Lanesboro

Where: Lanesboro

Why: Bluff country’s fall colors are bursting mid-month. Pack the bikes and hit the sixty-mile Root River State Trail, which runs right through this “dream town,” so dubbed by Outside magazine. rootrivertrail.org

How: Two hours south on U.S. 52, then Minnesota 8 from Fountain. 

Stay: The historic Stone Mill Suites have limestone walls circa 1885; rates are $90 to $160. 866-897-8663. For Queen Anne Victorian style, stay at Habberstad House; rates are $115 to $180. 507-467-3560, minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org

Eat: Old Village Hall Restaurant & Pub offers seasonal menus year-round and has a spacious deck overlooking the trail.

Pack: Local foods for a picnic—the farmers’ market runs Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings through the end of October. lanesboro.com

P.S.: The quaint downtown buildings are home to several shops worth a peek.