Recommendations for an October vacation

We are in Central Indiana and looking for something to do over Fall Break. Basically, we get a long weekend (Thu-Sun). We aren't doing Disney this year since 1-we went in 2010 & 2011, 2-there aren't any discounts, 3-airfare is ridiculous, and 4-DD (HS sophomore) has some tough classes 1st trimester this year so we didn't want to take her out for extra days (which we do for Disney). We are thinking of doing a long weekend in Chicago.

Have fun planning your October trip....wherever you end up going!

Cleveland? Rock and Roll Hall of fame, http://meltbarandgrilled.com/, http://www.goodtimeiii.com/cms/

The University Circle area is full of great museums too I hear, but we didn't venture out of downtown. Cedar Point if it's open fall weekends and you are into roller coasters.
 
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN. Our family really loves this area. We can easily fill an entire week...there are a ton of things to do. It is so much fun to stay in a log cabin home rental. There are many to choose from. Fall in the Smokies is just beautiful!
 
OK, without asking a bunch of questions about what your interests are and what type of week you would like to have, I am going to make a few off the beaten path vacations...

Ohio... Yes, I know....I would have said the same thing last year.... BUT
Ohio is FULL of charming little towns that are just absolutely beautiful in the fall! From tiny town squares full of red and gold autumn leaves and a beautiful fountain in the town square, to the charming antiques shops, the small family owned businesses (candy, jewelry, pottery, etc etc) There are a tons of things to do - from the big cities Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati - to the tiny little towns with such character - to Amish Country - and the tons of other great things - it could be a lot of fun!

Next... New England - from Boston to Vermont (Ben and Jerry's Factory.... Vermont Teddy Bear Company...) There is so much to do!

Have you considered Disneyland?! With the opening of CarsLand - there is all the more reason to go!

I suggest a cruise a well! You can get some great last minute deals!

Have you considered the giant water park in Texas?

With 50 states, and a ton of ports.... there is a lot to do! HAHAH

Oh, and NO, I don't live in Ohio :)
 
Unless I missed it I haven't seen Charleston, SC mentioned. My husband and I went last October and loved it. There are lots of museums and tours, plantation homes, an aquarium, Ft Sumter, great restaurants (especially seafood) and several nice beaches very close. We went in early October and it was still warm enough to swim.

I wish we could have stayed longer since we only had two days. I can't wait to go back. We're big history nerds so it's right up our alley. But even if you're not it's still really interesting and a beautiful city. If you go, you have to check out the Hominy Grill for breakfast. They have FANTASTIC shrimp and grits.

Have a great time no matter what you choose.
 

We went to Disney last year during Columbus day week and weren't able to get free dining either but called and had a pin for a resort upgrade so we got to stay at CBR when we were originally going to stay at Pop. We got the basic dining plan (one QS and 1 ts) and ordered from Garden Grocer which helped a lot with food cost. Our MK day we went to the MNSSHP and chose one other park HS. We still had a blast.
We also went on a Disney cruise. The only thing is, it's the tail end of hurricane season and we ran into rain 2 out of our four days. Also the tropical weather is very hot! 85-90 and very humid. Our entire last day was spent indoors because of the weather. (we had the tail end of Irene) Generally with DCL cruises, the farther out you cruise the better. I do get mailers from Travelocity and other sites that let me know of cruise discounts though.
 
:cool1:What about Sanibel/Captiva Fl. We have been going in Oct for over 20 years and the weather is beautiful and it isn't quite as crowded so you can get around fairly easily. Theres fishing, dolphin watching, a zoo in Naples around 30 minutes away called Jungle Larry's is great for kids. Its hands on exhibitions not just walk by cages and your close to Fort Myers with the pirate themes down on their beach.
 
If you're feeling very adventurous...I would suggest heading "out west" for some exploring. Last fall we went to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (a dream come true for me!:cloud9:) and drove from ABQ thru Arizona - visiting the Navajo National Monument, Monument Valley and traveling all along Route 66 - then onto the Grand Canyon and ended in Vegas! We had the BEST time! If you ask anyone in our family they will tell you it was the best trip we've ever taken! Every day was something new and amazing and fun. We all loved it! You can plan your own road trip adventure with a little googling and time. Our kids were 10, 8 and 5 at the time and since it was all so new for everyone even the time in the car (looking out at the scenery) was an experience. Sometimes the best trips as those where you find your own way...:goodvibes
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top