Okay, here’s a rewritten blog post style, stripped down to the essential information:
**Fall is HERE! A Guide to Cozy Fall Getaways**
The season is here, and it’s time to embrace the cozy embrace of fall. Whether you’re heading to a charming Vermont cabin, a bustling New England town, or even a cozy farmhouse, fall offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and vibrant foliage. Get ready to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the beauty of the season!
**Why Fall is So Special:**
* **The Cozy Atmosphere:** Fall is a time of warmth, friendship, and relaxation. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book, enjoy a warm drink, and connect with loved ones.
* **Greenery:** The vibrant colors of fall foliage are truly breathtaking. From the fiery reds and oranges of the fall foliage to the deep greens of the forest, there’s something to capture your heart.
* **Delicious Eats:** Fall is a time for cozy meals and delicious treats. Think pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider donuts, and hearty soups.
**Things to Know Before You Go:**
* **Fall Weather:** The weather in the Hudson Valley will be mild and pleasant, with occasional rain.
* **Hiking:** Fall is a great time to hike! Trails abound in the surrounding areas, offering opportunities for scenic views and exploring the area’s natural beauty.
* **Book in Advance:** Book your accommodations and popular attractions well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak fall foliage season.
**The Best Hotels in Upstate New York:**
* **The Inn at Aurora:** A stunningly decorated hotel with a beautiful lakeside setting.
* **The Prospect:** A modern and charming hotel located in the heart of Berkshires.
* **The Coast Inn:** A cozy and welcoming hotel offering a blend of charm and comfort.
**For the Outdoorsy Adventurer:**
* **The Adirondack Retreat:** A luxurious hotel nestled in the Adirondacks, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
* **The Hillside Inn:** A cozy and charming inn located in the charming town of Washington, Connecticut.
**Other Tips for Fall Getaways:**
* **Pack Layers:** The weather can change quickly, so be prepared for layering.
* **Bring a Sturdy Hiking Boots:** Fall foliage is often covered in leaves, so you’ll need good hiking boots.
* **Check the Weather Forecast:** Be aware of the weather forecast before you go and adjust your plans accordingly.
* **Embrace the Cozy Atmosphere:** Fall is a time for relaxation, friendship, and enjoying the beauty of nature.
**Don’t miss out on the magic of fall!**
**Shop the Escape: Fall Getaways**
The debate of when fall really starts is as divisive as pumpkin spice. While some rush enthusiastically into the cashmere-clothed arms of the season before the autumnal equinox, there are others who subscribe to a more “endless summer” approach. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, one thing’s universally true: The changing of the leaves is as poetic and grounding as it was when you first shaded over them with crayons in elementary school.
So what’s a city-bound spectator to do? A weekend of leaf-peeping is just the thing. You will need a fall-friendly spirit, ample apple cider donuts, cozy knits, and a lovely place to call home base. Now’s not the time for sleek amenities (but they’re always a welcome addition). A great leaf-peeping headquarters should have some combination of a hearth, large windows, and proximity to foliage. Enter: The best hotels in upstate New York and the northeast. Ahead, we rounded up a bunch of great places to stay this fall. Count on these spots as your guide to the season among the Adirondacks, scenes of fall colors reflected on Lake Placid, breathing in the crisp air of the Berkshires. We even included some spots in the surrounding Northeast areas if you want to venture further than the Hudson River to witness the changing of the leaves.
One of our top picks for a getaway in New York state, Hotel Lilien has been praised by commerce director Rachel Fletcher as “quite possibly one of the best vantage points for fall foliage in the Catskills.” The vintage-decorated hotel is nestled among several forests and mountain ranges so leaf-peeping is guaranteed, even on the occasions you don’t seek it out. Outdoor activities abound with close proximity to skiing on Hunter Mountain, and investigating the ample waterfalls around Kaaterskill. From $612 per night.
“The Henson is the kind of place you never want to leave,” says commerce market writer Kate McGregor, who stayed during a rainy April weekend and found it a perfect escape from the city and the weather. Plastered walls and eclectic seating in the lounge serve as the backdrop for post-dinner chess games and morning cups of tea. At Matilda, the on-site restaurant, guests can enjoy rye beer, east coast oysters, and Hudson Valley trout. Fletcher, another Lilien fan, can attest: “It’s a beautiful landing pad for everything the Catskills has to offer,” Fletcher adds. From $304 per night.
Idyllic doesn’t even begin to describe the Mayflower Inn & Spa. Known for its sprawling grounds—58 acres of manicured gardens and woodlands—and convenient two-hour drive from New York City, this luxury hotel sets the standard for a fall getaway. Located in the charming town of Washington, Connecticut (Amy Sherman Palladino’s inspiration for Gilmore Girls’ town of Stars Hollow), it doesn’t get much more autumnal than this place. Our associate commerce director Lori Keong, who spent a night there when the hotel hosted the Fenimore Lane Design Summit, described the stay as “heavenly, with impeccable service from start to finish” and especially appreciated the pool on the property during the humidity of summer. “Each space feels practically enchanted, with a wealth of details that lend the place warmth and character, from the antique tapestries on the walls to the paper flowers in the rooms,” she says. “Even the teas for turndown service are special enough that I’ve since started integrating the same chamomile/lavender blend into my bedtime routine in Brooklyn.” The Well at Mayflower Inn—a 20,000 square-foot spa sanctuary—is another draw for the well-heeled clientele who lodge here, with plenty of antique shops in the neighboring Litchfield area for anyone looking to develop a serious case of window shopping envy. From $1,751 per night.
At The Prospect, a new Berkshires hideaway comprised of 49 prefab cabins nestled along an almost eerily-quiet lake of the same name, you have your pick of where to peep the season’s leafy splendor: You could gaze from one of the Finnish-style saunas that overlook the water. Or maybe from The Cliff House, built in 1876 and newly restored to serve up warm pastries in the morning and crisp martinis at night. Then again, there’s always your personal 135-square-foot wood cabin, where two sets of sliding doors give you a close-up view of fiery foliage—without even having to leave bed. “As for me, I like to hide away with a book in my 135-square foot wood cabin,” says digital director Julie Vadnal, “where two sets of sliding doors give you a close up view of fiery foliage—without even having to leave bed.”From $345 per night.
Courtesty of Tourists
Tucked along the banks of the Hoosic River in North Adams, Massachusetts, Tourists is the kind of place that makes you exhale the moment you park. Autumn is when the riverside retreat truly shines—a modern reimagining of the classic American motor lodge, equal parts nostalgic charm and Donald Judd–esque restraint. “The setting is pure Berkshires magic,” says senior digital design editor Zoë Sessums. “Mount Greylock rising in the distance, state forests minutes away, and woodland trails that weave right through the property.” You can take an outdoor shower surrounded by blazing foliage, lounge by the pool, or wander the sculpture-dotted path linking the hotel to its rentable homes (ideal for a group getaway). Whether your version of fall bliss means leaf peeping, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or simply sitting still under the crisp sky, Tourists is your perfect basecamp. From $187 per night.
Not one but two AD editors have stayed at The Inns of Aurora, where they experienced the tastefully decorated accommodations, relaxing spa, and hospitable staff firsthand. Senior design editor Sydney Gore called the spa “an all-encompassing healing center designed with deep intention.” Commerce editor Audrey Lee described it as “heaven on earth,” and was particularly impressed with the extensive treatment list, as well as the state-of-the-art facilities, which include heated swimming pools, cold plunges, and saunas. “The staff couldn’t have been more kind and attentive, they really go above and beyond to make your stay memorable” she says. It’s right on the Cayuga Lake shoreline an hour away from Syracuse, so you’ll not only get sweeping views of the lake, but the rainbow of foliage too. From $375 per night.
If you’re looking to forego upstate NY altogether—too close to home—try a six-hour foray up to Camden, Maine, where commerce writer Julia Harrison had “the luxury stay of my lifetime.” The on-site dining room and restaurant offers delicious, fresh-caught seafood, and the views from behind the high-end hotel spread out across Penobscot Bay, where you can see the changing foliage against the ocean’s backdrop. Camden is also one of Maine’s most robust year-round towns, so you won’t have to worry about a nearby ghost town. Places like First Fig are open throughout the year for locals to enjoy. Don’t sleep on a late-fall seaside vacation, where you can have the ocean to yourself. From $439 per night.
The Eastwind has hotels across New York state in Windham, Lake Placid, and the Oliverea Valley, making it a go-to resort space anytime you need a quick escape. They know what they’re doing up there, with warm Scandi interiors, proximity to skiing, hiking, and multiplicitous outdoor activities—even a wood barrel sauna. The lakeside view of the color-drenched foliage across the Adirondacks makes for twice the color, with the mountain range reflecting on the water. From $144 per night.
Come autumn, all of the Hudson Valley in New York is transformed into a cornucopia of fall foliage. Only two hours from New York City, Wildflower Farms is basically a high-end and widespread compound poised to be your new favorite home away from home. The resort is all about facilitating meaningful connections with nature, making it perfect for leaf-peeping. Ample space, firepits, wide views, and A-frames abound; a three-mile walking trail connects all of the property, which includes fine dining and curated shopping. For the loved ones who tend to forego hiking, there’s basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts. From $1,315 per night.
Take cottagecore to the next level at The Weston, a boutique hotel nestled in Vermont’s gorgeous countryside. Just like most of New England, Vermont will certainly impress the pickiest peeper with the vibrant foliage that peaks towards the beginning of October. Fletcher visited the inns right before spring, but knew it would be the perfect place to be during the fall, noting that “it’s basically at the top of a mountain range so the view of leaves has to be amazing during leaf season.” The guest rooms are decorated in traditional Americana style, including masterfully crafted wood furniture, ornately framed artworks, and overstuffed armchairs. It doesn’t feel dated, though, instead leaning classic and timeless. The onsite restaurant has a comforting and curated menu, and the attached spa offers yoga and meditation classes, facials, massages, and more, for the days you just need a minute to relax. From $520 per night.
In the heart of Finger Lakes wine country stands this 1885 farmhouse, perfect for a romantic getaway. Nestled along Seneca Lake, it’s far enough north to be a hop, skip, and a jump from Canada and Lake Ontario, without loading too many miles on the rental (about 250 from NYC, to be exact). This wood-paneled beauty has all the accoutrements of a modern stay, while maintaining the feeling of something historically preserved. It’s the exact antithesis of the city itself, far from the hustle and bustle, and much closer to the sound of shedding oaks. From $230 per night.
The Orchard at Hover Farms allows you the fantasy of country living this leaf-peeping season. Located directly on the Empire State Trail, which runs through Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Albany, this spot is great for bikers of all calibers. Views of both the Berkshire and Catskill mountain ranges, aka double the foliage, can be seen atop the rolling pastures. The pastoral 1880 farmhouse feels like instant calm. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the working farm, minus any manual labor or cleanup. And if it’s cold enough, you’re in close proximity to some great ski resorts. From $225 per night.
Most of Massachusetts boasts excellent fall foliage, but the Berkshires offer an exceptionally seasonal glow. Plus, the area’s bustling new businesses offer the best of weekend browsing—from galleries to fine dining and the occasional vintage store. The wrap-around glass windows of this architectural gem make for a getaway you won’t soon forget. Cozy up to the wood-burning fireplace or star gaze on the deck. The choice is yours. From $348 per night.
Here’s a quaint Victorian-esque farmhouse straight out of Practical Magic that’s located minutes away from Acadia National Park. Explore the park and its foliage or take a drive to Southwest Harbor, which is filled with lobster pounds, art galleries, bike and kayak rentals, and more opportunities for fun along the coast. The home itself is bright and tastefully decorated with classic, comfy furniture. The backyard is an oasis of its own, featuring raised garden beds and a hammock, while the front porch is perfect for enjoying your morning coffee. From $185 per night.
The AD Travel Edit
Craving an escape? From colorful carry-ons to cleverly designed packing cubes (how did we ever travel without them?), shop everything you need to make the journey in style—and as streamlined and stress-free as possible.
SHOP THE EDIT
The debate of when fall really starts is as divisive as pumpkin spice. While some rush enthusiastically into the cashmere-clothed arms of the season before the autumnal equinox, there are others who subscribe to a more “endless summer” approach. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, one thing’s universally true: The changing of the leaves is as poetic and grounding as it was when you first shaded over them with crayons in elementary school.
So what’s a city-bound spectator to do? A weekend of leaf-peeping is just the thing. You will need a fall-friendly spirit, ample apple cider donuts, cozy knits, and a lovely place to call home base. Now’s not the time for sleek amenities (but they’re always a welcome addition). A great leaf-peeping headquarters should have some combination of a hearth, large windows, and proximity to foliage. Enter: The best hotels in upstate New York and the northeast. Ahead, we rounded up a bunch of great places to stay this fall. Count on these spots as your guide to the season among the Adirondacks, scenes of fall colors reflected on Lake Placid, breathing in the crisp air of the Berkshires. We even included some spots in the surrounding Northeast areas if you want to venture further than the Hudson River to witness the changing of the leaves.
One of our top picks for a getaway in New York state, Hotel Lilien has been praised by commerce director Rachel Fletcher as “quite possibly one of the best vantage points for fall foliage in the Catskills.” The vintage-decorated hotel is nestled among several forests and mountain ranges so leaf-peeping is guaranteed, even on the occasions you don’t seek it out. Outdoor activities abound with close proximity to skiing on Hunter Mountain, and investigating the ample waterfalls around Kaaterskill. From $612 per night.
“The Henson is the kind of place you never want to leave,” says commerce market writer Kate McGregor, who stayed during a rainy April weekend and found it a perfect escape from the city and the weather. Plastered walls and eclectic seating in the lounge serve as the backdrop for post-dinner chess games and morning cups of tea. At Matilda, the on-site restaurant, guests can enjoy rye beer, east coast oysters, and Hudson Valley trout. Fletcher, another Lilien fan, can attest: “It’s a beautiful landing pad for everything the Catskills has to offer,” Fletcher adds. From $304 per night.
Idyllic doesn’t even begin to describe the Mayflower Inn & Spa. Known for its sprawling grounds—58 acres of manicured gardens and woodlands—and convenient two-hour drive from New York City, this luxury hotel sets the standard for a fall getaway. Located in the charming town of Washington, Connecticut (Amy Sherman Palladino’s inspiration for Gilmore Girls’ town of Stars Hollow), it doesn’t get much more autumnal than this place. Our associate commerce director Lori Keong, who spent a night there when the hotel hosted the Fenimore Lane Design Summit, described the stay as “heavenly, with impeccable service from start to finish” and especially appreciated the pool on the property during the humidity of summer. “Each space feels practically enchanted, with a wealth of details that lend the place warmth and character, from the antique tapestries on the walls to the paper flowers in the rooms,” she says. “Even the teas for turndown service are special enough that I’ve since started integrating the same chamomile/lavender blend into my bedtime routine in Brooklyn.” The Well at Mayflower Inn—a 20,000 square-foot spa sanctuary—is another draw for the well-heeled clientele who lodge here, with plenty of antique shops in the neighboring Litchfield area for anyone looking to develop a serious case of window shopping envy. From $1,751 per night.
At The Prospect, a new Berkshires hideaway comprised of 49 prefab cabins nestled along an almost eerily-quiet lake of the same name, you have your pick of where to peep the season’s leafy splendor: You could gaze from one of the Finnish-style saunas that overlook the water. Or maybe from The Cliff House, built in 1876 and newly restored to serve up warm pastries in the morning and crisp martinis at night. Then again, there’s always your personal 135-square-foot wood cabin, where two sets of sliding doors give you a close-up view of fiery foliage—without even having to leave bed. “As for me, I like to hide away with a book in my 135-square foot wood cabin,” says digital director Julie Vadnal, “where two sets of sliding doors give you a close up view of fiery foliage—without even having to leave bed.”From $345 per night.
Courtesty of Tourists
Tucked along the banks of the Hoosic River in North Adams, Massachusetts, Tourists is the kind of place that makes you exhale the moment you park. Autumn is when the riverside retreat truly shines—a modern reimagining of the classic American motor lodge, equal parts nostalgic charm and Donald Judd–esque restraint. “The setting is pure Berkshires magic,” says senior digital design editor Zoë Sessums. “Mount Greylock rising in the distance, state forests minutes away, and woodland trails that weave right through the property.” You can take an outdoor shower surrounded by blazing foliage, lounge by the pool, or wander the sculpture-dotted path linking the hotel to its rentable homes (ideal for a group getaway). Whether your version of fall bliss means leaf peeping, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or simply sitting still under the crisp sky, Tourists is your perfect basecamp. From $187 per night.
Not one but two AD editors have stayed at The Inns of Aurora, where they experienced the tastefully decorated accommodations, relaxing spa, and hospitable staff firsthand. Senior design editor Sydney Gore called the spa “an all-encompassing healing center designed with deep intention.” Commerce editor Audrey Lee described it as “heaven on earth,” and was particularly impressed with the extensive treatment list, as well as the state-of-the-art facilities, which include heated swimming pools, cold plunges, and saunas. “The staff couldn’t have been more kind and attentive, they really go above and beyond to make your stay memorable” she says. It’s right on the Cayuga Lake shoreline an hour away from Syracuse, so you’ll not only get sweeping views of the lake, but the rainbow of foliage too. From $375 per night.
If you’re looking to forego upstate NY altogether—too close to home—try a six-hour foray up to Camden, Maine, where commerce writer Julia Harrison had “the luxury stay of my lifetime.” The on-site dining room and restaurant offers delicious, fresh-caught seafood, and the views from behind the high-end hotel spread out across Penobscot Bay, where you can see the changing foliage against the ocean’s backdrop. Camden is also one of Maine’s most robust year-round towns, so you won’t have to worry about a nearby ghost town. Places like First Fig are open throughout the year for locals to enjoy. Don’t sleep on a late-fall seaside vacation, where you can have the ocean to yourself. From $439 per night.
The Eastwind has hotels across New York state in Windham, Lake Placid, and the Oliverea Valley, making it a go-to resort space anytime you need a quick escape. They know what they’re doing up there, with warm Scandi interiors, proximity to skiing, hiking, and multiplicitous outdoor activities—even a wood barrel sauna. The lakeside view of the color-drenched foliage across the Adirondacks makes for twice the color, with the mountain range reflecting on the water. From $144 per night.
Come autumn, all of the Hudson Valley in New York is transformed into a cornucopia of fall foliage. Only two hours from New York City, Wildflower Farms is basically a high-end and widespread compound poised to be your new favorite home away from home. The resort is all about facilitating meaningful connections with nature, making it perfect for leaf-peeping. Ample space, firepits, wide views, and A-frames abound; a three-mile walking trail connects all of the property, which includes fine dining and curated shopping. For the loved ones who tend to forego hiking, there’s basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts. From $1,315 per night.
Take cottagecore to the next level at The Weston, a boutique hotel nestled in Vermont’s gorgeous countryside. Just like most of New England, Vermont will certainly impress the pickiest peeper with the vibrant foliage that peaks towards the beginning of October. Fletcher visited the inns right before spring, but knew it would be the perfect place to be during the fall, noting that “it’s basically at the top of a mountain range so the view of leaves has to be amazing during leaf season.” The guest rooms are decorated in traditional Americana style, including masterfully crafted wood furniture, ornately framed artworks, and overstuffed armchairs. It doesn’t feel dated, though, instead leaning classic and timeless. The onsite restaurant has a comforting and curated menu, and the attached spa offers yoga and meditation classes, facials, massages, and more, for the days you just need a minute to relax. From $520 per night.
In the heart of Finger Lakes wine country stands this 1885 farmhouse, perfect for a romantic getaway. Nestled along Seneca Lake, it’s far enough north to be a hop, skip, and a jump from Canada and Lake Ontario, without loading too many miles on the rental (about 250 from NYC, to be exact). This wood-paneled beauty has all the accoutrements of a modern stay, while maintaining the feeling of something historically preserved. It’s the exact antithesis of the city itself, far from the hustle and bustle, and much closer to the sound of shedding oaks. From $230 per night.
The Orchard at Hover Farms allows you the fantasy of country living this leaf-peeping season. Located directly on the Empire State Trail, which runs through Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Albany, this spot is great for bikers of all calibers. Views of both the Berkshire and Catskill mountain ranges, aka double the foliage, can be seen atop the rolling pastures. The pastoral 1880 farmhouse feels like instant calm. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the working farm, minus any manual labor or cleanup. And if it’s cold enough, you’re in close proximity to some great ski resorts. From $225 per night.
Most of Massachusetts boasts excellent fall foliage, but the Berkshires offer an exceptionally seasonal glow. Plus, the area’s bustling new businesses offer the best of weekend browsing—from galleries to fine dining and the occasional vintage store. The wrap-around glass windows of this architectural gem make for a getaway you won’t soon forget. Cozy up to the wood-burning fireplace or star gaze on the deck. The choice is yours. From $348 per night.
Here’s a quaint Victorian-esque farmhouse straight out of Practical Magic that’s located minutes away from Acadia National Park. Explore the park and its foliage or take a drive to Southwest Harbor, which is filled with lobster pounds, art galleries, bike and kayak rentals, and more opportunities for fun along the coast. The home itself is bright and tastefully decorated with classic, comfy furniture. The backyard is an oasis of its own, featuring raised garden beds and a hammock, while the front porch is perfect for enjoying your morning coffee. From $185 per night.
