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6 Romantic Fall Getaway Spots in the Northeastern U.S.
Crisp air, autumn colours and a crackling fire – – a perfect recipe for a romantic fall getaway in the northeastern U.S. From mountain peaks to seaside ports, with many quaint towns in between, this is one of the best regions to enjoy the fall foliage.
Not only that, but nature (and cuddling) is good for your health and happiness. A growing number of studies show that getting out into the woods reduces stress and improves your focus and memory. When you combine nature with a little luxury, glamping-style, it adds up to travel bliss.
If you’re planning a relaxing fall break, here are some of the most romantic places for a fall getaway in the northeastern U.S.
You may also like: 10 Spectacular Road Trips in New England + Where to Stay
And for more fall travel ideas, see: 25 Best Fall Vacations in the U.S.
Near Stowe, Vermont
Three-quarters of Vermont is covered in forest and, with a high concentration of maple, birch and beech trees, you can expect dazzling displays of colour for a fall weekend getaway. In Stowe, you can take a ride on the ski gondola for a bird’s-eye view of the fall show. Check out Stowe Cider for a sip of something after spending the day strolling the town’s streets or the mountain paths. And less than ten miles down the road is the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, an essential Vermont experience. In Burlington, you can learn about the unique craft beer scene on this classic beer tour.
When to go: Vermont’s fall foliage usually peaks in the first two weeks of October.
Where to stay: Glamping options in Vermont or stay at the famed Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe
Coastal Maine
Driving down Maine’s scenic byways in the autumn will make you feel like you’re in the middle of an Impressionist painting. This is prime apple-picking time, so be sure to pull over at an orchard or two on your drive for some fresh cider and a slice of pie. On the coast, there’s whale watching in early fall, and a windjammer cruise is a great way to see the leaves. Be sure to spend a day exploring Acadia National Park. A Bar Harbor weekend getaway is also a lovely escape. In Camden, you can take a romantic sunset sail aboard a wooden schooner. At night, relax and watch the stars over the sea.
When to go: Peak time is normally mid-October.
Where to stay: Details on the cottage in Maciasport pictured above or Check prices and availability at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel.
New Hampshire
You’ll be rewarded with radiant fall foliage almost anywhere in New Hampshire. For amazing views, take a scenic drive or a fall foliage tour (from Boston) through the White Mountains. There are also plenty of active ways to enjoy fall foliage, like zip lining, rock climbing, kayaking and horseback riding. At the end of the day, enjoy a slice of fresh apple or pumpkin pie.
When to go: At higher elevations, the best time to go is early October.
Where to stay: Glamping options in New Hampshire or stay at the Omni Mount Washington hotel in Bretton Woods, with gorgeous view of the White Mountains
Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshire mountains in western Massachusetts are an ideal fall vacation for city dwellers. Here, you’ll find world-class foliage viewing along with with a vibrant art and culture scene. It’s ideal for hiking along the Appalachian trail or spending the afternoons wandering the galleries and antique shops. Don’t miss out on the many fine dining options. Of course, if you happen to find a cottage with a turret like this, you may not go out at all!
When to go. The colours typically peak in mid-October and last into late October.
Where to stay: See details on the cottage in the Berkshires pictured above. Or stay in the Hampton Terrace Inn, an upscale, historic bed and breakfast in Lenox or the Inn at Stockbridge, a Georgian style mansion in Stockbridge.
See this post for more ideas on romantic getaways in Massachusetts.
Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondack Region has one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country, providing one of the best fall getaways for leaf-peepers. The Adirondacks are dominated by only a few tree species, which means almost all of the colours change in unison. There are more than 2000 miles of hiking trails along forested paths leading to waterfalls and summits with views as far as the eye can see. Or, you may want to watch the colours change from your hot tub!
When to go: The colours of the Adirondacks last through October, usually peaking mid-month.
Where to stay: See the details on this cabin near Lake Placid or stay at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa in Lake Placid.
Hudson Valley, New York
In the Hudson Valley, you’ll find an idyllic countryside where life moves more slowly. A perfect fall weekend getaway from New York City, the Valley is a 10-county region along the Hudson river that stretches from Albany to Westchester. Not only will you be treated to multi-coloured foliage displays, the local restaurants roll out their fall-inspired comfort menus. You can also visit wineries in the region or take in the thriving art and music scene. From Manhattan, you can also see the foliage on a scenic sail up the Hudson River to the Palisades.
When to go: The colours typically peak in the last two weeks of October.
Where to stay: Glamping options in the Hudson Valley or for a little hotel luxury, stay in The Roundhouse in Beacon or the Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown
More Information:
Fall getaway accommodations: Glamping Hub
Tourism Information: Discover New England, Pocono Mountains, Travel Hudson Valley
This post is published in collaboration with Glamping Hub.
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What gorgeous choices for fall getaways in the Northeastern U.S.! I pick the Berkshires because I’d love to stay in that dramatic cottage.
Thanks Carole! Great choice – – it’s beautiful there in the fall.
We drove an RV through all of these in July of 2012. Sigh. Right region. Wrong time. Guess I just have to go back!
Sounds like a great trip, in any case. But yes, the fall is really spectacular.
I always felt that the outdoors calms me down and helps re-focus. Nice to know that my experience is supported by scientific evidence. We just bought an RV and want to do a shake down trip. Fall foliage was my first choice, and your ideas are wonderful. Unfortunately, we don’t take delivery until the end on October. Any early November ideas for leaf peeping, perhaps somewhere south of the ones mentioned?
Thanks Wendy. Depending on the weather, there would still be some colours in the Hudson Valley, New York in early November. After that, I would suggest North and South Carolina.
Lovely post celebrating the beauty of fall. The Northeastern US is certainly a great place to see it!
Thanks Doreen. Yes, the fall colours in this region are something to see!
This is one area of the U.S. that we haven’t explored nearly enough. Fall looks like the perfect time to get there.
Thanks Sue! Yes, this part of the U.S. is truly gorgeous in the fall.
Your blog on 6 Romantic Fall Getaway Spots in the Northeastern U.S. was incredibly helpful and well-written. Your top spots suggestions are really amazing, I would definitely plan my next holiday in New Hampshire. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you found the post to be helpful. Thanks Nicolas!