In a recent article by Travel & Leisure highlighting the “Coziest Cities This Fall,” it comes as no surprise that Portland, Maine stands out at number one. The top three cities are Portland, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Each of these cities offers its own unique fall experiences, from pumpkin patches and festivals to scenic drives and outdoor activities, but Portland truly shines in its seasonal charm.
The ranking evaluated 18 cities based on five fall related factors that contribute to an exceptional fall getaway. According to the article:
“To figure out which cities are the coziest of all, the team analyzed destinations across the U.S. by first creating a seed list of top fall destinations using websites like Travel + Leisure, including our list of the best destinations for autumn. It then dug into its chosen cities via a variety of factors, including the number of fall-centric venues like farmers’ markets, pumpkin patches, cafes, coffee shops, and bookstores, along with the number of parks and lakes, the “vibrancy and intensity” of fall foliage colors, the amount of rain a city receives during the fall, and just how cool the temperatures get during the season, because, “the cooler it gets, the cozier it feels.”
Boston took the number two spot, proving that our region truly does have the best to offer in fall. While Boston’s picturesque parks earned it the number two spot on the list, showcasing its own splendid fall foliage and autumn activities, Portland proves itself as a premier destination for fall lovers, and here is why.
“Portland showcased the most intense fall foliage overall, with an average of 3.7 inches of rain during fall and a seasonal temperature of 51°F,” the findings revealed.
As for when that fall foliage will peak in Portland, Maine.gov explains that “the state’s color progression starts occurring from north to south in mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak conditions in mid-to-late October,” making next month the prime time to plan a visit.
“Boasting the most colorful fall foliage from mid- to late October, Portland, Maine, scored the spot for the coziest city in the U.S. Take a hike or bike out to the abundant trails around the area, like at Cape Elizabeth or Camden Hills State Park, to take in the intense fall colors. Honestly, you could just drive around to take in the scenery. The seaside town has the best of both worlds, with chilly beaches that are much more peaceful in the fall than summer.” According to USA Today, who also featured the city at number one.
