Men's Journal

Moah, Utah Photo credit: Courtesy of Canyonlands Jeep Adventures

This weekend, we’ve got plenty of good reasons to leave a bowl of candy on the porch and hit the road. You can cruise down the tumbling red rocks of Moab by Jeep, visit Philadelphia to tour historic Halloween landmarks while basking in World Series fever, or hit the powder stashes in Loveland Ski Area, Colorado.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

Off-Road Moab, October 30-November 1

Moab, UT

You’ve seen plenty of commercials with Jeeps sprinting up sheer rock face, careening down gullies, and blasting across flat stretches while the engine chortles and passengers beam with excitement. Why not give it a try?

A Mecca for mountain bikers, rock climbers, and whitewater rafters throughout the warmer months, Moab, Utah, is quieter this time of year, except for those seeking to range its majestic and technical landscape by Jeep. Rental costs vary, but generally run between $150 and $175 a day for a trail-ready two-door Jeep Wrangler, a little more for a Jeep Rubicon. Canyonlands Jeep Adventures and Farabee’s Jeep Rentals can set you up with everything you need. Ask about picking up the vehicle the night before, usually at no extra charge, to get an early start the next morning.

Set a course on one or more of the many off-road trails, where you will zip past spectacular red-orange rock canyons and near-Martian landscapes. Trails can take you into Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park, as well as out along the banks of the Colorado River. Make sure to get out from behind the wheel to explore the sights, such as the famous Delicate Arch. And after you rumble back into Moab, grab a beer at the local brewery.

Travel and Accommodation

Flights into the Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) from Denver run daily by Great Lakes Airlines, with shuttles available into Moab. There are also many lodging options, from full-on resorts to campgrounds.

Halloween Weekend, October 30-November 1

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is in full swing now, and not only because its Phillies are in the World Series. Halloween weekend is the perfect time to visit.

Begin by touring the Eastern State Penitentiary. Opened in 1829, this prison housed many notorious criminals, including Al Capone, in its storied solitary cells. Abandoned in 1971, it is now a crumbling complex of cellblocks. Daily tours run from 10AM to 5PM, but at night during the Halloween season the prison becomes a popular haunted house, certain to terrify.

Then, keep up the ghoulish spirit up with a quick visit to the Edgar Allan Poe Historic Site at 7th Street and Spring Garden Street. Here Poe lived in 1843 under a fit of creativity, writing and publishing several of his famously chilling stories.

Also in Philadelphia this weekend, rock stalwart Pearl Jam ends the North American leg of its tour at the Wachovia Spectrum Arena on Friday and Saturday, right before heading to Australia and New Zealand. And of course, duck into any neighborhood bar for Games Three and Four of the World Series on Saturday and Sunday.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Philadelphia International Airport, then take the high-speed rail line into the city. Lots to do in Philly this weekend, so get there, get a place to stay, and go.

Loveland Ski Area, October 30-November 1

Georgetown, CO

If you’re hungry for good powder early in the season, check out the Loveland Ski Area in Georgetown, CO. Loveland boasts 1,570 acres of terrain with an average of 400 inches of snow per season. With Chairs 1 and 6 already open, this is especially attractive to beginner and intermediate snow bunnies. For those a bit more advanced, stay tuned: the whole mountain was open before Christmas of last year. Speaking of the holidays, you can also hit up the outdoor gear and clothing stores at Outlets at Silverthorne (free holiday gift wrapping!).

The best part about your weekend at Loveland is that it’s affordable: Loveland offers a recession-proof 4-pak that includes 4 unrestricted lift tickets at $119, or $109 if you purchase before November 22nd. Share with your friends and family if you’re feeling generous, or keep it for your next visit. Otherwise, peak individual passes are $59.

Travel and Accommodation

Jet into Denver International Airport then drive 53 miles west to the mountain. There are several lodging options, ranging from basic to upscale. Some places even have hot tubs and fireplaces.

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