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Arizonans love the transition from summer to winter because that time in between is when the most beautiful and comfortable weather comes around. Here are some of the spectacular things to do in the fall in Arizona, and help you get in the mood for Halloween events and beyond!
Hiking….Everywhere!
What Is It? As soon as it gets to be the start of October, most things in Arizona begin to cool off a little bit, which means it’s a great time to follow one of Arizona’s best hikes.
Why Do It? Visitors and locals alike tend to take advantage of this fabulous time of year to hit the trails for hiking, as the desert really comes to bloom and there isn’t a need to hide from the sun by mid-day.
Good to Know: Every part of the state has fabulous paths, so be sure to check out the ones near where you’ll be this fall!
Ghost Hunt in Jerome
What Is It? Everyone loves a good ghost hunt, and there isn’t a better town than Jerome to go on a paranormal search.
Why Do It? Jerome is one of the cities in Arizona that is notoriously haunted, which makes it extra spooky to explore during Halloween-time!
Good to Know: There are plenty of different tours going on in town, so you will be able to pick one that suits your needs and time in Jerome.
Pumpkin Patch Train on the Grand Canyon Railways
What Is It? During the fall months, the Grand Canyon Railway transforms into the one and only Pumpkin Patch Train!
Why Do It? After leaving Williams Station, the train takes a detour out into the countryside to bring its passengers to a hidden pumpkin patch where children can pick their very own pumpkin to take home.
Good to Know: There is also plenty of fall season treats at the station, such as caramel apples, different kinds of pie, and hot chocolate to help you and your family get in the mood.
Drive up Mount Lemmon for Fall Foliage
What Is It? Mount Lemmon in the Tucson area is a beautiful mountain retreat from the typical desert terrain.
Why Do It? The fall months are a spectacular time to head up the “Island in the Sky,” as many locals would agree this is one of the best things to do in Arizona during fall. The air will suddenly turn crisp and you’ll get to see tons of yellow, orange, and red tree leaves as they begin to change during this time of year.
Good to Know: The Summer Haven restaurants are also great places to grab a bite, or a piece of pie, to get into that cozy autumn feeling.
Flagstaff Oktoberfest
What Is It? The Flagstaff Oktoberfest is an annual fun-filled day of activities and polka music that is suitable for everyone in the entire family.
Why Do It? Many types of beer are on tap, plus root beer for the kids, and there are more than enough bratwursts and other grilled foods to go around.
Good to Know: This is a great way to get outdoors and celebrate the autumn season as the tree colors begin to change, so don’t forget to take a drive north this fall in Arizona!
Ales on Rails in October
What Is It? Every October, the Verde Canyon Railroad celebrates the coming of fall and strong autumn flavors with beers, brats, and pretzels on the train tracks!
Why Do It? The rides depart in the morning of each day that the tour runs, and this is a great way to experience a new kind of Oktoberfest that you won’t find anywhere else in the state.
Good to Know: Ales on Rails is the perfect way to taste a variety of local craft beers and traditional European beers in a very classy, but fun way.
Wine Tasting in Sonoita
What Is It? Sonoita, Arizona is home to some of the state’s best wineries which mean that when the fall season arrives, so does wine-tasting season!
Why Do It? Travel down to this area of Southern Arizona to get taste some of the finest wines and relax a little bit.
Good to Know: You can even bring your bicycle to ride out in the open countryside between visits to different vineyards.
Arizona State Fair
What Is It? Most states in the country have annual state fairs, but Arizona is one of the best ones that anyone can attend within the continental United States.
Why Do It? Not only are there hundreds of tents, carnival games, rides, and other attractions, but the weather at that time of year is very hard to beat for an outdoor event.
Good to Know: In addition to that, there are lots of different food stands to appeal to whatever mood your taste buds are in!
