Despite being only the ninth month out of twelve, September feels like a new year of its own. With a blissful Monday off from work, Labor Day allows us to say our bittersweet goodbyes to summertime—and then, the change begins. Students head back to school; adults prepare for the long stretch between summer and winter holidays; and Virgo season arrives with the autumn breeze, welcoming a 30-day period of productivity, goal-setting, and accomplishments.
If you (like many of us) lost touch with your January 1st travel resolutions, turn September into your own mini new year and knock out a trip that’s been on your radar—just like Here’s editors hope to do in these destinations around the world.
September Dream Destinations
Colares, Portugal
Almost exactly a year ago, I visited Portugal with my family. In the 60s, my grandparents had spent a year in Spain on a Fulbright scholarship—they’re painters—so they’ve long had a fondness for the Iberian peninsula. They hadn’t yet made it west to Portugal, however. Less than an hour outside of Lisbon is a town called Colares where we stayed the week, napping on the beach, shopping for fresh produce at the tiny local market, and taking drives along the coast. A day-trip to Lisbon led us to Ramiro, an Anthony Bourdain–approved seafood mecca, where I ate my first barnacle—the start of what I’m sure will be a long and passionate love affair. —Emma Glassman-Hughes; Senior Associate Editor, Print
Paris, France
It’s been nearly a decade since I visited some of Europe’s greatest hits: London, Rome, Barcelona, Prague. But the city that I’ve been craving most recently is Paris. It seems particularly suited to a solo trip in the fall when I’d pass the days posted up at a sidewalk cafe with a book and a glass of wine. Totally cliché—but clichés exist for a reason, right? —Ally Betker; Editorial Director
Somerset, United Kingdom
I’m hearing great things about British winemakers recently. Exciting stuff is happening with sparkling in Somerset, where limestone-drenched soil has produced award-winning wines at Smith & Evans. I’d love to take a car out on the rolling hills, watch the sunset, and indulge in some local wine and cheeses. There’s also the nearby city of Bath if I want to go for a proper Roman-era dip. —Annie Werner; Managing Editor, Digital
Toronto, Canada
It’s been three years since I visited Toronto and I still haven’t forgotten how beautiful it looked in fall. I’ve never seen such vibrant orange leaves in my life! The chilly, cloudy weather didn’t deter me at all, either—all the more reason to slip indoors for secondhand shopping at places like Black Market Vintage, where everything’s $10 or less, or for shameless indulgence at St. Lawrence Market, where I tried pierogis for the first time (an experience I daydream about at least once a week). The fact that it isn’t too far from New York is also a plus. An easily-attainable weekend trip with the promise of poutine? Yes, please. —Tiana Attride; Editorial Assistant
September Weekend Destinations
Baltimore, Maryland
The only time I’ve been to Baltimore was during my 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C., and I think we stopped briefly just to eat some crabs. This month, I’ll be heading there for a weekend and I’m looking forward to exploring the Station North Arts District (my aunt has a studio in the area!) as well as obviously eating more crabs. —EG-H
Asheville, North Carolina
Having recently relocated to New York from North Carolina—a place I admittedly never thought I’d miss—lately I’ve been looking back and longing for the last days of summertime down South, down to the absurd humidity and shrieking cicadas. Specifically, I’ve had Asheville on the brain, a city that’s been on all our radars at Here Mag. I only visited once while living in ol’ North Cackalacky, and now I’m craving a return to the mountains, hikes, and— even as somebody who tends to shy away from it—craft beer. —TA
Beacon, New York
Can you even beat upstate New York in the fall?! No. No, you cannot. There’s foliage, there’s beer, there’s art. Accessible via the Metro North train and chock full of all of the above, Beacon is my ideal September weekend escape. Catch me hiking Breakneck Ridge, spending hours at Dia: Beacon, and shopping at the Sundays-only Beacon Flea Market. —AB
Pacific Coast Highway
If you want to fill your camera roll, plan for a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway. This route will take you through the region of Big Sur and past the mountainous seaside cliffs of northern California and view after view after view. Pro tip: go north if you’re a little nervous about driving on winding roads, but if you want to stay as close to the ocean as possible, drive south. For turquoise waters and dramatic sea waves, obligatory stops include Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls. –Eunice Cancino; Associate Manager, Social Media
Where We’re Going This Month
Cape Town, South Africa
Ok, so it’s happening. I’m finally going back to Cape Town. Three years ago I visited with two of my favorite college professors to study race, space, and power in a post-Apartheid city and I fell in love. I don’t know what I’m most excited for: Cape Malay food in Bo Kaap or a stroll in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, revisiting the District Six Museum or visiting Zeitz MOCAA for the first time, a beach day alone or catching up with old friends. It’s the kind of city that makes it really hard to choose between activities—so hopefully I can just do it all! —EG-H
New York City
I have three weddings this month in disparate locations—Baltimore, Austin, and Chicago. But I’m most excited for the cheesy bachelorette party I’m hosting in New York—it’s Friends themed. We’re going to the Little Owl for brunch, which is located under Monica’s unrealistic West Village apartment, and there’s a pop-up that weekend commemorating the show’s 25th anniversary. This is as much a recommendation as it is a warning. —AW
Portland, Maine
I guess it’s wedding season, because I, too, am heading to one this month in Portland, Maine. I already know Portland is lovely in the summer (lobster rolls, beaches, etc.), but I’m excited to explore it in cooler weather. The live music scene, craft breweries, and seafood restaurants (Eventide Oyster Co., Central Provisions), are on my list. —AB
Coney Island, New York
It is my goal to experience the most iconic (read: cliche) things about New York and since moving here I’ve yet to make it Coney Island. September is a month that screams nostalgia to me, and I can’t think of a more perfect place to embrace that full-on than a stroll on the boardwalk. Ferris wheel rides, funnel cakes, and deep-fried Oreos, here I come. –EC