Tag: Picturesque

  • Picturesque Lakes And Fall Splendor: 3 Lake Towns That Are Easy On The Wallet!

    Picturesque Lakes And Fall Splendor: 3 Lake Towns That Are Easy On The Wallet!

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    Sometimes lakes are viewed as a ‘poor man’s beach’, but not every inland body of water is a murky brown abyss.

    In some cases, lakes are actually even prettier than the ocean, especially during the fall season when tree lines pop in a variety of vibrant reds, golds, and oranges.

    Chairs lakeside amongst vibrant fall foliage

    While palm trees are typically a sign you’re living life right, there’s just something magical about the ambiance a scenic lake provides.

    Crisp mountain air and all the seasonal pumpkin concoctions don’t exactly exude beach vibes, but cozying up by the fire in a pretty lake town sounds just right.

    Brimming with fall splendor, GOBankingRates has revealed these 3 lake towns to visit that are easy on the wallet!

    Midwest Magic: Lake Of The Ozarks

    Aerial view of Lake of the Ozarks in fall

    Forget what you think you know about the Ozarks; it’s not all a bunch of hillbillies and gangsters as portrayed on one of Netflix’s biggest hits, Ozark.

    Yes, there may be an unsightly trailer park or two…or three…remember, just like Ozark’s Marty Byrd said, the Ozarks boasts ‘more shoreline than California‘.

    A majority of the region is truly gorgeous and no better season than fall showcases its natural beauty more.

    Popular for fishing, boating, and hiking, the views are immaculate throughout the area, whereas the lake itself never seems to end.

    house on a lake in the fall

    You’ll have a variety of accommodations to choose from ranging from nice resorts, Mom & Pop inns, and cozy cabin rentals.

    Best of all, vacationing in the Ozarks won’t break the bank. According to Lake.com, many stays drop their prices as much as 40%!

    Tip: Award-winning Alhonna Resort & Marina is only $89 in October!

    Lake Champlain: Vermont’s Autumn Wonderland

    Vermont doesn’t get nearly the credibility it deserves, but how could it while being overshadowed by such mega cities like New York City, Boston, and DC?

    Panoramic views of Lake Champlain in fall

    The ‘Green Mountain State’ should certainly borrow another nickname during fall as the usual green mountains transform to shades of copper and rustic reds along one of the most picturesque U.S. lakes.

    New Englanders far and wide love escaping to nearby Lake Champlain for the ultimate blissful fall escape, but word of mouth has spread across the country about Vermont’s unrivaled beauty, like the Cheney Mountain Trail.

    Vermont may be the centerpiece for this marvelous lake, but keep in mind it’s also shared by New York and Canada, so rates may vary for your stay.

    Lake.com again shared their insight, showing the Vermont side tends to see a 25% drop in hotel rates, ranging from delightful inns to lakeside hotels.

    Small sailboat on Lake Champlain in fall

    A far cry from the East Coast’s bustling cities, visiting Lake Champlain is the ultimate fall retreat to recharge amongst astounding scenery while you savor the flavor that fall brings.

    Expect a plethora of cideries and orchards as well as seasonal goodies on local eateries’ menus. You know you can’t leave Vermont without indulging in something maple!

    Tip: Mark your calendar! Tucked away near the Vermont-Canada border lies top-rated Tyler Place Family Resort, a summer-only all-inclusive 165-acre resort boasting majestic views of Lake Champlain!

    Muskoka: Canada’s Lesser Known Slice Of Fall Heaven

    Seating area overlooking Muskoka's colorful treetops

    Lots can be said about Canada nowadays, but if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s the country’s breathtaking beauty.

    While Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal tend to steal some of the shine away from Canada’s natural beauty, surely you have heard of places like Banff, arguably the most stunning natural wonders in North America.

    However, there’s one slice of heaven flying under the radar – Ontario’s enchanting lake town of Muskoka.

    Home to lush forestry and seemingly never-ending colorful treetops, the quiet town is the ultimate escape to unwind from life’s stresses.

    Booth's Rock Trail views of Rock Lake, Algonquin Provincial Park, Muskoka

    Cozy cabins and lodges dot the shoreline, and who knows, you may even run into a celebrity or two as this region has become a trendy spot for the rich and famous to hide out.

    According to Lake.com, fall rates tend to drop as much as 30%, so you don’t have to splurge to potentially vacation like the “one-percenters”.

    Tip: For the best value, check out Muskoka Shore Cottages perched lakeside for a quiet retreat. Fall rates are as low as $92 per night.

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



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  • Move Over Dublin! This Picturesque Town Has No Crowds And Stunning Medieval Sites

    Move Over Dublin! This Picturesque Town Has No Crowds And Stunning Medieval Sites

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    Dublin is typically your gateway into Ireland.

    Despite the classic pubs, cobbled streets, and friendly locals, going beyond the city is where the country really shines.

    Besides Dublin, travelers can fly directly to multiple airports in Ireland, such as Shannon and Cork.

    By doing so, the country’s delightful villages are often overlooked in the midst of being captivated by Ireland’s astounding coastlines and storybook castles.

    Panoramic view of Inistioge, Ireland

    One such town has been named one of Ireland’s most scenic escapes where the atmosphere is like a ‘movie set‘.

    With virtually no crowds and stunning medieval sites, it’s time to wave goodbye to the city life and say hello to the picturesque town of Inistioge.

    A Storybook Town Steeped In Fascinating History

    Travel anxiety can cause us to overthink where to go; I’m certainly guilty of it.

    Heck, I’ve lived in San Diego 10 years and I’m just now visiting local hotspots I’ve shoved aside far too long.

    Aerial view of Inistioge town and river

    The point is that Ireland is one of those destinations where plans can go out the window.

    There are just too many amazing places to cover in a single trip.

    That being said, if you want to experience a truly authentic Irish town where welcoming locals are ready to show off their beloved hideaway, then Inistioge is the answer to your unfinished travel plans.

    Despite being off travelers’ radar, Inistioge has developed the ‘Heritage Trail’ for anyone ready to give their delightful community a fair shake.

    This quaint village goes back deep to prehistoric times to where, as legend has it, the ancient Osraige tribe defeated Olaf Cuaran, King of Dublin, way back in 964.

    1700's Woodstock House landmark in Inistioge

    Today, Inistioge is designated as a National Monument and protected under the National Monuments Act, giving more credence to the intriguing 23-stop Heritage Trail, featuring long-standing castles, landmark homes, and old-world churches.

    Find Your Zen In Inistioge’s Beautiful Natural Settings

    Dublin is a great city, but finding some of your inner peace amongst always-busy streets is a hard sell.

    Sure, you can find a quiet corner of a pub until the ‘auld fellas’ burst into an impromptu sesh of harmonic Irish folk songs.

    Woman hiking scenic trail -Inistioge, Ireland

    Well, Inistioge is the anti-Dublin in many aspects. One key reason is the pretty scenery and tranquility.

    The Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum is a must-visit while here.

    Entry is only $5.50 to gain access to gorgeous gardens, scenic trails, ancient trees, and yes, even flowing waterfalls along a specified trail.

    This is also where you’ll find one of the city’s most historic landmarks – the Woodstock House, dating back to the 1700s and still going strong for her age.

    You can spend all day perusing the expansive grounds and take advantage of the best views of the entire village and parallel River Nore.

    Flowing waterfall - Inistioge, Ireland

    Best of all, you can fuel up or cap off your day at the grounds’ charming tea rooms. But don’t wait too long – tea rooms close October through April!

    Receiving high praise across the board, one recent visitors revealed, “Woodstock Gardens is a perfect place to visit with family and friends, even better it’s dog friendly. Really lovely walk around the gardens and into the wood, you can really spend as much as as little time as you’d like.”

    Getting Here And Where To Stay

    Inistioge is located in Kilkenny County, away from other major cities.

    Many of Ireland’s most popular destinations are spread out, working in Inistioge’s favor, as you can conveniently fly into Dublin or Cork.

    Castle window view of Inistioge

    From Dublin, you can hop aboard a train or bus to Kilkenny, then transfer busses or hail a cab to Inistioge.

    Expect train tickets to start around $10 by booking directly through the Irish Rail.

    You could rent a car too but know that Ireland does require International Driver’s Licenses for non-European residents.

    From Cork, it’s a longer train ride but only about $6 more than Dublin.

    The same goes for departures from Shannon, with an additional stop, meaning Dublin is the most feasible overall.

    Pretty house with Wisteria tree in Inistioge town center

    Upon arrival, don’t expect the familiar name-brands and eyesore chain restaurants. Inistioge boasts a sense of real Ireland with traditional pubs and homey Bed & Breakfasts.

    These are the top 3 Inistioge stays, according to TripAdvisor:

    1. Woodstock Arms Bed & Breakfast
    2. Cullintra House
    3. Grove Farm House

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



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