Fall Forecast: Fall nudges the northern part of the U.S. and most of southern Canada into their climactic foliage-filled primes. It’s the Atlantic’s hurricane season, leaving Florida relatively empty of visitors (unless El Niño manages to keep away hurricanes and tropical storms) but teeming with deals. Out West, hot, dry Santa Ana winds and the harvest season mark the beginning of fall, while many Western ski resorts offer pre-Christmas deals in November. Early cold spells in November can put a damper on Canadian and northern U.S. travel.

1. ATLANTA
Like the blossoms that brighten this Southern belle's landscape every spring, Atlanta is a perennial rejuvenator, infusing her classic charm with modern style and welcoming visitors to her unique blend of history, dining, shopping, and adventure. Its grade-A Southern hospitality, historical roots (MLK was born here), modern-day attractions, and up-and-coming art scene are the city's major draws.

Why Go In Fall: With the summer heat gone, fall in Atlanta makes for enjoyable sightseeing, while the build up to the holiday season brings in throngs of shoppers from across the South.

Fall 2011 Events:  Pumpkin Festival (Sept. 30–Oct. 30; festivals.stonemountainpark.com); Atlanta Pride Festival (Oct.  8–9; www.atlantapride.org); Taste of Atlanta (Oct. 21–23; www.tasteofatlanta.com)

2. CAPE COD, NANTUCKET & MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Visitors flock to Cape Cod and its neighboring islands for their quaint villages, hundreds of miles of beaches, clam shacks, and, of course, "sand dunes and salty air." This charming New England region draws family and East Coast weekenders en masse.

Why Go In Fall: As the summer crowds retreat, this quintessential slice of New England becomes much easier to navigate. Empty expanses of sand and mild, perfect-for-a-walk-on-the-beach temperatures pervade. Take advantage of historic B&Bs that offer rooms at half off come late October.

Fall 2011 Events: Provincetown Restaurant Week & Gallery Stroll (on Cape Cod; Sept. 30–Oct. 3; www.provincetowngalleryguild.org); Nantucket Conservation Foundation Cranberry Festival (Oct. 8; www.nantucketconservation.org); Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival (Oct. 14–16; www.mvfoodandwine.com)

3. COLORADO
Colorado’s storied past as a territory of the Wild West is still evident in its mining towns, rustic dude ranches, Rocky Mountain switchbacks, and pioneer tradition. There is, however, more to the state than awe-inspiring mountain landscapes and cow herders. It’s also a land of thriving cosmopolitan towns like Denver, luxurious ski resorts, and outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and rafting.

Why Go In Fall: Fall weather is pleasant for sightseeing in Denver and accompanied by blazing fall foliage in the surrounding mountains. By November, the slopes are just beginning to open, and ski resorts often tout promotional packages that precede the holidays. 

Fall 2011 Events: Telluride Photo Festival (Sept. 26–Oct. 2; www.telluridephotofestival.com); John Denver Week (Aspen; Oct. 7–16; www.aspenchamber.org); Denver Arts Week (Nov. 4–12; www.denver.org/DenverArtsWeek) 

4. DISNEYLAND
Inaugurated under the Southern California sun in the summer of 1955, "the happiest place on Earth" is still the country’s premier family destination. Head here for the sunshine and to please the kids (or just the kid inside) . . . nothing makes 'em smile like Mickey and the gang.

Why Go In Fall: With the season kicking off a back-to-school frenzy, weekday visits pretty much ensure that you’ll walk on to most rides with little or no lines. Special Halloween events add to the festive atmosphere.

Fall 2011 Events: Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort (Sept. 16–Oct. 31; disneyland.disney.go.com); Mickey’s Halloween Party (select dates in Sept. and Oct.; disneyland.disney.go.com)

5. THE HAMPTONS
Fifty miles of seashore with powder-fine sand, secluded bays, and colonial villages make the Hamptons a playground for beach lovers, glamour seekers, culture hounds, and the rich and famous. Dabble in Hollywood-esque glitz and glamour along the shore at pricey luxe hotels and reservations-required restaurants.

Why Go In Fall: Early fall weather, usually a balmy 60 degrees, is still warm enough for swimming, making the hotel discounts a real bargain. Beaches are nearly empty as families are city-bound for the school year.

Fall 2011 Events: Sag Harbor American Music Festival (Sept. 30–Oct. 1; www.sagharbormusic.org); Hamptons International Film Festival (Oct. 13–17; www.hamptonsfilmfest.org); Fall Festival on the Green (Montauk; Oct. 8–9; www.montaukchamber.com)

6. HAWAII
Few places satisfy the urge for a carefree tropical vacation like the islands of Hawaii. Indeed, the 50th state’s stunning beauty is no secret – nowhere else in the U.S. boasts the combination of white-sand beaches, lush green landscapes, pounding surf, and rich culture found on these far-flung Pacific islands. But what’s less well known, especially for first-time visitors, is that there’s a lot more to the state than Oahu’s Waikiki Beach. In fact, of the eight islands in Hawaii, six are primed for tourists, each with different reasons to visit, from ecotourism and active volcanoes to beaches and nightlife.

Why Go In Fall: You’ll find less people (and more available lodging) before the holiday rush. Powerful northern swells hit the islands in October, so the waves are well-suited for surfing. Long days offer extra sunshine to catch that one last wave of the day or to extend a romantic sunset stroll into evening. Approaching winter rains temper Hawaii’s otherwise oppressive summer humidity, and rooms are priced up to 20 percent less than peak-season rates.

Fall 2011 Events: Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (Oahu; Sept. 29–Oct. 1; www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com); Hawaii International Film Festival (Honolulu; Oct. 13–23; www.hiff.org); World Invitational Hula Festival (Honolulu; Nov. 10–12; www.worldhula.com)

7. LAS VEGAS
“Sin City,” “Lost Wages,” “The City That Never Sleeps” – call it what you will – this Nevada desert city will awe you from the moment you fly over its glittering expanse to the day you leave. But believe it or not, there's more to Las Vegas than debauchery, including a world-class restaurant scene, spectacular entertainment, and fantastic shopping.

Why Go In Fall: Barring no special events, you’ll get the best bang for your buck by visiting in October and early November, months that offer mild temperatures and generally better rates.

Fall 2011 Events: Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival (Oct. 7–9; www.lvrenfair.com); Professional Bull Riders World Finals (Oct. 26–30; www.pbrnow.com); The Great Craft Festival (Nov. 4–6; www.stevepowers.com)

8. MIAMI
Sprawling, sexy, sometimes unruly, and occasionally outrageous, Greater Miami has become an urban mix unlike any other in America. The beach vacation city of Miami is one part sun-splashed resort playground, one part glamorama party capital, and one part bustling, Latin-flavored sprawl. Head here to party with beautiful people by night and recover on beautiful beaches by day.

Why Go In Fall: You’ll get the best deals in September and October, after the kids go back to school and before winter high season kicks into gear. Watch out for hurricane season, though, which runs from June to November – most hotels and airlines will accomodate date changes free of charge, however, should a storm throw a wrench in your travel plans.

Fall 2011 Events: Miami Short Film Festival (Nov. 14–20; www.miamishortfilmfestival.com); White Party Week (Nov. 23–28; www.whiteparty.org); Art Basel Miami Beach (Dec. 1–4; www.artbaselmiamibeach.com)

9. MONTREAL
With a population of 1.6 million, Montréal is the world's second largest French-speaking city after Paris. It’s a captivating mélange of old-world charm infused with the up-to-the-minute energy of North America's most modern cities. Set on the St. Lawrence River, this Canadian metropolis comprises an easily accessible patchwork of neighborhoods, each with its own unique joie de vivre. Visitors can still get their fix of Old World Europe (think small cafes, monument-filled plazas, and basilicas) without crossing the Atlantic, but a clutch of trendy new hotels, restaurants, shops, and clubs are the latest indication that this city will never become a stodgy artifact of past triumphs.

Why Go In Fall: Rooms are reasonably priced and easy to find. Fall also brings astonishing foliage, while temperatures vary from 50 to 70 degrees earlier in the season.

Fall 2011 Events: Magic of Lanterns at the Botanical Gardens (Through Oct. 31; www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin); Black and Blue Festival (Oct. 5–11; www.bbcm.org); Festival du Nouveau Cinema (Oct. 12–23; www.nouveaucinema.ca)