Fall makes the whole world seem different — and not just because of the changing leaves. Suddenly, you can wander for hours outside without melting in the heat, seasonal produce and holiday dishes hit dinner tables, shops buzz with back-to-school energy, and everything seems to vibrate with a sense of possibility. (The spirit of renewal isn’t just for spring.)

This autumn, don’t settle for a stop at your local pumpkin patch; take a trip that inspires and energizes you, whether that’s touring the latest hotspots in Boston or Seattle, digging into LA’s arts scene, or taking the kids on that long-promised trip to Disney World. — Nicholas Mancall-Bitel