An Autumn Drive: Discovering Fall Foliage

Autumn is a season of transformation, and a leaf-viewing drive is one of the better excuses to get out into it. Scenic routes, crisp air, and a day with no particular agenda.

Choose the perfect route

Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania each offer byways worth the tank of gas.

Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park. This 105-mile route offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with pull-offs that invite you to linger or set out for a short hike to a waterfall or overlook.

Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland. A leisurely drive through country roads and rolling hills. Nearby Thurmont and Frederick are good stops for cider or a farm stand.

Susquehanna River Valley, Pennsylvania. Follow the river through historic towns and lush valleys. The surrounding forests turn into a tapestry of color, and it is a favorite among photographers.

Creating the perfect autumn ambiance

The small details make the day. Pack a picnic basket with seasonal treats: caramel apples, cranberry scones, a thermos of spiced tea. Bring a wool blanket for impromptu stops and binoculars for the overlooks.

The scents of autumn

Bringing the season indoors afterward is half the pleasure.

Amberwood Reserve is the closest thing we make to the feeling of coming in from the cold. Golden amber, warm maple, and a whisper of cinnamon, rich and layered without being heavy. Quiet luxury for the season.

For something deeper, 1783 blends clove and cardamom with rich amber and a hint of smoke. It conjures a cozy autumn evening, the earthy scent of fallen leaves and a fire going in the next room.

And for a nature-inspired option, Evergreen brings cypress and pine indoors, warmed underneath by tonka bean. It captures the essence of an autumn forest, which makes it the natural choice after a day of winding mountain roads.

All three are available in the Heirloom Collection at $56 and the Signature Collection at $24. Shop all scents.

The point of the drive

Every leaf-peeping drive is an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with something bigger than your calendar. It is not about the destination but the going. As the roads lead you through forests turning color, let the sights and scents become part of a seasonal ritual worth repeating.

Keep reading

More stories: Amberwood Reserve, Quiet Luxury for the Season, The Noble Train vs. Evergreen for when autumn turns to winter, and Candles of Old Town Alexandria.