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Sometimes lakes are viewed as a ‘poor man’s beach’, but not every inland body of water is a murky brown abyss.
In some cases, lakes are actually even prettier than the ocean, especially during the fall season when tree lines pop in a variety of vibrant reds, golds, and oranges.
While palm trees are typically a sign you’re living life right, there’s just something magical about the ambiance a scenic lake provides.
Crisp mountain air and all the seasonal pumpkin concoctions don’t exactly exude beach vibes, but cozying up by the fire in a pretty lake town sounds just right.
Brimming with fall splendor, GOBankingRates has revealed these 3 lake towns to visit that are easy on the wallet!
Midwest Magic: Lake Of The Ozarks
Forget what you think you know about the Ozarks; it’s not all a bunch of hillbillies and gangsters as portrayed on one of Netflix’s biggest hits, Ozark.
Yes, there may be an unsightly trailer park or two…or three…remember, just like Ozark’s Marty Byrd said, the Ozarks boasts ‘more shoreline than California‘.
A majority of the region is truly gorgeous and no better season than fall showcases its natural beauty more.
Popular for fishing, boating, and hiking, the views are immaculate throughout the area, whereas the lake itself never seems to end.
You’ll have a variety of accommodations to choose from ranging from nice resorts, Mom & Pop inns, and cozy cabin rentals.
Best of all, vacationing in the Ozarks won’t break the bank. According to Lake.com, many stays drop their prices as much as 40%!
Tip: Award-winning Alhonna Resort & Marina is only $89 in October!
Lake Champlain: Vermont’s Autumn Wonderland
Vermont doesn’t get nearly the credibility it deserves, but how could it while being overshadowed by such mega cities like New York City, Boston, and DC?
The ‘Green Mountain State’ should certainly borrow another nickname during fall as the usual green mountains transform to shades of copper and rustic reds along one of the most picturesque U.S. lakes.
New Englanders far and wide love escaping to nearby Lake Champlain for the ultimate blissful fall escape, but word of mouth has spread across the country about Vermont’s unrivaled beauty, like the Cheney Mountain Trail.
Vermont may be the centerpiece for this marvelous lake, but keep in mind it’s also shared by New York and Canada, so rates may vary for your stay.
Lake.com again shared their insight, showing the Vermont side tends to see a 25% drop in hotel rates, ranging from delightful inns to lakeside hotels.
A far cry from the East Coast’s bustling cities, visiting Lake Champlain is the ultimate fall retreat to recharge amongst astounding scenery while you savor the flavor that fall brings.
Expect a plethora of cideries and orchards as well as seasonal goodies on local eateries’ menus. You know you can’t leave Vermont without indulging in something maple!
Tip: Mark your calendar! Tucked away near the Vermont-Canada border lies top-rated Tyler Place Family Resort, a summer-only all-inclusive 165-acre resort boasting majestic views of Lake Champlain!
Muskoka: Canada’s Lesser Known Slice Of Fall Heaven
Lots can be said about Canada nowadays, but if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s the country’s breathtaking beauty.
While Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal tend to steal some of the shine away from Canada’s natural beauty, surely you have heard of places like Banff, arguably the most stunning natural wonders in North America.
However, there’s one slice of heaven flying under the radar – Ontario’s enchanting lake town of Muskoka.
Home to lush forestry and seemingly never-ending colorful treetops, the quiet town is the ultimate escape to unwind from life’s stresses.
Cozy cabins and lodges dot the shoreline, and who knows, you may even run into a celebrity or two as this region has become a trendy spot for the rich and famous to hide out.
According to Lake.com, fall rates tend to drop as much as 30%, so you don’t have to splurge to potentially vacation like the “one-percenters”.
Tip: For the best value, check out Muskoka Shore Cottages perched lakeside for a quiet retreat. Fall rates are as low as $92 per night.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.