Destinations: Fall Getaways

Worthwhile destinations for those with time, energy, or money to spare

By Melissa Gaskill

Credit: Ron Behrmann

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Piñon-scented desert air, blue skies, mountain peaks, centuries of history, and authentic Southwest culture make mile-high Albuquerque the place for adventure. Best of all, the weather is glorious in fall.

Time: 2–3 days

Spend some time (nearly) alone. Pick a few days from October 1–9 for the 40th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Festival where more than 500 hot air balloons and 800,000 balloonists and spectators gather. The event includes mass ascensions of balloons, accurate landing contests, and night “balloon glows,” plus parades, parties, concerts, and more. Musts for your itinerary: a balloon ride, of course, and joining a balloon chase team (look for the chase team tower). itsatrip.org/balloon-festival

Energy: 3,200 calories

Hike Pino Trail in the scenic Sandia Mountain Wilderness Area through rolling foothills of cholla and sage up into ponderosa pine and spruce trees. It’s 4 sometimes-steep miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain to an intersection with the Crest Trail near the top of Sandia Peak. Traverse on the Crest Trail, then descend the 7.7-mile La Luz trail, with stunning views of the city. Want to take it (relatively) easy? Hike up and ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway down. Either way, arrange a ride back to your car at the trailhead. Pick up trail maps at REI, ranger stations, or order from the National Forest Service. nationalforeststore.com

Money: $195/person

Hop into one of New Mexico Jeep Tour’s bright red vehicles for a 6-hour tour of 20,000 scenic, private acres on Diamond Tail Ranch. Wander ghost towns, search for pottery shards around Pueblo ruins, spy wild horses, ponder petroglyphs, and soak up the desert ambiance. Experienced tour guides customize the experience around your interests and desired level of activity. Picnic lunch included; stunning view no extra charge. nmjeeptours.com

Dream Adventure: $400/25 miles

An overnight 25-mile guided canoe or kayak trip on the San Juan River, world-renowned for its trout fishing and remarkable scenery; nothing beyond Class II waters. Overnight stay in comfy travel trailers with gourmet catered meals.

Explore
Climb to Acoma Sky City, an ancient Pueblo community atop a high mesa, home to descendants of the Anasazi. sccc.acomaskycity.org

Drink
Enjoy Albuquerque’s signature drink, a Silver Coin margarita at El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina, made with 100 percent agave platinum tequila, Cointreau, and fresh squeezed limes. 10500 4th St. NW; (505) 898-1771; elpinto.com

Eat
The building’s old, but the food is fresh at Cecilia’s Café. Set your mouth on fire with Carne Adovada, tender pork marinated in red chili, and cool it off with a spoonful of honey. 230 6th St. SW; (505) 243-7070; ceciliascafe.com

Repeat
Come back in December to ski Sandia Peak Ski Area’s 20-plus trails, quickly accessible from town via the tramway. sandiapeak.com

Race
Day of the Tread on October 16 has it all—a half or full marathon, 5 and 10K walk/run, and bicycle rides of 12, 26, 54, 80, or 100 miles. Costumes encouraged! dayofthetread.com

Bike Shop
The Kickstand, northwest corner of Juan Tabo Blvd. and Menaul Blvd. (505) 299-2624; thekickstand505.com

Running Store
Fleet Feet Sports Albuquerque, 8204 Menaul Blvd. (505) 299-8922; fleetfeetalbuquerque.com

Outdoor Store
REI, 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE (505) 247-1191; rei.com

Monterey, California

This iconic piece of California is home to Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, Pebble Beach, and the breathtaking Big Sur coastline. It’s also host to a plethora of opportunities for fall adventure on and off shore.

Time: 3 days

Backpack the rugged, steep, and beautiful Ventana Wilderness to Double Cone. The trailhead starts on Highway 1 at Bottcher’s Gap campground. Hike 7 miles up and over Skinner Ridge and Devil’s Peak and camp at Pat Springs. Day hike from there another 7 miles to summit Ventana Double Cone. Hike back the third day. Check trail conditions and take USGS maps, available at REI or online. ventanawild.org

Energy: 1,800 calories

Bike the 18-mile paved Monterey Bay Coastal Trail out and back. The trail traces the stunning shoreline from Pacific Grove to Castroville, with access to beaches, restaurants, and more. Map at mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/bike-path.html

Money: 2-tank dive, $259

Fall offers the best visibility for diving kelp forests in the 6,000-square-mile Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Book a two-tank boat dive with Sanctuary Charters and see reefs, big fish, seals, and sea otters. Boat $96, dive master $80, gear rental $83 (includes tanks, computer, wetsuit); Aquarius Dive Shop, (831) 375-1933; Sanctuary Charters, (866) 737-3483; sanctuarycharters.com

Eat
Enjoy seafood with a clear conscience. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Restaurant Program participants serve only ocean-friendly fare. montereybay aquarium.org under Restaurant Program; (877) 229-999

Drink
Wine, of course—it’s California! Sample 90-plus area wines at A Taste of Monterey, which overlooks the bay. (831) 646-5446; tastemonterey.com

Repeat
Surf, kayak, or build a sandcastle next summer on Monterey State Beach, which stretches from Fisherman’s Wharf to Seaside. (831) 649-2836; parks.ca.gov

Race
Big Sur Half Marathon and 5K on Monterey Bay, November 20. (831) 625-6226; bigsurhalfmarathon.org

Bike Shop
Bay Bikes, 585 Cannery Row, rents hybrid, mountain, road, and tandems—plus 4-wheel surreys! (831) 655-2453; baybikes.com

Running Store
Fleet Feet Sports Monterey, 12 Del Monte Ctr. (831) 372-5664; fleetfeetmonterey.com

Outdoor Store 
Outdoor World, 2222 North Fremont St. (831) 373-3615; theoutdoorworld.com

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

This quaint slice of New England is where folks from big East Coast  cities come to play in the summer. Hit shoulder season in fall for better deals, smaller crowds, and often gorgeous weather.

Time: 7 days
Hop on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and rent the secluded, 3-bedroom Pignatiello Family home, located between historic Edgartown and South Beach. Explore the island by bike (8 bikes come with the house), kayak, or hike. Off-peak rates $1,500–2,850 per week. (216) 524-1223; marthavacation.com

Energy: 5,000 calories
Tour the Cape by bike on a 70-plus-mile portion of The Claire Saltonstall Bikeway, from the Sagamore Bridge to Provincetown. Detour for the scenic 10.7-mile Shining Sea Bikeway, North Falmouth to Woods Hole. crw.org/claire.htm; maps at woodshole.com/bikewaymap.pdf

Money: $700 for 6
Board the 36-foot sloop Bounder in East Falmouth for a day exploring harbors and towns around Martha’s Vineyard; hop ashore for lunch. (508) 540-6316; capecodsailingadventures.com

Eat
Luscombe Ave., Woods Hole; (508) 548-1758; woodshole.com/landfall

Drink
Sip a cup of joe made from organic, fair-trade beans roasted on-site and nibble on a fresh-baked treat in  Pie in the Sky’s cozy courtyard. 10 Water St., Woods Hole;  (508) 540-5475; woodshole.com/pie

Repeat
May–October, get smart about the ocean at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Exhibit Center or National Marine Fisheries Aquarium, the oldest research aquarium in the country. 15 School St., Woods Hole;  (508) 289-2663;  woodshole.com/science.htm

Race
34th annual Cape Cod Marathon, half marathon on October 29, full  marathon and relay on October 30. Falmouth;  (508) 540-6959;  capecodmarathon.com

Bike Shop
Corner Cycle,  115 Palmer Ave., Falmouth (508) 540 4195; cornercycle.com

Running Store
Bayside Runner,  38 Long Pond Road, Plymouth (508) 591-8422;  baysiderunner.com