Cheap flights from Long Island's MacArthur Airport to book now
Newsday travel writer Carissa Kellman tries stand-up paddleboarding by the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach, Florida. Credit: Randee Daddona
November can be a sweet spot for a budget-friendly fall getaway, when summer crowds have thinned and airfare dips before the holiday rush. From Long Island MacArthur Airport, nonstop flights to Baltimore; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Vero Beach, Florida, offer a change of scenery for as little as $132 round trip.
Whether you're after Baltimore's famous crab cakes, Wilmington's riverfront charm or Vero Beach's sandy shoreline, these three destinations offer a reason to get away in November without spending a fortune getting there.
Quick flight: Baltimore
The fare: Southwest's lowest rate from MacArthur to Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is $82 each way in mid-November.
Flight duration: 1 hour 20 minutes; book via Southwest.
People relax on an electric boat in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Credit: AP/Julio Cortez
Why visit now
Baltimore makes for an easy fall escape, and with a quick flight from Long Island, waterfront neighborhoods made for strolling and a food scene known for its blue crabs and crab cakes are just over an hour away. Autumn brings crisp walks along the Inner Harbor, fewer crowds than the summer season and plenty of indoor attractions when temperatures dip. Spend a weekend exploring historic streets, sampling local seafood and taking advantage of the city's free museums without straying far from the waterfront.
Top things to do
Watch the harbor from Fells Point
Cobblestone streets, waterfront pubs and history make this the neighborhood to wander and admire. Stop at Broadway Market for a bite including Thai, seafood and barbecue options. (1640 Aliceanna St.; baltimoremarkets.org)
Eat crab at Lexington Market
One of the oldest public markets in the country is the place to try a Faidley's crab cake. (400 W. Lexington St.; lexingtonmarket.com)
See the aquarium
The National Aquarium anchors the Inner Harbor. With sharks, rays and a rainforest exhibit, it's an easy indoor option on a chilly day. (501 E. Pratt St.; aqua.org)
Take in free art
The Walters Art Museum (600 N. Charles St.; thewalters.org) and the Baltimore Museum of Art (10 Art Museum Dr.; artbma.org) both offer free general admission.
Where to stay
Hotel Revival (101 W. Monument St.; hotelrevivalbaltimore.com; 410-727-7101) is a boutique hotel in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, within walking distance of the Walters Art Museum and close to downtown restaurants and attractions. Rates start at $200 per night.
For a waterfront stay, Pendry Baltimore (1715 Thames St.; pendry.com; 443-552-5539) occupies a restored building at Recreation Pier in Fells Point, putting cobblestone streets, harbor views and neighborhood dining right outside the door. Rates start at $400 per night.
Coastal escape: Wilmington, North Carolina
The fare: Breeze offers rates as low as $69 each way to Wilmington in mid-November.
Flight duration: 2 hours; Book via Breeze.
Riverwalk in Wilmington, North Carolina, at night with the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto/traveler1116
Why visit now
Wilmington combines the charm of a historic Southern port town with easy access to the Atlantic coast. In November, visitors can explore its brick-lined riverfront, browse downtown shops and restaurants and take a walk on a nearby beach without the summer crowds. The fall calendar also brings live music, theater and film events, making it a good option for a long weekend that mixes coastal scenery with culture.
Top things to do
Walk the Riverwalk
The brick path along the Cape Fear River connects downtown shops, restaurants and docks. (Water Street; wilmingtonandbeaches.com)
Board the battleship
Tour the USS North Carolina, a World War II battleship now serving as a museum across the river from downtown. Tickets cost $14 and $6 ages 6 to 11. (1 Battleship Rd.; battleshipnc.com; 910-399-9100)
Wander Airlie Gardens
Stroll beneath sprawling live oaks and along lakeside paths at this 67-acre garden, known for its seasonal flowers, historic structures and coastal scenery. Tickets cost $10 and $3 for ages 4 to 12. (300 Airlie Rd.; airliegardens.org; 910-798-7700)
See a show at Thalian Hall
This historic downtown theater hosts concerts, plays, film screenings and other events. Tickets start at $12. (310 Chestnut St.; thalianhall.org; 910-632-2285)
Where to stay
Front Street Inn (215 S. Front St.; frontstreetinn.com; 910-762-6442) offers a boutique bed-and-breakfast experience in downtown Wilmington, within walking distance of the Riverwalk, historic landmarks, shops and restaurants. Rates start at $170 per night.
Nearby, ARRIVE Wilmington (101 S. 2nd St.; arrivehotels.com; 910-726-3870) sits in a restored historic building with 34 guest rooms and a courtyard setting within walking distance of downtown. Rates start at $210 per night.
Sunshine pick: Vero Beach, Florida
The fare: Breeze's lowest nonstop rate from MacArthur to Vero Beach is $79 for departures and as low as $66 for return flights in mid-November.
Flight duration: 3 hours; Book via Breeze.
Vero Beach in Florida offers plenty of surf and sand. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto/dosecreative
Why visit now
Vero Beach offers a quieter alternative to Florida's busier resort destinations, with uncrowded stretches of Atlantic shoreline, boutique-lined Ocean Drive and a botanical garden filled with tropical plants. Located on the Treasure Coast, the barrier-island town pairs outdoor activities with art, theater and local events.
Top things to do
Wander McKee Botanical Garden
Explore 18 acres of tropical plants, winding paths, water features and shaded gardens at this historic attraction, which opened in 1932. Tickets cost $25. (350 U.S. 1; mckeegarden.org; 772-794-0601)
Browse Ocean Drive
Shop at boutiques, visit art galleries and stop for a meal at a beachfront restaurant along the island's main commercial strip.
Spend an afternoon at the art museum
The Vero Beach Museum of Art features exhibitions, educational programs and a sculpture garden. Tickets cost $12 per adult. Children ages 17 and under are free. (3001 Riverside Park Dr.; vbmuseum.org; 772-231-0707)
Spot wildlife at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Visit the nation's first national wildlife refuge, where trails and observation areas offer opportunities to look for pelicans, wading birds and other coastal wildlife. (4055 Wildlife Way; fws.gov)
Where to stay
Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa (3500 Ocean Dr.; verobeachhotelandspa.com; 772-231-5666) is a beachfront hotel with ocean-view rooms, a spa and an outdoor pool. Rates start at $250.
Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa (3244 Ocean Dr.; costadeste.com; 772-562-9919) is owned by artists Gloria and Emilio Estefan, with upscale rooms featuring a retro Miami aesthetic and on-site dining. It's within walking distance of Vero Beach's boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Rates start at $285 per night.
