It’s November! Let’s Go Somewhere!

Ahhh November… For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it means crisp, autumn walks and colorful foliage. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, it means spring blooms and warmer days. Either way, there are so many incredible places to visit in the second to last month of the year.

Places to Visit in November

Mt. Hood Region, Oregon

I love a versatile destination, and if that’s what you crave, Mt. Hood and its surroundings fits the bill. You’ve got the more urban vibe of Portland mixed with the lush Willamette Valley and the gorgeous backdrop of Mt. Hood—a glacier-covered dormant volcano.

Where to Stay: Doesn’t Oregon feel like the epicenter of the Tiny House movement? If you’re not ready to commit to sleeping in your kitchen every night, why not just try it out for a weekend? The Tiny House Village at Mt. Hood offers a unique way to experience the Portlandia vibe while surrounded by the nature of the Pacific Northwest.

Where to Eat: Head in the town of Government Camp for a pint at Mt. Hood Brewing Co. Pair pizzas, burgers and fondue with an Ice Axe IPA or Hogsback Oatmeal Stout. Dogs are allowed on the patio, and get their own special menu featuring stock-sickles— all-natural jumbo stock ice cubes; ½ pound cheeseburger patty; and peanut butter bacon biscuits using the brewery’s spent grains. How can you not love that?

Pinot Paradise: Due west of Mt Hood is the famed Willamette Valley wine region. Dubbed “Wine Region of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast in 2017, you’ll find incredible pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay, riesling and more. Planted in 1978, St. Josef’s is one of the original Oregon wine pioneers. 

Opt Outside: Did you know you Timberline Lodge and Ski Area offers the longest ski season in North America? Really, you can ski in the middle of the summer! However, you’ll have access to a lot more runs during the colder months. The ski area also offers snowshoeing, sledding and snowcat rides to the mountain top.

Mt. Hood in the Movies: Does the Timberline Lodge look familiar? Dedicated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937, this National Historic Landmark is perched near the top of Mt. Hood. You may remember it as the exterior of the hotel featured in The Shining. I don’t think it’s haunted, but if you catch your significant other maniacally typing “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” you may want to get the heck out of there!

Get Wild: Follow Cheryl Strayed’s footsteps and hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail! About 130 miles of the trail is located within Mt. Hood National Forest. Just keep an eye on the the weather and potential road closures. Better to plan a hike earlier in November rather than later in the month.

Watch Our “Oregon RV Trip” episode for more

Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama is more than just a hub for scientists. You’ll find incredible artists, delicious soul food, live music, and tons of rich culture. These are just a few reasons why Huntsville is a place to love.

Where to Stay: Drop your bags at the AC Hotel Downtown Huntsville. Located in the heart of town, you’re near historic and art venues such as the Huntsville Museum of Art and the Japanese Bridge. The hotel’s veranda looks over Big Spring Park—the perfect place to enjoy one of their signature gin and tonics after a long day of sightseeing.

Where to Eat: If you want great local food, head to a strip mall. It’s there you’ll typically find unique restaurants that specialize in home cooking. In Huntsville, it’s G’s Country Kitchen that hits the spot. Try the black eyed peas, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken that’s made with love.

Claim to Fame: Houston is probably the city you most associate with NASA, but it’s actually Huntsville that’s home to many of the brains that put man on the moon. Today, it’s home to the second largest research park in the United States and to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. It is here they developed the rockets that put the first U.S. satellite into orbit and sent men to the moon.

To Infinity and Beyond: Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a permanent exhibition to showcase the hardware of the space program. If you go, talk to the docents! They’re mainly NASA Marshall Space Flight and military retirees. These individuals share their passion and knowledge with camp trainees, staff and museum guests.

Gym Class Finally Gets Fun: I still have nightmares about gym class. However, that’s all changed at the former R.L. Stone Middle School. Today, it houses a variety of businesses, including Straight to Ale Craft Brewery. Located in the former gymnasium, it still boasts a basketball hoop, lockers and other gym mainstays. Try the Lily Flagg Milk Stout, named after a prize cow honored as one of the world’s best butterfat producers in 1892 at an exposition in Chicago.

Opt Outside: Situated on a magnificent 167-acre site overlooking the city, Burritt on the Mountain allows visitors revisit the lives of farmers from the 1800s. If you go, bring your hiking shoes! The nature trails at Burritt are perfect enjoying the wide variety of wildflowers in spring or the colorful mountain foliage in fall. Burritt’s trails circle around Round Top Mountain and connect to the LandTrust of Madison County and Monte Sano State Park.

Art, amidst the science: Visit Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, the largest privately owned arts facility in the United States. This huge historic factory building has been redeveloped into 148 working studios for over 200 artists and makers, 6 galleries, a theatre, and performance venues.

Watch our “Huntsville, Alabama” episode for more

Savannah, Georgia

I love any place that seamlessly melds art, history, culture, food and style. That’s precisely why I’m drawn to Savannah, Georgia. From incredible architecture to its storied squares (there’s 22 in the city) and supernatural residents, Savannah has it all. Here’s what to do when you’re there.

Best Known For: Its roots as one of the original 13 colonies and the oldest city in Georgia, with the architecture and historical sites to prove it.

Where to Stay: With so many historic old homes, you can’t go wrong with a B&B. The Galloway House dates back to 1895, and has been everything from a private home, funeral parlor, and now bed and breakfast. Guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, something you may need on hand if you happen upon one of the alleged ghosts that hang out on property.

Where to Eat: The biggest name you need to know is Chef Mashama Bailey, the woman behind The Grey. Housed in a renovated bus station, this place celebrates southern cuisine with a modern twist. Great oysters; blue crab; smoked lamb with roti and tzatziki sauce; grits and gravy and more.  Wandering around Starland District? Head to Big Bon Bodega. They serve up Montreal-style bagels during the day and delicious pizza in the evenings.

Where to Shop: In 1978, the Savannah College of Art and Design opened its doors. Since then, the city has exploded with creative businesses. Shop SCAD’s unique retail gallery, featuring everything from bags and prints to fine art and jewelry—all from students and alumni. If you find yourself in the fairly new Plant Riverside District, look for the glass box that houses 18LovesArt. Amelia Jamerson’s cheerful work is sure to make you smile no matter what.

Walk the Historic District: Genteel and Bard created an interactive walking tour, complete with discreet earbuds that allow you to hear your guide, snippets from storytellers, and digital photos and videos to help explain things along the way. The journey starts at Collins Quarter Cafe before traveling by some of Savannah’s most stunning downtown locations, including The Green-Meldrim House, Colonial Park Cemetery, Jones Street, and LaFayette Square, just steps from The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.A Run and a Pint: Depending on when you visit, join in with one of Service Brewing Co’s 5K runs 

Hauntings, Year-Round: It’s said that Savannah is the most haunted city in America, and I know better than to argue with ghosts.  There are many ways to learn about (some of its supernatural residents. Go all-out with Savannah’s Hearse Ghost Tour, where you and your best buds get to ride around atop an actual hearse (you can’t make this stuff up).

Have a Beach Day: Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah you’ll find Tybee Island. It’s the perfect little beach town, with cozy cottages, a bustling pier, seafood restaurants (the Crab Shack has live baby alligators on the property!), ice cream shops and fun ways to get out on the water (rent a kayak or paddle board, or book a sunset cruise).

Watch our “Savannah, Georgia” episode for more

Melbourne, Australia

Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere means it’s spring down South and what better city to visit than Melbourne, Australia? This city is humming with energy all year round but it really starts coming alive as the days in November get warmer and longer.

Kick Off the Month: Coming during the first week of November? Check out Melbourne Cup Carnival! Starting with the Melbourne Cup, the week is full of glitz and glam. For those that really want to dress to impress, check out tips on what to wear for each day.

Get Lost… among the many secret passages and hidden laneways that make up most of the city. Once upon a time workers got around the city using these paths and now they’re chock full of cafes, street art, bars, and more. Book a tour with Hidden Secrets Tour to learn more about their history and keep an eye out for Mörk Chocolate for the most delicious hot chocolate.

Where to Eat: For some authentic Aussie cuisine, look no further than Big Esso where Chef Nornie Berro is introducing a whole new audience to the country’s indigenous ingredients. Another gem? Queen Victoria Market. Full of vendors, you can get everything from a deli sandwich to oysters.

 

Catch a Game: If you’re American, you know about the NFL, but have you heard of the AFL? And even better – the AFLW, or the Australian Football League Women’s. The AFLW Season runs to the end of November, so it’s perfect timing to catch one of their games. Personally, I’m all for the Essendon Bombers!

Watch “Melbourne, Australia” episode for more

Seoul, South Korea

When it comes to fall foliage, you’re guaranteed to see something if you come to Seoul in early November. This city leans into all four seasons, so except moody music, colorful hikes, and cozy food. Not to mention – you’re just in time for kimchi-making season! 

Step Back in Time: Head to the beautiful Bukchon Hanok Village to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This neighborhood, which is still a residential area, is made up of traditional Korean houses (hanoks) and is the perfect place to learn about the area’s history and culture. Dress up in a hanbok and learn about Korean traditional arts like jogak or maedup.

A Palace in the Middle of the City: There are actually five official palaces in Seoul, but right next to Bukchon is the largest of them all – Gyeonbokgung. Originally built in 1395 and was where the king and queen lived and is often what you’ll see if you ever Google an image of Seoul. Just know – these grounds are massive, so give yourself 3-4 hours to see everything!

Get Outside: This is the time to get outside in Seoul! Not only has the weather finally cooled off after the city’s notoriously humid summers, it’s bursting in reds, yellows, oranges, and greens! For a calmer activity, head to the Korean Stone Art Museum,  which features over a thousand stone figurines from the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910). For those that want a challenge, hike up Bukhansan, the largest mountain in Seoul. 

Kimchi Season: If you come in November, you’re really in luck because it’s kimjang season, aka the time of year everyone is making kimchi for whole of next year. Visit Museum Kimchikan in Insadong and join in on one of their kimchi-making classes.

Hipster Neighborhoods: For those that want to venture off the beaten path, keep an eye out for Seoul’s more up-and-coming neighborhoods. The key is to look for neighborhoods where there are newer trendy cafés, art galleries, and street art. Some good ones to start with include Yeonnam-dong, Mullae-dong, and Seongsu-dong.

Drink (and Sing) All Night: When it comes to a fun night out, Hongdae is always a reliable area to visit. With three universities within walking distance, it’s always been known as a place to drink, sing, dance, and busk all night long!

Watch our “Seoul, South Korea” episode for more

North Island, New Zealand

Another destination that’s welcome spring and summer instead of fall and winter – North Island, New Zealand! This country alone manages to make us all outdoor adventurers and North Island is full of gorgeous vistas and surreal natural wonders. It’s also where most Kiwis live given it’s home to Auckland and Wellington. 

River Adventures: You can’t come to New Zealand and not partake any outdoor adventures. While most adrenaline junkies come for bungee jumping, I preferred something a little more down to earth. Or should I say water? Rather than jumping towards the Taupo River, I kayaked and watched everyone plunge from the 154-foot bungee platform. You can do the same with Taupo River Adventures.

More Māori: The Māori people are the original settlers in New Zealand and Te Puia is the perfect place to learn more about their culture and see yet another magnificent natural wonder in the form the Pōhutu geyser, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

The Youngest Geothermal System: If you want to see what the world looked like before humans began building on it, then head to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the youngest geothermal system in the world! After Tarawera Volcano erupted in the late 1800s, it extinguished all life in a nine-mile radius and created a new ecosystem with 22 different craters. Since then it’s been protected  and left virtually untouched! Explore by boat or on foot.

Lebanese in Auckland: There are a lot of places to eat in Auckland, but Gemmayze Street has been serving up incredible Lebanese food for over a hundred years. The name of the restaurant comes from a popular Beirut thoroughfare, you truly can’t go wrong no matter what dish you pick. Though if you’re in a group of seven or more, I vote for ordering the jeeb, which means the kitchen will select the dishes and just send them out. 

Surf’s Up: With warmer weather, why not get out onto the water via surfing? An hour from Auckland, Piha is a gorgeous beach area perfect for ridin’ some waves.  Take some classes with Piha Surf School and then grab a bit at the famous Piha Cafe.

Sweet Treat: For an unexpected ice cream experience, check out Giapo. There are no flavors on display at this place. Instead, a host will invite you to their station, teach you about their creation, and then sample said creation. Each ice cream dish is a truly a work of art.

Watch our “Central New Zealand” and “Auckland, New Zealand” episodes for more

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