Discover 5 States where scenic drives, local festivals, and seasonal adventures await
Fall has a way of making wherever you are feel a little more special. The weather cools down, weekends feel made for exploring, and suddenly a free Saturday can turn into a scenic road trip, a hike through changing leaves, or an afternoon spent wandering a local fall festival. For occupational therapists, a travel contract can be a chance to do more than build your career in a new setting. It can also give you the freedom to experience a different part of the country during one of the best seasons to explore it. If you’re thinking about where your next travel OT contract could take you this fall, these five states are worth putting on your list.New York: earn up to $2,694/week
If your idea of fall involves crisp mountain air, colorful foliage and apple cider donuts, New York is hard to beat. The state has one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country, with color typically beginning in the Adirondacks and Catskills before spreading across the state. That means you can spend a weekend hiking through the Adirondacks, exploring the Finger Lakes or taking a scenic drive through the Hudson Valley depending on where your contract takes you. And then there are the apples. New York has more than 40 apple varieties and roughly 600 apple producers, making a fall afternoon at an orchard practically a seasonal requirement. For something a little different, look for a local fall festival, take a foliage cruise or train ride, or make your way to the Catskills for a weekend surrounded by mountain views. Explore jobs in NY here!
Texas: Earn up to $2,294/week
Fall in Texas may look a little different from the classic New England version, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. Head to the Hill Country for scenic drives, hiking and small-town adventures. Around Austin, you can explore Lady Bird Lake or the Barton Creek Greenbelt, while the Hill Country offers orchards, wineries, breweries and places like Enchanted Rock for an active weekend away. Want more traditional fall vibes? Texas has those, too. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides and Oktoberfest celebrations pop up throughout the state. Fredericksburg is especially fun in the fall, with its German heritage, shops, wineries and annual Oktoberfest celebrations. And if you’re looking for fall color, head toward places like Lost Maples State Park or the Piney Woods of East Texas. You might be surprised by just how colorful Texas can get. Find OT openings in TX here!
Michigan: Earn up to $2,297/week
Michigan is a dream destination for anyone who loves crisp fall days, colorful foliage and small-town charm. Head north to explore the scenic drives, hiking trails and lakeside views of Northern Michigan, where the changing leaves create some seriously beautiful weekend adventures. You can explore Sleeping Bear Dunes, wander through Traverse City or take a scenic drive through the Upper Peninsula for even more fall color. And if you love the holiday season as much as you love fall, Michigan has something extra special waiting for you. Head to Frankenmuth, a charming Bavarian-style town known as Michigan’s “Christmas town.” During the holiday season, the town transforms into a festive shopping destination, complete with twinkling lights, German-inspired architecture and a massive Christmas shopping village where you can find decorations, gifts and just about anything you could possibly need to get into the holiday spirit. Of course, there’s plenty to do before Christmas arrives, too. Spend a fall weekend visiting cider mills, picking apples, exploring farmers markets or checking out one of Michigan’s many fall festivals. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cozy small towns or a little holiday magic, a travel OT contract in Michigan gives you plenty to explore when you’re off the clock. Check out open jobs in MI here!
Illinois: Earn up to $2,626/week
Illinois might not be the first state that comes to mind when you picture fall, but it should be. The state has more than 200 species of trees, creating a surprisingly colorful autumn landscape. From Galena and the Great River Road to the trails of southern Illinois, there are plenty of places to get outside and enjoy the changing season. Fall also brings classic seasonal fun. Pick pumpkins, wander through a corn maze, go apple picking or make a weekend trip to the Shawnee National Forest. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even explore a nighttime corn maze or kayak through the Cache River. And, of course, there's Chicago. Cooler temperatures make it a great time to explore the city, catch a game, visit a museum or spend a fall afternoon walking through its neighborhoods. Explore jobs in IL today!
Maryland: Earn up to $2,449/week
Maryland feels like it was made for fall. You can head west toward Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County for colorful mountain scenery, or stay closer to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., for city adventures, festivals and historic sites. Maryland's fall calendar includes everything from farm festivals and corn mazes to ghost tours, oyster festivals and scenic hikes. For a true fall getaway, check out the Autumn Glory Festival in Oakland. The five-day celebration brings together foliage drives, concerts, art exhibits, parades and plenty of small-town fall charm. You can also explore the C&O Canal, hike through Catoctin Mountain Park or pick apples and pumpkins along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground. And when you need a slower weekend, Maryland's coastal towns and Chesapeake Bay communities offer a completely different way to enjoy the season. Find openings in MD here!
Let Your Next Contract Set the Scene
One of the best parts of travel therapy is that your career doesn't have to exist separately from the life you want to live. Maybe this fall you picture yourself hiking through Adirondack foliage after a week of work. Maybe you want to spend your weekends exploring Texas Hill Country. Maybe your ideal season looks more like warm Florida evenings, Chicago coffee shops or Maryland mountain towns. There isn't one right way to experience fall, or one right place to take your next travel OT contract. Choose a destination that gives you something to look forward to outside of work, too. Because the memories you make between contracts and after your shifts can be just as meaningful as the experience you gain on the job.
