Breathe in Crisp Fall Air at These 8 Destinations in Europe
The Antrim Coast and Glens, Northern Ireland
The Antrim Coast and Glens of Northern Ireland was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988. There may be no better time to experience it than autumn with the golden light and the changing colors of the trees in areas like the nine Glens of Antrim, filled with cascading falls, forest trails, sparkling lakes and lush rolling hills.
Giant’s Causeway, located near the town of Bushmills at the edge of the wild North Atlantic, is made up of some 40,000 basalt columns that are best photographed during this season, particularly during the last two hours of daylight, when the sun turns the columns into a lovely golden color.
Among the picturesque woodland colors in the countryside, you can watch for the mushrooms and toadstools that are found in abundance, and go searching for juicy wild blackberries while enjoying the crisp autumn air.
Lively and colorful, there are plenty of things to do in Rio de Janeiro that will draw you into the throbbing heart of the city.
Umbria, Italy
The Umbria region is one of the best areas of Italy to experience autumn colors and cuisine. The village of Magione sits along the banks of beautiful Lake Trasimeno, and puts on the spectacular Olivagando Oil and Autumn Festival over two days in November.
It features antique markets, workshops, art contests and a lavish medieval dinner. The highlight, of course, is the olive oil, a much sought-after oil made from la dolce agogia.
There are also plenty of fresh walnuts and chestnuts, handmade cheeses, cured meats, truffles, wine and more wine. Did we mention wine?
If chocolate is more your thing, for nine days in October, you can enjoy what’s known as Europe’s biggest chocolate celebration, the International Eurochocolate Festival. It takes place in Perugia, a city that’s long been associated with chocolate, home to the famous Italian chocolate Baci, and the chocolate factory that’s open for public tours.
The festival itself features chocolate sculptures, cooking shows, live performances and more chocolate than anyone could possibly eat.
