While we’re bummed about the end of summer, we’re pretty pumped for all the foliage-pumpkin-sweater days ahead. Seriously, autumn is kind of the best, and to prove it, here are seven awesome places for fall travel.

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Summer in Jackson Hole is beautiful…but oh so crowded. Our advice: wait until September when the fall foliage is out in full force and the crisp temperatures (usually hovering in the '60s through October) make it the perfect season for hiking and biking.

Where to stay: The Amangani

Chebeague Island, Maine

This island just off the coast of Portland is pretty idyllic if you’re into watching the changing leaves. Ferries run frequently transporting passengers to the mainland, so choose a few festive day trips, like a drive down coastal Route 1 from Portland to Georgetown or apple picking at Thompson’s Orchards. Perhaps the biggest draw: Flights to Portland are way cheap this time of year. (Round trip from New York will cost you about $150.)

Where to stay: The Chebeague Island Inn

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SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN

This tiny art colony on Lake Michigan dwindles to its year-round size of about 1,000 when Labor Day passes, but the promise of Indian summer makes it a great place to visit in fall. (You can swim in the ocean at Oval Beach well into October.) Spend the days beer tasting at Saugatuck Brewing Company, apple and pumpkin picking at Cranes Orchards or cider tasting at Virtue Farm.                                      

Where to stay: The Wickwood Inn

Taos, New Mexico

Calling all foliage fiends. Every step of the 85-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (which begins and ends in Taos and passes through Questa, Red River Valley, Eagle Nest and Angel Fire) is bursting with color in autumn. But scenery aside, fall is when you’ll find some of Taos’s most exciting events, namely, the October Taos Mountain Balloon Rally, when thousands of colorful hot-air balloons take to the skies.

Where to stay: El Monte Sagrado

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Cape Cod, Massachusetts

We thought Cape Cod was a summer destination, too, until we visited in fall and couldn’t believe what we’d been missing. September marks the beginning of cranberry season, and you can take a tour of the scenic bogs and watch the harvest. Bonus: It's also the best time of year for fresh oysters, scallops and lobster.

Where to stay: A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay

Charlottesville, Virginia

This adorable college town is the perfect base for visiting Shenandoah National Park, which is really just stunning this time of year. Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting with Blue Ridge Wine Excursions or go in search of Granny Smiths and Fujis at Carter Mountain Orchard.

Where to stay: The Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm

Portland, Oregon

Break out your flannel and check out the huge corn maze at nearby Sauvie Island, or try hard ciders from local craft breweries before heading out to the scenic Columbia River Gorge, a gorgeous landscape of brilliantly colored mountain vistas and waterfalls.

Where to stay: Portland’s White House