Cool, crisp mornings. Breezy afternoons. Leaves of vibrant hues of orange and red. High school, college and pro football teams hit the gridiron. Soccer and lacrosse players get in gear. Autumn leaves begin to fall.
Fall’s also a great time for getaway weekends and tailgate parties, picking apples at the local orchard, and making plans for Halloween. Ready to make plans for your Fall escape? Check out these great Top Ten Fall Vacation Destinations. Fall travel at its best.
When you see its pedestrian-friendly boulevards, farmers’ markets and street fairs, you’ll understand why Kansas City is definitely deserving of Fall getaway buzz. After flying into Kansas City, make sure you check in at the chic hotel Raphael (from $229), a charming boutique property patterned after the finest small hotels of Europe. Or, maybe you prefer the Hotel Phillips (from $175), Kansas City’s historic landmark, Art Deco in a European, boutique-style luxury setting? History buffs will love the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Music lovers will love the blues and jazz clubs in and around Kansas City, where Count Basie and Charlie Parker got their starts. Stop by the American Jazz Museum on Vine. Kansas City is a great Fall escape destination, if not just for its barbecue, friendly crowds, and family fun.
Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky Derby may be Louisville’s claim to fame, but that’s not all Louisville has to offer. Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, this Southern city offers small-town charm, a cosmopolitan riverfront district, a diverse art scene, and Restaurant Row. Upon arrival, check into the Brown Hotel (from $209) in the Theater district, two blocks from 4th Street Live, four blocks from the Convention Center and a 5 minute ride to the airport. Or, check out Galt House (from $192, for a double deluxe room), a boutique hotel on the waterfront. Sports fanatics will love the Louisville Slugger Museum. Sign up for a river boat cruise aboard the Belle of Louisville, a National Historic Landmark. Louisville has great things to offer, especially in autumn when this city’s Fall colors shine brightest.
New York, NY
Check into the Alex Hotel (from $299), a hip, midtown retreat off Third Avenue. Or, maybe you would prefer the Avalon (Singles & Doubles from $275, Suites from $300) on East 32nd, featuring colorful Italian marble floors, columns and cool ceilings. Both are conveniently located in midtown. Take a Fall stroll in Greenwich Village or take a carriage ride Central Park. Check out the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings for beautiful Fall views. Or, hurry down to the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Times Square and the Bronx Zoo. Or, maybe you just want to check out a Broadway Show? Fall is one of the best times to visit the Big Apple, with its cool attractions and breezy streets.
This Fall, find out why Niagara Falls State Park draws millions of visitors each year. Check out the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls to feel the mist during the Cave of the Winds tour. Sign up for the Maid of the Mist® boat ride, which takes you right down to the base of the falls. Stop by the Niagara Fall’s Visitor’s Center and Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. Kids will love the Aquarium. Or, maybe get adventurous this Fall: take a hike on one of Niagara Falls’ miles of trails and explore the Niagara Falls State Park on your own. Top off your Fall weekend getaway with dinner at the Top of the Falls Restaurant. Great views, and great Fall colors.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Convenient by air, rail and bus, going to Philadelphia for your Fall getaway couldn’t be easier. Book your room at the lovely Rittenhouse Hotel ($249 plus tax, family fun package) or Club Quarters ($116-$169 non members) on Chestnut Street, just around the corner from Rittenhouse Square. From this location, you’re steps away from the business district, Antique Row, Academy of Natural Sciences, and Liberty Place, a boutique and restaurant destination. In the mood to sightsee? From Rittenhouse, you’re a five minute taxi cab from Independence Hall and the starting point for several city tours. Art lovers? Check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Or, stroll the streets around Rittenhouse Square this Fall. Music and performing arts enthusiasts? Nothing beats the legendary Philadelphia Academy of Music or Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts? Football weekend? Check out the Philadelphia Eagles at the Linc. Fall is always a great time to visit the City of Brotherly Love.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Shenandoah Valley is best experienced in the fabulous Fall months. Check out the Frederick House’s (from $103) this Fall for five beautifully restored 19th century residences, with 23 spacious guestrooms and suites. Sure to be a great home base for your Fall vacation getaway to Staunton, Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley this Fall. Or, check out the 40-mile view from Sugar Tree Inn (from $168), nestled in Steeles Tavern, Virginia, way above the Shenandoah Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Set on twenty-eight wooded acres at 2800 feet, Sugar Tree Inn is a glorious Fall destination if you’re searching for rustic elegance, peace and tranquility. Check out Dayton Farmers Market Thursday through Sunday in Dayton and Blue Ridge Pottery near Shenandoah National Forrest. Or, just take a drive through the Shenandoah Valley or Skyline Drive for a fantastic Fall vacation getaway second-to-none.
Fall is absolutely stunning in Minneapolis and St. Paul. This Fall, take a trip to the Twin Cities and see for yourself. Best places to stay for your Fall getaway in the Twin Cities? Check out the Embassy Suites (St. Paul) (from $199), or the elegant, landmark Saint Paul Hotel (from $219). Take a Fall stroll on the campus of University of Minnesota. Check out Halloween festivities in nearby Anoka. Fall festivals, pick-your-own-orchards, street and book fairs abound. Check out the very best St. Paul and Minneapolis have to offer this Fall. A great Fall vacation destination.
Washington, DC
Convenient by air, rail and bus, going to Washington, D.C. for your Fall getaway couldn’t be easier. Book your room at the lovely Sofitel Washington DC (From $430 for junior suites, superior rooms), adjacent to Lafayette Square, one of the most exclusive locations in the nation’s capital. This luxury 19th century hotel with a modern twist has its own distinctive style, superb cuisine, and impeccable service. Book two weeks in advance, and enjoy discounted rates. Or, check out Hotel Monaco (From $199). This hotel is one hip National Historic Landmark with high, vaulted ceilings and spacious, airy atmosphere. Beautifully appointed, Hotel Monaco aims to please. Beautiful interior courtyard. Great eats. Take a Fall stroll in Georgetown. Check out a show at National Theater or Warner Theatre. Visit the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and its Millenium Stage where shows are free every day of the year. Hop on Tourmobile to see the fabulous Fall sights (especially Mount Vernon which is glorious in the Fall months), or check out the Circulator ($1) to get from Union Station to downtown to Georgetown in a flash. Metro rail system can’t be beat. Smithsonian Institution museums and National Zoo are must-see destinations for your Fall escape weekend.
There’s something for everyone in Western Massachusetts this Fall. Enjoy the country charm of Franklin County. Check out the Berkshires for a variety of attractions. Check out the college towns you’ll find sprinkled throughout Western Massachusetts. See the Fall foliage along the Mohawk Trail-America’s first scenic automobile route. Where to stay? While the Lord Jeffery Inn at Amherst College is closed for renovations, you might want to book a room at the Delta Organic Farm B&B; (from $95) about 2 miles from downtown Amherst, featuring an Organic Farm, Conference Room, and Licensed Kitchen. Or, maybe Hotel Northampton (from $180) in Northampton is more your style? Conveniently located in downtown Northampton, this hotel is a short walk away from Smith College whose grounds are absolutely beautiful in the Fall months. I also like to stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott® hotels just out of town for spacious rooms at half the price. Either way, Fall in New England can’t be beat.
Winchester (Frederick County), Virginia
Fall is a great time to take a driving tour of Frederick County’s longtime, apple heritage. Fabulous audio tours available at the local visitor’s center. Stop by the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley featuring a five-gallery museum, 6-acre gardens and lovely, historic house. Lunch at nearby Creekside Station and stop by Lavender Moon Soap Company and Shenandoah Fine Chocolates. Check out any one of the fabulous Fall festivals in and around Winchester for a great harvest experience. Stop by Marker-Miller Orchards for the very best apple cider doughnuts you’ll ever eat. Savor the scenic views of the apple orchard, mountain vistas, and cool mountain breezes. Fall in Apple Valley is heavenly. Visitors Center: www.visitwinchesterva.com/ .
Great Fall Getaway Vacation Destinations?
Madison, Wisconsin, great college town, leafy boulevards.
New Hope, Pennsylvania, local arts scene and gorgeous Fall afternoons.
Portland, Oregon, fantastic urban vibe in the Fall.
Boulder, Colorado, beautiful city in the Fall, in the shadow of the Rockies.
Western Maryland, Fall’s absolutely fantastic at Deep Creek Lake.
