Guide
5 Perfect Weekend Getaways for Fall
From charming and eclectic towns and burgs to heritage river towns, America’s historic areas are back welcoming you for day trips, weekend getaways, or more.
Enjoy Main Streets, dining and shopping, rural bike rides, and fascinating tours and museums—all of which are included in Preservation magazine’s fall 2025 issue as part of the "Weekend Getaways" advertising special.
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Photo By: St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau
St. Joseph, Missouri
Home to 14 unique museums, 12 annual festivals, amazing architecture on the National Register of Historic Places, thriving arts and music cultures, and 48 parks connected by 26 miles of beautiful Parkway. Start planning your trip.
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Photo By: Discover St. Charles
Greater St. Charles, Missouri
Step into the crisp charm of fall in Saint Charles, Missouri—a riverfront gem where history and adventure meet. Just minutes from St. Louis, this beautifully preserved town invites weekend warriors to stroll brick-lined Main Street, framed by vibrant autumn colors and 19th-century architecture. Discover oneof- a-kind boutiques, cozy cafés, and awardwinning restaurants, then explore nearby trails along the Missouri River or pedal the scenic Katy Trail. Seasonal festivals bring the streets to life with music, signature festivals, and endless photo-worthy moments. Whether you’re sipping local wine, browsing galleries, or soaking in the rich heritage, Saint Charles delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Make this fall unforgettable, plan your weekend escape to Missouri’s most inviting historic destination.
Learn More
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Photo By: Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Discover the rich history of Cape Girardeau, one of Missouri’s oldest Mississippi River towns, offering visitors an enchanting blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Cape is home to many historic sites, museums, monuments and murals as well as a vibrant riverfront downtown featuring eclectic shops and boutiques as well as local casual and fine dining, not to mention a full-service casino and hotel. Hikers and bikers have miles of paved and unpaved trails in town, including Trail of Tears State Park.
Learn More
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Photo By: Patrick Henry’s Red Hill
Red Hill-Patrick Henry National Memorial, Virginia
Explore Red Hill, Patrick Henry’s final home! Tour his reconstructed house, original law office, and grave. Discover Quarter Place, honoring the enslaved individuals vital to its legacy. Walk in Henry’s footsteps and experience history firsthand. Visit www.redhill.org for events and plan your unforgettable journey today!
Learn More
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Photo By: Visit Frederick
Frederick County, Maryland
Wander the quaint streets of Downtown Frederick lined with historic buildings that house over 200 locallyowned boutique shops. Indulge in world-class restaurants and embrace our lively & diverse arts scene. Venture outdoors in National & State Parks and experience our storied past at Civil War battlefields. Unwind at dozens of wineries, breweries & distilleries.
Learn More
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5 Perfect Weekend Getaways for Fall
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1
St. Joseph, Missouri
Home to 14 unique museums, 12 annual festivals, amazing architecture on the National Register of Historic Places, thriving arts and music cultures, and 48 parks connected by 26 miles of beautiful Parkway. Start planning your trip. -
2
Greater St. Charles, Missouri
Step into the crisp charm of fall in Saint Charles, Missouri—a riverfront gem where history and adventure meet. Just minutes from St. Louis, this beautifully preserved town invites weekend warriors to stroll brick-lined Main Street, framed by vibrant autumn colors and 19th-century architecture. Discover oneof- a-kind boutiques, cozy cafés, and awardwinning restaurants, then explore nearby trails along the Missouri River or pedal the scenic Katy Trail. Seasonal festivals bring the streets to life with music, signature festivals, and endless photo-worthy moments. Whether you’re sipping local wine, browsing galleries, or soaking in the rich heritage, Saint Charles delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Make this fall unforgettable, plan your weekend escape to Missouri’s most inviting historic destination. -
3
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Discover the rich history of Cape Girardeau, one of Missouri’s oldest Mississippi River towns, offering visitors an enchanting blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Cape is home to many historic sites, museums, monuments and murals as well as a vibrant riverfront downtown featuring eclectic shops and boutiques as well as local casual and fine dining, not to mention a full-service casino and hotel. Hikers and bikers have miles of paved and unpaved trails in town, including Trail of Tears State Park. -
4
Red Hill-Patrick Henry National Memorial, Virginia
Explore Red Hill, Patrick Henry’s final home! Tour his reconstructed house, original law office, and grave. Discover Quarter Place, honoring the enslaved individuals vital to its legacy. Walk in Henry’s footsteps and experience history firsthand. Visit www.redhill.org for events and plan your unforgettable journey today! -
5
Frederick County, Maryland
Wander the quaint streets of Downtown Frederick lined with historic buildings that house over 200 locallyowned boutique shops. Indulge in world-class restaurants and embrace our lively & diverse arts scene. Venture outdoors in National & State Parks and experience our storied past at Civil War battlefields. Unwind at dozens of wineries, breweries & distilleries.
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1
St. Joseph, Missouri
Home to 14 unique museums, 12 annual festivals, amazing architecture on the National Register of Historic Places, thriving arts and music cultures, and 48 parks connected by 26 miles of beautiful Parkway. Start planning your trip. -
2
Greater St. Charles, Missouri
Step into the crisp charm of fall in Saint Charles, Missouri—a riverfront gem where history and adventure meet. Just minutes from St. Louis, this beautifully preserved town invites weekend warriors to stroll brick-lined Main Street, framed by vibrant autumn colors and 19th-century architecture. Discover oneof- a-kind boutiques, cozy cafés, and awardwinning restaurants, then explore nearby trails along the Missouri River or pedal the scenic Katy Trail. Seasonal festivals bring the streets to life with music, signature festivals, and endless photo-worthy moments. Whether you’re sipping local wine, browsing galleries, or soaking in the rich heritage, Saint Charles delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Make this fall unforgettable, plan your weekend escape to Missouri’s most inviting historic destination. -
3
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Discover the rich history of Cape Girardeau, one of Missouri’s oldest Mississippi River towns, offering visitors an enchanting blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Cape is home to many historic sites, museums, monuments and murals as well as a vibrant riverfront downtown featuring eclectic shops and boutiques as well as local casual and fine dining, not to mention a full-service casino and hotel. Hikers and bikers have miles of paved and unpaved trails in town, including Trail of Tears State Park. -
4
Red Hill-Patrick Henry National Memorial, Virginia
Explore Red Hill, Patrick Henry’s final home! Tour his reconstructed house, original law office, and grave. Discover Quarter Place, honoring the enslaved individuals vital to its legacy. Walk in Henry’s footsteps and experience history firsthand. Visit www.redhill.org for events and plan your unforgettable journey today! -
5
Frederick County, Maryland
Wander the quaint streets of Downtown Frederick lined with historic buildings that house over 200 locallyowned boutique shops. Indulge in world-class restaurants and embrace our lively & diverse arts scene. Venture outdoors in National & State Parks and experience our storied past at Civil War battlefields. Unwind at dozens of wineries, breweries & distilleries.