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Hot Destinations This Month
Sonoma
The wineries of Sonoma Valley, Napa's pastoral, laid-back neighbor, come alive in September with the fall grape harvest, or Crush, as locals call it. Come for Labor Day weekend for the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend or on the weekend of September 29 and 30 for Sonoma Valley Crush. Both events let you get involved in the harvesting process with plenty of wine samples from local vineyards.
Adirondacks
The Adirondack Park, an expanse of wilderness approximately the size of Vermont, is the oldest and largest protected area in the United States with the largest network of hiking trails in the country (more than 2,000 miles worth). The term 'vacation' was coined in the Adirondak region in the 1900s when city dwellers vacated the cities for the cooler mountains in the summer to avoid fever. Today, vacationers come for the hiking, canoeing, cycling, camping, fishing and birdwatching.
Singapore
Singapore's unique collection of ethnic enclaves gives the city the feel of a world showcase where one can visit Malaysia, India and China in a single day, all within minutes of world-class shopping and dining. From September 21 to 23, racers take to the streets of the city for the Singapore Grand Prix, Formula One's first and only night race.
Munich
Despite the name, Oktoberfest in Munich actually kicks off on September 22 with the official opening ceremonies at the Schottenhamel tent. If you manage to pull yourself away from the bierhaus and oompah music, take some time to explore the Bavarian palaces, top rate art galleries and impressive museums of the city and the surrounding region.
Melbourne
Melbourne, one of the world's most livable cities, is also one of the most traveler-friendly. September is springtime in capital of Victoria, and the tourist surge doesn't happen until November. After a few leisurely days exploring the city's Victorian buildings, Bohemian and ethnic enclaves and laid-back beach suburbs, head out down the 151-mile stretch known as the Great Ocean Road.
Halifax
Colorful foliage, cool weather and the best opportunities for whale watching await in Halifax, Nova Scotia in September. As the biggest city in the Maritime Provinces, Halifax has a thriving live music scene, excellent seafood and a handful of worthwhile museums and historic sites, all while maintaining a small town feel. Music-lovers have the SummerSonic music festival to look forward to September 7 to 9, while the Prismatic festival showcases up-and-coming performing artists from September 14 to 29.
Telluride
Best known for its winter ski resort, Telluride has plenty to offer the September visitor, including the Telluride Film Festival over Labor Day weekend, credited with the discovery of film greats like Michael Moore and Robert Rodriguez, and the Blues & Brews Festival on September 14, 15 and 16. Rafting, mountain biking, hiking and fishing await in the San Juan Mountains surrounding the small mining town.
Branson
Billed as a family-friendly version of Las Vegas, Branson represents small town Americana at its best and most accessible. September is the tail end of peak travel season in Branson, and that means you'll have your pick of shows and attractions with lighter crowds to contend with and cooler weather. For travelers with children, Branson's Silver Dollar City amusement park is a perennial favorite.
Myrtle Beach
Labor Day brings heavy crowds and hefty prices to South Carolina's Myrtle Beach, but the return of school means the crowds disappear on the beaches and golfing greens while temperatures remain warm enough for swimming and water sports. The Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival (Labor Day weekend), St. John's Greek Festival (September 27), Oktoberfest (September 28-30) and the Irish Italian Festival (September 29) provide more reasons to plan a beach getaway this month.
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