1

McKenzie River Scenic Byway, Oregon

Image: Atanas Malamov

Oregon is famous for its stunning landscapes, and autumn months are no exception. The McKenzie River Scenic Byway stretches from the vineyards of the Willamette Valley to the forests of the Cascade Mountains .

The best time of the year to visit if you want to enjoy the vibrant colors is mid-to-late October.

2

Charlottesville, Virginia

Image: Mitchell Kmetz

The endless forests and rolling hills of Virginia, especially in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, create breathtaking landscapes painted in red, orange, yellow, and green during October and November.

3

French Lick West Baden, Indiana

Image: Adam Bouse

Nestled in the hills of Hoosier National Forest, French Lick West Baden is a resort town that showcases some amazing views when it comes to fall foliage . The best time to visit is from mid-October to early November.

4

Mississippi River Valley, Minnesota

Image: Josh Hild

The Mississippi River Valley in southern Minnesota is home to vibrant forests, steep hillsides, and picturesque river towns , waiting to be explored by those eager to make the trip.

The best time to see the foliage change is from late September to mid-October.

5

Breckenridge, Colorado

Image: Thomas Morse

Breckenridge, Colorado, bursts into vivid colors every late September, with the changing leaves of the aspen trees creating a gold, red, and orange rainbow in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

6

Northwoods, Wisconsin

Image: Dave Hoefler

Thousands of lakes and vast forests that stretch across five counties can be found in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. From mid-September to early October, visitors are treated to some of the best foliage in the region, with vibrant shades of orange, red, yellow, and purple.

7

Highlands, North Carolina

Image: Wes Hicks

Imagine a lush rainforest with waterfalls, rivers, and lakes to explore, combined with the typical colors of the leaf change season. Such a place exists in North Carolina. The mountain town of Highlands, perched at over 4,100 feet on the Highlands Plateau in Nantahala National Forest, offers breathtaking fall foliage, with the best viewing time in mid-October.

8

Whidbey Island, Washington

Image: Toan Chu

Washington’s ultimate road trip, the Cascade Loop, winds along the Puget Sound via the Whidbey Island Scenic Byway . Peak fall colors along this drive commonly occur between late September and mid-October showcasing brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red.

9

Tunnel of Trees, Michigan

Image: AJ Yorio

A place known as the Tunnel of Trees will hardly disappoint visitors who come during the foliage change season. This 20-mile scenic route follows the historic Michigan 119 highway between Harbor Springs and Cross Village . The canopy of gold, orange, yellow, and purple leaves is typically on display from late September to mid-October.

10

North Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada

Image: Ben Carless

The stunning Lake Tahoe is framed by the peaks of the Sierra Nevada range on its north shore. Its hundreds of hiking trails wind through diverse tree species that display vivid red, orange, and yellow foliage from mid-September to late October.

11

The Ozarks, Arkansas

Image: Derek Livingston

The Ozark Mountains are most famous for their neighboring lake of the same name, but the amazing autumn colors are a spectacle that deserves all the attention during October. The palette of bright golds, reds, and oranges is especially stunning in the Buffalo National River area near the small town of Ponca.

12

Anchorage to Kenai drive, Alaska

Image: Derek Livingston

Alaska is nothing short of breathtaking, and fall is no exception. Its vast landscapes come alive with vibrant shades of red, purple, yellow, and orange from late August through September.

One of the best ways to experience the season is on the 160-mile drive along the Seward and Sterling highways from Anchorage to Kenai, following two National Scenic Byways.

1

Baseball

Image: Chris Chow

Baseball isn’t called America’s favorite pastime for nothing. The heartbeat of American sports, it was already recognized as the national sport in the 19th century, when it originated as a blend of older bat-and-ball games.

Curiously, the first official baseball game on record didn’t take place in the United States but in our northern neighbor, Canada, which is often credited with creating the basis for most modern baseball rules. However, New York City clubs were responsible for further shaping the game into what it is today.

2

Fishing

Image: Greysen Johnson

Fishing has long been a beloved pastime for millions of Americans, luring people in with a peaceful and nature-immersed experience. No longer a necessity for survival in everyday life, most people today enjoy fishing recreationally, with many anglers choosing to release their catch unharmed.

Celebrated American writers like Ernest Hemingway have portrayed fishing as a reflective and rewarding pursuit, capturing the romantic longing for a simpler life and the joy of the great outdoors that remains at the heart of this pastime. Moreover, the hobby encompasses more than just fishing, with many enthusiasts taking pride in creating their own custom lures, often crafted to resemble various types of live bait.

3

Camping

Image: Chris Holder

Camping became popular in the early 20th century as Americans sought respite from growing urbanization. Today, it remains a beloved way to explore the country's vast landscapes, from national parks to remote forests. Extensive networks of protected foot trails crisscross the nation, offering opportunities for both short and long excursions.

In fact, it could be argued that camping is part of the wild heritage of the American frontier spirit, encouraging Americans to reconnect with nature. Much like fishing—and these two pastimes often go hand in hand—camping is about adventure, self-sufficiency, and the pursuit of simplicity away from the hustle of daily life.

4

Football

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

American football—also known as gridiron football or simply football—originated in the 19th century, evolving from various older ball games related to rugby. In recent decades, it has grown into a national obsession, rivaling baseball and even surpassing it in viewership, with millions tuning in every weekend.

The Super Bowl and similar events have become iconic elements of American culture, transforming into major community celebrations that draw more than just football fans. Major events like the Super Bowl bring families and friends together across the country, often featuring entertainment segments and halftime shows that transform these sporting events into full-blown celebrations.

5

Barbecuing

Image: Vincent Keiman

Barbecuing is an art form in America, with roots tracing back to indigenous peoples and early settlers. Whether it’s a Fourth of July cookout or a casual weekend gathering, the grill is central to American social life. The tradition initially spread through pit barbecues, where meats were smoked and cooked over a dug trench filled with burning embers.

Over time, this technique evolved into the conventional backyard grilling we use today. Despite the widespread popularity of standard barbecues, styles vary significantly by region, each with its own distinct flavors and techniques, often featuring elaborate sauces or unique smoking methods.

6

Auto Racing

Image: Tim Trad

Auto racing—and particularly stock car versions of the sport like NASCAR—has captivated the imaginations of Americans almost since the invention of motor cars in the early 20th century. Drawing inspiration from popular European races like the Paris-Rouen contest, the enthusiasm for motor racing quickly took hold in the U.S.

The first American automobile race is generally considered to be the Thanksgiving Day Chicago Times-Herald race on November 28, 1895. As cars became more accessible and the automotive industry developed, racing grew in popularity, eventually evolving into the high-octane spectacle that is now a distinctly American tradition.

7

Gardening

Image: Benjamin Combs

Gardening has always been a cherished American hobby, providing a peaceful retreat within one’s home while also beautifying one’s surroundings. From victory gardens during wartime to modern suburban flower beds, gardening remains a thriving pastime for Americans everywhere.

It’s a way to create something beautiful and sustainable, connecting with nature in a personal and meaningful way. Recently, interest in homegrown vegetables and organic food has surged, with an estimated 40 percent of American households—33 million—growing their own produce.

8

Movies

Image: Kilyan Sockalingum

Since the early 20th century, movies have been integral to American culture. Whether going to a local theater or, more recently, enjoying a cozy movie marathon at home, millions of Americans have shared this experience for almost a century. As Hollywood and the film industry evolved, American movies reached audiences worldwide, earning acclaim for their excellence.

Today, the magic of cinema continues to captivate Americans just as it did decades ago. This is no surprise, as the love for good storytelling and innovation—two true American passions—lies at the heart of this cherished tradition. Although the 2020 pandemic dealt a blow to movie attendance, it has been steadily recovering, showing no signs of slowing down.

9

Home-Cooking

Image: Or Hakim

More than just a necessity, home-cooked meals are a true American passion. Food is a key part of a nation's identity, so it’s no surprise that cooking at home holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. Our country’s incredibly diverse culinary heritage offers a vast array of edible experiences to choose from, and gathering with friends and family to enjoy delicious homemade dishes is one of our favorite pastimes.

Whether preserving family recipes passed down through generations or trying new culinary experiments, home cooking is always a way to connect with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and enjoy the satisfaction of a meal crafted with love and skill.

10

Road Trips

Image: averie woodard

With a country as vast and beautiful as ours, it’s no wonder Americans often choose to spend their vacations exploring its diverse landscapes. From bustling cities to scenic countryside, domestic travel is not always just about relaxation—it can also be an adventure of self-discovery and a journey through our shared history.

And there’s certainly no shortage of sights to see! From the breathtaking vistas of our national parks to meticulously preserved historic sites, few experiences foster a deeper connection to our heritage. Whether it’s the towering peaks of the Rockies, the rolling hills of the Appalachians, or the sun-kissed shores of the coasts, every corner of the country offers something new to discover.

1

The Government impersonator

Image: Harold Mendoza

One of the most common scams targeting senior citizens involves fraudsters posing as a member of a government agency such as the FTC, Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare. The basic pitch is similar to many others: the caller claims that if the target does not pay a fee or provide personal information, they will face serious consequences.

Government agencies will never call, email, text, or message you on social media to request money or personal information . Only scammers engage in such tactics.

2

Fake Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lottery

Image: dylan nolte

Another common scam involves a call, email, or letter informing the recipient that they have won a sweepstakes, lottery, prize, or even a new car. The next part of their message is the key to uncovering the racket: the scammer will request money or personal account information to "claim" the prize . No serious company will ask for such things by telephone or email to award a prize.

3

Tech Support

Image: Simon Abrams

Technology can be intimidating to anyone who is not familiar with it, and tech support scammers know this. These individuals will attempt to convince their targets that their computer or phone has a serious issue, such as a virus.

Scammers often pressure victims into paying for unnecessary services that are not really needed or offer to do the repairs remotely if the recipient grants them access. They may use pop-up error messages, phone calls, or text messages to carry out their scheme. To protect yourself, always keep your antivirus software up to date.

4

'Grandparent' Scams

Image: Nikoline Arns

Exploiting emotional connections is a basic on any scammer’s manual and grandparents are frequent targets. Fraudsters may call and impersonate a grandchild or another close relative in distress , urgently requesting financial assistance .

If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and contact the family member directly to verify their well-being before taking any action.

5

Robocalls

Image: Jenna Anderson

Robocalls use automated phone technology to dial large numbers of households. One common scam is the "Can you hear me?" call. When the recipient responds "yes," the scammer records their voice and quickly hangs up. This recorded response can then be used as a voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges on stolen credit cards or other accounts.

6

Romance Scams

Image: Mayur Gala

Online dating and loneliness may seem like a natural match, but scammers have long exploited this opportunity. Romance scammers create elaborate fake profiles, often on social media, to take advantage of senior adults' loneliness and manipulate them for money.

They may request money for visas, medical emergencies, or travel expenses to visit the US. Since they tend to last for a long time, these types of scams can rob an older person of substantial amounts of money before realizing they’ve been deceived.

7

Business Imposter

Image: Constantin Wenning

This type of scam can take a serious financial toll on senior adults. This type of ruse involves the illegal or alleged sale of financial instruments promising low risk and guaranteed returns. The use of cryptocurrency is common in these scams, as it can be difficult to trace.

8

Pigeon Drop

Image: Alexander Mils

A pigeon drop scam occurs when a scammer offers the victim a large sum of money in exchange for a smaller upfront payment . While this should immediately raise suspicion, many people still fall for it. These scams are often carried out in person at tourist spots but can also happen frequently over the phone .

A classic example is an email claiming that the sender has inherited money from a distant relative but needs a small payment from you to transfer the funds.

9

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Image: Gadini

Cashier’s checks have been around for a long time and have been the subject of counterfeiters ever since. While forgeries can be highly convincing, a common red flag is being asked to deposit a check under suspicious circumstances and then return a portion of the funds to a stranger —chances are, it is a scam.

10

Travel Packages

Image: Marten Bjork

A tourist hoping for a dream vacation instead found cramped rooms and terrible accommodations that fell far short of expectations —this is not a new story.

To avoid such disappointments, travelers should always request information directly from the hotel in question and confirm which features are included in their selected package. Additionally, they should never provide credit card information unless they initiate the call or email.

11

Home Repair

Image: Jimmy Nilsson Masth

Another common scam involves criminals who appear in person and charge homeowners in advance for home improvement services they never provide . These scammers often pose as employees of utility companies.

If someone receives an unexpected visit like this, they should always call the company to verify the person's identity before allowing them inside.

12

Caregivers

Image: Ani Kolleshi

This one strikes particularly hard since caregivers are supposed to help people when they are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, sometimes, unscrupulous individuals can take advantage of the senior adults they are supposed to care for and steal their money .

Always make sure to screen anybody who will be in charge of, or around, a senior adult that requires assistance.