Any season of the year is a great time to begin your next travel adventure from SBN—South Bend International Airport. Perhaps, though, we owe ‘equal time’ to Fall, that season in the middle between our big Summer vacations, our Winter Holidays and our Spring Breaks. Fall is an opportunity to try someplace new, to explore a far-away spot you’ve wondered about, or perhaps to go somewhere just a few states away vs ‘half a world’.
For Fall Travel, ‘Happy Starts Here’ at South Bend International Airport. Let’s look at some of the possibilities!
An SBN fundamental fact is true in any season: you can reach almost any major destination in the World with only one stop from SBN. Nonstop flights to major hubs plus many significant vacation destinations mean that you’ll spend less time waiting for connecting flights and more time enjoying your destination.
When considering a Fall trip, one of the first and easiest possibilities is Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS) via Allegiant from SBN. Knoxville is a relatively recent addition to the SBN schedule so you may not be aware of the multitude of fascinating tourist attractions within a short drive of Knoxville.
The city is often called ‘The Gateway to the Smoky Mountains’ or ‘The Queen City of the Mountains’, which stretch Southeastward from Knoxville, toward the visitor meccas of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses much of the mountain range and protects it for the use of future generations.
In Pigeon Forge you’ll probably want to start at Dollywood, the theme park whose namesake is still very much involved in making memories for her guests: Dolly Parton. Dollywood offers the usual mix of rides and attractions over its 160 acre layout but mixes in what’s been described as the friendliest attitude and atmosphere of any theme park in America. And there’s a new attraction showcasing the life and times of Dolly herself that’s said to be a fitting tribute to a great lady.
Nearby, you’ll find Splash Country, Dollywood’s world class water park with attractions for all. The adventurers can race together on TailSpin Racer, the whole family can twist and turn on Raging River Rapids, the kids can get drenched in Little Creek Falls and everyone can grab a tube and ride a wave in Mountain Waves, a massive wave pool.
Pigeon Forge is also the unlikely home of the world’s largest and highly acclaimed ‘Titanic Museum’. Developed by an undersea researcher who explored the shipwreck site, the museum includes meticulously re-created rooms from the Titantic, plus a world-renowned collection of artifacts. Whether you’re a ‘Titanic buff’ or you just saw the movie, you’ll relate to something you discover at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge.
In Gatlinburg, Tennessee you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains as you explore your surroundings. Take the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Ober Mountain. Explore the mountaintop that’s home to a wonderful ski area in the Winter, while offering hiking in the heart of the Smokies in Fall.
Located at the top of the SkyLift, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is 680 feet long, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America! With a height of 140 feet at its midpoint and 30 feet of glass-floor panels in the middle of the span, the SkyBridge is an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
On your way to and from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Knoxville, on of the mid-South’s great cities. There’s a vibrant music and cultural community, with arts influenced by the Smokies but with an urban flare that’s unmistakable.
So much to do and see, only about a 90-minute flight from South Bend. Almost makes you wonder how you’ve missed going there already, doesn’t it? We can fix that this fall when you plan your getaway to Knoxville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
Looking for something more adventurous and have a little more time this Fall? It’s a great time of the year to explore Mediterranean destinations. Those azure, blue roofs in the Greek Islands are awaiting you. Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Tuscany will have your table ready and the wine chilling. And Spain and Portugal, too, are lovely in the Fall!
They’re all accessible, usually with only one stop flying from SBN. Whether you choose a Delta Airlines connection via Atlanta, Minneapolis or Detroit, an American Airlines flight through Dallas-Fort Worth or Charlotte, or utilize United Airlines via Chicago there are often multiple flight options available, accommodating your preferences and maximizing travel incentive and credit card rewards programs.
As you plan your Mediterranean adventure for the Fall, it’s important to remember that Fall weather in that region lags behind Michiana, so you will often enjoy pleasantly warm late summer like days and refreshing crisp evenings, similar to September here at home. Mediterranean travel veterans often say Fall is the best time to go: wonderful weather and lesser crowds at prime attractions.
So, imagine yourself walking among the windmills on the Greek Island of Mykonos, visiting the bridges and canals of Venice, experiencing the un-equaled history of the Vatican and Rome or gazing out over Athens from the top of the Acropolis.
Perfect experiential rewards that you’ve earned! It’s time to begin collecting on them this Fall… with the first step being to plan your departure from SBN—your home airport.
South Bend International Airport is also excited about two new nonstop flights from its newest carrier, Breeze Airways. One new Breeze destination, Orlando, starts November 7th, in time for Fall travel plans! Breeze SBN flights will serve the primary Orlando airport (MCO) with nonstop service beginning in November and Fort Myers (RSW ) being added in February.
Your departure gate at SBN is only a few minutes from your driveway with almost no traffic and offering inexpensive, convenient parking. Why would you consider flying from any other airport, fighting city traffic and adding tension to your life?
Remember, ‘Happy Starts Here’ at South Bend International Airport. And it starts with YOUR Fall trip. Whether a weekend getaway in the Great Smoky Mountains or the Sunshine State, a week or two in the Mediterranean, or another dream destination of your choosing, your perfect trip begins from your ‘home’ airport, South Bend International Airport.
