Published October 10, 2026 03:05AM
I am soaking up the unusually warm early October sunshine as our canoe taps a gentle rhythm on my perch: a rock in the middle of Elk Lake, fit for two. My partner and I paddled out in search of "picnic rock," a little walk down memory lane from our visit four years prior. Most of the peaks surrounding us are covered in autumnal shades of rusty reds, burnt oranges, and bright golds. We have reached that coveted window of peak foliage in the Adirondack Mountains. A bell rings in the distance from the porch of my favorite fall spot in the six-million-acre park: Elk Lake Lodge, calling us back for dinner. The feeling is much akin to my childhood days of riding bikes around the neighborhood with friends until our parents announced it was time to come in.
Nostalgia is alive and well at Elk Lake, an all-inclusive wilderness lodge in the Adirondacks. Days are spent unplugged; hiking the more than 40 miles of private trails that connect to well-trodden trails of the Dix Range, paddling the private waters of Elk Lake and Clear Pond, braving a chilly fall swim, or bird-watching from the rocking chairs on the porch of the main building, which dates back to 1904. There is little to no cell service and zero televisions in this remote pocket of the park. The lodge embraces off-grid time spent playing outside and connecting to anything other than your phone. For a few days, I am unburdened by regular life. I am a kid again, enjoying timeless fun reminiscent of simpler times.
Nostalgia Travel in the Outdoors Is on the Rise
I am not the only one seeking out autumn experiences that feel like a portal to the past. With the heaviness of the world and the constant go-go-go of our lives, a getaway that offers coziness and comfort is increasingly appealing. Many travel and hotel companies are seeing a trend this fall towards outdoor activities with nostalgic themes. Recent Expedia data shows high year-over-year search increases for travel dates from September 1st to November 30th in several places that fit the nostalgic outdoor category.
"Fall naturally creates the conditions for analog travel: cooler weather, changing leaves, campfires, and seasonal traditions where people can slow down and reconnect, with experiences that feel tactile, personal, and present. After months of always-on digital life, a trip like this can be a meaningful reset," Melanie Fish, vice president of communications at Expedia Group, told me.
Chase Travel’s latest survey report backs this up, showing 51 percent of travelers say scenery is a big draw, but so is comfort; nostalgia appeals because it feels familiar. The Happiness List, a 2025 study conducted by Opinion Matters and tour company G Adventures, shares that travelers are prioritizing awe and connection over ticking off a box and posting about it on social media.
"Fall is peak time for the nostalgia travel trend, as travelers seek out comfort and coziness, both psychologically and physically. Returning to a place you’ve been in the past, reconnecting with that novel feeling of wonder and excitement—that’s coinciding with a desire to unplug," Alexandria Sanchez, U.S. consumer marketing manager for G Adventures, shared in a recent conversation with me.
Where to Find Outdoor Nostalgia This Fall
At Elk Lake Lodge, visitors typically become guests for life, returning the same week each year to reunite with strangers who became friends, linked by their first shared week at the lodge in the heart of the Adirondacks. Across the country, several other destinations are capturing this same spirit of rustic charm and historical connection.
For travelers looking to step back in time on the water, the coast of Maine offers an immersive experience aboard the Schooner Heritage. This multi-day sailing itinerary takes guests out to explore Rockland and its surrounding islands while living aboard a 95-foot-long wooden sailboat. The absence of cell service and the embrace of rustic beauty give way to slow travel experiences, such as paddling dinghies to uninhabited islands, stopping for a swim or a hike, connecting with other guests over al fresco meals on deck, and enjoying an all-you-can-eat lobster bake on an untouched beach. Evenings are filled with live music and epic stargazing on the water.
On the West Coast, leaf-peepers can take a vintage journey through the Sierra National Forest by hopping on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, which departs from just outside Yosemite National Park’s south entrance. The narrow-gauge railway follows old logging tracks with scenic rides through the forest, while passengers are regaled with history along the way. Rides on the historic locomotive last an hour, with select dates reserved for special live jazz performances or themed holiday rides. Halfway through the open-air ride, the train stops in a scenic spot so visitors can hop off to check out the steam train and enjoy a boxed lunch. At the end of the journey, travelers have a chance to tack on an old-timey gold-panning experience.
In New England, cycling and local agriculture take center stage. Reflecting on childhood memories of freedom on a bicycle, DuVine’s five-day Vermont bike tour includes stops at local farms to sample cheeses, maple syrup, cider, and other regional specialties. The itinerary runs from the fertile Champlain Valley to Smuggler’s Notch and Stowe, featuring classic New England foliage and covered bridges. The multi-day ride weaves through the Green Mountains with stays at small, charming bed and breakfasts.
Treehouses offer another direct link to childhood wonder. At Bolt Farm Treehouse in Whitwell, Tennessee, adults can tap into that imaginative spirit with an upscale twist. Accommodations feature copper soaking tubs, private outdoor hot tubs, firepits for roasting s’mores, movie projectors, vinyl record players, and pizza ovens complete with artisanal pizza-making kits. Situated on a 55-acre property overlooking the Sequatchie Valley, foliage views are available around the clock, whether from the privacy of a treehouse or along the cliffside hiking trails.
For those drawn to traditional craftsmanship and historic mountain settings, New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer a stunning annual foliage display. The historic Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa is located in the heart of this landscape. In October, its adults-only Grand Makers Camp reignites childhood memories of autumn weekends through a luxury lens. The working farm resort’s curated two-night weekend escape combines the outdoors and crafting with creative workshops designed to produce camp-inspired keepsakes. The program encourages guests to put their phones down and unwind the old-school way around a campfire, with additional activities including on-site llama treks and participating in authentic cider pressing.
City dwellers seeking a nostalgic escape without venturing too far into the wilderness can turn to the water in New York City. Classic Harbor Line’s Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise takes passengers up the Hudson River while serving a three-course brunch. The vintage-style yachts, Manhattan and Manhattan II, pay homage to 1920s design with traditional hull shapes, refined teak decks, and mahogany accents. Guests can sip mimosas or Bloody Marys on the two-and-a-half-hour cruise as the vessel heads up the Hudson River, taking in foliage views through large windows and skylights while staying cozy inside the heated boat. Passengers can also step out onto the deck for photographs as the boat makes its way up to Palisades Park and back to the docks at Chelsea Piers.
Lauren Breedlove is a freelance travel writer, photographer, and content creator who grew up, and is currently based in, upstate New York. She has covered the Adirondacks for Outside, BBC Travel, Travel + Leisure, Trip Advisor, Adirondack Life, and other major publications.
