Freedom is something that dies unless it’s used.
—Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter S. Thompson refused to be bound by any conventions especially in his writing. As a reporter in the 1960s and ‘70s, he made no attempts at objectivity and often anointed himself a main character in narratives he was dispatched to just observe.
This quote derives from one of the last career-spanning interviews he granted, a 2003 conversation with Salon. Thompson was speaking not about how he emerged as gonzo journalism’s leading voice but about complacency in general. Exercising our liberties is how we build a better world for ourselves, our communities, and future generations.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in September and October. Also check out my recommendations from November 2023 and December 2023.
1. Oyster Lovers Experience
An evolution of Urbanna Days that began in 1957, the Urbanna Oyster Festival (67th annual, November 1-2, 2024) as we know it today hosts over 50,000 people in the square mile town over two days. Visitors flock from all over to celebrate the oyster!
In 1988 it were designated as the “official” oyster festival of the Commonwealth of Virginia and maintain that title today.
Come by BOAT or come by LAND! The charming Town of Urbanna closes it’s streets for this big celebration of everything OYSTER! Its foodie heaven with over 50 food vendors and every kind of OYSTER! Raw, steamed, roasted, Rockefeller, fried, stewed, oysters in a pot pie and festival food fare like BBQ and crab bisque.
Arts and crafts, antique auto show, children’s activities, and live bands are spread throughout the town. The town marina offers historical boats and exhibits on the conservation of the Chesapeake Bay, watermen, and the oyster industry.
2. Louisiana Pecan Festival
This celebration of one of the South’s top crops offers a unique autumn attraction for up to 75,000 attendees each year in Colfax, Louisiana. Held on the first full weekend in November (November 1-3, 2024), the Louisiana Pecan Festival typically kicks off on Friday with Children’s Day which features a petting zoo, rock walls, games, and other free family-friendly activities. Festival attendees will enjoy a parade, live music, arts and crafts booths, a cooking contest, carnival rides, and fireworks throughout the weekend.
Visitors can sample and purchase pecan specialties including pies, pralines, jams and candies as well as catch numerous live performances by the Louisiana Pecanettes dance team composed of local high schoolers. This event is also a great place to gobble goodies like funnel cakes, fried chicken and alligator on a stick from vendors.
3. Red rock beauty amidst autumn colors
Sedona, Arizona is a captivating destination for RVers seeking a cold-weather escape with stunning red rock landscapes. November brings cooler temperatures to the region making it an ideal time to explore the beautiful outdoors. Red Rock State Park offers a network of hiking trails that wind through the dramatic red rock formations and provide breathtaking vistas.
One of the most iconic landmarks is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a spiritual and architectural marvel built into the red rocks. The tranquility of this place is truly enchanting. To cool off visitors can head to Slide Rock State Park where natural water slides and swimming areas offer a refreshing way to enjoy the striking natural surroundings.
4. Joshua Tree National Park
This California national park is a pleasure, famed for arid desert landscapes, scenic trails, Joshua trees, and even spiritual awakenings. Indeed, visiting Joshua Tree National Park in November is an excellent idea! With nice weather and fewer people, tourists can truly appreciate the breathtaking desert scenery and unique rock formations.
Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park in November can enjoy various activities including stargazing, hiking, rock climbing, and seasonal events such as the Joshua Tree Half Marathon and Thanksgiving holiday.
The park’s amazing diversity of plants and animals attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers. Another attraction is its clear night skies. Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park and the November sky is ideal for seeing the stars shine brightly.
5. Go off-road in Big Bend
From the Chisos Mountains to the vast Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend Country is enormous. To fully experience the sprawling terrain, take a scenic drive, off-road-style. The historic 51-mile River Road in Big Bend National Park offers panoramic views of the park with rugged mountains rising above desert washes as far as the eye can see. Up for more 4×4 action? Drive two miles down a narrow gravel road then hike the half-mile trail to Langford Hot Springs where you can soak in geothermal water.
If you don’t have a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is your best bet. The 31-mile paved route connects some of the park’s most famous viewpoints.
6. Canyonlands
Canyonlands National Park is one of Utah’s Mighty Five, yet it is an underrated gem. Nonetheless, its picturesque surroundings, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and lower crowds than other Utah national parks make this underrated gem worth a visit despite being an overlooked National Park for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
November is one of the least-crowded months to visit the Canyonlands. Although November may be cold with an average high of 50°F and a low of 33°F the days are ideal for outdoor adventures and exploration. Also, now is the perfect time to drive on the White Rim Road because obtaining a permit is easy.
The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the River. Each district has its own unique charm and opportunity for sightseeing and adventure. A trip to Canyonlands in November has something for everyone including driving, cycling, hiking, camping, stargazing, and ranger programs.
7. Zion
November is a wonderful time to visit Zion National Park. The weather during the day is ideal for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, canyoneering, and nature and wildlife photography.
With average highs of 64 degrees and lows of 37 degrees Fahrenheit, the days are warm and the mornings and evenings are chilly. This is a lovely break from the intense summer heat and the weather is just perfect for enjoying Zion’s best hikes.
Yes, the shuttle to Zion National Park operates in November but it does so less often and for fewer hours a day. There are many opportunities to see wildlife including mule deer, Bighorn sheep, and migratory birds. What more? Leaf peepers are in for a treat in November as the fall colors make the park even more eye-striking.
8. Socorro, New Mexico
Socorro, New Mexico is the perfect place to visit for nature and bird-watching lovers in November. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is near the town famous for its Bosque del Apache Festival Of The Cranes each November. It is a breathtaking spectacle of nature. Thousands of sandhill cranes and geese migrate here for winter from the north.
Standing on pencil-thin legs, sandhill cranes have a captivating elegance. They spread their wings with stately grace. They dance and take flight swaying against the sky. Their large bodies are covered with brownish-gray feathers and their heads are strikingly white and red.
The colors of the feathers are not intense. Rather, they’re subdued, reminiscent of the colors of dry grasses. This is for a good reason: the bland colors of the feathers blend with the colors of the meadow making the cranes difficult to spot by a potential predator. And there are plenty of those as numerous coyotes gather in the area hoping for an easy meal.
After sunset, waves of cranes are approaching from all sides. Birds flock to the refuge’s shallow swamps to survive the night safely.
At dawn, they take flight to feed at the surrounding fields and water reservoirs.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is also worth seeing because of its hiking trails where you can spot coyotes, deer, eagles, and hawks. Best of all, Albuquerque is just a one hour drive north.
9. Tsé Bii’ Ndzisgaii / Monument Valley
Most known for its appearance in films such as Forrest Gump (when Forrest decides he’s tired and stops running in the center of the road) and the old John Wayne cowboy flicks, the breathtaking Tsé Bii’ Ndzisgaii hasn’t changed much since the 1930s. The site holds the story of monsters who once plagued the people before the Hero Twins and female deity worked together to turn the monsters to stone—and it’s those monsters who are monuments of this gorgeous desert valley.
10. Charleston, South Carolina
November is a wonderful time to stroll around Charleston—and there are plenty of special events to enjoy.
The Preservation Society of Charleston holds its annual garden and home tours from October 9 to November 2. A citywide literacy festival takes place from November 1 to 10 at various spots around the city. And the famed Farmers’ Market runs on Saturdays in November. Highly recommended indoor options include the South Carolina Aquarium and the new International African American Museum.
Worth Pondering…
In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones. Without their leaves, how lovely they are, spreading their arms like dancers. They know it is time to be still.
—Cynthia Rylant
