Located in New Windsor, NY, an hour's drive from the George Washington Bridge, the Storm King Art Center is considered one of the most important and most famed outdoor sculpture parks within the country. It features over 150 works by artists spread across 500 lush fields and forests within the Hudson Valley, and the season's fall foliage reaches its peak this weekend, making it an important time to go to. Artists resembling Alexander Calder and Maya Lin have brought him international recognition. Founded in 1960 by Ralph E. Ogden and H. Peter Stern, co-owners of the Star Expansion Company, it was initially a Hudson River School painting museum before expanding its scope to incorporate outdoor sculpture. It has successfully combined art and its natural surroundings to showcase the great thing about Orange County. Parts of the location originally served as a gravel quarry that supported the development of the New York Thruway.

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North of San Diego lie the sunny beaches of La Jolla – La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove
and Windansea – are iconic waterfront locations for kayakers, surfers, paddleboarders and snorkelers. Both locals and tourists flock to the sandy beaches and rocky bays, especially in summer.

Autumn brings with it the quiet season, when the beaches naturally attract dedicated locals but far fewer tourists. And the pace is slower, more in tune with the rhythm of the tides and the ever-present sound of ocean waves rising, breaking and receding.

One last weekend found us in La Jolla Shores Hotelthe beachfront hotel on the southern end of the sandy crescent that stretches from Scripps Pier to the favored beach
Marine space Restaurant. The hotel provides beach guests with umbrellas, chairs and towels. The restaurant is open all day. And there's a van available to take guests anywhere inside a five-mile radius between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. — perhaps to La Jolla Cove Beach for snorkeling, to Windansea for browsing and watching, to Scripps Aquarium or to nearby restaurants.

The eminently walkable beachfront neighborhood of La Jolla Shores is stuffed with sun-kissed sea lovers of all ages. Restaurants, cafes and boutiques share the space here with surf shops and kayak schools. Start your day with a coffee and pastry—perhaps from the nearby Brick & Bell Café—and revel in it from a spot on the seawall. Then head to the shore for a swim, walk or read on the beach.

The terrace of the hotel The Shores Restaurant is a great lunch option for grilled fish tacos, salads and other dishes. I actually enjoyed a seafood ceviche tostada with avocado and salsa – and it's hard to say no to a margarita on the beach. Or take a walk up the beach Caroline's Seaside Café near UC San Diego's Scripps Pier. Place your order, take a number and sit at a table overlooking the surfers below. Everything on the menu is sweet, from the chopped salad ($15) with quinoa, avocado, arugula and butternut squash to The Cove Burger ($17.50).

Just a few miles in the opposite direction is La Jolla Cove, a part of the 6,000-acre San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park ecological reserve, which incorporates underwater caves, canyons, kelp beds and wealthy marine life.

Go close Cave Shop First, for $10 ($6 for teenagers and teenagers), you get access to a 1905 smugglers' tunnel. Climb the 145 steps right down to Sunny Jim's sea cave, where the ocean rages slightly below an statement deck. You'll probably see kayakers right behind it, the cave from the surface.

Then head back upstairs to envision out the shop's historic photos and beach items before exploring the bay itself. The beach here is small and sheltered with gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. It can also be a great place for sunbathing as you sit on the rocks and let yourself be lulled by the sound of the ocean and the sight of the seals that make their home here.

From there it's just a brief walk to La Jolla Village, where chic restaurants, hotels, shops and galleries line the streets. The historic one draped with bougainvillea Valencia Hotel incorporates a secluded terrace for lunch or dinner, in addition to guest rooms, suites and villas. And the proximity Grande colonial hotelBuilt in 1913, the restaurant is home to chef Jason Knibb's Nine-Ten, whose coastal-inspired menu has caught the eye of Michelin. (And sandy, seawater-soaked visitors should clean themselves before getting into. This is a white tablecloth stain.)

Windansea, on the southernmost tip of La Jolla, is some of the famous surf spots on the Southern California coast. With its rocky beach, steep drop-off, big waves and robust currents, it's not beneficial for swimmers, however it's an amazing place to look at experienced surfers catch the waves.

Grab a drink at one in every of the coffee shops, juice bars, or cafes within the adjoining Bird Rock neighborhood—perhaps a Sandpiper hazelnut latte Bird Rock Coffee Roaster or a cold-pressed juice with it Seaside Surf Cafewhich is next to the Bird Rock Surf Shop.

Then take your sip to the beach and revel in the spectacle.

When you go

La Jolla Shores Hotel: Room rates start at $256. Find the hotel at 8110 Camino Del Oro in La Jolla; www.ljshoreshotel.com.

Brick & Bell Café: Opens at 5 a.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. on weekends at 2216 Avenida De La Playa; 858-333-1673.

Caroline's Seaside Café: Open every day 8 a.m. to three p.m., 8610 Charles F. Kennel Way; https://carolinesseasidecafe.com.

Cave Shop: Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1325 Coast Blvd.; www.cavestore.com.

The Valencia Hotel: Room rates start at $355. Find the hotel at 1132 Prospect Ave.; www.lavalencia.com.

The great colonial period: Room rates start at $237. Find the hotel at 910 Prospect Ave. https://thegrandecolonial.com

Bird Rock coffee roaster: Opens every day at 6 a.m. at 5627 La Jolla Blvd.; https://birdrockcoffee.com.

Seaside Surf Cafe: Opens every day at 7:30 a.m. at 5517 La Jolla Blvd., next to Bird Rock Surf Shop; https://seaside-smoothie-and-juice-bar.square.site/.

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Looking at tiny Jacksonville with all its cozy, Victorian charm, it's easy to forget that this was once one in every of the biggest cities within the Oregon Territory. Back then, it boasted – wait for it – 36 taverns, a Wells Fargo Express station and buildings constructed throughout the Oregon Gold Rush.

Time forgot this little nineteenth century boomtown after the railroad got here through and made nearby Medford its big stop. But that loss is our gain.

This Rogue Valley town is now a National Historic Landmark. Its streets are lined with 150-year-old buildings which might be still bustling with activity. You can still dine on the 1856 Bella Union Saloon on Main Street, browse the rooms of the Beekman House, which was converted right into a museum in 1873, and McCully House Hotelthe McCully family home in 1860.

Today, crowds flock here to absorb the atmosphere, browse the boutiques and wineries, and watch a show on the Britt Music and Arts Festival on the grounds of pioneering photographer Peter Britt's 80-acre estate. Incidentally, this grounds, which include gardens, woodlands and enchanting walking trails, are open to the general public for climbing and exploring all yr round.

We settled in for the weekend within the boutique Hotel MagnoliaBuilt in 1928 and completely renovated last yr by latest owners Jeff and Nikki Bale, it's vibrant and airy, with a dozen luxurious guest rooms and irresistible reading nooks.

The hotel is inside walking distance to just about every thing you must see, from modern espresso bars to the historic Beekman Bank. In summer the bank is open on weekends A history lecturer is available to inform colourful stories in regards to the Oregon Gold Rush, the Victorian-era bank vault and the impressive scales used to weigh gold dust and, we're told, the town's babies.

Right now, nonetheless, we’re sitting on the bar at Jacksonville's Miners' Bazaaran art project cafe and saloon run by Rogue Valley artist Rosie Taylor. Drawing paper and coloured pencils are stashed on the bar, mosaic lamps dangle above, and there's a menu of DIY craft projects in addition to one with drinks and snacks — vegetarian galettes ($10) and fancy grilled cheese pastries ($10).

There's a studio within the back stuffed with art supplies and craft kits, and there are cozy nooks with tables and chairs in all places where you’ll be able to sit and chat or create. Or do as we did and admire the genius of an art bar while sipping a glass of Quady North Rosé or Long Walk Vineyards Field Red, for instance.

An actual miners' bazaar opened just up the road in 1852, after pioneers James Clugage and James Poole did just a little, extremely successful gold mining, sparking an Oregon gold rush. The bazaar was a trading post – actually a tent – that supplied the sudden influx of miners with every thing from overalls and pickaxes to tobacco and whiskey. As the mining camp grew, so did the pubs, taverns and breweries – and in abundance. Even the town's bakery had a bar.

Today, Jacksonville's tasting rooms are known for wine moderately than liquor, and the historic buildings house temptations just like the Violets & Cream Ice Cream PharmacyThe GoodBean Coffee house and the Happy Alpaca Toys & Accessories.

A large toy alpaca stands outside Amy Kranenburg and Aaron Butler's lovely toy store, which opened in 2022 and offers Legos, Brio trains, colourful Haba toys, and other delights. It's all so cute, it's hard to assume that this cute little toy store was once the Marble Corner Saloon.

To be honest, most of the historic buildings here might be said to have “once upon a time” status. The Table Rock Billiard Saloon sign continues to be visible on the GoodBean The coffeehouse and ice cream shop once housed Jacksonville's first brewery.

But to listen to all of the stories, you’ve got to take a ride on the Jacksonville Streetcarwhich offers a 45-minute narrated journey into the past. The driver points out landmarks and tells of the invention of gold and the rise of this boomtown, and now and again adds a touch of unexpected local history. It seems that the unique Bozo the Clown – Vance DeBar Colvig, who performed as Pinto Colvig – was born here in 1892. He was also the unique voice of Disney's Goofy and Pluto. Who would have thought?

There can be a wine cart that travels from downtown – where several tasting rooms are positioned – to seven wineries further afield. If you favor to wander around on your personal, the Jacksonville Wine Route offers several particularly tempting options, from Quady North and Dancin' to Parkhurst Wine Cellars.

Mark Enlow — a Bay Area expat who spent three years at Hannah Nicole Vineyards in Brentwood — and his wife, Susan, opened their latest tasting room in Parkhurst on a hill just outside Jacksonville last fall.

The chic industrial-style constructing is surrounded by a creative—and fireproof—expanse of concrete and gravel. (The original tasting room within the nearby town of Talent was destroyed by the Almeda Fire within the Rogue Valley in 2020.) Inside, dramatic modern chandeliers hang from high ceilings, huge glass roll-up doors bring the skin in, and royal blue and purple velvet sofas add color.

The winery's name is a nod to Charlotte “One-Eyed Charley Parkhurst,” the legendary whiskey-drinking, cigar-smoking stagecoach driver who ferried passengers and gold across California's wild frontier. No one knew she was a girl until after her death. Ponder the legend as you sip Rogue Valley wines and revel in shareable bites from the small, seasonal menu—like grilled flatbread ($19) or a cheese and salami platter ($18).

Just minutes away, you'll find Dos Mariposas Vineyards and Lavender, which has been welcoming families and wine lovers since 2022 to walk through the lavender fields, enjoy live music by the pond, and sip rosé and pinot noir on the patio. They also offer food, including charcuterie platters for adults ($21) and for teenagers ($5) to enjoy with lavender lemonade.

When you're done, take the tram that may take you – and your rosé – back to the town.

When you go

The Magnolia Hotel: Jacksonville has greater than a dozen inns and B&Bs, including this charming hotel, where rooms start at $140 per night. A European breakfast – yogurt, cereal, boiled eggs, fresh fruit and toast – is included. 245 N. Fifth St. in Jacksonville; https://magnoliahotelor.com.

Britt Music and Arts Festival: This annual summer music festival features folk, rock, jazz and classical music and typically runs from June to mid-October. brittfest.org. And Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which also runs until mid-October, is a half-hour drive away. osfashionland.org.

The Miners’ Bazaar: Open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to six p.m., 235 E. California St., Jacksonville; www.theminersbazaar.com.

Violet & Cream: This ice cream, soda and candy shop at 150 S. Oregon St. in Jacksonville opens at 11 a.m. every day. https://violetsandcream.com.

Good bean: Opens Monday through Saturday at 6:00 a.m. and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. at 65 S. Oregon St. in Jacksonville; www.goodbean.com

Happy Alpaca Toys & Accessories: Opens Monday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at 180 W. California St. in Jacksonville; https://happyalpacakids.com

Jacksonville Trolley Tours: History tours ($6-12) run five times every day Tuesday through Sunday June through August and Friday through Sunday in May, September and October. Purchase tickets and board the trolley on the Visitor Information Center on the corner of West C and North Oregon Streets. The wine trolley ($25) runs Friday through Sunday from noon to six:30 p.m. May through October. Reserve tickets and find more information at https://jacksonvilleoregon.org.

Parkhurst Wine Cellar: Open Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to six p.m., 845 E. California St. in Jacksonville; https://parkhurstwine.com/.

Dos Mariposas Vineyards & Lavender: Open for tastings: Thursdays and Mondays at 3:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday at noon, 3976 Bellinger Lane in Medford; https://dosmariposasvineyards.com.

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