Two Capital Region Favorites Nominated Among America’s Best for Fall

Fall is Right Around the Corner

Summer isn’t over yet, but you can already (ughhh) feel fall creeping in.  The days are slightly shorter and a bit cooler.

Kids are heading back to school, football is returning, and hopefully, some cooler temperatures aren’t too far behind. And when fall does arrive, two of our favorite Upstate New York destinations could have some serious national bragging rights.

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2 from the Capital Region Nominated Best for Fall

The USA Today's 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards have nominated both the Adirondacks and Saratoga County among America’s best fall destinations for 2026 — in two separate categories.

The Adirondacks are one of 20 nominees for Best Destination for Fall Colors in the United States...and I highly doubt anyone was surprised.

USA Today highlighted the region’s picturesque hikes, fall festivals and foliage tours as reasons the Adirondacks are such a spectacular place to experience autumn.

Meanwhile, Saratoga County is competing in USA Today's Best Place to Visit for Fall category.
Read More: What To Expect At The 207th Schaghticoke Fair 

While Saratoga may be best known nationally as a summer track destination, there’s plenty happening after racing season ends.

USA Today specifically mentions fall foliage rides aboard the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway, scenic boat tours, the Downtown Saratoga Springs Fall Festival and the Saratoga Hard Cider & Doughnut Fall Fest.

Voting is Underway

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So basically, we’re talking mountains, foliage, train rides, cider and doughnuts. Good luck beating that, America!

Voting in both of USA Today's contests is open through Monday, September 7th at noon, and you can vote once per day; the winners will be announced Wednesday, September 16th.