Autumn is a great time of year to explore many locations around the world. Most tourists, especially families, travel in the summer to make the most of the time the children have off school, and the incredible weather. It comes with a price though which can be avoidable if you travel in “shoulder season”- just before or after the peak season. The weather is still acceptable, while not being unbearable, and gives you a better ability to explore as much as you like. Given that America can be an expensive place to tour at the best of times, it’s best to travel while prices aren’t at their peak. There are lots of events happening throughout November, some you’ll have heard of, some you won’t.
Central Park in New York in the fall. Photo by: SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock
A month for remembrance and thanksgiving
Native American Heritage Month
Declared by George W Bush in 1990, this month focuses on highlighting the historical significance of the Native Americans, and enables them opportunities to educate others on their lifestyle and beliefs. The Bill passed calls on the people of America to organise “appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities” in commemoration, appreciation and increasing awareness.
Veteran’s Day
11th November is the American equivalent to Armistice Day or Remembrance Day. The nation has a public holiday and many memorial services are held to honour those that have served in the United States Armed Forces. In Washington DC, every war memorial has a service take place. It’s not to be confused with Memorial Day, which occurs in May, commemorating those that have died in service, or Armed Forces Day, also in May, which honours those currently in service.
New York City hosts a Veterans Day Parade and a week-long schedule of events.
Thanksgiving dinner. Photo by: evgenyb/Adobe Stock
Thanksgiving
Falling annually on the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving brings Americans together in blessing. Over 45 million turkeys are said to be roasted for this national holiday.
In New York, the world-famous Macy’s parade takes place. Lasting 3 hours, you’ll want to make sure you’re mentally prepared if you want to attend. Dress warm and be prepared to arrive early for a decent viewpoint. It’s said that Thanksgiving is the busiest period for travel in America, as hundreds of thousands of Americans head home to be with loved ones.
Plymouth is place of the first ever Thanksgiving gathering, and hosts an incredible 3-day celebration the weekend before the big day. Here you can take a guided historical tour, see outdoor living exhibits, attend free concerts and other Thanksgiving activities.
San Diego
Although November sees the area becoming cooler and wetter, it’s actually the month with the most sunshine! Visit Mission Bay and the surrounding beaches for the fantastic activities on offer including surfing, kayaking, jet skiing and water-powered jetpacking. There are also some great fishing spots. The Boardwalk offers plenty of restaurants with tantalising dishes and shops. The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival also occurs annually in November. The week-long event draws emphasis to the best restaurants in the area and new food trends. You’ll also be introduced to a wide range of wines from the local area.
Green turtles relax on the black sand at Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii. Photo by: MNStudio/Adobe Stock
Hawaii
This is the only state in America never to have recorded a temperature that has fallen below zero degrees Fahrenheit. The six main islands offer diverse activities from hiking to biking, kayaking to surfing, and whale watching. Shipwreck Beach on Lanai is an interesting place to visit. It’s not safe to swim along the shore though as the strong currents that have claimed the ships might also claim you. See the WW2 Liberty Ship in the background.
Set your feet upon the black sand of the beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii, such as Punalu’u Beach where you can also catch the endangered Green Turtle.
Head to the Kona Coffee Festival which celebrates the almost 200 years coffee heritage of the region. Sample locally-produced coffee and find out more about the history of coffee in Hawaii.
Lake Tahoe. Photo by: cmazur1/Adobe Stock
Lake Tahoe
Heading out in November means you’re one of the first to arrive for ski season. All the main resorts plan to be open by the end of the month so you’ll be in with a chance of grabbing an early season deal. There are plenty of opportunities for you to start lessons or hone your skills, with activities for all the family. For relaxing afterwards, visit Grover Hot Springs or David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort. You’ll also find choices available for dog sledding tours and horse-drawn carriage rides. The Nevada side of the lake has legal gambling opportunities so you can find a casino to cash in on some good luck.
Texas
For 9 weekends from the end of September all the way through November, the Texas Renaissance Festival takes over an old mining site in Todd Mission. The organisers recreate an authentic 16th century English town, enlisting Kings and Queens, Lords and Ladies, Fairies, Elves and Barbarians to put on a fun-filled schedule of events. Each weekend has its own theme structuring the performances, activities, crafts, and food available. It attracts in excess of half a million visitors and 2017 sees over 500 performers across 25 different stages. There’s a 200-acre camping ground so it’s easy for you to stay for a weekend of amusement.
Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans. Photo by: missgrace/Adobe Stock
New Orleans
Although hotel prices can be higher in November than they are in summer, the range of events on offer make up for it. As the weather is chillier, the gumbo pots are out to warm you through, and where better to eat it? Get to the heart and soul of New Orleans with music and food. Celebrate the po-boy sandwich at the Oak Street Po-boy Festival. There’s also the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival in the Louis Armstrong Park which will feature live jazz brass band acts and a variety of gumbo. Nightlife throughout New Orleans varies from live music to intimate cocktails with lots in-between on offer.
Book your hire car to discover America in November
We’ve barely scratched the tip of the iceberg with this list but it’ll give you a starting base for your fall exploration of America and a taster of what awaits. Do you have plans to visit America in November? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Get a quote for your car hire today.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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