Summer is officially over and fall is now in full swing. If you love to see the fall foliage in all of its glory, we’ve put together seven destinations that will give you a front row seat to one of nature’s most colorful shows.
Housed in a 1766 Colonial Revival mansion, Birchwood Inn is a romantic bed and breakfast that offers guests country elegance, award-winning breakfasts, decadent afternoon tea, New England stone-fenced gardens, and a spacious front porch perfect for viewing the changing foliage. Guests who want to explore the region on foot can hike the Appalachian Trail, explore Bartholomew’s Cobble—a natural rock garden that is a National Natural Landmark—or visit our favorite, Bash Bish Falls State Park that has the state’s most dramatic waterfall that drops down 80 feet to a sparkling pool. Whether you take a scenic drive or explore on foot, the Berkshires offer something for everyone to enjoy the fall season.
Nestled in the Adirondacks overlooking a pristine lake and minutes from Lake George, Friends Lake Inn is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway to celebrate fall’s arrival. This historic hotel housed in a Great Adirondack Camp offers luxury lodging with a rustic-chic design aesthetic and two on-site dining options. Guests don’t have to go far to venture out into nature with miles of hiking trails starting right at the property. Friends Lake Inn is currently offering a Fall Foliage package that includes one night’s stay with breakfast, a romantic candle lit dinner on premise, two tickets for the Gore Mountain Gondola where guests will get to see amazing views of High Peaks and the Southern Adirondacks, and a picnic for two to keep you nourished on your hike.
The Inn of the Turquoise Bear sits on an acre of lush terraced gardens with towering pines and breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The rambling adobe villa was once the home of noted poet Witter Bynner, who hosted infamous parties known as “Bynner’s bashes” with a celebrity guest list including D. H. Lawrence, Ansel Adams, Igor Stravinsky, Georgia O'Keeffe, Robert Frost, and many more. For those who love to hike, the inn offers a variety of hiking packages (and suggestions) so that you can leave your gear at home. Aspen Vista Trail, one of the most exceptional autumn hikes is located about 20 minutes from the inn at 10,000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Whatever your fitness level is, this hike ranges from easy to strenuous and runs through a huge aspen forest that is spectacular in fall.
Situated on a thirty-two acre equestrian farm with rolling hills, pastures with the original buildings that date back to the mid 1800's, The Inn at Westwynd Farm offers privacy and romance near Hershey, Pennsylvania—the sweetest place on Earth. Visiting guests can enjoy a variety of activities including antiquing, biking, canoeing, hiking, visiting Amish Country or local Civil War sites where fall colors will be in their glory. The Inn at Westwynd Farm is only three miles north of downtown Hershey with attractions including Hersheypark, Chocolate World, the Giant Center, Hershey Theatre and the Convention Center, yet the property is remote enough to appreciate the serenity of the Central Pennsylvania countryside.
Built by a lumber merchant in 1881, Lang House on Main Street Bed and Breakfast eloquently blends the vintage architectural charm of this Queen Anne property turned inn with modern design finishes creating a luxurious experience for its guests. Located in the heart of Burlington, Vermont with views of the Green Mountains, the property puts guests in the middle of the thriving downtown while also providing guests close proximity to all of the region's outdoor activities. With almost 80-percent of the state forested it is easy to find yourself immersed in autumn's blazing red and orange hillsides. One of our favorite hikes in the region is the nation's oldest through-hike, the Long Trail that runs the whole length of the state from north to south where you will be sure to see fall in all its glory with fiery red maple canopies and glowing mountainsides.
Built in 1834, 34 State Historic Luxury Suites is located in the charming Village of Skaneateles situated just one short block from the pristine Skaneateles Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the country in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York. This luxury inn pays homage to the property’s history yet offers all the modern amenities that a discerning traveler would hope for steps away from boutiques, restaurants, spas, galleries, and in driving distance to several area wineries. Celebrating their first year in business, 34 State is offering a variety of specials and packages to its guests right now giving even more incentive to visit the inn and enjoy the crisp fall weather and stunning local scenery.
Located on over nine acres of lush grounds near the heart of Stowe, Stone Hill Inn offers guests the ultimate in privacy and romance. With nine luxurious guest suites with double-sided fireplaces and two-person Jacuzzis, this bed and breakfast is close to all that Stowe has to offer yet situated on a secluded estate to ensure relaxation and the perfect place to reconnect with a loved one. This year-round destination is the perfect home base to hike, kayak, fly fish, enjoy fall-foliage, or simply do nothing at all.
Although you can enjoy fall’s splendor from the property, should you want to venture off campus both driving and hiking through the region will get you front row seats to nature’s spectacular fall debut. With over 53,000 acres of state-owned forests your options for viewing nature are endless. To help narrow down the options the inn has put together five of their favorite area hikes.
Disclosure: All of these destinations and more can be found on our website.