Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial transition from summer to fall, making it a great time to squeeze in a getaway. Travel expert Jeanenne Tornatore shares three destinations for travelers craving mountain scenery, a little more summer, or classic fall color.
Tornatore joined We Are Austin from Vail, Colorado, with seasonal travel inspiration stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the Texas coast and Tennessee.
Labor Day getaway ideas: Welcome Fall in Vail, Corpus Christi,and Tennessee
Welcome Fall in Vail
Broadcasting from the Sonnenalp Hotel in the heart of Vail Village, Tornatore said late summer and early fall offer travelers a chance to enjoy warm days, crisp evenings and changing scenery.
“As early as mid-September, these aspens behind me, they’re going to be turning into those beautiful golden colors,” Tornatore said.
Vail is also leaning into immersive experiences that take some of the planning off travelers’ plates. Options include a guided Jeep ride into the high alpine terrain paired with a chef-curated picnic, plus a morning bike ride followed by outdoor yoga and a sound bath.
Another experience, Legacy, Landscapes and Libations, combines a Camp Hale Jeep tour exploring the history of the 10th Mountain Division, a visit to the Colorado Snowsports Museum and a guided whiskey tasting.
“Immersive experiences are such a great way to come out and enjoy a destination like this,” Tornatore said.
Labor Day getaway ideas: Welcome Fall in Vail, Corpus Christi,and Tennessee
Stretch Summer a Little Longer in Corpus Christi
Not ready for summer to end? Tornatore recommends heading south to Corpus Christi.
“I love Texas beaches this time of year,” she said. “It gets so much quieter as we head into the fall season without those peak crowds during the summer, and you still get those nice warm temperatures.”
Beyond the beach, travelers can explore attractions including the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington Museum, Selena Museum and Art Museum of South Texas.
Fall also brings events to the area, while activities like illuminated kayaking, paddle yoga and horseback riding on the beach offer additional ways to enjoy the coast.
Labor Day getaway ideas: Welcome Fall in Vail, Corpus Christi,and Tennessee
Tennessee Puts the Focus on What’s Real
For travelers chasing classic fall scenery, Tennessee is taking a new approach to showcasing what visitors can actually expect to see.
Tornatore highlighted Tennessee Tourism’s “Yeah, It’s Real” initiative, a photo certification program designed to verify that tourism photography was captured by a real person in a real Tennessee location.
The tourism organization is also pledging not to use generative AI for its own marketing photography.
“I love the fact that Tennessee Tourism is really taking a stand for authenticity,” Tornatore said.
According to survey findings Tornatore shared, only 5% of travelers correctly identified real destination photography when shown it alongside AI-generated images, while 70% use photos and videos to help choose where to travel.
And for fall travelers, Tornatore says Tennessee’s scenery doesn’t need embellishment.
“From the Great Smoky Mountains to their legendary music destinations, their cities, their charming small towns, it’s one of my favorites during the fall,” she said.
Labor Day getaway ideas: Welcome Fall in Vail, Corpus Christi,and Tennessee
For more travel inspiration and getaway ideas, follow Jeanenne Tornatore, The Outside Insider, on social media.