication to sustainability.

Alyeska Resort is replacing 800 feet of snowmaking pipeline, installing two new high-efficiency fan guns, a new high-capacity snowmaking pump, and a complete controls system upgrade. One new fan gun will be installed atop a dedicated snowmaking tower near Ted’s Express, significantly enhancing mid-mountain snowmaking coverage and production capabilities.

Copper Mountain, Colorado, one of more than 70 mountain destinations on the Ikon Pass, is in the midst of a multi-year project to upgrade snowmaking infrastructure across the mountain © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Copper Mountain is in the midst of a multi-year project to upgrade snowmaking infrastructure across the mountain. Improvements included the installation of new fan guns and modernized towers and hydrants with more efficient fully automatic systems. 

The 2026/27 winter will also debut significant investments in Sun Valley’s snowmaking system, increasing system reliability and efficiency and providing more consistent early-season conditions.

New Lifts & Gondolas for Quicker, Smoother Access

Deer Valley Resort’s new Hail Peak Express lift will open access to 200 new skiable acres, and complement the 11 new chairlifts added since December 2024.

After debuting during the 2025–2026 season, Big Sky Resort’s Explorer Gondola and Kircliff return for their first full winter season at Big Sky. The high-speed, 10-person Explorer Gondola connects the Mountain Village base area directly to the Lone Peak Tram, creating a faster, more seamless top-to-bottom lift experience for skiers, riders, and sightseers alike.

The all-new Nell Bell chairlift on Aspen Mountain replaces the iconic Bell Mountain and Little Nell lifts with a new high-speed quad lift and provides direct access to the top of Bell Mountain from Gondola Plaza. Nell Bell lift will provide unprecedented fast access to the core of Aspen Mountain and some of its best terrain from the base.   

Zermatt debuts a new Pattrularve chairlift, replacing the existing lift with a state-of-the-art 6-seater chairlift to offer greater comfort, efficiency and even more enjoyable days on the slopes in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise.

Niseko United’s new Shin Mori-no Gondola is scheduled to open this season, connecting the base station with the mid-station and replacing the existing Mori Chairlift. The new gondola will nearly double uphill capacity and feature 86 cabins, including VIP Cabins with tables and Sky View Cabins with glass floors. The Wonderland Chairlift will also be upgraded from a single-seat to a double-seat lift, improving convenience and reducing wait times.

Grand Hirafu at Niseko United replaces the existing Ace No. 3 Lift with a high-speed, four-person chairlift featuring weather-protective bubbles. The upgrade more than doubles the lift’s current capacity, helping ease congestion in the mid-mountain area and improving the overall guest experience as visitation continues to grow.

Three new 10-passenger gondolas debut this winter at Valle D’Aosta, replacing four lifts across Courmayeur Mont-Blanc and La Thuile. Ikon Pass holders have access to 5 ski areas (Cervino Ski Paradise, Courmayeur Mont Blanc plus Skyway Monte Bianco, La Thuile, Monterosa Ski and Pila) combining more than 350 miles of groomed trails, 8 terrain parks and extensive off-piste terrain. 

New, modern high-speed lifts and gondolas – 4 new gondolas and 5 new lifts – across the Dolomiti Superski areas will reduce travel times and improve uphill capacity, ultimately delivering a more comfortable, and more reliable experience for skiers and riders.

Ischgl is unveiling three new 8-seat chairlifts in the Silvretta Arena, complete with heated seats and weather protection hoods for maximum comfort. Solar panels will help power the lifts. The Samnaun tram features new, state-of-the-art cabins to ensure the highest safety and comfort standards. 

Sun Valley debuts two new chairlifts—Lookout Express and Christmas—this season, following the successful installation of four new lifts in recent years. 

St. Moritz completely overhauled its trams after 40 years of continuous operation, and made significant upgrades to its stations to ensure full access for guests with limited mobility.

Snowboarding at Snowbird, Utah (© Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com)

Snowbird has replaced The Chickadee Chairlift, originally a two-seater, with a quad. The slope has also been re-graded and lift re-aligned to create a better learning experience for novice skiers as they prepare for the rest of the mountain.

Mt. Bachelor is making a significant lift infrastructure investment with the modernization of the Northwest chairlift, upgrading its electrical and operating systems to better protect critical infrastructure from ice buildup and weather-related disruptions, as well as improve long-term lift performance and reliability, enhancing access to some of Mt. Bachelor’s most beloved and unique expert terrain.  

Alyeska Resort is completing several key infrastructure improvements across its lift network, including the replacement of the Ted’s Express lift bullwheel bearing as part of its preventative maintenance program, modifications to the aerial tram hydraulic system, and a full repaint of the Chair 7 terminals. It has also added a new PistenBully 600 Winch snowcat to its grooming fleet.

Resort Anniversary Celebrations

Arapahoe Basin marks its 80th anniversary season with $80 lift tickets, free skiing for 80-year-olds, returning traditions and events, plus exhibits that honor the resort’s enduring community-focused, no-frills ethos.

Blue Mountain turns 85 this winter! Ontario’s largest ski and snowboard destination is planning to throw it back to some of the best ski memories with events, live music, and ski vibes from the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s. 

Mammoth Mountain marks 30 years of its  Unbound Terrain Parks – boasting 10 terrain parks, 2 halfpipes, 100+ jibs and over 40 jumps covering 100 acres.

Panorama is turning back the clock to celebrate 65 years with epic après and retro events all season long.

Aspen Snowmass celebrates its eight decades of skiing, community, and storied history as one of the world’s most iconic mountain destinations. 

Sierra-at-Tahoe is celebrating its 80th Anniversary highlighting the mountain’s history from its early days post-WWII to moving to its present location, expanding to 2,000 skiable acres and becoming an early champion of snowboarding and terrain parks.

Brighton is celebrating its 90th Anniversary with special events, limited-edition merchandise, throwback moments, and a few surprises throughout the season.

Indulge New Apres & Culinary Experiences

Mammoth Mountain unveils a new restaurant concept, Apricity, at The Westin Monache.

The view from Banff’s gondola of its Rocky Mountain ski destinations © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

SkiBig3’s Banff Sunshine is bringing back the popular GOAT Club après venue, and unveiling a new Coco Lab coffee and hot chocolate bar at Goat’s Eye Lodge, expanded cocktail offerings, and the first full season of the Coco Lounge.

Dolomiti Superski’s Passo San Pellegrino debust a new bar and restaurant near the base station of the Col Margherita tram. 

Iglu, Big Sky Resort‘s snow-built bar located at the base of the Lone Peak Tram, returns this winter with a larger footprint, offering a striking, warm gathering space amid one of Montana’s most dramatic high-alpine settings. New this season, Iglu is accessible on foot via a dedicated staircase from the top terminal of the Explorer Gondola. Grant Achatz and M by The Alinea Group will also return for a second season, bringing an elevated, seasonal dining experience to Big Sky. 

At Snowmass, the beloved Ullrhof restaurant reopens after a $42 million transformation. The new 26,000-square-foot restaurant has more than doubled capacity to 600+ and will offer four unique concepts under one roof: Ullr Market, Ullr Signature Restaurant, Ullr Bar, and Ullr Grill. The new state-of-the-art building will become Aspen Snowmass’s first all-electric on-mountain restaurant, a key reflection of Aspen One’s sustainability commitment. 

Sugarloaf is adding an iglu experience at Bullwinkle’s, to complement the ski-in/ski-out convenience and exceptional view from the popular on-mountain restaurant.

Click here to discover when Ikon Pass destinations are slated to open for the 26/27 winter season. 

For all Ikon Pass products and pricing, visit https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes.

Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass provides access to more than 70 iconic mountain destinations across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. e Destinations include Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper Mountain Resort, Arapahoe Basin, and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Snow Valley in California; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky Resort in Montana; Alyeska Resort in Alaska, Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, and Killington in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; The Highlands, Boyne Mountain and Snowriver Mountain Resort in Michigan; Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota; Granite Peak in Wisconsin; Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; Sun Valley and Schweitzer in Idaho; Tremblant and Le Massif de Charlevoix in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort, Sun Peaks Resort, and SilverStar Mountain in British Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Camelback Resort and Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania, Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico; Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird and Snowbasin in Utah; Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley and Megève Ski Area in France; Dolomiti Superski and Valle D’Aosta in Italy; Grandvalira Resorts in Andorra; Kitzbühel and Ischgl in Austria; Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland; Thredbo and Mt Buller in Australia; Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt in New Zealand; Niseko United, Arai Mountain Resort, Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, Mt.T, Myoko Suginohara, APPI Resort, Furano Ski Resort, NEKOMA Mountain, Zao Onsen Ski Resort, and Madarao Mountain Resort in Japan; Yunding Snow Park, Beidahu Ski Resort and Lake Songhua Resort in China; Mona Yongpyong in South Korea; and Valle Nevado in Chile. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, the world’s largest heli-skiing and heli-accessed hiking operation. For more information, visit www.ikonpass.com.

Alterra Mountain Company is a family of iconic year-round mountain destinations, one of the world’s leading heli-skiing operations, and Ikon Pass. It’s portfolio includes Steamboat, Winter Park and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley in California; Stratton Mountain and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Schweitzer in Idaho; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in British Columbia. Also included in the portfolio are Alpine Aerotech, a worldwide helicopter support and maintenance service center in British Columbia, Canada, Aspenware, a ski industry leader in technology services and e-commerce, and Ski Butlers, a global leader in ski and snowboard rental delivery. For more information, visit www.alterramtn.co.

See also:

Skiing with Baby? Palisades Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada Proves Ideal for Multigenerational Ski Holiday

Arts & Entertainment, Attractions, Festivals and Events, Halloween Happenings

Halloween Expands to a Full Month of Festivities

Halloween festivities have become so popular and so elaborate, the main ones have expanded from a weekend to weeks of spirited happenings © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

New York may have its pumpkins and Headless Horseman but Salem has its witches and witchcraft, and not just at Halloween. But Salem, celebrating its 400th anniversary this year, has become hallowed ground for Halloween and a festival that used to last a weekend is now weeks long. Each year, this historically and culturally rich city comes under the spell of Haunted Happenings.

One of the world’s largest Halloween celebrations, Salem Haunted Happenings draws more than 1 million visitors from around the globe for a uniquely Salem blend of history, culture, creativity – a full month of signature events, family activities, live entertainment and Halloween festivities throughout the city, kicking off Oct. 1 with Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade. This year’s celebration takes on added significance as Salem marks its 400th anniversary, with a special attempt to make history as hundreds (or even thousands) of people wearing witch hats gather along the city’s historic waterfront, and culminates on Halloween night with a spectacular 400-drone show commemorating Salem’s 400th anniversary.

The House of Seven Gables. Salem’s “Haunted Happenings,” is one of the world’s largest Halloween festivals and lasts a month, but the city, which celebrates its 400th anniversary this year, displays its connection to witches and witchcraft year-round. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Salem Haunted Happenings began in 1982 as a weekend festival and has grown into a month-long celebration that draws visitors from around the world and turned Salem into the Halloween Capital of the World. Each Oct., the city welcomes families, couples, history buffs, and Halloween lovers for ghost tours, psychic readings, costume balls, haunted harbor cruises, and more. Salem’s modern Witch and Pagan communities also celebrate Samhain, sharing their traditions with locals and guests alike.

Highlights of Salem Haunted Happenings 2026

Howl-o-ween Pet Parade Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10:30 am. Salem Main Streets presents one of Oct.’s most adorable traditions, featuring costumed pets and plenty of creative competition. The event is free for spectators, with pet registration available for $5 for locals and $10 for out-of-town participants (www.salemmainstreets.org/events/howl-o-ween-pet-parade).

Salem Night Faire Fridays & Saturdays, Oct. 16 & 17 and 23 & 24, 5-10 pm. Presented by The Black Veil, the Salem Night Faire transforms the darkened pines of Pioneer Village with art, clothing, jewelry, and oddity vendors, performances, ghost stories, hot cider, food trucks, a Biergarten, and more. www.salemnightfaire.com/

Witch Hats on the Wharf Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11 am. In honor of Salem’s 400th anniversary, residents and visitors are invited to help make history during a one-of-a-kind community gathering and world record attempt on Salem’s historic waterfront. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite witch hats and gather on the wharf for a spectacular drone photograph capturing hundreds (and potentially thousands) of witch hats. www.hauntedhappenings.org/event/witch-hats-on-the-wharf/ Hosted by the City of Salem, Salem Maritime National Historical Park and Destination Salem, the event will also feature special-edition Salem 400 witch hats sold by the City to benefit HAWC.

Haunted Speakeasy Saturday, Oct. 24, 6-10 pm. Step inside 221-year-old Hamilton Hall for a decadent Roaring ’20s-inspired Jazz Age ball featuring live music by Tricky Niki & The Grave Diggers, burlesque, cocktails, dancing and interactive ghostly encounters. www.thehauntedspeakeasy.com/

Wicked Night on the Wharf Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 pm. Salem Waterfront Hotel hosts its Untamed Wicked Night on the Wharf party for an evening of Halloween revelry along Salem’s waterfront. www.salemwaterfronthotel.com/hotel-events/comic-nightmare/

Halloween Night Live Music Saturday, Oct. 31. Beginning at noon, live music takes over stages throughout downtown Salem leading up to the Halloween Night Finale. Performance schedules and locations will be available at HauntedHappenings.org and through the Destination Salem app.

Halloween Night Finale: Drone Show Saturday, Oct. 31 at 10 pm. Salem Haunted Happenings concludes with a spectacular drone show over the North River with 400 drones marking the 400th anniversary of Salem.

For complete information, visit HauntedHappenings.org.

New Places to Discover in Salem

Oct. visitors will also find several new businesses adding to Salem’s year-round mix of independent shops, restaurants and gathering places.

Hollowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth is bringing Salem’s only Jack-O’-Lantern festival to a new location at 300 Derby Street. The Wicked Labyrinth is a twisting walk-through experience filled with hundreds of intricately carved Jack-O’-Lanterns, colorful lighting, animated spirits, music, and unexpected scenes. Designed as an all-ages Halloween experience, it is a chance to enjoy the magic of Halloween in Salem without the scares of a traditional haunted attraction. Tickets, info at HollowedHarvest.com.

Haunted Warren Museum Encounter the REAL Annabelle and discover more than 1,000 of the world’s most haunted objects, true-crime items, and cursed artifacts through immersive flashlight tours and paranormal investigations at the Warren Occult Museum  (www.hauntedwarrenmuseum.com).

Eternal Oct., in North Shore CDC’s Incubator Space, r keeps the Halloween spirit alive year-round with original apparel and merchandise inspired by vintage Halloween, neon haunts and horror nostalgia (www.eternalOct.salem.com).

The Midnight Bookseller is an independent bookstore specializing in fantasy, dark fiction and gothic literature, along with immersive community events (www.themidnightbookseller.com).

Plan Ahead: Download the Destination Salem App for maps, parking, restrooms, events, and attraction info. Begin your trip at the Visitor Information Center at 245 Derby Street for how to make the most of your visit. Reservations are strongly recommended for attractions, tours, and events, especially on weekends. The City of Salem encourages visitors to utilize public transit, including trains, ferries, and satellite parking with shuttles.

For visitor information, Salem.org.

Legendary Halloween Experiences in Sleepy Hollow Country

The Headless Horseman created out of carved pumpkins at The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Manor © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

New York’s most highly anticipated fall tradition is back and bigger than ever. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze® returns to Van Cortlandt Manor with its longest trail of illuminated pumpkin displays in event history. Across Sleepy Hollow Country, a full slate of immersive events celebrates the season and the enduring legacy of Washington Irving’s classic ghost story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

At The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, running for 44 nights in Croton-on-Hudson from Sept. 18 through November 8, the expanded path features exciting new attractions. The Creature Feature Forest pays tribute to Van Cortlandt Manor’s history as home to a drive-in movie theater in the mid 20th-century, where you meet a cast of classic movie monsters carved entirely from pumpkins. Nearby, Literary Lane reimagines familiar fables, giving classic children’s tales a whole new glow. Join an interactive dance party On the lawn of the site’s regal manor house.

Blaze: Hudson Valley dates are Sept. 18-20, 25-30; Oct. 1-31; Nov. 1, 6-8. Entry to The Gourd & Goblet Tavern and Headless Horseman’s Hideaway require separate admission. FLEX and FLEX PLUS tickets provide access with no reservations required. Historic Hudson Valley members can access free standard admission tickets. Children 2 and under attend for free. As part of its 2026 expansion, Blaze has expanded value pricing of $24 on select evenings.

Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson.

Oct. in Sleepy Hollow Country

The Headless Horseman dominates Sleepy Hollow’s Halloween festivities at Historic Hudson Valley © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

At Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, daytime Legendary Tours offer family fun, including a shadow puppet film and a Legend-themed exhibit. By night, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk and musician Jim Keyes team up for outdoor performances of Irving’s ‘Legend,’ a dramatic retelling of Irving’s classic tale.

At Philipsburg Manor, professional illusionists conjure the supernatural during The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic, with all-new magic and special effects.

The Headless Horseman Files: A Sleepy Hollow Whodunit: gather clues and uncover what really happened to Ichabod Crane.

Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow, at Philipsburg Manor, features its signature fire performers, storytellers and a dramatic sound-and-light show recreating the Horseman’s midnight ride.

An Audience with Poe at the Historic Hudson Valley Library for an evening of storytelling and cocktails inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, pairing haunting renditions of The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, and The Masque of the Red Death with complimentary themed drinks and treats.

Twilight Village, The Headless Horseman Files, Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country, Irving’s Legend dates are Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, and 30-31. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

At Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk gives a dramatic retelling of Irving’s classic tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Legendary Tours of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside dates Sept. 18-20, 25-30; Oct. 1-31 (Closed Tuesdays); November 1, 6-8. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside is on West Sunnyside Lane, off Route 9 in Irvington.

All events have limited capacity and regularly sell out; advance ticket purchase is required. Go to the Historic Hudson Valley Events Page (https://tickets.hudsonvalley.org/).

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure

The Dead Man’s Partyshow at Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest (photo: Six Flags Great Adventure)

Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS®  at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, N.J. features one of the park’s most ambitious Halloween lineups yet, featuring:

  • Four new haunted mazes, led by JASON: Blood Reign and Final Destination: Death’s Playground
  • New original haunted attractions Twisted Holidays and Deadwood Cabin
  • The return of fan favorites including The Conjuring Universe™ and Army of the Dead®
  • Multiple immersive scare zones throughout the park
  • The return of the legendary Dead Man’s Partyshow
  • Nightly live entertainment including Awakening, Blade Drummers, and Unleashed
  • Thrilling nighttime rides on Great Adventure’s world-class roller coasters

Fright Fest runs select nights through Nov. 1. Haunted attractions require a separate Haunted Attractions Pass in addition to valid park admission, a Season Pass or membership.

For event information, operating hours and tickets, visit Six Flags Great Adventure.

Bronx Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo

The Bronx Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo festival returns this fall with more ways to discover the wonders of wildlife through play, sensory exploration, and up-close access to animal experts. Explore 265 acres, home to 11,000 animals including endangered tigers © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Bronx Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo festival returns this fall with more ways to discover the wonders of wildlife through play, sensory exploration, and up-close access to animal experts in one of New York’s most charming autumn destinations. The seasonal celebration runs weekends from Sept. 26 through Nov. 1, plus Monday, Oct. 12.

Boo at the Zoo provides a full day of fall adventure among its 265 acres of park populated with more than 11,000 animals. The debut of engaging elements like the Hay Maze & Challenge Course (climb, crawl, and balance through a trail of challenges and custom straw sculptures that represent animals; sneak like a snow leopard or hop like a frog to complete a series of movement challenges designed to engage kids’ senses and strength); Boo Carnival games station invite kinesthetic fun; and Animal Chats are opportunities to hear directly from animal experts about some of the zoo’s most fascinating species through animal enrichment, behavioral insights, and interactive Q&As.

The action-packed event also brings the annual return of familiar Bronx Zoo activities Costume Parade (join stilt walkers and puppeteers for on-the-move costumed entertainment); Boo Dance Party with wildlife puppets, music, and bubbles after each parade; Pumpkin Garden;  Magic & Mind Reading animal-inspired magic tricks led by a much-loved magician; Wildlife Theater with Bruja Alma and her spooky animal puppet friends singing, dancing and telling The Tale de los Animales Who are No More (Can you help Alma conjure up a solution?); free Face Painting; Spooky Stories to Tickle Your Spine from around the world featuring animal species that can be seen at the zoo; Creepy Crawly Mystery Wall (touch mysterious textures and materials to learn about animals and other creatures); Extinct Animal Species Graveyard (learn how to prevent future extinctions at the eerie graveyard of wildlife species that are no longer with us). Also, expert-led pumpkin carving demos, a palm oil-free candy trail, lawn games, and Halloween-themed community mural.

Boo at the Zoo is included with Bronx Zoo admission and is free for WCS Members. Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance; slots sell out quickly. This year, for maximum flexibility, Boo at the Zoo tickets are not timed. A schedule of daily activities and their in-park locations can be found at BronxZoo.com/Boo. Visit BronxZoo.com/Boo to view available dates and book your visit.

New York City’s Village Halloween Parade, Oct. 31

The Village Halloween Parade in New York City has become “the nation’s most wildly creative public participatory event in the greatest city in the world!” with 50,000 costumed participants, towering puppets, electrifying performers, and 50 bands © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

What has become “the nation’s most wildly creative public participatory event in the greatest city in the world!” the 53rd  Village Halloween Parade with 50,000 costumed participants, towering puppets, electrifying performers, and 50 bands kicks off on Friday, Oct. 31 at 7 pm from Canal Street, winding its way uptown on Sixth Avenue to 15th Street. The theme for 2026 is Body & Soul.

Each year, some 50,000-60,000 participate in the parade. Costumed participants line up and are join in groups of 1000-2000 beginning at 6:30 pm at Canal Street.

The parade is free for all to view or join in costume. To skip the line, you can purchase a VIP ticket or join the Special Theme Section or volunteer (https://halloween-nyc.com/volunteer/). All ticket holders are automatically admitted to The Vampire Ball (https://vampireball.nyc/). the official after party, at House of Yes.  Tickets for special VIP viewing and experiences are available at https://halloween-nyc.com/tickets/.

Empire Tours’ NYC Gangsters & Ghosts Walking Tour takes visitors through Little Italy, Chinatown, Five Points and the West Village, exploring old crime scenes, gangster history, bootlegger stories and reportedly haunted locations along the way. The two-hour, 1.2-mile tour is led by historians rather than actors, bringing the real history and ghost lore behind these neighborhoods to life (tourofnyc.com/tour/nyc-gangsters-and-ghosts-walking-tour).

New York’s Haunted Hotels: Fright This Way for a Spirited Stay

This fall, I Love New York invites travelers to explore New York State’s spirited side through hauntingly historic inns and storied stays overflowing with folklore, fall color and friendly frights. Rather than follow the traditional leaf-peeping road trip, travelers who dare can head off the beaten path to experience the Empire State’s full autumnal glory by pairing scenic hikes and charming downtowns with eerie experiences and after-dark adventures. 

Home to one of the country’s largest collections of haunted sites, New York invites travelers seeking an extra scare to journey along its Haunted History Trail, featuring more than 90 locations. From investigating a former Prohibition-era speakeasy in the Catskills to joining a Victorian séance at a historic manor in the Greater Niagara region, travelers can discover New York’s haunted history one region at a time.

These paranormal properties and sinister stops offer a thrilling new way to explore New York this fall:  

The Haunted Shanley Hotel (Catskills): Tucked in the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains, the Shanley Hotel invites travelers to check in for more than 180 years of Catskills history and paranormal lore. Built in 1845 and rebuilt after a fire in 1895, the property reportedly welcomed notable guests including Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt before taking a more scandalous turn as a Prohibition-era speakeasy and bordello. Its most mysterious guests, however, may be those who never checked out, including former owner Beatrice Shanley and several child spirits said to still linger throughout the hotel. Brave travelers can spend the night in one of 10 guest rooms while joining a public ghost hunt, attending Afternoon Tea with the Spirits and a Victorian séance or conducting a paranormal investigation of their own. Nearby, visitors can keep the supernatural streak going at the Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum or trade ghost stories for fall scenery at Minnewaska State Park, where cliffside trails, waterfalls and sky lakes show off the region’s autumn hues. Travelers can also step into the Catskills’ legendary resort era at the Borscht Belt Museum, where immersive exhibits trace the region’s lasting influence on American comedy, food, design and vacation culture.  

Home to one of the country’s largest collections of haunted sites, New York invites travelers seeking an extra scare to journey along its Haunted History Trail, featuring more than 90 locations, among them, Fainting Goat Island Inn, in the Finger Lakes (photo: I Love NY)

Fainting Goat Island Inn (Finger Lakes): Set on a quiet 17-acre island in the Susquehanna River, Fainting Goat Island Inn offers the charm of a restored 1850s railroad hotel with a playful paranormal twist. Named one of USA TODAY’s best haunted hotels in 2025, the five-room inn is no stranger to unusual overnight guests, with visitors reporting unexplained footsteps, moving furniture and the voices of two women chatting over tea in the “Fainting Room.” Brave travelers can spend the night in one of five rooms filled with period furnishings and antique phonographs, swap ghost stories in the private lounge or settle in with a book among the gardens and riverfront grounds while watching for deer, ducks and eagles alongside the inn’s resident dogs and fainting goats. Nearby, travelers can hunt for vintage treasures among more than 90 vendors at the Early Owego Antique Center before strolling the Owego Riverwalk behind the town’s historic storefronts. Those looking for another dose of fall scenery can head to Waverly Glen Falls for an easy hike to a picturesque waterfall.  

Graestone Manor (Greater Niagara): Set in the small town of Gasport, Graestone Manor offers a historic bed-and-breakfast stay where some former residents appear to have never moved out. The property once belonged to racehorse breeder Curtis Root, who died there in 1889 and is now said to whistle from the Green Room, while his daughter Flora reportedly makes her presence known in the Red Room. Guests have also encountered unexplained activity throughout the parlor, basement and former servants’ wing, giving nearly every corner of the manor a story of its own. Travelers can choose from four historic rooms before putting their nerves to the test during a paranormal investigation, Victorian séance or psychic reading. Beyond the manor, visitors can meet more lingering locals at the reportedly haunted Van Horn Mansion or follow the Niagara Wine Trail to the Winery at Marjim Manor. For a less spirited change of pace, travelers can hike past a suspension bridge, historic ruins and a 20-foot waterfall at Royalton Ravine Park or embrace a classic fall day at Becker Farms with apple picking, hard cider and a sprawling farm market.  

Tarrytown House Estate (Hudson Valley): Just minutes from the storied Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown House Estate puts travelers in the heart of one of New York’s most spirited fall destinations, complete with grand architecture, glowing pumpkins and a ghost story waiting upstairs. The estate’s 1840 King Mansion is said to be home to former resident Sybil Harris King, whose white-clad apparition reportedly roams the second-floor hallways and lingers near Room 293. Guests can spend the night in one of 10 historic rooms and suites, dine at Goosefeather, the estate’s modern Cantonese-inspired restaurant, or book the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Experience Package, which includes admission to the nearby display of more than 7,000 illuminated pumpkins. Beyond the estate, visitors can follow Washington Irving’s Headless Horseman lore from his former home at Sunnyside to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where lantern-lit tours pass the resting places of Irving, Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller. Those still seeking another brush with the unexplained can end the night at the reportedly haunted Tarrytown Music Hall.  

Beyond these properties, travelers can keep the spirited season going with supernatural experiences across the state. In the Capital-Saratoga region, visitors can join ghost walks through Saratoga Springs or wander the shadowed mausoleums of Albany Rural Cemetery, while New York City offers candlelit tours at the Merchant’s House Museum and seasonal events like the Village Halloween Parade. Whether planning a full paranormal road trip or adding one final fright to a classic fall getaway, travelers will find no shortage of chilling ways to experience the season across New York. 

More ideas at iloveny.com.

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com

Fall Foliage Getaways, Festivals and Events, Outdoors Adventures

Tips to Catch the Best of New England’s Fall Foliage, Festivals

The Berkshires of Massachusetts. Timing the peak fall foliage takes planning, but scenes are gorgeous even if not at peak. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

New England is famous for fall foliage and festivals. To catch the peak of color and festivities, the trick is to zero in where and when.

Peak foliage typically begins in northern Maine and the White Mountains in mid-September before moving southward through October. Coastal Connecticut and Rhode Island often peak in late October to early November (see: newengland.com/foliage/foliage/peak-fall-foliage-map).

Vermont

Vermont’s Green Mountains rank among best places in the country for fall foliage with peak viewing typically moving from north to south between mid-September and mid-October.  Among the best foliage locations:

Route 100: A scenic 200-mile highway passing through the heart of the state with mountain vistas and quiet villages.

Manchester: A historic southern Vermont village offering stunning views near Mount Equinox.

Stowe: A famous mountain town known for brilliant autumn palettes and top-tier hiking trails.

The Stowe-liage Foliage Package at Topnotch Resort includes a $100 nightly resort credit to use at the Topnotch Spa, Tennis Center or dining at the resort’s two restaurants. Rates start at $324/night. Available for travel through Nov. 30 (www.topnotchresort.com/packages-specials).

Okemo Valley Fall Foliage Train & Pop‑Up Fall Festival, Oct. 3-4: Step into Vermont’s most enchanting season aboard a vintage foliagetrain, where nearly an hour of scenic mountain views, brilliant color, and old‑fashioned rail charm create an unforgettable autumn adventure. (https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/foliage-train/)

Get driving itineraries, lodging ideas at vermontvacation.com and the fall foliage report at https://vermontvacation.com/vermont-seasons/fall/fall-foliage-report/

Massachusetts

The Berkshires of Massachusetts. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Massachusetts’ Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)’s Interactive Fall Foliage Map  provides updates and forecasts on peak foliage conditions at DCR properties across the state. You can select calendar dates to see which sections of the state and specific DCR properties will experience peak fall colors. Most of the state peaks by mid-October; the higher elevations in the Berkshires start showing vibrant color by early October.   

Here are some of the best foliage destinations:

The Berkshires features mountainous views. Key spots include Mount Greylock (the state’s highest peak) and the scenic towns of Lenox and North Adams.

The Mohawk Trail: Known as Route 2, this historic byway takes you through dramatic mountain passes, state forests, and small towns like Shelburne Falls.

Pioneer Valley: Running along the Connecticut River Scenic Byway, this area offers rolling farmlands, orchards, and historic Deerfield.

Lexington and Concord: Located in the Greater Merrimack Valley, these Revolutionary War towns pair vibrant autumn leaves with iconic American history during America’s 250th.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in the Berkshires of Massachusetts is a stunning trail for biking and walking © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail  is a 12.7 mile long biking and walking trail that runs through Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams, with spots along Cheshire Reservoir and Hoosic River providing excellent views.

Pittsfield State Forest, 1041 Cascade St., Pittsfield, offers an extensive hiking trail network, including the Taconic Crest Trail.  

Nickerson State Park, 3488 Main St., Brewster,Cape Cod): Enjoy an easy 1.7-mile hike on the loop around Little Cliff Pond, a long and narrow 33-acre natural kettlehole pond, where the shoreline is largely wooded with pitch pines and scrub oaks, with occasional sandy beaches. Cape Cod also affords an outstanding network of biking trails, including the Shining Sea and Cape Cod Canal.

DCR’s Fall Foliage webpage also highlights 17 recommended foliage viewing spots in the state park system, along with hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks at the locations (www.mass.gov/info-details/fall-foliage-season-in-the-parks).

One of the notable festivals: Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, Sept.18 – Oct. 4, is the third largest agricultural fair in the U.S., with a mind-boggling array of food (BBQ brisket sundae, anyone?), midway rides, big-name music acts, a farmers’ market, and those amazing butter sculptures. The horse, dog, and farm animal shows draw competitors from all over (thebige.com)

Planning tips at VisitMA.com

Connecticut

Biking the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, Connecticut © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) interactive fall foliage report map  forecasts the progression of color across the state. Peak foliage is predicted to arrive in the northeast and northwest corners of the state around Columbus Day and extend to the lower Connecticut River Valley and shoreline through early November (https://ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-fall-foliage-report).

Peak foliage runs for several weeks in Connecticut due to diversified terrain and variety of trees, offering more opportunities to experience the autumn beauty. The Connecticut River, starting at the mouth of the Long Island Sound (between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme) and going up toward East Haddam, changes color last – into the first week of November.

A great way to enjoy the fall foliage is biking or hiking. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT), a partially paved trail running from New Haven CT north into Massachusetts. Historic buildings, canal locks, the remains of canal aqueducts and other landmarks are evident as the trail meanders along abandoned rail corridors and canal tow paths. The 56 miles of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT) and the 18 miles of the Farmington River Trail constitute the most picturesque and historic greenways in New England.

Ride the rails: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat showcase the Connecticut River Valley (essexsteamtrain.com/train-boat); Naugatuck Railroad‘s Autumn Colors Limitedshowcases Litchfield Hills (www.rmne.org/excursions/autumn-colors-limited)

Durham Fair, Durham, Sept. 24-27: Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair combines the harvest season’s abundance of fruit and vegetables with livestock competitions, arts and crafts exhibits, live music, and food, games and rides along the midway. There’s a monster truck rally and a lumberjack show durhamfair.com

Apple Harvest Festival, Southington, Oct. 2-4 & 9-11, on the Town Green features rides, a crafts show, music, and food, with apples making their appearance in pies, fritters, slushies. Evenings are capped with fireworks, and a parade along a one-mile route highlights the opening weekend southington.org

Trip planning help at ctvisit.com

Rhode Island

Rhode Island shows its brightest colors in the heavily wooded western and northern regions in October.

Among the best locales: Blackstone Valley region (Slater Mill is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in America; the Blackstone Valley Explorer riverboat offers cruises into mid-October); Roger Williams Park and Zoo in Providence; and at Blithewold Mansion & Gardens in Bristol. In South County, Route 1 and 1A from Westerly to Wickford is a great scenic drive.

Bike the 14.5 mile East Bay Bike Path from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol, passing many state and local parks and recreation areas.

Harvest Fair, Middletown, Oct. 3-4: 70 of the region’s finest crafters and artisans gather at the 325-acre Norman Bird Sanctuary. Pony rides, midway games, and a mud pit. Bands, food trucks, and beer garden (normanbirdsanctuary.org/events/harvest-fair) 

Autumnfest, Woonsocket, Oct. 9-12: Rhode Island’s biggest fall festival features rides, food court, continuous performances by local and top-name bands, comedians, crafts displays and marketplace, classic and muscle car shows, a wine garden; and on Monday, a Columbus Day parade (autumnfest.org). 

Driving routes and planning info at www.visitri.com/state/foliage.

Maine

Northern Maine & Aroostook County: Peak arrives in late September to early October. Baxter State Park has great vistas.

Western Mountains (Rangeley & Bethel): Peak arrives in early to mid-October. Drive the Route 17 scenic byway and stop at the Height of Land overlook for stunning lake vistas.

Midcoast Maine (Camden & Rockland): Peak arrives in mid-October. Hike Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for views of color rolling down to Penobscot Bay.

Acadia National Park is one of the best places in Maine to immerse in fall © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor: Peak arrives in mid-October. Combine ocean views with brilliant autumn leaves along the Park Loop Road or from Cadillac Mountain.

Southern Maine & Portland: Peak arrives in mid-to-late October, featuring vibrant oaks and coastal back roads.

The Maine Fall Foliage Map has weekly state updates and live reports, www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/projects/fall_foliage/whenandwhere

Cumberland County Fair, Cumberland, Sept. 27 – Oct. 3: Southern Maine’s biggest fall festival packs in events as diverse as truck and tractor pulls, rodeo, demolition derby, nightly fireworks and 10 live-music acts spanning blues to bluegrass (cumberlandfair.com).

Fryeburg Fair, Fryeburg, Oct. 4-11. Since it began in 1851, western Maine’s harvest fest has grown into an eight-day celebration of the region’s farms, gardens, foods, and crafts. Midway rides and oxen pulls, calf and pig “scrambles,” an anvil-throwing contest, midway rides and a farm museum.  Woodsmen’s Field Day draws loggers from across the U.S. to test their mettle  (fryeburgfair.org)

Fall Foliage Festival, Boothbay, Oct. 10-11, takes place on a handsome four-acre town green, done up as a “vintage village” featuring art exhibits, food trucks, booths selling local crafts, live music, and children’s corner. Take a ride on a steam-powered train at Boothbay Railway Village, and visit the adjacent antique car museum (railwayvillage.org; boothbay.org).

The Stephen Taber, one of the historic Maine Windjammer Fleet. Fall cruises are scheduled through mid October © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Take advantage of fall cruises – the last of the year – aboard one of the historic Maine Windjammers fleet: Windjammer Angelique, Schooner American Eagle, Schooner Grace Bailey, Schooner Heritage, Schooner J. & E. Riggin, Schooner Ladona, Schooner Lewis R French, Schooner Mary Day. Schooner Stephen Taber (mainewindjammerfleet.com).

Trip planning at the Maine Office of Tourism, visitmaine.com

New Hampshire

Peak colors usually arrive from late September through mid-to-late October. The best place to see fall foliage in New Hampshire is the White Mountains region (visitwhitemountains.com).

Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), Highway 3. This 34.5-mile scenic byway runs between Lincoln and North Conway, offering continuous mountain views, bright red and gold trees, and easy stops like Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.

Mount Washington Auto Road. This steep, scenic drive climbs to the highest peak in the Northeast for panoramic views of fiery autumn forests.

Mount Washington Cog Railway: An amazing way to experience Mount Washington. The three-hour round trip Includes a one-hour layover at the top (www.thecog.com)

Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln: Located in a deep mountain pass, this park features stunning foliage, the Flume Gorge, and the popular Artist’s Bluff hike

Crawford Notch State Park, Hart’s Location: Route 302 winds through this park past dramatic cliffs, towering trees, and roadside waterfalls.

Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, NH: This mountaintop estate looks out over Lake Winnipesaukee and colorful surrounding forests.

Trip planning help at www.visitnh.gov.

Find seasonal lodging offers at New England Inns & Resorts

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

Fall Foliage Getaways, Festivals and Events, New York State travel, Outdoors Adventures

Fall Foliage, Festivals, Spirits of the Season Underway in New York State

Enjoying the dramatic scenes and fall foliage colors on a hike in New York’s Adirondacks. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Thanks to one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in America, autumn is traditionally one of New York’s most popular for travel, attracting visitors from around the world to its 11 diverse and picturesque vacation regions. 

“Foliage watching complements hiking, cycling and paddling in the great outdoors, apple and pumpkin picking, visits to wineries and craft beverage makers, spooky Halloween activities and special Path Through History Weekend events at museums and historic sites, ESD Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said.

Best Fall Foliage Places

Enjoying the dramatic scenes and fall foliage colors on a hike in New York’s Adirondacks. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Adirondack Mountains: Peak viewing happens early to mid-October, featuring stunning high peaks, mirrored lakes, and towns like Lake Placid. Take in the changing leaves during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Placid or venture out to more than 2,000 miles of nearby hiking trails. Popular spots include High Falls Gorge, Whiteface Landing, Catamount Mountain and Whiteface Mountain, which offers Cloudsplitter Gondola rides. Gore Mountain offers scenic skyrides, hiking and biking. Check out the Mirror Lake Inn and the Whiteface Lodge, an all-suite MICHELIN One Key and AAA Four-Diamond-rated resort with world-class spa tucked into the woodlands.

Hiking the Kaaterskill Falls trail on the Hudson River School Trail in the Catskills © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Catskill Mountains: Colors reach their height early to mid-October. Enjoy scenic drives, cascading waterfalls and vibrant hiking trails. At Belleayre Mountain, new mountain bike trail connections link the mountain, Belleayre Beach and the Shandaken Wild Forest. Check out the Deer Mountain Inn.

Gorgeous falls flow through the gorge at Letchworth State Park in the Finger Lakes © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Finger Lakes: Best colors show from mid- to late October, highlighted by dramatic gorges at Letchworth State Park, Watkins Glen State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park. The Lake House on Canandaigua launched The Collector’s Getaway, a stay designed around its Finger Lakes Antiquing Trail, a curated field guide mapping 13 stops across Canandaigua, Farmington, Bloomfield, Geneva and Rochester; The package includes: deluxe accommodations (two-night minimum stay); two complimentary cocktails at Library Bar; Lake House tote bag; curated map and field guide to local antique and vintage shops.. (Promo code VINTAGE, visit https://lakehousecanandaigua.com/packages/the-collectors-getaway/)

Dramatic scenes hiking Watkins Glen State Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Hudson Valley & Capital Region: Peak foliage arrives by late October, showcasing historic Hudson River vistas and state parks like Minnewaska and North-South Lake Campground. Among the marvelous places to stay, the historic Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa, Mohonk Mountain Houseand Rocking Horse Ranch, an all-inclusive kid-focused dude ranch.

Enjoy the fall colors while biking Long Island’s longest traffic free, paved bike path, the scenic 13-mile Bethpage Bikeway © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Long Island/NYC: Feel like you have gone for a true getaway escape in Shelter Island where you can take in the fall colors in Mashomack Preserve; a great place to stay is Shelter Island House. Enjoy the fall colors while biking Long Island’s longest traffic free, paved bike path, the 13-mile Bethpage Bikeway, a scenic trail that goes through 2 state parks, 2 wetland preserves and 2 town parks. In New York City, you can’t beat the scenes in Central Park and Prospect Park.

A tranquil country scene right in the heart of New York City in Central Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Timing the foliage for the best possible colors and scenes is the trick.

The I LOVE NY weekly foliage reports launching September 16, updated every Wednesday throughout the season, showcases the progression of seasonal colors across the state.New York State’s tourism office, An interactive foliage map complements reports on the I LOVE NY website, tracking weekly changes and progression throughout the season. The map offers recommended viewing locations, examples of peak foliage in certain areas, and travel information about popular local attractions.

An interactive foliage map complements the reports on the I LOVE NY website, tracking weekly changes and progression throughout the season. The map offers recommended viewing locations, examples of peak foliage in certain areas, and travel information about popular local attractions © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This year, 100 volunteers are tracking changes and providing on-location accounts for the upcoming weekend that detail prevailing leaf colors, percentage of total transition, and progression relative to peak conditions, considered the best that the foliage will look. Historically, foliage reaches its peak between late September and mid-November, depending on the location within the State.

Travelers are encouraged to share their best foliage photos from around New York State on social media using the #NYLovesFall hashtag for a chance to be featured on the I LOVE NY website and official social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, X and Threads, which collectively reach more than two million followers.

Reports are available online at iloveny.com/foliage, or 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697).

Westchester: Foliage, Flavors & Festivities

Westchester County’s fall calendar is packed with standout experiences, from continued America 250 celebrations to iconic Halloween traditions and seasonal festivals. Experience the best of the season with apple picking, scenic foliage, local dining and fall getaways across the County.

Halloween happenings are already underway at Historic Hudson Valley: 

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is already underway at Van Cortlandt Manor © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze returns to Van Cortlandt Manor, Sept. 18-Nov. 8, with a longer path and even more displays. Visitors can wander through an 18th-century landscape illuminated by more than 7,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns, complete with synchronized lighting, an original soundtrack, movie monsters, storybook characters and a pumpkin dance party.

Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk delivers a dramatic retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Washington Irving’s home, Sunnyside © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Washington Irving’s classic tale comes to life at Irving’s Legend, held Oct. 2-31 at the author’s Sunnyside home in Irvington. Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk delivers a dramatic retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow outdoors under the stars, accompanied by live music and sound effects. During the day, take one of the kid-friendly literary-themed Legendary Tours complete with lawn games, crafts and a shadow puppet show. 

Halloween goes Hollywood at Philipsburg, in Historic Hudson Valley, the locale for Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hallow,” where you very well may encounter the Headless Horseman himself. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Expanded for 2026, Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow returns to Philipsburg Manor Fridays through Sundays through October, with live storytellers, fire performers, an evening market, an appearance by the Headless Horseman and more. Visitors can also investigate Ichabod Crane’s disappearance during the Headless Horseman Files, an interactive 18th-century whodunit, or experience the magical illusions of The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country. 

(Visit Historic Hudson Valley, 639 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591, Tel 914-366-6900; tickets at https://tickets.hudsonvalley.org/events)

Ghost stories descend upon Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington this fall. ’Tis the Wind and Nothing More, Oct. 2-11, features a dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven, while The Lady in White, taking place Oct. 16-Nov. 1, draws inspiration from a 1956 ghost story set at the house. 

Artists, designers and craftspeople will gather at Lyndhurst Mansion for the Fall Craft Show, Sept. 18-20, featuring jewelry, fine art, ceramics, home décor and more. As Halloween approaches, the historic estate shifts into the spirit with seasonal tours, performances of The Masque of the Red Death, Gothic Market Weekend and a special Dark Shadows Halloween celebration.

Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk leads Ghost Tours of the Tarrytown Music Hall, Oct. 3-18, sharing fascinating tales of the theater’s history, legends and mysterious happenings.

Mystic Moon returns to Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard in North Salem, inviting visitors to follow the mischievous adventures of a playful witch through a whimsical lighted path in the woods.

Witches take to the Hudson River at the annual SUP Witches Festival, held Oct. 10 in Sleepy Hollow. Hosted by Rivertowns SUP & Yoga, the fall tradition brings costumed witches and warlocks together for a paddle along the Hudson, while spectators join the fun onshore with live music, vendors, food and seasonal activities.

Leaf Peeping & Fall Fun

500 living historians bring the Revolutionary War to life at REV FEST 250, Oct. 24-25 at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. The two-day event features authentic Continental and British Army encampments, military demonstrations, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, exhibitors and local food trucks. Watch both armies assemble and march toward the weekend’s signature attraction—the Reenactment of the Battle of White Plains, a large-scale tactical demonstration. 

Apple picking, hayrides, farm markets and seasonal treats draw visitors to Westchester’s farms and orchards. Local favorites include Muscoot Farm in Katonah, Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard in North Salem, Stuart’s Fruit Farm in Granite Springs, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm and Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights. At Faraway Farm Alpacas, visitors can reserve a tour to meet alpacas. 

Walk into the depths of a dark forest and discover Fantastic Beasts™ and illuminated wizarding world moments at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, returning to Westchester Oct. 16, in the awe-inspiring woods of Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights. This nighttime trail experience is designed for the whole family and books quickly, reserve your tickets today. 

Autumn Glow Festival lights up Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, Sept. 11-Nov. 1. The immersive nighttime experience features hundreds of handcrafted Chinese lanterns illuminated with LED lights, transforming the park with towering sculptures inspired by folklore, culture and nature, along with food and entertainment. 

Hands-on fall programs return to the Nature Center at Greenburgh this autumn. Apple cidering allows families operate an old-fashioned cider press, turning locally sourced apples into fresh cider to sample and take home. Creepy Crawlers offers another up-close nature experience, introducing visitors to snakes, tarantulas and other creatures while exploring how they survive in their habitats. 

More than 4,300 acres of terrain and 35 miles of wooded trails make Ward Pound Ridge Reservation a standout for fall foliage. Other scenic spots include Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, Cranberry Lake Preserve in White Plains, Croton Gorge Park in Croton-on-Hudson, Graham Hills Park in Pleasantville and Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye. 

Take in the changing leaves from a different perspective with Bicycle Sundays, Sept. 13 through Oct. 4. A nearly 6.5-mile stretch of the Bronx River Parkway closes to cars, giving cyclists, skaters, joggers and walkers the chance to enjoy a traffic-free outing. 

Arts & Culture

One of Westchester County’s most significant revolutionary-era artifacts is on view at the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase through Dec. 20. The Declaration Distributed: Westchester County’s Holt Broadside of 1776 is a special exhibition centered around New York State’s historic adoption and distribution of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibit offers visitors a rare opportunity to view this important document and highlights Westchester County’s critical role in the nation’s founding. 

Step back almost 300 years into Yonkers history at the Sherwood House Museum, a pre-Revolutionary War farmhouse built around 1740. The museum is open Sundays from 1-4 p.m. beginning Sept. 13, with free admission.

Celebrating its 15th year, JazzFest White Plains returns Sept. 23-27 with five days of live music at venues throughout downtown White Plains. The festival features 19 performances from legendary artists, contemporary innovators and emerging talent, including five GRAMMY Award winners and nominees.

Two new exhibitions open on Sept. 18 at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers: Exquisite Creatures and Borinquen Gallo: Jungle Bliss. More cultural stops include the Hudson Valley MOCA in Peekskill, the Katonah Museum of Art and ArtsWestchester in White Plains.

Dining with Atmosphere

Dine your way through the region during Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, returning Nov. 2-16. Participating restaurants throughout Westchester offer special prix-fixe menus. 

New additions are bringing fresh flavors to Westchester’s dining scene. In Bronxville, Cafe Nelo from chef Giuseppe Fanelli blends Italian, American and European influences, while North River Oyster Bar in Sleepy Hollow serves seafood and cocktails on Beekman Avenue.

Cozy up at The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges, where seasonal, farm-to-table fare is served in an 1833 inn. With reclaimed wood, rustic details and four working fireplaces, the longtime Westchester favorite offers an inviting setting for a memorable meal. 

Surround yourself in history at Peter Pratt’s Inn, an American fine dining restaurant and bar located in a historic 260 year old farm house bordering a rustic pine forest in Yorktown Heights. 

Sip your way through Westchester with the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail, connecting local breweries, cideries, distilleries and taprooms across the county. The free mobile passport lets visitors check in at participating stops, access special offers and earn points. 

The Sailhouse Oysterfest brings oysters, seasonal food and drinks to the Hudson River waterfront for a lively dining experience. More information to come.

Autumn Getaways

Escape to the countryside at Bedford Post Inn, an intimate eight-room retreat surrounded by 20 wooded acres. Cozy guest rooms feature historic details and luxurious touches, while seasonal dining, daily yoga and outdoor experiences make it an inviting home base for a fall getaway. 

Recently reopened following renovations, The Kittle House Inn in Chappaqua, pairs its 18th-century history with newly refreshed rooms and gathering spaces. Guests can also enjoy fine dining featuring seasonal Hudson Valley ingredients and selections from the property’s award-winning wine cellar.

Set on 26 acres overlooking the Hudson Valley, Tarrytown House Estate pairs charm with modern comforts and on-site dining at Chef Dale Talde’s acclaimed Goosefeather, a modern Cantonese restaurant. This fall, guests can book the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Experience Package, which includes two tickets to the seasonal attraction and daily breakfast for two.

Perched above the Hudson River in Peekskill, The Abbey Inn & Spa offers a peaceful fall escape in a beautifully restored former convent. Unwind at the full-service spa, explore the scenic grounds and enjoy seasonal, locally inspired dining at Apropos. For an extra dose of relaxation, the Stay, Sip and Spa Package includes overnight accommodations, welcome mimosas and a $200 spa credit.

For more information, visit Westchester County Tourism, www.visitwestchesterny.com, 800-833-9282.

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

America's 250th, Historic Places, National Parks, Places of History, See America

Gateway Arch National Park is a Surprising and Relevant Monument to USA’s Western Expansion

The Gateway Arch, at 630 feet high, the tallest monument in the US, is an impossibly graceful ribbon of stainless steel. It honors St. Louis’ a © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

I must have spent about two hours in St. Louis’ Old Courthouse before exiting out the riverfront door to continue on to the Gateway Arch, stopping to take in the inspiring statue of Dred and Harriet Scott.

The riverfront Gateway Arch National Park, spanning 90 acres (and apparently configured on the site of the original colonial settlement) is a glorious community space, with the Gateway Arch becoming ever more monumental and striking as I get closer.

The Arch is an impossibly graceful ribbon of stainless steel, reflecting the sun.

Gateway Arch National Park is a 90-acre complex featuring the Gateway Arch, an underground museum, and the Old Courthouse © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

I had been here decades ago, not realizing at the time that the Arch was actually relatively new, and an engineering marvel when it was built between 1963-5.  Architect Eero Saarinen’s inspired design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch as an ideal monument to the spirit of the western pioneers was chosen after a nationwide competition in 1947-48. It was built for total cost of $13 million: 75% paid by the federal government, and 25% City of St. Louis funds; the $2 million Arch transportation system was financed by the Bi-State Development Agency.

The nation’s tallest monument (630 feet), the Gateway Arch has become an internationally recognized symbol of St. Louis, commemorating  Jefferson’s vision and St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the USA © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

I had not realized there is a fantastic (free!) museum beneath it, and interactive experiences, including a bizarro tram (it looks like a Woody Allen car from “Sleeper”), that takes you on a track inside the Arch to the very top where you get out for a view through windows, before riding the tram back down. (You have to reserve tickets early; they were sold out by the time I arrived in the afternoon.)

The exhibits in the Gateway Arch museum are fascinating. They trace St. Louis’ history from A French fur trading post, Colonial St. Louis, where you discover the Indigenous, French, and Creole cultures of St. Louis before the Louisiana Purchase; Thomas Jefferson’s Vision  for the United States; The Riverfront Era (the first steamboat to arrive in St. Louis changed the city forever).

Gateway Arch museum discusses St. Louis’ Riverboat era and St. Louis’ place in the Westward Expansion © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

St. Louis was once inhabited by Native Americans of the ancient Mississippian culture. Due to the area’s proximity to both the Mississippi River that runs along the eastern border, and Missouri River that joins it just north of the city, and the Meramec River on the southern border of St. Louis County, it was not only a hub for the Mississippians, but for the European traders and later pioneers, frontiersmen and ultimately settlers. It switched hands, first being claimed by France, then Spain after the Seven Years War, then (secretly) back to France, before Napoleon Bonaparte sold the Louisiana Territory to President Thomas Jefferson in 1803, who used it as the launching point for the Lewis & Clark Expedition. St. Louis remained a gateway into the American West.

Gateway Arch museum discusses St. Louis’ important role in America’s Westward Expansion © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It was surprising to learn that St. Louisians went to sleep on March 9, 1804 under Spanish rule, only to wake up as American citizens.  Indeed, in just a matter of days, residents were under French, Spanish, French, British, American flags. The implications were great: American land laws were different and Spanish land grants were subject to legal challenge; merchants and fur traders had new laws and trading partners; American slave law was based on British tradition, so slaveholders no longer could accept self-purchase and enslaved families could be torn apart through sale; free persons of color underwent greater oppression from the Spanish system; women had fewer rights under American law than under Spanish, and married women could no longer own property. (Now imagine what Greenlanders and Canadians are facing.)

“Should the people of St. Louis have a say in who owned them?” Different views of Manifest Destiny depending upon who you were © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The exhibit on Manifest Destiny, the USA’s determination to move west and control the continent, is the most interesting and relevant today, raising questions about the people who were displaced. (Trump has resurrected Manifest Destiny as his operative foreign policy); New Frontiers explores how people settled and lived in the West, the myths that became the West’s cultural legacy, and the changes caused by industry. I love the questions posed: “Because you plant a stake, does that mean you own it?” “Should the people of St. Louis have a say in who owned them?” (Spain. Britain or the US within a matter of days?. I can only wonder how long it will be before Trump shuts the exhibit down and replaces it with something akin to extolling the Divine Right of Kings.)

The museum exhibits at Gateway Arch National Park ask important questions like “Does staking claim to land justify national ownership?” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Building the Dream is truly a fascinating exhibit where you learn how the Gateway Arch became a reality, from the engineering to the building. You learn that the Arch’s foundations are sunk 60 feet into the ground and the arch is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds. 

It is fascinating to learn about the engineering and the people who built the stainless steel Gateway Arch, at 630 feet high, the tallest monument in the USA © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

I was amazed at all you can do here besides exploring these fascinating exhibits in the free museum about St. Louis’s role in westward expansion (plan to spend at least an hour). You can also purchase a ticket to a 28-minute documentary movie about the building of the arch ($3-$7), a 10-minute V.R. Experience ($5-$8) and take an hour-long Riverboat Cruise ($16-$26) outside and down the grand staircase to the riverfront.

A Grand Staircase leads from the St. Louis levee where there is a riverboat you can cruise on, to the base of the Gateway Arch © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

But one of the most thrilling (and unique) experiences is the Ride to the Top of the Arch on a tram. It is a 45-60 minute experience (4 minutes up, 3 minutes down, 8-ish minutes at the top, plus a pre-boarding educational tour).

 You can take a 45-60 minute Ride to the Top of the Arch on a tram, a tiny capsule that sits five people © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Each tram consists of eight capsules that have clear doors on the front and are closed on the back. Each tram car has a five-foot diameter and five seats. (Visitors with claustrophobia issues or who simply want to take souvenir pictures can sit in the replica tram car by the ticketing counter before purchasing tickets.)

The viewing area at the top was designed to hold up to 160 people when at full capacity, but with two trams operating, there are never more than 80 at the top at one time.

The Tram Ride to the Top operates rain or shine. The Arch is designed to sway as much as 18 inches in 150 mile per hour winds and it can withstand an earthquake; however, under normal conditions the Arch does not sway. It takes a 50-mile an hour wind to move the top 1 1/2 inches each side of center.

The Arch has weathered countless severe Midwest thunderstorms and is able to operate normally in all but the most severe weather. During tornado warnings, the tram rides will be cancelled as a precaution. The tram may also be shut down if it is swaying so much that visitors are having a hard time keeping their balance. This happens very infrequently.

There are 16 windows on each side of the viewing area. Each window is 7 x 27 inches and 0.75 inches thick. Over 500 tons of pressure was used to jack the legs of the Arch apart for the last four-foot piece to be inserted at the top. A larger window would not withstand that pressure.

At peak times, as many as 80 trips a day on each tram can go to the top. When operating at full capacity, 40 tickets are sold for each trip, accommodating 6400 people each day. During normal hours there are only 48 trips to the top each day on each tram, accommodating 3,840.

On a clear day the view at the top can extend up to 30 miles in either direction, though St. Louis can be hazy, reducing visibility at the top and on cool, damp mornings a dense fog can create zero visibility at the top. Check out the Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s webcams to see what the view from the top is like on the day you wish to visit.

Tickets are sold at gatewayarch.com and cost $13-19; the Ride does sell out, so it is recommended to buy timed tickets in advance. The last tram of the day goes up approximately an hour before closing time.

For more trip ideas: Things To Do page and events calendar.

Gateway Arch National Park was originally named the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, honoring President Thomas Jefferson who purchased the Louisiana Territory and had a vision for America’s Westward Expansion © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Gateway Arch National Park was originally named the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, honoring President Thomas Jefferson whose acquisition in 1803 of the Louisiana Territory from France, known as the Louisiana Purchase, doubled the size of the United States, and who promoted the Westward Expansion. An act of Congress renaming the park was signed into law in February 2018. 

More information: https://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm; help planning your visit: https://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/index.htm.

Walking back to the 21c Museum Hotel, I spot the Economy Museum, housed in the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (free), and up Washington Avenue, a lively boulevard lined with pubs, a bowling alley, restaurants. and come across the Blues Museum (which apparently has closed after many years).

The Old Courthouse and Gateway Arch National Park are reason enough to come to St. Louis and for me are the big bonuses of having come to the city to bike the Katy Trail, a Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame trail.

For more planning information, visit Explore St. Louis, 800-916-8938, explorestlouis.com.

See also:

St. Louis’ Restored Old Courthouse Resurrects Important Lessons of Dred Scott’s Struggle for Freedom

21 C Museum Hotel St. Louis Embodies, Preserves City’s History, Culture, Community

Biking through History on Missouri’s Katy Trail During America’s 250th

Biking the Katy Trail: From Cliffside Pictographs to the Capital’s Stirring ‘Social History of Missouri’ Mural

Biking Missouri’s Katy Trail Following Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone & the Westward Expansion

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

America's 250th, Historic Places, Places of History, See America, US Destinations

St. Louis’ Restored Old Courthouse Resurrects Important Lessons of Dred Scott’s Struggle for Freedom

The statue of Dred and Harriet Scott outside St. Louis‘ Old Courthouse where their Supreme Court case to sue for their freedom began. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

With only an afternoon and evening to explore St. Louis before my six-day Wilderness Voyageurs bike trip on the Katy Trail across Missouri, I immediately set out from the 21c Museum Hotel for Gateway Arch National Park. My walk takes me by majestic buildings and monuments such as Soldiers’ Monument, many from the 1930s and through the lovely Citygarden sculpture park. I find myself across the street from the Old Courthouse, with a banner that exclaims, “Open” and “New Exhibits.”

St. Louis’ Old Courthouse is part of Gateway Arch National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Touring the Old Courthouse is one discovery after another, beginning with its spectacular dome, architecture and stunning murals of historic scenes and important historical figures. I explore the four new museum galleries and the restored historic courtroom that opened in May 2025 after a five year, $24.5 million renovation, 2020-2025.

The spectacular interior of St. Louis’ Old Courthouse © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Old Courthouse is actually part of Gateway Arch National Park. I find a National Park Service ranger in the spectacular lobby beneath a dome, and am amazed to learn the infamous Dred Scott case began here (two trials!) and would have ended in his favor were it not for the Supreme Court and its dastardly Dred Scott decision.

The ranger gives me a brief synopsis: The Old Courthouse was the site of the first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850 before the infamous Supreme Court “Dred Scott decision” in 1857. I later learn that this was also where Virginia Minor‘s case for a woman’s right to vote came to trial in the 1870s. It was last used as a courthouse in 1930

Sufficiently intrigued, I go off to see the new exhibit, simply named, “Dred and Harriet Scott,” a detailed biography of Scott and his wife, and their legal struggle. The story is not anything that is taught anywhere else, which more typically reduce Dred Scott to the Supreme Court decision, and not a person, and, as I discover, a story worthy of an opera.

The story of Dred and Harriet Scott and their struggle to win their freedom is laid out in a dramatic exhibit at St. Louis’ Old Courthouse where their Supreme Court case began © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

I can only wonder if these exhibits will survive Trump’s anti-DEI crusade manifest in an executive order in 2025 called “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” executive order directing federal historic sites to “avoid showing content that disparages past or present Americans” – in essence erasing Black history and struggle for civil rights, women’s rights, human rights, and what was and is still being done to native peoples. (In Philadelphia, the National Park Service was ordered to replace slavery interpretive panels at the President’s House.)

It would be a terrible shame, though, because the exhibit is absolutely fascinating, revelatory, and pretty much this is the only place to appreciate it. Most of us only know the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision and do not know what led up to it, that for the 11 years the case was being argued and decided, Dred and Harriet Scott were prisoners of the sheriff, who hired them out and kept their wages. All during this period, the Scotts secreted their daughters away to protect them from being enslaved.

I learn that Scott was suing for his freedom from Irene Emerson, who inherited him upon the death of her husband, Dr. John Emerson, on the basis that his previous owner had taken him to a free territory, and under Missouri law (and the Missouri Compromise), if a slave or freed person lived in a free territory, they could not be re-enslaved. The first case was dismissed on a technicality (“hearsay”!), but the second case, which went to a jury of 12 white men (what else?), agreed that Scott was free. But Irene Emerson appealed up to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision by Justice Roger B. Taney stated that Dred Scott did not have the right to sue for his freedom because he was not a citizen and Black people, enslaved or free, were not part of the original sovereign people so could never become citizens because they were not people but property; the Constitution’s protection of property rights overruled their human right to be free.

But in a fascinating turn of events, by then, Irene Emerson had married a Massachusetts politician, Calvin Chaffee, who ran for the US Congress in 1854 on the anti-slavery America Party Ticket, and was reelected in 1856; he only became aware of his wife’s connection to the Scotts in May 1857). He would have been mortified to be found to own slaves. So, to get rid of the embarrassing, inauspicious problem, sold the “title” to the Scotts to a descendant of the Blow family which had originally owned Dred Scott and who had actually provided financial support to the Scotts while the case was going on and who purchased the couple in order to emancipate them. Meanwhile, the Scotts, who had sent their two daughters away so they could not be captured and enslaved, were reunited.

Dred Scott was 48 years old when he initiated his suit for freedom (since he was illiterate and poor, it is assumed that he was encouraged by an abolitionist who guided him through the process). The operatic tragedy continues because after finally winning his freedom, his family lived in poverty (Irene Emerson kept the wages the Scotts earned during the 11 years of their arrest) and Dred Scott lived less than a year as a free man before dying of tuberculosis at the age of 59.

(I later learn there is such an opera: Manifestos 4: The Dred and Harriet Scott Decision created by conceptual artist and composer Charles Gaines.)

What I realize is that the landmark Dred Scott decision in effect nullified the Missouri Compromise that was put into place to forestall a Civil War; the decision intensified boiling national tensions and helped spark the Civil War. You also appreciate the lasting legacy and ongoing relevance of their case today. (You can hear reverberations of the Taney decision in Trump’s effort to overturn birthright citizenship enshrined in the 14th Amendment, which states that all persons born on U.S. soil and subject to its jurisdiction are citizens, no ifs, ands or buts.)

The exhibit includes A Bid for Freedom, an excellent 4 ½ minute video reenacting a hypothetical conversation between Dred and Harriett Scott, in which they discuss the risks to their family if they sue their enslaver for their freedom at the Old Courthouse and the risks they face if they don’t.

The other new exhibits:

Cruel irony: Slaves were auctioned from the steps of the Old Courthouse, where hundreds of suits for freedom where also heard. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Pathways to Freedom gallery is another eye-opener. It personalizes African American life in St. Louis during the era of slavery and beyond, tracing the struggles of enslaved individuals seeking freedom, the continued fight for civil rights after the Civil War, and the rise of the Black elite known as the Colored Aristocracy, who built wealth and influence in the 1800s. Here you get an appreciation for the resilience, resistance, and influence of African Americans in St. Louis from slavery onward, with disturbing echoes as these struggles have resurfaced throughout the country today, as if the struggles of1865-1965, and brief period of progress and societal awareness, from 1965-2025 had been erased.

A recreated 1850s courtroom at the Old Courthouse highlights the vital role courts have played in shaping our society, legal system and daily life from 1839 to 1930.© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

See You In Court, housed in a recreated 1850s courtroom, highlights the vital role courts have played in shaping our society, legal system, and daily life from 1839 to 1930. Visitors can explore the courtroom and even participate in mock trials, gaining a deeper understanding of how the court system helps resolve conflicts peacefully and supports the structure of our society (another important lesson for today, to remind of the foundational importance of the Rule of Law, without fear or favor.) I note the bust of Louis Brandeis, the first Jew to become a Supreme Court Justice, who was formally admitted to the Missouri Bar here on November 21, 1878.

A bust of Louis Brandeis who was admitted to the bar in the St. Louis Courthouse, became the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Designed for Justice gallery highlights the Courthouse’s remarkable architecture and the architects, artists, builders, and craftsmen who created it.

One of the oldest buildings in St. Louis, the Old Courthouse is significant for its Greek Revival architectural style, engineered dome, and interior murals. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

One of the oldest buildings in St. Louis, the Old Courthouse is significant for its Greek Revival architectural style, engineered dome, and interior murals. In 1838, the County of St. Louis selected Henry Singleton’s cruciform plan with a central rotunda to replace the existing smaller courthouse. Construction started in 1839 and it opened in 1845 (just one year before the Scotts filed their suit). At this time emigrants traveling westward on the Oregon and California trails often stopped and gathered provisions in St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West,” and would meet up in the Old Courthouse rotunda. The present dome, which replaced a smaller one in 1862 (while the Civil War was going on, and the Capitol Dome in Washington DC was under construction), was designed by architect William Rumbold and was one of the first of its type. After the dome alteration, American painter Carl Wimar was commissioned to design four lunettes in the building’s interior. In 1976, the Old Courthouse was listed in the National Register as a component of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

Cruel irony: Slaves were auctioned from the steps of the Old Courthouse, where hundreds of suits for freedom where also heard. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Largely because of the Dred Scott case, St. Louis’ Old Courthouse is included in the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom – places of “historic resistance to enslavement through escape and flight.”  The Old Courthouse is linked with the Underground Railroad as a place associated with legal challenges to slavery. Slaves were auctioned from its steps in estate settlements, and the Old Courthouse was the site of hundreds of suits for freedom.

The statue of Dred and Harriet Scott outside the Old Courthouse where their Supreme Court case to sue for their freedom began. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The city gave the Old Courthouse to the National Park Service for inclusion into Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in 1940, which was renamed Gateway Arch National Park by an act of Congress in 2018.

Plan to spend at least an hour, more likely two in the Old Courthouse.

National Park Service rangers provide guided tours of the building every day at 2:15 pm (only rarely cancelled due to staff availability). The tours cover the architecture and history of the building and the court cases associated with it. (No tickets or reservations necessary.)

The Old Courthouse is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Day). There is no admission fee.

Plan your visit, https://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/och.htm

From here, I leave the Old Courthouse through the riverfront exit on my way to the Gateway Arch, about two blocks further, stopping at a stunning statue of Dred and Harriet Scott.

For more planning information, visit Explore St. Louis, 800-916-8938, explorestlouis.com.

See also:

21 C Museum Hotel St. Louis Embodies, Preserves City’s History, Culture, Community

Biking through History on Missouri’s Katy Trail During America’s 250th

Biking the Katy Trail: From Cliffside Pictographs to the Capital’s Stirring ‘Social History of Missouri’ Mural

Biking Missouri’s Katy Trail Following Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone & the Westward Expansion

Next: Gateway Arch National Park

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

America's 250th, Cultural travel, Historic Hotels, Historic Places, Hotels & Resorts, See America, US Destinations

21 C Museum Hotel St. Louis Embodies, Preserves City’s History, Culture, Community

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Art is a key element of the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, a Historic Hotels of America member, where even the staircase is like walking into a painting © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

It’s become my practice to arrive at least a day early for a tour or cruise – to take into account any unforeseen travel delays but also to spend at least a day to explore.

With a 6:30 am pick up time for my Wilderness Voyageurs six-day bike tour on the famed Katy Trail 240-miles through Missouri, this wasn’t even an option. So knowing I would be flying into St. Louis (about 25 minutes away from the pick-up), I took the opportunity to have a good portion of a day to explore this history- and culturally-rich city.

My first step is always to seek out a Historic Hotels of America member property because I know staying in a historic hotel will enhance my appreciation for a destination– these properties are integral to a place, even characters that typically play a part in its story, are always architecturally and culturally interesting and can be depended upon to be walking distance or close proximity to the what want to explore.

St. Louis’ iconic sites, the Old Courthouse and Gateway Arch National Park are walking distance from 21c Museum Hotel © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

That was definitely the case for my stay at the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, with a marvelous story, gorgeous architecture, set amid the city’s important historic and cultural structures, and most importantly, a delightful 20-minute walk to Gateway Arch National Park, which was top of my list to see. But it had something more: an important art gallery, that, I learned, is the essence of this hotel brand of six 21c Museum Hotels.

The 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis started its story as a community hub when it opened as a central branch of the St. Louis YMCA in 1926, and this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary and its third anniversary as a hotel.

You might imagine a YMCA as a modest, even institutional structure, but this one was built as an architectural gem.

It was originally constructed by architects Louis LaBeaume and Eugene S. Klein in the Renaissance Revival style as the central branch of the St. Louis YMCA, and was the organization’s largest local branch and a major community hub until 2017. Due to its architectural significance and deep ties to the city, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

21c Museum Hotels revived the 10-story YMCA building, preserving its historic architectural elements like the original indoor pool, billiards room, and gymnasium and reasserting the space’s relevance as a gathering point in the heart of St. Louis. The hotel opened and became an official member of Historic Hotels of America in 2023.

The former YMCA basketball court is now a stunning art exhibition space at the 21c Museum Hotel, St. Louis © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Today, the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis is a 173-room boutique hotel which is not just a hotel with an art gallery, but houses a major contemporary art museum. It features 14,000 square feet of curated gallery space (much of it in what used to be the basketball court, and open free of charge to the public 24-hours a day (guests have to use their room card in the elevator to access the room floors). 

“Infusing the extraordinary into daily life, radical access to contemporary art is the modus operandi of 21c St. Louis,” the notes read. “Dynamic and thought-provoking curated exhibitions reflect the global nature of art today.” 

Art is a distinct element of the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, a Historic Hotels of America member, where there is a gallery open 24/7 to the public and a proud heritage in the community since 1926 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Indeed, I was enthralled by the exhibit on view during my stay, “The Future Is Female”; the current exhibit “Revival: Digging Into Yesterday, Planting Tomorrow” is on view through January (https://21cmuseumhotels.com/museum/revival/). (The exhibits typically rotate among the 21c Museum Hotels.)

Paying homage to its YMCA roots, the 10,500-square-foot full-service Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club boasts a stunning, tiled indoor four-lane lap pool © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Paying homage to its YMCA roots, the 10,500-square-foot full-service Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club boasts a stunning, tiled indoor four-lane lap pool you might confuse for a millionaires’ mansion, sauna, steam rooms and offers spa services.

Other features include the Idol Wolf restaurant serving Iberian-inspired dishes; the Good Press Café; a stunning lobby bar, and a lounge with pool table.

While art and stunning interior design are everywhere at the 21c Museum Hotel, the ambiance is warm, welcoming, even comfortable © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The art spills over throughout the building so you never know what you will come upon, causing surprise and delight. Even the staircase between floors is a work of art.

Art is a key element of the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, a Historic Hotels of America member, where even the staircase is like walking into a painting © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The property is known for its playful, colorful penguin sculptures scattered throughout the public spaces – a feature of the 21c Museum owners. Guests can even request to have one “adopted” and placed in their room during their stay.

The penguins first debuted at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville. 21c founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson had purchased the sculptures after seeing the joy they evoked from onlookers at the 2005 Venice Biennale public art project. Now perched around 21c Museum Hotels (each 21c has its own flock of penguins in the color that embodies the city’s identity), the playful penguins contribute to the hotel’s mission of making contemporary art more accessible to the public.

While art and stunning interior design are everywhere at the 21c Museum Hotel, the ambiance is warm, welcoming, even comfortable © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

And while there is art everywhere and stunning interior design, it is not at all forbidding or unapproachable, but warm and welcoming, even comfortable. You feel very much a part of the “club.” And it is easy to see why 21c Museum Hotel Louisville was named to the Historic Hotels of America’s 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal – indeed, I spot a bridal couple in an embrace, posing for their photos.

21c Museum Hotel Louisville was named to the Historic Hotels of America’s 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The 21c Museum Hotel also honors its original commitment to community, from its days as the YMCA, collaborating with its neighbors and community partners to ensure the historic establishment’s presence extends beyond its walls. Guests can enjoy poetry evenings, attend artist demonstrations, and support local creators during their stay.

Strolling through Citygarden Sculpture Park, St. Louis © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

From the hotel, I wander to see the Mississippi River as it winds through St. Louis. I stroll through the Citygarden Sculpture Park on the way to the riverfront – a green area filled with beautifully landscaped lawns, cooling water features including sprinklers for children to play in, and striking sculptures. At the riverfront, you can take a cruise on a 19th-century paddlewheel riverboat or cycle along the river on bike paths that connect Missouri from downtown St. Louis to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a historic Route 66 landmark.

St. Louis’ iconic sites, the Old Courthouse and Gateway Arch National Park are walking distance from 21c Museum Hotel © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

I am bound for the Gateway Arch National Park, coming upon the Old Courthouse, which I realize was the site of the first two trials of the consequential Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850 (see next).

But St. Louis is, no doubt, a sports city.

Besides being integral to St. Louis’ historic and cultural attractions, the 21c Museum Hotel is close by to St. Louis’ key sports destinations that are a big lure to the city: Energizer Park, a 22,423-seat soccer-specific stadium and 32-acre urban sports district in downtown St. Louis; Enterprise Center, an 18,096-seat indoor arena located at 1401 Clark Avenue in downtown St. Louis, that is home venue for the St. Louis Blues professional hockey team and hosts major concerts, family shows, and basketball tournaments. It is also a short ride away from Busch Stadium, the 45,000-seat stadium that is home base for the Cardinals baseball team.

The hotel offers an “Ultimate Cardinals Experience” that includes a $10 Uber credit to Busch Stadium, a 4-pack of local 4 Hands City Wide brews and a $25 credit (per stay) to be used at Idol Wolf or Good Press

Year round there are special packages to meet the mood and the season. Some recent examples:

Celebrate Mother’s Day with breakfast in bed with in-room dining from Good Press café, a rejuvenating spa treatment at the historic Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club, tour the art exhibition and end with a show-stopping Spanish-meets-midwest dinner at Idol Wolf.

Pampered Penguin package includes 1-hour massage at Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club and a bottle of bubbles upon arrival.

Yoga with Art: Beginners are welcome for Hatha Yoga Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm. (Drop-in passes can be purchased at the front desk at Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club).

Nightcap At The Museum: 21c Museum Hotel guests are invited to join the hotel every night for a complimentary late-night Angel’s Envy Bourbon sip and explore the museum exhibitions as the night winds down. Visit the restaurant bar from 8 pm-late and enjoy a pour with new friends, wandering around the galleries, or cozied up in your room.

While art and stunning interior design are everywhere at the 21c Museum Hotel, the ambiance is warm, welcoming, even comfortable © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

There are currently six 21c Museum Hotel locations operating in the United States, managed as part of the Ennismore and Accor collection: Louisville, Kentucky (Flagship); Bentonville, Arkansas; Durham, North Carolina; Lexington, Kentucky; Kansas City, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri

21c’s chef-driven restaurants and bars highlight the brand’s Kentucky roots – so expect a healthy assortment of Bourbons behind the bar. You can explore the spirits and cocktail programs at: Idol Wolf, 21c St. Louis; Lockbox, 21c Lexington; Metropole, 21c Cincinnati; Proof on Main, 21c Louisville; The Hive, 21c Bentonville

21c Museum Hotel, 1528 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103, reservations: 888-831-7077, 21cMuseumHotels.com

A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2023, 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis has been named to these Historic Hotels of America Top 25 Lists:

The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal
The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Best of Adaptive Reuse List
The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Best of Adaptive Reuse List

Historic Hotels of America is a membership organization comprised mostly of independently owned and operated historic hotels but also from some 30 of the world’s major hospitality brands, chains and collections, and from 44 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To be selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; been designated by the U.S. Interior Secretary as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.

These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. HHA members occupy buildings that date as early as 1651. Many are the site of key events in regional, national, or international history or have played host to famous figures, from heads of state and industry titans to writers and movie stars. Some hotels are also intertwined with the country’s cultural history, either as venues or culinary hotspots. As a historic preservation and hospitality program focused on experiences, Historic Hotels of America supports cultural heritage tourism and sustainability.   

(Its sister organization, Historic Hotels Worldwide® is a global collection of more than 300 historic hotels in more than 40 countries, including castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries, historichotels.org.)

Historic Hotels of America® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation with the mission to increase the preservation, recognition, and celebration of the finest historic hotels in the USA.

For more than 70 years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has led the movement to save Americas historic places. A privately funded nonprofit organization, it works to save America’s historic sites; tell the full American story; build stronger communities; and invest in preservation’s future.

Find Historic Hotels of America members when you travel: https://www.historichotels.org/us,  800 678 8946.

See also:

Biking through History on Missouri’s Katy Trail During America’s 250th

Biking the Katy Trail: From Cliffside Pictographs to the Capital’s Stirring ‘Social History of Missouri’ Mural

Biking Missouri’s Katy Trail Following Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone & the Westward Expansion

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, longislandpress.com/category/vacation-travel.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near. X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Send comments/questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com.

Festivals and Events, New York City travel, Sports Travel

Glitzy US Tennis Open in NYC Begins with Free Fan Week

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Among the thrills of Fan Week at the US Tennis Open in Flushing Meadows Park is being able to watch stars like Coco Gauff in a practice session at Arthur Ashe Stadium and watching the qualifying rounds. The week of events is free but this year, adults have to pre-register © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

On top of the other sports spectaculars this summer – the NY Knicks becoming NBA Champions, NY-NJ hosting FIFA World Cup matches including the final – the summer comes to its thrilling conclusion with what puts New York City in the epicenter of the global sports firmament each year: the US Tennis Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens.

During Fan Week at the US Tennis Open, everyday folks can enjoy a festive atmosphere, watch the pros practice, thrilling qualifying matches, and enjoy special events at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It begins with Fan Week, August 23-29 – a whole week of free activities including the thrilling Qualifiers tournament as players vie for a coveted spot in the US Tennis Open, opportunities to watch at close proximity the greatest tennis players today in their practice sessions (I’ll never forget Nadel taking off his shirt), and all the excitement as the tournament comes to life in this vast complex. (Each day has its own events. See the full schedule of Fan Week activities, https://www.usopen.org/en_US/fan-week/schedule-of-events.html)

Take note: New this year for the first time, adults have to register for a Fan Week Pass – it’s free, but you say what days you intend to come and how many minors are attending. (Also note that backpacks are not permitted.)

Another change this year is Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day powered by Net Generation is scheduled at the beginning of Fan week, Sunday, August 23, 9:30-am to 6 pm, celebrating the life and legacy of tennis and cultural icon Arthur Ashe and inspiring young people.

They are very good about publishing the practice schedule for the pro players you are dying to see close up. It is also the best opportunity to get autographs!

It is thrilling to watch the Qualifying Matches, as unseeded players vie for a spot in the US Tennis Open © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

I actually enjoy watching the Qualifying Matches immensely, and you get to see the players so close, you can appreciate the skill in a way you can’t by watching on TV.

The U.S. Open tournament runs through September 13, and the US Open Tennis Association offers any numb er of special experiences.

New this year: The Championship Lounge, a premium hospitality club debuting this year at the US Open, is an ultimate luxury experience available only for the semifinals and finals during Championship Weekend.

On Court experiences include On Court Session (an exclusive 10-person private lesson with tennis legends on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court); Courtside Views (watch from 10 of the most coveted seats in the newly expanded courtside bowl); The Overlook+ Access (all-inclusive premium buffet and an open bar); Private Car Service (arrive like the pros with a complimentary chauffeur); Play Like A Pro (a private hitting session and one-on-one time with tennis legends on the tournament’s official practice courts); Serving Change: The Billie Jean King Experience (a fireside chat with Billie Jean King with access to a shared luxury suite at this year’s Mixed Doubles Championship).

During Fan Week, getting to watch Aryna Sabalenka practice, then vie for an autograph © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This year, US Open Tennis fans will see the unfolding of the US Open’s largest single investment, $800 million, in the US Open and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center: the reimagination and modernization of Arthur Ashe Stadium, along with the creation of a new, state-of-the-art Player Performance Center.

The project is self-funded by the USTA, with New York City continuing to benefit from more than $1.2 billion in annual economic impact from the three weeks of the US Open. Combined with the US Open’s most recent transformation project, completed in 2018, the USTA has invested nearly $2 billion into the US Open and its home facility, without using public, taxpayer or government funding.

The transformation is taking place over three phases and will be completed by the 2027 US Open, without interrupting play or fan access for the event.

During Fan Week, getting to watch Aryna Sabalenka practice, then vie for an autograph © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This year is a year of transition, with fans seeing much of the stadium revamped, including the interior of Arthur Ashe Stadium, an upward extension of the courtside-level bowl with 2,000 new seats, expanding the courtside experience from 3,000 to 5,000 seats; a 40 percent increase to the promenade-level concourse, adding significantly more open space for fans at the promenade and loge levels; two new dedicated luxury suite levels.

Also included in the project is a state-of-the-art, $250 million Player Performance Center, which will provide US Open competitors with best-in-class amenities. This facility, to be ready for 2027, will be located on the west side of Arthur Ashe Stadium, adjacent to the practice courts.

Check the daily schedule of free Fan Week events, Aug. 23-29. This year, for the first time, adults need to pre-register © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

US Open Elevates Luxury Experiences

Fan Week at the US Open is aimed at welcoming locals and regular folk. But once the tournament gets underway, it becomes this elite, elegant affair with scores of ways to elevate the level of exclusive and luxurious experience.

The transformation of Arthur Ashe Stadium is in full swing, particularly with US Open Premier offerings of access tp luxurious suites, premium club spaces and innovative courtside experiences. Packages to three updated luxury destinations for the 2026 tournament – The Blue Room, The Club and The Overlook at the US Open – include admission into one of the three hospitality clubs, and access to coveted courtside seating in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

During Fan Week, watching Carlos Alcaraz work out  © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Blue Room: For the first time, US Open Premier guests can enjoy in-stadium hospitality. In addition to a ticket to one of the best seats in Arthur Ashe Stadium, this hospitality package also includes exclusive access to The Blue Room, located at the former Aces Restaurant in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Blue Room the highest tier of US Open Premier offerings, with dedicated seated tables for a plated multi-course dining experience, as well as an all-inclusive bar. The Blue Room also has takeaway options so you can enjoy food and drinks while watching your favorite players take the court.

The Club (formerly known as the US Open Club) offers a new premium dining experience on the east side of Arthur Ashe Stadium, featuring a sprawling buffet of gourmet food selections. The all-inclusive specialty cocktail and beverage service also includes an elegant cocktail hour with passed drinks. The Club also offers grab-and-go options so you can take premium food and beverages back to your stadium seat.

The Overlook at the US Open (previously the Overlook and 1968 Room) remains at its prime vantage point between courts 12 and 17 but with more premium offerings. Guests have a world-class culinary experience with a rotating selection from chef-attended food stations; open bar service; sweet treats at a grab-and-go candy bar, dessert and gelato stations which can be enjoyed . at The Overlook’s elegant indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Select multi-session hospitality ticket packages are available to purchase now, including full-tournament series packages in The Club.

Getting to watch practice matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium, during Fan Week © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NYC Lays Out Red Carpet for US Open Attendees

New York City rolls out the red carpet for tennis fans during the US Tennis Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens. Many hotels are an easy 7 train or Long Island Railroad ride away, while several luxury hotels offer private transportation © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Coming or hosting guests from afar? New York is laying out the red carpet:

Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours, an official travel partner of the USTA and US Open, can arrange a customized experience for the tournament, Aug 30-Sept. 13. US Open travel packages are designed to make your trip effortless, exciting, and deeply memorable. Each package includes your choice of hotel accommodations in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, round-trip transportation to the grounds, hospitality upgrades, and exclusive add-ons. You choose your hotel, the days you want to attend the Open, and choose your seats including suites. (https://onlocationexp.com/tennis/us-open-tennis-tickets, 858-675-3555, info@tours4tennis.com).

The Barclay Ace Experience, at the Intercontinental NY Barclay, an official Hotel Sponsor of the US Open through IHG Hotels & Resorts, starting at $7,500, includes: a stay in the hotel’s luxurious Lexington Suite; two US Open Grounds Passes for Saturday, September 5th Day Session (all matches outside Arthur Ashe Stadium); private roundtrip transportation to and from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center; tennis-themed welcome amenity, exclusive US Open x IHG Hotels & Resorts swag, make-your-own Honey Deuce cocktail kit inspired by the tournament’s signature drink, in-room access to the Tennis Channel to catch every match.

For travelers looking for a more accessible way to experience the tournament, the hotel is also offering its Game, Set, Match package, available Aug. 24-Sept. 13, which includes upgraded premium accommodations along with the same tennis-inspired welcome amenities, exclusive swag, Honey Deuce cocktail kit and Tennis Channel access. (https://www.icbarclay.com/offers/game-set-match)

LUMA Hotel Times Square has launched the “Game. Set. Stay.” US Open Package, featuring Honey Deuce-inspired cocktails from onsite restaurant AperiBar, and US Open tennis ball sugar cookies from Padoca Bakery. LUMA is located near Penn Station for seamless access to the LIRR and subway direct to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (https://www.lumahotels.com/times-square/offers/game-set-stay/). 

Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza is offering its “Ace Your Stay” package, designed for guests looking to experience tennis season in NYC while enjoying an elevated stay. The package includes a tennis-themed welcome cocktail, a complimentary room upgrade, based on availability, and late check-out. The hotel’s Midtown location also makes it an especially convenient home base for tennis fans. Located just steps from Grand Central Terminal, fans can easily connect to the 7 train or Long Island Rail Road for access to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.

Created exclusively for the US Open, The Langham’s “Between Sets” package focuses on the time when not at the tournament. The program includes: overnight accommodations; access to The Langham Club, including daily breakfast and refreshments; an exclusive signed tennis ball from a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion; round-trip private SUV transportation to and from one US Open tournament session; The Summer Recovery Facial by Estheraphy; and Match Point Turndown. (https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/new-york/offers/celebrate-offers/us-open-2026/)

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park’s “Game, Set, Match” package, is crafted for true fans of the sport. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, seamless transportation to the tournament venue, and specially curated welcome amenities including an official branded hat to wear at the match. Valid for stays Aug. 29-Sept. 14. (Book 7 days in advance: https://www.marriott.com/offers/game-set-match-OFF-207621/NYCCP-nyccp-the-ritz-carlton-new-york-central-park, 212-308-9100, email centralparkERS@marriott.com)

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad is offering an exclusive “Ace the City” package, for stay dates from August 14th to September 14th, 2026,  that includes: two night stay in a Penthouse Residence; exclusive access to Hudson River Tennis Club, a private, members-only club, including roundtrip transportation; Play Like a Pro (choose between a private tennis lesson with former professional Noah Rubinor a semi-private clinic for up to four guests, an ideal option for families traveling together, including access to HRTC’s facilities, private lounge, and wellness areas); Tennis Style, premium tennis-inspired look curated by Malbon; Courtside Essentials, a branded tennis cap, tennis balls and vintage racquet; Tournament-Inspired Touches (tennis-inspired welcome pastries and a private, in-residence cocktail masterclass featuring the Ace Paloma or Honey Deuce); a private round-trip transfer to and from the US Open; Dining in Bloom (table for two at Dahlia’s Garden & Terrace, its outdoor summer pop-up facing the Empire State Building; and Recovery & Relaxation: A 60-minute Muscle Recovery Massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Rates start at $15,000/night.

Lotte New York Palace unveiled its most exclusive tennis experience yet: a $100,000 stay that combines VIP access to tennis’ biggest week, luxurious accommodations and a 12ct diamond Tennis Bracelet from Martin Katz priced at $62,000. Available for stays August 24–31 (two-night minimum), the 2026 “Game Set Sparkle” experience centers around the hotel’s dazzling three-story Jewel Suite by Martin Katz, paired with exclusive access for four to the annual Palace Invitational, Aug. 27,  the hotel’s invitation-only pre-US Open celebration, a private Champagne and canapés reception for up to four guests on the Jewel Suite’s rooftop terrace, and intimate 30-minute in-suite consultation with jeweler Martin Katz. This experience also includes a reimagined “Palace” Tennis Bracelet, set with 84 round diamonds that suggest the New York skyline. The experience is anchored by the Jewel Suite by Martin Katz – a 5,000+ square-foot, three-story residence inspired by Art Deco glamour, complete with a soaring crystal chandelier, floating displays featuring more than $1.5 million in Martin Katz jewelry, a private rooftop terrace with outdoor jacuzzi, grand piano, and sweeping Manhattan skyline views (lottenypalace.com).

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

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