Photos show what fall looks like in every state

When President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Hawaii Admission Act on August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the last state to join the union.

As the seasons change and the weather cools, there’s something romantic about curling up at home with a cocktail to warm your bones. The assortment of fall flavors is like nothing else throughout the year, an opportunity seized upon by the world’s best mixologists.

Many hikers view autumn as a mild, benign period beyond the summer scorch and winter freeze. They often underrate the risks of venturing into forests, mountains, and deserts during this shoulder season, and fail to carry adequate supplies and safety gear.

Every season is a great season to visit Vermont. In addition to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike and fish in the warmer months. Year-round, the state has a thriving cultural scene with performing arts, museums and galleries.

Summer may be over, but beach season doesn’t have to be. In fact, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, fall is the best time to explore coastal towns where cultural sites, natural wonders, and tons of history tell memorable stories to take back home. Here are seven seaside escapes that are even better offseason.

A train journey is an ideal way to appreciate fall foliage. Many train lines in the US wind along the same dazzling forests, lakes, and mountains as scenic byways built for cars. But passengers on board a train have the luxury of cozying up and losing themselves completely in the colorful views, without needing to worry about surrounding traffic.

Heat domes, droughts, smoky skies, tropical deluges: After a record-breaking summer of extreme weather events, dare we dream of crisp nights, cozy sweaters and the colors of fall?

Marathons have long since been a draw for travelers. The host city not only attracts the actual marathon runners, but also friends and families showing their support as well as marathon enthusiasts who want a front-row seat of the action.

Ever wanted to wade into a cranberry bog? No need to audition for an Ocean Spray commercial—you can immerse yourself in a sea of burgundy berries by taking a cranberry bog tour. The best time to visit is during the cranberry harvest season, which typically occurs from mid-September through mid-November.

Pacific Crest Trail, John Muir Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Colorado Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail—the U.S. is full of challenging long-distance routes, alluring intrepid hikers from near and far. One of the most well-known thru-hikes is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT), the Footpath for the People.

Sadly, I did not possess the mental or physical fortitude necessary to purchase Taylor Swift's Eras Tour tickets in the United States.

There’s a lot to be excited about in the food world right now, with plenty of anticipated restaurant openings to keep track of. This fall, some of our favorite chefs are expanding to new cities, transitioning pop-ups into permanent spaces, and reviving the restaurants that their fans were sad to see go. In Chicago, a decorated chef will pay tribute to his roots at a new spot serving both traditional and reimagined Ukrainian dishes. And chef Sam Fore, the self-described “Sri Lankan snack queen,” will launch the long-awaited brick-and-mortar location of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, her pop-up restaurant in Lexington, KY. The menu will highlight the commonalities between Sri Lankan cuisine and the flavors of the American South.